Jake Salzman Wins Stanley and Susan Novak Scholarship

John Mitty Monday, July 15, 2013

(Manorville, NY) — Jake Salzman, a graduate of Sanford H. Calhoun High School, has won the Long Island Game Farm scholarship of $1,000 to ease his financial responsibility in his college career.  Each year, this award is granted to a graduating senior from Long Island who plans to attend a two-year or higher college or university program and exemplifies the qualities required to become a pioneer in nature; whether it be in the field of veterinary medicine or environmental science.

Jake, who is from North Merrick, will attend Boston University in the fall. He plans to study Biology while participating in the Pre-Veterinary program the university offers.  After completing veterinary school, Jake hopes to become a veterinarian, caring for large mammals at a zoo.

“I’m so grateful to have received the Game Farm scholarship,” Jake said.  “Now, I have less of a financial burden to worry about while I am in college. I can focus on my studies and prepare for veterinary school.”

Jake’s interest in animals began when he was two years old and his parents took him to the Bronx Zoo. From there, he collected animal figurines and studied thousands of animal names. His interest in veterinary medicine grew further as he volunteered at a veterinary clinic, where he learned more than just animal medicine.

“I learned quickly that the world of veterinary medicine is a two-fronted challenge,” Jake said. “On the surface, a veterinarian needs a great education, which I started early and hope to continue, in order to learn the techniques necessary to become a proficient animal doctor. On a deeper level, it takes experience to understand that with each animal a veterinarian helps, a person’s life can be changed forever.”

The Long Island Game Farm was founded in 1970 by Stanley and Diane Novak.  It features hundreds of animals on 25 acres of land in Manorville.  Year after year, the park is visited by thousands and enjoyed by all.  It has been an educational site for school children to learn about animals and nature for decades.

The scholarship was established in 2004 to honor the memories of Stanley John Novak, the Game Farm’s co-founder, and his daughter, Susan Mary Novak.  In 1999, Stanley Novak was 66 and had been building the Long Island Game Farm for nearly 30 years.  Sadly, he died from a heart attack, leaving his legacy behind.  In 2001, his daughter, Susan, who worked at the Game Farm since she was five years old, died from Multiple Myeloma at age 37.  Both were passionate about animals and were steadfast in maintaining Long Island’s environment.

“Stanley and Susan helped our family pursue its dream of building a park where children can see and interact with animals found in nature and now, through this scholarship, we can help students pursue their dreams of getting a college education,” said Melinda Novak, Vice President/Co-Owner, Long Island Game Farm.

 

For more information, call (631) 878-6670 or visit www.longislandgamefarm.com.

jmitty@longislandyellowpages.com

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