September 6, 2019

Member’s daughter receives Union Plus Scholarship

BY SHERRY HALBROOK

Parents delight and take satisfaction and pride in their children’s achievements and PEF member Aseem Kumar and his wife are no exceptions.

A recent letter to their daughter Priyanka from American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten announcing that Priyanka won a national Union Plus Scholarship gave them a big reason to smile.

“These highly selective scholarships are given only to union families who have demonstrated achievement, character and social commitment,” Weingarten wrote.

The $2,000 one-time award is especially appreciated since Priyanka is entering Harvard University this year to study computer science.

“She is our second child to attend Harvard and to win a Union Plus Scholarship,” Aseem Kumar said.  “Our son, Prateek, won a $1,000 scholarship exactly 12 years ago.”

The proud father, who is a professional environmental engineer at the state Department of Environmental Protection and a member of the PEF Executive Board and Division 169 steward, said he and his wife, a licensed practical nurse and member of the Service Employees International Union, are very happy to be active union members.

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