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Raritan Valley Community College students Robert Lamptey of Piscataway, Nahary Boraei of Flemington, and Lucia Robertiello of Scotch Plains recently participated in the 6th Annual THRIVE Student Conference and Opportunity Fair, held February 22 at Middlesex College.

The three student leaders were given the opportunity to present their work at the conference through the sponsorship of the Pray Family Center for Service Learning and Civic Engagement at RVCC.

Second-year engineering major Robert Lamptey shared strategies implemented by the RVCC Resource Center and Food Pantry, which brings together both primary and secondary resources to empower underserved students. His unique ideas demonstrated how to combine education and relationship-building for students who lack available financial and personal resources, as well as support systems, to succeed in college. Lamptey began volunteering as a freshman at the RVCC Resource Center and Food Pantry and is now its part-time Community Outreach Coordinator. He also volunteers with the Somerville Public Works Department.

Nahary Boraei, a second-year pre-med major, spoke about her experience with the Flemington-Raritan First Aid and Rescue Squad, where she has volunteered since 2023. She shared why volunteering is important and how it can impact not only one’s resume and portfolio, but also a person’s character.

Lucia Robertiello, a second-year visual arts major, explored and highlighted how art can serve as a powerful ally in the ongoing fight for social justice. Robertiello serves as President of the Piscataway Youth Progressives Organization (PYPO). The group helps to educate and empower future leaders, so that they can advocate for and assist their local communities.

All three students also received the President’s Volunteer Service Award from the White House for volunteering over 100 hours within a one-year period.
 
Hosted by EngageNJ, the conference drew over 150 students from two-year and four-year colleges from around the state. Following the keynote address, a series of breakout sessions featured workshops on a wide range of opportunities for students to connect and learn from one another. Topics included solutions to reducing food insecurity, taking action for justice, engaging in political protest, the value of volunteering, and building career pathways through community engagement. The Opportunity Fair provided an interactive space for students to learn from and work with professionals to develop their professional networks, skills, interests, and pathways to a meaningful career.

RVCC is a Founding member of EngageNJ, formerly called New Jersey Campus Compact.  The 20 institutions forming EngageNJ include two-year and four-year colleges and universities in NJ committed to service learning and community engagement.

RVCC is located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg, NJ. For further information, visit www.raritanval.edu.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 25, 2025

Media contact: Donna Stolzer, 908-526-1200, ext. 8383

PR #63