To celebrate 25 years of empowering girls across New Jersey, Girls on the Run NJ East launched the Limitless Potential Alumni Grant Awards honoring the lasting impact of our program and the bold dreams of our alumni.
This spring, we awarded two $2,500 grants to exceptional former participants: one from our North counties (Essex, Morris, and Union), and one from our South counties (Burlington, Hunterdon, and Mercer). These recipients were selected by a panel from a competitive group of applicants who submitted essays, letters of recommendation, and personal reflections demonstrating leadership, resilience, and the GOTR core values in action.
Meet the Winners:
Elizabeth “Ellie” Moose
Region: North (Westfield, Union County)
Current School: Emory University (Psychology + Neuroethics major)
GOTR Site: Forest Road Park
Ellie is a passionate advocate, public servant, and scholar who lives the GOTR values every day. A volunteer EMT, certified CPR instructor, and mentor to underserved youth, she also volunteers with the Myocarditis Foundation (in honor of her grandmother), the Salvation Army, and Planned Parenthood.
She serves as Vice President of the Emory Human Rights Forum and is a student professor in Emory’s “Learning to Lead” program. Her compassion and commitment to equity shine through every aspect of her life.
“GOTR helped me recognize my power and value—through running a 5K when I never thought I could, and by teaching me to embrace who I am.”
Ellie plans to use the grant to support expenses related to her upcoming internship at the Marcus Autism Center and her work as a Registered Behavioral Technician this summer. Her long-term goal is to open a counseling practice that makes mental healthcare more accessible.
Ava Tabeart
Region: South (Princeton, Mercer County)
Current School: Princeton High School
GOTR Site: Littlebrook Elementary School
Ava is a standout student, athlete, and leader with a heart for service. She has led her school’s UNICEF Club, coordinated food drives, and volunteered with the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen and Princeton Mobile Food Pantry. As captain of both the varsity soccer and track teams, she uplifts teammates and builds strong, inclusive team cultures.
She is also Princeton High School’s student body president and plans to attend Princeton University this fall. Her passion for language, equity, and education drives her vision for the future—whether it takes her to a classroom or the United Nations.
“Girls on the Run has taught me perseverance, optimism, open-mindedness, and sensitivity to other people... I owe so much of my success—my grit, determination, kindness, and leadership skills—to my time in GOTR.”
Ava will use her Limitless Potential Grant to help fund her college education and continue developing her voice as an engaged global citizen.
These remarkable young women represent the very best of Girls on the Run. They remind us what’s possible when girls grow up confident in who they are and determined to change the world for the better.
🎉 Congratulations, Ellie and Ava! We can’t wait to see what you do next.