The YMCA of Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge & South Amboy has announced that the Ryan Patterson Memorial Scholarship has been awarded to Megan Corby of South Amboy.

The Ryan Patterson Memorial Scholarship was established several years ago in honor of late 27-year-old Metuchen Branch YMCA swim coach and mentor, Ryan Marie Patterson.  The recipient must strive for excellence in academics, sports or the arts. In addition, they must demonstrate that they have made an impact in their community through volunteer work, a service project or other means, live by the golden rule, have influenced others in a positive way and advocated for others who are less fortunate. The scholarship award is $2,000, which can be used to fund the recipient’s higher education cost.

Megan attended Sayreville War Memorial high school, where she was very active in several club and societies including Student Council, Students Against Destructive Decisions, International Society, Light Crew, Sound Crew, FBLA, National Honor Society and National Hispanic, Math, English, Science and Art Honor Societies.  She also served as president of their SADD club for two years and vice president of the Student Council.  During her time outside of school, Megan identified a lack of athletic programs for special needs children in her town.  To address this, she created a program for special needs children in their local little league called the Challenger Division, where she served as President for four years.  “Watching the smiles on the athlete’s faces when they hit the ball off the tee or heard the cheers from their friends gives me an indescribable feeling of joy”, Megan said.  “I feel blessed to be able to witness their accomplishments whenever they step foot on the field.”  She is also a member of the Girl Scouts where she earned her Religious, Silver and Gold Awards.

Megan is attending Monmouth University, where she is studying Education and Speech Pathology.