Local High School Students Receive Scholarships for Promoting Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation
Ten exceptional high school students from New Jersey have been honored with scholarships from the Sharing Network Foundation for their outstanding dedication and commitment to raising awareness about organ and tissue donation and transplantation. The scholarships were presented to the Class of 2023 graduates during a special ceremony held at the headquarters of NJ Sharing Network in New Providence.
The Sharing Network Foundation is able to provide these scholarships thanks to the generous donations from various family and partner funds. Among these funds is the Hearts for Emma Partner Fund, which was created to celebrate Emma Rothman’s life-saving heart transplant and supports education and advocacy efforts in high schools. Another fund is the Jim Rhatican Scholarship Fund, established in memory of Jim Rhatican, a retired teacher, and coach who was also a liver transplant recipient and devoted volunteer for NJ Sharing Network. The Missy’s Miracle Scholarship Fund, in honor of Missy Rodriguez’s life-saving liver transplant, aims to assist high school students pursuing a career in college counseling. Lastly, the Riley’s Path fund was created in memory of organ donor Riley Kogen, providing financial assistance to transplant patients in crisis and awarding scholarships to high school students and advocates.
The scholarship recipients for 2023 were announced, showcasing the incredible achievements of these young individuals. One of the recipients is Sophia Fliegler from Mendham, NJ, who received a scholarship from the Hearts for Emma Partner Fund. Sophia’s own heart failed when she was just two weeks old, but she was fortunate enough to receive a life-saving heart transplant. Grateful for the gift of life she was given, Sophia has since dedicated herself to honoring her heart donor’s memory by advocating for NJ Sharing Network’s mission. She actively participates in transplant reunions, online forums, social media discussions, and the organization’s 5K Celebration of Life. Sophia’s passion for raising awareness will continue as she attends the County College of Morris in the fall.
Another scholarship recipient is Emily Blomkvist from Asbury, NJ, who also received a scholarship from the Hearts for Emma Partner Fund. Emily’s father underwent a life-saving heart transplant six years ago, which has driven her to champion organ and tissue donation and the importance of blood donation. Emily’s exceptional efforts in promoting organ donation events in her community and at North Hunterdon High School have been widely recognized. She is now gearing up to pursue higher education at Lehigh University.
Caitlin Knorr from Berkeley Heights, NJ, has been awarded a scholarship from the Jim Rhatican Scholarship Fund. Caitlin was born with a rare and life-threatening disease called Hemangioendothelioma of the liver. Her life was saved through a liver transplant when she was only five weeks old and a second transplant before her second birthday. Inspired by her experiences, Caitlin, along with her mother and sister, devoted themselves to becoming certified volunteers for NJ Sharing Network. She shares her remarkable story at community events and encourages her peers to register as organ and tissue donors. Caitlin’s journey will continue as she embarks on her studies at the University of Arizona.
Maxwell Moore from West Milford, NJ, is another recipient of the Jim Rhatican Scholarship Fund. Maxwell’s life took a critical turn when, at the age of 15, he developed severe shortness of breath while on vacation with his family. Diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension, his condition steadily deteriorated until he underwent a life-saving double-lung transplant in July 2020. Since his life-changing experience, Maxwell has passionately advocated for organ and tissue donation. He has taken the lead in educational presentations for the Safe Driver’s Club and Driver’s Education classes, disseminating crucial information. Maxwell is setting his sights on academic pursuits at Endicott College in Massachusetts.
Amelia Rowniewski from Wallington, NJ, has earned a scholarship from the Missy’s Miracle Scholarship Fund. Amelia faced a life-threatening condition at the tender age of two when she was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia. The situation worsened as her kidneys began to fail, and she struggled to breathe. Thankfully, a kidney transplant in 2008 saved her life. Amelia’s gratitude towards her donor inspired her to volunteer for NJ Sharing Network and the American Kidney Fund. She has used her voice to advocate for policies supporting kidney patients and their families, sharing her personal story to encourage others to register as organ and tissue donors. Amelia is looking forward to attending American University in Washington D.C.
Veronica Sutkowski from Carteret, NJ, is a recipient of the Missy’s Miracle Scholarship Fund. Veronica’s second-grade experience of witnessing her mother’s life-saving liver transplant deeply impacted her understanding of the power of organ and tissue donation. Inspired by this, she became an enthusiastic volunteer for NJ Sharing Network and even donned the beloved Miss Pumps mascot costume to bring joy to community events and activities. Veronica’s future endeavors will be at Rutgers University, where she aims to make a difference in the medical field and assist transplant recipients like her mother.
Nina D’Apolito from Wall, NJ, has been honored with a scholarship from the Riley’s Path Fund. As an active member of Wall High School’s Donate Life Club, Nina displayed leadership by spearheading creative initiatives to raise awareness about organ and tissue donation. Notably, she played a crucial role in the establishment of a “Celebration of Life Garden” in the school courtyard, where painted and decorated “Donate Life” rocks were utilized in a scavenger hunt and subsequently placed along the flowerbeds. Nina also utilized social media platforms to maximize the impact of the club’s efforts. In the coming months, she will attend the University of Vermont.
Jacob Grabell from Bridgewater, NJ, is the final recipient of the Riley’s Path Fund scholarship. Jacob’s family endured an immense tragedy when his father unexpectedly passed away from a heart attack. Demonstrating remarkable strength and maturity, Jacob provided support to his mother and younger siblings while dedicating his spare time to volunteer work that positively impacted the community.
The achievements and dedication of these extraordinary scholarship recipients have undoubtedly had a significant impact on their communities. Through their tireless advocacy, they have saved lives, fostered awareness, and provided hope to those in need. As they embark on their collegiate journeys and pursue their individual passions, their influence will undoubtedly continue to resonate with others, strengthening the critical mission of organ and tissue donation and transplantation.
