Fund honoring beloved teacher Joanna Shyong to back NVRHS-Demarest standouts

Joanna Shyong’s children established the donor advised fund — The Joanna Shyong Scholarship Fund — at the Northern New Jersey Community Foundation to memorialize her commitment to teaching.
Joanna Shyong’s children established the donor advised fund — The Joanna Shyong Scholarship Fund — at the Northern New Jersey Community Foundation to memorialize her commitment to teaching. Joanna Shyong photo credit: Eileen Trokhan.

HACKENSACK—The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation (NNJCF) announced the creation of The Joanna Shyong Scholarship Fund on National Philanthropy Day, Nov. 15, honoring the late Joanna Shyong’s commitment to education.

Shyong, a longtime resident of Demarest and Norwood, devoted over 20 years to teaching at St. Mary’s School and Demarest Middle School. Known for valuing effort and a love of learning, she inspired her students to focus on more than grades.

Joanna Shyong and family

“Our mother dedicated her life to teaching, both in the classroom and within our family,” said her daughter, Eileen Trokhan. “We knew the best way to honor her legacy was through a fund that continues to support students, just as she did throughout her life. She would be proud to know her impact will extend to future generations.”

The Joanna Shyong Scholarship Fund will provide annual scholarships for high-achieving, college-bound seniors from Northern Valley Regional High School at Demarest.

Tax-deductible donations can be made at NNJCF Joanna Shyong Scholarship Fund or by check payable to The Northern N.J. Community Foundation with “Joanna Shyong Scholarship Fund” in the memo line. Mail checks to:
Northern New Jersey Community Foundation
1 University Plaza, Suite 102
Hackensack, NJ 07601

About National Philanthropy Day

National Philanthropy Day, established in 1986 by President Ronald Reagan, celebrates the contributions of philanthropy and honors those who give to their communities.

About the Northern New Jersey Community Foundation

Founded in 1998, NNJCF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Hackensack. The Foundation partners with governments, schools, nonprofits, and businesses to address regional challenges and foster creative, sustainable, and inclusive communities.

For more information, visit www.nnjcf.org, email nnjcf@nnjcf.org, or call 201-568-5608.