Trenton, NJ - Governor Jon S. Corzine and the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) are pleased to announce this year's Dana Christmas Scholarship for Heroism has been awarded to Shane M. Rawls of Passiac, NJ. "Shane's actions reflect the true definition of a 'hero' and I applaud this young man's extraordinarily brave efforts to rescue his family members from a dangerous and life-threatening situation," said Governor Corzine.

The scholarship, awarded annually, commemorates the heroic act by Dana Christmas who in 1991 saved countless students from a fire that blazed through a dormitory of Seton Hall. Dana, who herself was injured in the fire, made repeated trips into the building to rescue residents of the dorm. Under similar circumstances, Shane courageously rescued two family members from a fire that destroyed five row homes in Passaic. After securing his family safely away from the fire, Shane re-entered the home to retrieve their family pet, Black. "Shane has taught me that having a heart and being unselfish is not a sign of weakness but, it is indeed the great strength of humanity," said Lou Mitchell, neighbor and teacher, "He will always be a hero."

Michael Angulo, HESAA's Executive Director, noted "This act of courage demonstrates that Shane is truly a hero and a leader. His story is touching and captures the spirit of the Dana Christmas Scholarship." The statewide Dana Christmas Scholarship for Heroism honors up to five young New Jerseyans each year and provides a one-time award of up to $10,000 for use towards a college education. To be eligible for the scholarship, recipients must be a New Jersey resident (both at the time of the act of heroism and upon application) and have performed an act of heroism without regard to their own personal safety. They must be age 21 years or younger at the time of the heroic act, a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, and registered with Selective Service (if required). Final selections are made by the Executive Committee of the HESAA Board based on the nominations received from the community, school officials, and individuals from across the state.

Since 1959, HESAA, a non-profit, state designated Authority, has delivered over $18 billion in financial aid. Each year, over 1 million individuals receive assistance from outreach and aid programs administered by HESAA including the Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) program, the Part-time TAG for County College Students, NJSTARS and STARS II, the Coordinated Garden State Scholarship program, the Federal Family Education Loan program, NJCLASS, and NJBEST. For additional information about HESAA please visit our web site at www.hesaa.org or call our toll-free hotline at 800-792-8670.

Posted 04/08/09 to www.NASFAA.org. Posting of press releases is done as a service to Members and does not imply endorsement or support by NASFAA. NASFAA does not review this information for content or accuracy.