Paris Dela Cruz

As part of the Building Foundations organization, Adam Leitman Bailey founded the Raymond “Hap” Harrison scholarship over a decade ago, in honor of his high school cross country and track coach, who inspired him greatly. Since then, the scholarship has been awarded each year to recent high school graduates planning to attend college in the fall.

Adam Leitman Bailey presented the Raymond “Hap” Harrison Scholarship to Paris Dela Cruz of New Milford, New Jersey. Paris had to overcome great obstacles on the road to her many achievements, such as being ranked No. 5 in her class and being captain of the cross country and track team for four consecutive years. Paris grew up in a middle class family with a working single mother. During her time at New Milford High School, she started an independent study for psychology, a field that she seeks to pursue in college. Due to her high school not offering this class, she sought a way on her own to learn more about the field. With her vast achievements and what she has overcome, Paris holds to the standard and qualifications that Adam Leitman Bailey looks for when selecting the Raymond “Hap” Harrison scholar. She will be attending Rutgers University in the fall and plans to study pre-med and minor in psychology.