Marissa Duarte, a 2026 graduate of Union County Vocational-Technical Schools, will receive a $750 scholarship from the Master Gardeners of Union County. The Berkeley Heights-based group recognized Duarte for growing food for local families and mentoring younger gardeners.
The group announced Monday, Sept. 21, that Duarte is the recipient of the 2026 Madeline Flahive DiNardo Scholarship, according to a Union County press release. The award goes annually to a Union County student pursuing studies in agriculture, horticulture, food science, environmental science or a related field.
Duarte started gardening in middle school through the Rutgers 4-H Garden Club and rose to club president. In that role, she taught younger members about gardening and environmental stewardship and participated in community outreach projects.
"My experience leading the Garden Club showed me how gardening can strengthen communities," Duarte wrote in her scholarship application essay.
She also helped build a partnership between the garden at Jewish Family Service of Central New Jersey and Kean University's sustainability and architecture departments to redesign the garden. Produce grown there goes to the organization's on-site food pantry.
The scholarship committee selected Duarte based on her academic record, community involvement and personal statement about the role gardening has played in her life.
Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek praised Duarte for turning her interest in gardening into service, noting her work teaching younger students and growing food for local families. He wished her well as she begins college.
Patricia Paul, president of the Master Gardeners of Union County, said the group was delighted to recognize Duarte, adding that her commitment to gardening, leadership and community service reflects the values the scholarship honors.
The scholarship is named for Madeline Flahive DiNardo, a recently retired Rutgers professor and agricultural agent who served the Master Gardeners of Union County for 38 years.
Duarte plans to study food science. She will attend the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where she hopes to explore food production and sustainability.
Commissioner Stanley J. Neron, the county's liaison to Rutgers Cooperative Extension, said Duarte has already put what she has learned into practice through her garden club leadership and her work with Jewish Family Service.
Upcoming in the Summit area
- Tuesday, Sept. 22: Berkeley Heights Rescue Squad blood drive at 378 Snyder Ave.
- Saturday, Oct. 3: The Connection, a Summit-based nonprofit, hosts its annual gala in Berkeley Heights.
- Tuesday, Nov. 3: Union County seeks poll workers at $300 per day for the general election.
