Stevie & Maureen Van Zandt Scholarship

High school sophomore Steven Jacob has been named a Spring 2025 recipient of the prestigious Stevie and Maureen Van Zandt Scholarship. His enthusiasm was palpable as he exclaimed, “Rockit means so much to me and I’m ecstatic!”

Since joining the Rockit Academy in 2021, Steven has proven to be a remarkably versatile and dedicated musician. He stands out as one of the program’s few students who excel across a wide range of instruments, including percussion, guitar, keys, and bass, all while lending his voice to performances.

For Steven, the Rockit Academy is more than just a music program. “Rockit Academy is always learning, family and fun,” he explained. “I have learned so much in private lessons, in the rehearsal room, and even on stage. Everybody in Rockit is like family… overall, the entire experience of every session is just fun all around.” This sense of community and the joy of making music are clearly central to his Rockit experience, a sentiment echoed by his father.

“Since being in the Rockit Academy, we have seen Steven grow as a collaborator,” Steven’s father shared. “The program pushes all students to perfect their skills and to work together. Each student, whether they’re new to the program, less experienced, or have been in the program for some time, works together and treats each other on the same level. When Steven is home, he usually works on his own music. Now, we often hear him in the basement with other musicians creating music. When he works with musicians outside of the Rockit Program, he carries all the skills that he has learned so far. Makes me so grateful for Rockit Academy.” His father’s words highlight the program’s emphasis on teamwork and the lasting impact it has on Steven’s musical interactions beyond the academy.

Looking towards the future, Steven envisions a career deeply intertwined with music. His aspirations extend beyond performance and writing and recording, as he hopes to pursue a path in audio engineering.

Steven’s passion and multifaceted talent exemplify the spirit of the Rockit Academy. For Steven Jacob, this scholarship is a powerful affirmation of his hard work and a thrilling step towards a bright future in music, a future now enriched by his collaborative spirit nurtured at Rockit.

For Brendan McGreevy, the news that he had been selected as a recipient of the prestigious Stevie and Maureen Van Zandt Scholarship was a profound validation of his journey and a testament to the transformative power of the Rockit Academy.

“It was a big honor to find out I was picked for the Stevie and Maureen Van Zandt scholarship,” Brendan shared with heartfelt gratitude. “Rockit changed everything for me. It helped me find what makes me special. I never sang or played an instrument before starting Rockit (right after the pandemic.) Bruce did a great thing creating Rockit. It’s my second family.”

Brendan, currently a first-year student at Brookdale Community College, plays guitar and sings, and has been a dedicated member of the Rockit Academy since 2021. In just a few short years, he has blossomed into a captivating stage presence. Known for his consistently vibrant and engaging performances, Brendan also actively participates in the program’s community service initiatives, embodying the Rockit spirit both on and off stage.

Brendan’s mother, Sandi, has witnessed firsthand the remarkable impact Rockit has had on her son. “Rockit has given Brendan a confidence he never had before,” she explained. “Normally a soft-spoken person, Brendan truly shines on stage; it’s his happy place. He’s learned teamwork, how to strive for perfection (thanks to Bruce, Justin, and Brittany), and how to be grateful for the special opportunities he’s been privileged to have thanks to Rockit.”

Now pursuing Music Technology in his college studies, Brendan’s experiences at Rockit have ignited a passion for the recording aspect of the music industry.

Brendan’s story is a powerful example of the profound influence of the Rockit Academy, a program that empowers students to discover their unique abilities and pursue their artistic dreams.

“It felt so validating to be recognized for the hard work that I’ve put in over the years, and it was an honor to be able to share it with Ashley who is such a hard worker too. I was genuinely so happy when I found out,” said Maddie Freedman.

Maddie is currently a high school freshman who has been in the Rockit Academy since she was eight years old. A phenomenal drummer and vocalist, Maddie is a multi-talented musician who also excels playing keys, bass, and guitar on the Rockit Academy stage. Maddie is always counted on to participate in our community service events and is a mentor to our newer musicians.

When asked what three words she would use to describe Rockit, she answered, “…dedication, passion, and joy. The whole aspect of having to work on, and learn, new songs and styles takes a lot of dedication, which I feel goes hand in hand with passion. Joy is simply the feeling you feel when you’re laughing with the new friends you made in rehearsal, cracking up at Bruce’s (slightly overused) jokes, and when you’re finally on stage being able to showcase [your hard work].”

Maddie’s mother, Heather, explains the valuable life skills that Maddie receives at Rockit, “Among many other things, Maddie has gained a strong sense of responsibility and accountability, teamwork, leadership, and communication.”

Maddie knows that music will always be a part of her life, and explains, “I know saying that I couldn’t live without music is a cliche, but it is so true.” Maddie is considering becoming a music therapist and is looking forward to getting back into the rehearsal room for spring session.

“I felt so honored, excited, and surprised to be awarded the Stevie and Maureen Van Zandt scholarship! I am incredibly thankful and humbled,” exclaimed 12-year-old Ashley Siciliano.

A powerhouse vocalist with perfect pitch, Ashley has been a dedicated member of our program for over a year. Her journey with Rockit began after attending a Rockit Kick Cancer Overboard Concert, and she has enthusiastically volunteered for every community service event since.

When asked to describe Rockit, Ashley used the words “educational, exciting, and challenging.” Aspiring to make music a significant part of her future, she hopes to “inspire others to showcase their talent and explore new possibilities” through her performances – a direct reflection of her Rockit experience.

Ashley’s mother, Michelle, highlights Rockit’s profound impact on her daughter’s confidence, noting a significant improvement in her stage presence. Michelle also emphasizes the valuable life skills Ashley has gained, stating, “Ashley has learned the meaning of commitment and takes it very seriously. She has learned the importance of being part of a team, while still being able to shine with her vocals.”