Aspiring Doc Nikky Shah Wins $4,000 EMT Scholarship

Two teen EMT's from the  have been selected for $4,000 scholarships from the 200 Club. The two volunteers are Grace Kunas,  and Nikhil "Nikky" Shah. The scholarships are given to 25 Morris County high school students who volunteer as EMTs. 

Shah serves on an overnight shift every week for the Morris Minute Men. He has answered 76 emergency medical calls since joining in July of 2010 and also takes part in other Minute Men activities. He is a graduating senior at Morristown High School and will be studying medicine at University of Miami. 

"I am going to be studying in the University of Miami's 7-Year Medical Program next year, Shah said. "Knowing that I, a 17-year-old high schooler, have the ability and skills to care for and treat people in need of medical help is absolutely astounding."

On the Minute Men squad, Shah said, "Despite your age, every member is treated as an equal. Working side-by-side with members of all ages, ethnicities, and races has been a real learning experience, especially since we all share the same passion and desire of assisting our fellow community members when they are most vulnerable. I truly look forward to being on duty every Sunday...to know that I will be working those 12 hours is often what gets me through the week." 

According to Morris Minute Men Captain Mark Wintle, "The 200 Club is an amazing organization that helps survivors of PD, FD or EMS members who die in the line of duty. They grant a $25,000 check to the widow or widower and $5,000 per year to surviving children. That's pretty cool in and of itself, but they also have a scholarship program--and no one has to die in order to receive it. This is a fantastic recognition for our young members who somehow manage to juggle academics, athletics, and being on the busiest and most demanding squad in Morris County. Given that our members typically spend 12 hours a week, plus a 24-hour shift once a month, in uniform at our headquarters; the quantity of 911 calls they answer, plus completing a 110 hour EMT class, this a well-deserved honor. I am very proud to see our young members get this recognition and financial assistance."