The YMCA of Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge & South Amboy has announced that the
Ryan Patterson Memorial Scholarship has been awarded to Anushka Khandelwal of
Edison.
The Ryan Patterson Memorial Scholarship was established in 2012 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
of $2,000, which can be used to fund the recipient’s higher education cost, was presented
to Anushka at the YMCA of MEWSA’s Board of Directors meeting on June 28, 2023.
Anushka attended Woodbridge Academy Magnet School (Middlesex County Academy of
Allied Health and Biomedical Sciences), where she consistently excelled in both
academics and the arts. While maintaining excellent grades in her advanced math,
science, and health courses, she also honed her drumming skills to become an integral
part of a student-led rock band. In addition, she has earned several awards for her
photography, in which she focuses on story-telling through capturing beautiful moments.
Anushka is also a dedicated volunteer who has already made a huge impact through her
efforts. With the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS), she participated in the Student
of the Year program and has been responsible for raising over $45,000 for blood cancer
research. She also works with the Still Waters Anti-Trafficking Program that provides
financial, medical, and emotional support to victims of labor trafficking. With this group,
she initiated the creation of pocket-sized emergency medical cards to help reduce language barrier issues and has also assisted clients with help applying for financial aid, finding employment, and evaluating their living arrangements.
Anushka’s wide range of interests and volunteer commitments has challenged her to
think critically and work hard in order to succeed both academically and in the arts as she
prepares for a career in the medical field. In the fall, she will be majoring in biological
sciences at Drexel University as part of their combined Bachelor of Science (BS) and
Doctor of Medicine (MD) program.
Congratulations, Anushka!
