Graduating Senior Receives the Somerset Hills YMCA John Fanning Scholarship Award Recognizes Outstanding Volunteer Service, Community Leadership and Academic Excellence. Gabriella DeMarco of Basking Ridge, a senior at Ridge High School, has been chosen as the recipient of the John Fanning Scholarship Award that recognizes a high school senior from the Somerset Hills area who has demonstrated outstanding volunteer service and leadership in the community while pursuing excellence in academics. The award of $1,000, which must be used for educational purposes only, was presented by Fanning’s wife, Carol, at Awards Night at Ridge High School on June 9th. The award was established in memory of John Fanning and reflects his spirit and qualities as a dedicated volunteer committed to strengthening the YMCA and the community. Fanning was a friend and past Board President of the Somerset Hills YMCA and, as a former Bernards Township Superintendent of Schools, was a passionate leader for higher learning. DeMarco, a 2010 graduate of Ridge High School who made high honor roll every year, has widespread experience in volunteer work at Matheny Medical and Educational Center, at St. James C.C.D. (Confraternity of Christian Doctrine), and on a New Orleans mission trip. She was also inducted to the National Honor Society. DeMarco will attend Providence College, R.I., in the fall. The Somerset Hills YMCA is a charitable community service organization, rooted in Christian values and dedicated to helping all people grow in spirit, mind and body.  We are guided by our core principles of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.