NJ Sharing Network, the non-profit, federally designated organ procurement organization responsible for the recovery of organs and tissue in the state, has awarded scholarships to nine high school graduates for their passion and dedication to raising awareness of organ and tissue donation.
Applicants were measured on academic achievement, community and volunteer efforts, extracurricular activities and advocacy for organ and tissue donation, according to a statement provided by NJ Sharing Network. The application process was completed in June, and applications were reviewed by a committee of the NJ Sharing Network Foundation Board members and volunteers.
Each student was individually presented with their scholarship award at the NJ Sharing Network’s headquarters in New Providence during a private ceremony in the Landscape of Life Meditation Garden.
The 2020-21 area scholarship winners are:
Morgan Krempasky of Hillsborough, a 2020 graduate of Hillsborough High School, received a scholarship from the Betsy Niles Scholarship Fund.
The Betsy Niles Scholarship Fund was created in memory of Betsy Niles, a children’s book editor and lifelong Montclair resident whose organs were donated in 2011, according to the statement.
Morgan received a tissue transplant to help repair a torn ligament in her ankle. The transplant has helped Morgan continue a healthy and active lifestyle in helping to lead her high school volleyball team. Morgan has made it her personal mission to support NJ Sharing Network by organizing school-wide volleyball fundraisers and other awareness events in her community, according to the statement. She plans to attend the University of Miami in the fall.
Sydney Shea of Skillman, a 2020 graduate of Montgomery High School. received a scholarship from the Hearts for Emma Partner Fund.
The Hearts for Emma Partner Fund was created to celebrate Emma Rothman’s heart transplant and focused on supporting high school education and donation advocacy efforts, according to the statement.
Sydney is a donor recipient who received life-changing ligament reconstruction surgery on both of her knees. She is forever grateful for her donor and has led peer group discussions and a school-wide presentation to promote organ and tissue donation, according to the statement. Sydney plans to attend Bucknell University in the fall.
“We are delighted to provide scholarship support to these amazing students who have demonstrated a tremendous commitment to supporting our life-saving mission,” Joe Roth, president and CEO of NJ Sharing Network, said in the statement. “We know they will continue to be strong leaders in educating others about donation and transplantation as they move forward to begin college in the fall.”
For more information about NJ Sharing Network’s scholarship programs, email [email protected].