Bayonne, NJ Yolanda Toby of Bayonne was awarded a $5,000 scholarship by New York-based Castle Lanterra Properties (CLP), according to Elie Rieder, founder and CEO. The Castle Lanterra Scholarship Program was launched earlier this year for residents and dependents living in the company’s 7,300 unit portfolio throughout the East, South, and midwestern U.S. Toby, whose family resides in CLP’s Harbor Pointe in Bayonne, is a senior at Howard University in Washington, D.C., majoring in management with a concentration on hospitality. A graduate of Talent Unlimited High School in New York City, she is currently gaining experience in event sales through a summer internship. With management as her ultimate career goal, she is also preparing to obtain an MBA in Finance following her graduation from Howard in 2017. As part of CLP’s inaugural scholarship program competition, “we chose to have students write an essay covering an issue of personal, local, national or international concern,” said Rieder. “The goal is to encourage self-expression and consideration of the world today and their role in the community.” For her essay, Toby chose the topic “Communication Between Different Cultures in the Workplace”, inspired by a class in business communications. “It is very important to make sure companies treat their employees equally and that their employees get the necessary training to facilitate effective workplace communication.” “I am ecstatic about this receiving this award,” she said. “It’s a great honor and a great opportunity, and it is wonderful that Castle Lanterra Properties is doing this for their residents.” In addition to her academic performance and career goals, Toby was also cited for her extracurricular activities. She is an active volunteer for numerous causes, both through groups and as an individual. She is also a trained ballet dancer with 12 years of experience, “and I still take classes,” she said. Toby is one of three inaugural winners of scholarships offered by CLP. Obtaining $1,000 scholarships were JaMia Sneed, a resident of Heights at Skyland inTuscaloosa, Ala., attending Shelton State Community College; and Chauntea Robinson of Midpointe Apartments in Chicago, a student at Illinois State University. CLP tenants eligible for the program include high school seniors, graduates and post-secondary undergraduates planning to enroll in full-time undergraduate study at an accredited two- or four-year institution. “We received many strong applications from students who recognize the value of their community and who continue to work diligently to pursue their goals,” said Rieder. “Our objective is to support our community connection and the hard work of our resident students and their families.”