Student receives ‘Quest For Excellence' scholarship

SPARTA — Laura Maurer, a recent graduate of Pope John Paul XXIII High School in Sparta, was honored with the ReMax "Quest for Excellence" Scholarship for her outstanding achievements in sports. Originally from California, Maurer was an avid volleyball player at her high school. Upon moving to New Jersey, the summer before her sophomore year, Maurer was devastated to learn that Pope John Paul XXIII did not have a volleyball program. However, in the fall of 2004, the school started a team. Maurer assisted the coach in training the interested students, as well as playing on the team with them. In their first year, the volleyball team proved successful, beating experienced teams and finishing the season with a 12-8 record, even earning a spot in the New Jersey State Playoffs. Maurer has traveled throughout the United States to play in tournaments with various club teams. In the summer of 2003, she took part in the Goodwill Ambassadors Program and traveled throughout Europe, playing volleyball in several countries. The following summer, she was invited by the head coach at Temple University to travel to China with 23 elite players from the U.S. to train with and play against Chinese Teams. When Maurer visited ReMax Properties Unlimited in Sparta, Alan Schelly, broker and manager, presented her with a check for $500 and a certificate of excellence. Maurer will be putting the money towards her college education at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Va. She will be playing on the varsity volleyball team in the fall. Maurer was one of 30 students, selected from more than 900 applicants throughout the state of New Jersey, to receive an award. The scholarship program encourages students to cultivate their talents in extra-curricular activities. While most scholarship programs are offered to high school seniors for college tuition, the "Quest for Excellence" is all-inclusive, recognizing the accomplishments of New Jersey students in grades one through twelve. The applicants were required to write essays, based on interests, in one of four subjects: leadership, sports, arts, and community service. The winners will put the scholarship money towards college tuition or an activity or program associated with their specialization. Celebrating its twentieth year, ReMax of New Jersey is made up of over 3,300 real estate professionals, in 199 franchise offices, and continues to be a leading real estate organization in the state. Since its inception in 1985, the firm has experienced record-breaking growth in both franchise sales and sales associates, surpassing all previous sales records. Based in Moorestown, the firm is a privately owned and operated regional franchiser for ReMax International. ReMax Elite Services offers three locations to service their clients: in Byram, call 973-448-0700; in Denville, call 973-625-1313; and in Hackettstown, call 908-852-8001. For more information, visit remax-nj.com.