The arrival of warm weather brings many things with it—school graduations, outdoor activities, and much more. It also brings an annual demonstration of generosity and selflessness when the Stern family awards college scholarships and brings all the winners together for a special luncheon.

Over antipasti, pizza, and gelato at OTTO Enoteca, the soon-to-be graduates told Rob and Yuka Stern about where they were headed in the fall to start the next step of their academic careers. And they did so knowing that the financial barriers had been lowered because of scholarships they won.

The Jean L. Stern Memorial Scholarship is a tribute to her service to The Children’s Aid Society as a longtime trustee. Providing financial assistance for college-bound young people was a passionate commitment for her. And she was the one to establish the Wick Stern Memorial Scholarship, to honor the memory of her son by celebrating eight students who have demonstrated courage and perseverance, and overcome obstacles in pursuit of their higher education.

This year’s winners, who came from AAMI, Opportunity Charter School, Hope Leadership Academy, Fannie Lou Hamer Freedom H.S., and OASAS, are: