On Friday, June 6, in honor of Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month, NJ Center for Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders (NJCTS) presented four top scholarship awards to graduating New Jersey seniors who are excelling despite their TS diagnosis. The second-place recipient was Eric Song, of Millburn.
Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neurobiological disorder characterized by uncontrollable movements and sounds known as tics. As many as 1 in 50 people show signs of TS or other tic disorders, which are frequently accompanied by mental health conditions including ADHD, OCD, and anxiety.
Eric was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome at the age of eight but has never allowed it to limit his ambitions. A graduate of Millburn High School, Eric has been an active NJCTS youth advocate and youth council member. He was a varsity swimmer, co-president of the Millburn Psychology Club, and participated in writing, acting, and directing for an amateur filmmaking group. He also plays piano.
“I look towards my undergraduate years with eager anticipation, confident in the guidance these lessons will provide me,” Eric shared in his scholarship essay. “I’ll soon discover how my TS will continue inspiring me to grow and thrive throughout this exciting stage of my life.”
Eric will attend the University of Pennsylvania in the fall.
Academic achievement, community involvement, and accomplishments all play a part in the NJCTS Scholarship Committee’s decision in selecting winning candidates each year.
“We are incredibly proud of these outstanding young men and women and all they’ve achieved throughout their high school journeys,” said Hilary Kruchowy, Executive Director of NJCTS. “Their accomplishments are a powerful reminder that Tourette Syndrome does not define them—and will never limit their potential. We’re excited to see how they continue to inspire and excel in college and beyond.”