Mother Seton Regional High School Senior Honored at Scholarship Fund for Inner-City Children Gala

CLARK, NJ — Mother Seton Regional High School senior Kimberly Yaro was honored on the evening of Thursday, May 7, at the Scholarship Fund for Inner-City Children (SFIC) Gala, where she was recognized as a recipient of an SFIC scholarship and invited to share her story with guests, donors, educators, and families gathered in support of Catholic education.Kimberly was also honored to be seated at a special table with Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark; Sister Jacquelyn Balasia, Principal of Mother Seton Regional High School; members of her family; and other Archdiocesan dignitaries. The evening was a memorable celebration not only of Kimberly’s achievements but also of the many people and institutions whose support has guided and encouraged her throughout her Catholic school journey.The Scholarship Fund for Inner-City Children provides need-based tuition assistance to students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Union counties. Rooted in the mission of opening doors to opportunity through education, SFIC helps families access quality, values-based education in safe and supportive school environments.Kimberly’s story beautifully reflects that mission.***A senior at Mother Seton Regional High School in Clark, Kimberly has attended Catholic school since kindergarten. She began her educational journey at Our Lady of Guadalupe School in Elizabeth, a place she described as more than a school, but a community and second home. When the school closed following the COVID-19 pandemic, Kimberly faced a difficult transition. She continued her education at St. Joseph the Carpenter School in Roselle, where she learned resilience, adaptability, and the importance of stepping outside her comfort zone.Her journey eventually led her to Mother Seton Regional High School, where she immediately felt welcomed during her “Student for a Day” visit as an eighth grader. Four years later, Kimberly stood before the SFIC Gala audience as a confident senior, reflecting on the growth, support, and sisterhood she found at Mother Seton.“At Mother Seton, I have grown in ways I never imagined,” Kimberly shared in her speech. She spoke of challenging herself academically, moving from college preparatory courses into honors and Advanced Placement classes, including Honors Anatomy and Physiology, AP Literature, and AP U.S. History. She also reflected on the confidence she has gained, the encouragement of her teachers, and her connection to the classmates who have become like sisters to her.Kimberly also shared her love of volleyball and her meaningful service experience at Camp Fatima of New Jersey, where she volunteered with children and adults with disabilities. She described the experience as one that opened her heart, taught her patience and compassion, and strengthened her desire to pursue a career in the medical field.This fall, Kimberly plans to attend Fairleigh Dickinson University to study Radiologic Technology. Her dream is to become a radiologic technologist and make a difference in the lives of patients by offering both skilled care and comfort during moments of need.Sister Jacquelyn Balasia, Principal of Mother Seton Regional High School, had the honor of introducing Kimberly at the Gala. In her remarks, Sister Jacquelyn described Kimberly as a young woman of “integrity, resilience, and quiet determination.” “When Kim first joined our school community as a freshman, she was reserved and soft-spoken,” Sister Jacquelyn said. “Over the years, we have had the joy of watching her grow into a confident, accomplished student who challenges herself academically and is now excelling in Advanced Placement courses.”Sister Jacquelyn also praised Kimberly for embodying the values Mother Seton strives to instill in every student: faith, compassion, and a commitment to making the most of every opportunity.“Kim is truly the epitome of a student who is most deserving of this honor,” Sister Jacquelyn said. “We could not be more proud of all she has achieved and all that lies ahead for her. We know that she will make a difference in our world.”In her remarks, Kimberly expressed deep gratitude to the Scholarship Fund for Inner-City Children, its donors, her educators, and especially her mother and grandmother. As the daughter of a single mother, Kimberly spoke movingly about the sacrifices her family has made to provide her with a Catholic education.“This scholarship did more than ease a financial burden for our family,” Kimberly said. “It gave me access to an environment where I could receive an exceptional education, where I could thrive, where I was encouraged to dream bigger, work harder, and believe in myself.”Mother Seton Regional High School was proudly represented at the Gala by Sister Jacquelyn Balasia, Principal; Mrs. Danielle Roach, Assistant Principal; and Mrs. Laura Flammia, Administrative Team Member.Kimberly’s recognition is a proud moment for Mother Seton Regional High School and a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of Catholic education, generous scholarship support, and a school community that helps young women grow in faith, confidence, and purpose.To learn more about Mother Seton Regional High School, visit its website here.[Don’t miss any TAPinto Clark news. 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