William Paterson student wins 2026 Jack Scura Scholarship

Scura, Wigfield, Heyer, Cammarota & Gonzalez awarded its 2026 Jack Scura Fund Scholarship to William Paterson University student Kailan Cass-Adams-Johnson. The $10,000 award supports New Jersey students with disabilities and will be paid across the Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 semesters.

Why it matters: - The Jack Scura Fund Scholarship supports New Jersey students with disabilities who show academic achievement, determination and community commitment. - The 2026 award totals $10,000, which can help cover tuition and other college costs across two semesters. - The scholarship also reinforces the firm’s long-running effort to honor founding partner John “Jack” Joseph Scura II, Esq. through education support.

What happened: - Scura, Wigfield, Heyer, Cammarota & Gonzalez, LLP selected Kailan Cass-Adams-Johnson, a William Paterson University student in Wayne, New Jersey, as the 2026 recipient. - The firm announced the award on September 18, 2026. - The scholarship provides $5,000 for Fall 2026 and $5,000 for Spring 2027.

The details: - Cass-Adams-Johnson graduated from high school magna cum laude. - Cass-Adams-Johnson earned a place on the Dean’s List in college. - Cass-Adams-Johnson completed an associate’s degree in Psychology. - Cass-Adams-Johnson is now pursuing a bachelor’s degree at William Paterson University. - Cass-Adams-Johnson plans to attend medical school and become a psychiatrist. - The firm said Cass-Adams-Johnson’s academic achievements, perseverance and commitment to helping others matched the scholarship’s goals. - Jack Scura put himself through college and law school while raising four children with his wife Kathleen Scura. - John “Jack” Joseph Scura II, Esq. died on September 24, 2018.

Between the lines: - The scholarship is designed to do more than provide money. It also aims to encourage students navigating major disability-related challenges. - Cass-Adams-Johnson’s path suggests the program favors applicants who can turn personal setbacks into professional purpose. - The firm’s focus on education and service keeps Jack Scura’s legacy visible in a public-facing community initiative.

What’s next: - Applications for the 2027 Jack Scura Fund Scholarship are expected to open in the new year. - Eligible applicants must be incoming or current undergraduate or graduate students at a New Jersey college or university. - Applicants must have an intellectual disability, severe physical disability or psychiatric disability. - Applicants must maintain at least a 3.2 GPA on a 4.0 scale. - The application requires transcripts, disability documentation, two recommendation letters, a résumé or curriculum vitae and a personal essay about a significant challenge or setback. - More information about the scholarship and future application opportunities is available on the firm’s website.

The bottom line: - The 2026 Jack Scura Scholarship goes to a student whose academic record and career goals fit the fund’s mission to back resilience, service and opportunity.