The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of the Jersey Shore are proud to announce the awarding of $26,000 in grants to 26 college-bound students during an awards dinner honoring their achievement. The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of the Jersey shore chose from 214 applicants of Irish descent from 37 high schools in Monmouth and Ocean County. The grants are made possible by the fundraising efforts of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick – Jersey Shore Annual Black Tie Dinner and Program Journal, an annual Golf Outing at Manasquan River Country Club in August and other endeavors.
“The Brother Peter Mannion Friendly Sons of the Jersey Shore Foundation Grants-in-Aid” honor the late Brother Peter Mannion, the man who was the guiding light behind awarding over $576,000 in aid to local area high school graduates of Irish heritage. The students were selected by the organization’s Grant Committee according to Chairman Michael Dunphy. “We reviewed some incredibly talented and well-rounded applicants. Our committee members reviewed every application and had to make some difficult decisions to select this year’s grant winners. We have a wonderful group of high school students in our local communities.”

Eighteen local high schools produced winners, including Brick Township, Christian Brothers Academy, Central Regional, Donovan Catholic, Manasquan, MAST, Matawan Regional, Middletown South, Neptune, New Egypt, Point Pleasant Beach, Point Pleasant Borough, Red Bank Catholic, Shore Regional, St. Rose, Toms River East, Toms River North, and Toms River South.
FSSP President Joseph Maher noted, “We’re pleased the good work we do with our Annual Dinner and other events could raise monies to allow us to award 26 grants to some talented and deserving students as they head off to college.”
Students, their parents, FSSP President Joseph Maher, and members of the Board of Directors of the Friendly Sons participated in the Annual Awards Ceremony at Doolan’s Shore Club Restaurant.