The Friendship Circle of Metro West, New Jersey, awarded college scholarships to 95 of its teen volunteers for their dedication in working with their “special friends,” children who because of developmental or social disorders find it difficult to socialize.

The recipients of the Jerry Waldor Special Needs Fellowship – named after a NJ Metro-West Jewish community member who was a driving force behind the area Friendship Circle chapter’s creation – were recognized for placing an extra effort in widening the reach and impact of the Friendship Circle. They also committed themselves to learning more about helping children with special needs.

Waldor’s widow Rita presented the awards at a ceremony last month that was held at Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy in Livingston, N.J.