2025 AAA South Jersey High School Scholarship Contest Winners Announced

VOORHEES, N.J. (June 18, 2025) – For the first time ever, AAA South Jersey awarded two prizes for our annual high school scholarship essay contest in 2025.

First prize and the $2,500 scholarship was awarded to Jacob Gutkin, of Haddon Heights High School. Jacob will be attending Arizona State University in the fall to study supply chain management. Jacob is a two-sport athlete at Haddon Heights, as a member of the track and wrestling teams. As you can read in his essay below, his favorite trip was one to Italy.

Because it was such a narrow decision by our panel of judges, a runner-up scholarship was awarded for the first time in the contest’s history.

Michael Kugler, of Clearview Regional High School, was awarded a $1,000 prize for his essay. Michael will be attending the University of South Carolina this year with a major in biology, with plans to become a dentist. He is also a two-sport athlete, playing lacrosse and soccer.

You can also read Michael’s essay below.

Scholarship contest entrants were asked to write a 500-word essay on the follow topic:

“AAA has been helping members explore the country and world for decades. We believe travel has the power to expand our understanding of the world by exposing us to new cultures, perspectives, and ways of life. Whether an international trip with family, or a road trip to the Jersey Shore, reflect on a past journey that provided a transformative experience or describe a future trip you hope to take that would do the same. In your essay, explore the potential lessons and growth such travel could offer, and how it might shape your perspective.”

The annual AAA South Jersey Scholarship Contest is open to high school seniors who plan to attend an accredited two- or four-year college or technical school. To be eligible, the student must reside and attend school in Camden, Gloucester, Cumberland, or Salem Counties.

Every student who enters a qualified submission* will receive a free, one-year AAA Basic Student Membership.

Jacob Gutkin

Michael Kugler