Local 237 takes great pride in the outstanding achievements of Daniel Rivera, Sminu Bose and Matt Grossman, high school graduates who received the 2009-2010 James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarships. Before heading to college, the top-performing trio, all relatives of Housing Division members, visited union headquarters to pick up their scholarships. Ruben Torres, secretary treasurer, and Richard Hendershot, vice president, were on hand to congratulate the youths, who also were videotaped in an inspiring discussion about their lives and plans for the future.

Matt Grossman

The Hunter College H.S. graduate is the grandson of Yetta Grossman, a New York City Housing Authority retiree. A multi-talented young man, Matt plays piano, was editorin- chief of his school newspaper, acted in school plays and participated in mocktrial tournaments statewide. He credits his teachers for having the greatest influence on him. “They gave me the opportunity to do lots of interesting things.”

At 18 years old, Matt is headed to prestigious Stanford University in California to study Earth systems, which bridges engineering and public policy. A $10,000 scholarship helps make the dream possible.

“I never expected grandma would be a source and the union would be so meaningful to me,” says a grateful Matt. “I didn’t expect a labor union to be part of this nice surprise.”

Sminu Bose

A graduate of Clarkstown H.S. in Rockland County, Sminu grew up in a Local 237 household. Her father, Kuruvilla Bose, is a superintendent with 19 years of service at Boston Secor Houses in the Bronx. Her mother, Biji, is a former assistant manager with NYCHA.

In addition to stellar academics, Sminu is a violinist, vocalist and a classical Indian dancer. In high school, she was editor-in-chief of the student newspaper, volunteered at Nyack Hospital, and was president of a community service for children.

The 18-year old received a $10,000 Hoffa scholarship and is headed to Stony Brook University on Long Island to study medicine. “This opportunity is wonderful, especially during these hard times,” she says. Her mother, Biji, noted, “Without the union we cannot survive in this economy. When Sminu was hospitalized in senior year, her parents were able to take time off to be with her and hospital expenses were covered, thanks to the union.” Sminu worked hard for the scholarship, her mother adds, emphasizing that its importance lies “not only in the money, but for the honor and recognition.”

Crediting her parents for instilling good values, Sminu says, “I’ve always wanted to be a doctor. Being hospitalized strengthened that decision.”

Daniel H. Rivera

Rivera’s father, Gilbert Rivera, is a bricklayer who works in Manhattan’s Chelsea Housing. “My parents taught me the value of hard work at a young age,” says Daniel, 18 years old, who graduated from St. Mary’s College Preparatory H.S. in Manhasset on Long Island.

His academic achievements earned him a $1,000 Hoffa scholarship, a $5,662 National Hispanic Scholarship, and a $5,000 engineering scholarship from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, where he will begin his freshman year.

Daniel looks forward to a career repairing crumbling infrastructure rather than building new structures. “I like to work to keep it together,” he says. He also looks forward to being debt-free when he graduates from college. The scholarship lends a hand. “I have a huge respect for unions and may join one in the future.”

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The three youths also shared their secrets of success: “Find things you genuinely like to do and do them as best as you can,” says Matt. “Never give up and don’t get involved in too many things,” says Sminu. “Do what you like and have fun doing it,” says Daniel.