Announcing the 2025 Winners of the Irv R. String Local 152 Scholarship Fund

A stack of books on their side, with text overlaid reading: Announcing the 2025 Winners of the Irv R. String Local 152 Scholarship Fund

Earlier this year, the Irv R. String Local 152 Scholarship Fund opened for members and their dependents to apply for a college scholarship for the 2025-2026 academic year. This scholarship provides a $5,000 award, paid directly to the school.

After careful deliberation, the scholarship committee selected TWELVE award winners — the most that have ever been chosen! Congratulations to all!


2025 Irv R. String Scholarship Winner Ashlyn Baker
Winner Ashlyn Baker

ASHLYN BAKER

Ashlyn Baker will be attending the University of Delaware. She plans to study astronomy and obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Astrobiology. Ashlyn also plans to work for NASA in the Astrobiology Department and advance in the field.

Ashlyn was involved in the National Honor Society, Drama Club, Upward Bound, Book Club, and Open Minds Club.  She has volunteered with the Biggs Museum and the Delaware Food Bank.

Ashlyn’s father, Anthony Baker, is a UFCW Local 152 member at Kraft Heinz in Delaware.


2025 Irv R. String Scholarship Winner Lexi Bower
Winner Lexi Bower

LEXI BOWER

Lexi Bower will be attending Atlantic Cape Community College. She is planning a career in nursing, and then possibly getting her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and becoming a Nurse Practitioner.

Lexi is a UFCW Local 152 member at Cooper University Hospital Cape Regional in Cape May Court House, New Jersey.


Irv R. String Local 152 Scholarship Winner Sarah Brunt
Winner Sarah Brunt

SARAH BRUNT

Sarah Brunt is currently attending A.T. Still University Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health, where she is pursuing a Doctor of Dental Medicine.

Sarah participates in community outreach programs that bring dentistry to underserved populations. She also volunteers with Give Kids a Smile and Lessons in a Lunchbox, where she teaches children about oral health and hygiene.

Sarah’s father, William Brunt, Jr., is a UFCW Local 152 member and Shop Steward at the Borough of Highlands in Monmouth County, New Jersey.


Winner Brianna Comiskey

BRIANNA COMISKEY

Brianna Comiskey will be attending Kean University and is majoring in Business Administration. She plans to run her own business in the future.

Brianna is currently part of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society and Alpha Beta Gamma Business National Honor Society. She also received the Presidential Award from 2023-2025.  

Brianna is currently a member of UFCW Local 152 at Saker ShopRite in Waretown, New Jersey.


Winner Christian DeLeon

CHRISTIAN DELEON

Christian DeLeon will be attending Rowan University and major in Biological Sciences. He also plans to attend medical school to become a Doctor of Medicine.

Christian is currently the President of the STEM Club as well as a leader/mentor for the Adelante Juntos Academic Advising Cohort. He is also a member of the Cumberland Bridge to Rowan Baccalaureate program and the men’s soccer team on campus.

Christian is currently a UFCW Local 152 member at Bottino’s ShopRite in Millville, New Jersey.


Winner Jeremiah Feathers

JEREMIAH FEATHERS

Jeremiah Feathers is currently attending the University of Delaware for Electrical Engineering and plans to minor in Computer Engineering and Math.

Jeremiah is part of IEEE, a nationwide organization that specializes in connecting Electrical and Computer Engineering students.

Jeremiah’s mother, Katherine Feathers, is a UFCW Local 152 member at Kraft Heinz in Delaware.


Winner Brinsley Granatella

BRINSLEY GRANATELLA

Brinsley Granatella plans on attending Pierce College to obtain a degree in Human Services. Brinsley wants to pursue a career raising the voices of marginalized people and work for nonprofit organizations.

Brinsley has also been involved in Prism at Rowan University as a Public Relations Representative, a club for LGBTQIA+ members, and was also very involved in the music programs when in high school.

Brinsley is a UFCW Local 152 member at Village ShopRite in Somers Point, New Jersey.


Winner Aydan Howell

AYDAN HOWELL

Aydan Howell plans on attending Widener University, where he plans on majoring in Mechanical Engineering and minoring in Business. 

Aydan volunteers with youth football and basketball leagues and also tutors younger students in math. He also volunteers collecting food and helping serve the less fortunate.

Aydan’s mother, Heidi Howell, is a UFCW Local 152 member at Cooper University Hospital Cape Regional in Cape May Court House, New Jersey.


2024 Irv R. String Scholarship Winner Lucas Knappenberger
Winner Lucas Knappenberger

LUCAS KNAPPENBERGER

Lucas Knappenberger is currently attending Carnegie Mellon University, studying Biomedical and Mechanical Engineering to pursue a career as a Biomedical Engineer. Lucas plans on specializing in prosthetics to help people overcome physical injuries and disabilities.

Lucas is part of the Men’s Varsity Indoor and Outdoor Track Team.

Lucas’s mother, Victoria Knappenberger, is a UFCW Local 152 member at Acme Markets in Horsham, Pennsylvania.


Winner Madison Lemon

MADISON LEMON

Madison Lemon will be attending Stockton University, where she will do a double major in Social Work and Dance with a concentration on physical therapy or performance. Madison plans on having a career in the entertainment industry, but also plans on becoming a Social Worker for children and families in need.

Madison is a UFCW Local 152 member at Acme Markets, as is her mother, Shannon Lemon, and father, Louis Lemon, at the Cape May Court House, New Jersey store.


2024 Irv R. String Scholarship Winner Lily Robert
Winner Lily Robert

LILY ROBERT

Lily Robert plans on attending Rutgers – New Brunswick, where she intends to major in Art History and minor in the Fine Arts and Business Management.  She plans on becoming an art curator at a museum like the Met or the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Lily also hopes to open her own gallery where she can use the proceeds of her sales to create scholarships for students who need supplies.

Lily volunteers in various fundraisers, coin drives, and bake sales.

Lily’s mother, Katherine Robert, is a UFCW Local 152 member at Acme Markets in Seaville, New Jersey.


Winner Angie Ruiz-Tavares

ANGIE RUIZ-TAVARES

Angie Ruiz-Tavares plans on attending Rowan University, where she will major in Marketing and minor in International Affairs. She plans to pursue a career in marketing and eventually have her own marketing firm.  

Angie is currently the Vice President of the National Honor Society and the Student Ambassador in her school, representing the student body in fostering communication between students, faculty, and administration.

Angie’s mother, Antonia Ruiz, is a UFCW Local 152 member at J & J Snack Foods in Pennsauken, New Jersey.


Once again, heartfelt congratulations to the 2025 Irv R. String Local 152 Scholarship Fund winners! Special thank you to our sponsors; without your support, we could not assist these deserving students.

If you’re interested in applying for the 2026 Irv R. String Local 152 Scholarship Fund, make sure to check our scholarship page for updates. Applications will open in early 2026.

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