Peter's Wish Honor Roll
2009 Scholarship Winner
Ashley Butenewicz from Franklinville, New Jersey
Ashley volunteered at SHADOW Equestrian, Inc., a non-profit organization in her local community. SHADOW is a NARHA Certified center that provides therapeutic riding instruction for physically and mentally disabled children. Ashley’s heart, character, and genuine concern for the community is shown as she describes the youth she volunteers to help, "They are all an inspiration to us when we see everything they have to go through and each week they show up with smiles on their faces. They help us to realize how much we take for granted in our lives every day, and they make us want to be better people.”
A recent Delsea High School graduate, Ashley will be attending Elizabethtown College this fall. We are sure she will continue to inspire others around her as she has inspired us.
2009 Scholarship Winner
Kelly Knack from Kansas City, Missouri
Peter's Wish, Inc. was able to extend the Peter's Wish scholarship to a Kansas City, Missouri youth while our president was stationed there. Our scholarship winner from Kansas City was Kelly Knack.
Kelly Knack attended Park Hill South High School. Kelly served as a Student Ambassador for Harvesters Community Food Network, inspiring others to help the non-profit organization provide food for needy families in the Kansas Metro Area. Kelly’s genuine concern for other shined through her actions and words, “If I can persuade even one person to see the realities of hunger and influence them to help, then I have made a difference. Working with Harvesters has changed the way that I look at the world, and now I am fully committed to help alleviate hunger.”
With the help of the Peter's Wish Scholarship, Kelly will be attending the University of Southern California this fall. Check out Kelly packing boxes of food for families in need of some extra help.
*Peter's Wish, Inc will not be offering a Kansas City scholarship in 2009-2010.
2009 Scholarship Winner
Tyherrah Rogers from Clayton, New Jersey
Tyherrah volunteered her time assisting the Students for Positive Change, an organization designed to influence a positive culture in schools. Tyherrah’s heart and character in overcoming personal adversity is an inspiration. She uses her extraordinary gifts to give back to her community in many ways. She explains her motivation for serving others, “Service to others does not begin with one person, but it is an everlasting chain. This chain can only continue with the kindness and willingness of others.”
A recent graduate of Clayton High School, Tyherrah will be attending Kean University this fall with the assistance of the Peter's Wish scholarship. Here's a picture of Tyherrah promoting respect.
2008 Scholarship Winner
Stacy Morse from Franklinville, New Jersey
Stacy Morse’s heart captured our attention during the application process. The Delsea Regional senior’s desire to make a difference for others stood out in her essay.
According to one of Stacy’s teachers, Ms. Cheryl Cousin, Stacy is a hard working, dedicated and kind young person looking for a way to improve her future and pursue her dreams.
Stacy chose to complete her volunteer hours at the Gloucester Animal Shelter in Clayton, New Jersey. She spent her volunteer hours caring for the animals, cleaning, and helping to raise awareness about the need for pet adoption.
Stacy now continues her education this fall at Technology Institute of Camden County. All who know Stacy are affected by her kind spirit. We are proud to have her receive the Peter’s Wish Scholarship this year and help her continue her education.
Who says community service is all work? Here's a picture of Stacy with a new friend at the animal shelter.
2008 Scholarship Winner
Austin Thekkumthala from Williamstown, New Jersey
Austin Thekkumthala’s desire to impact the future and help others in the essay portion of the scholarship application impressed us tremendously. He is passionate about his interest in the field of medical research, and our society will benefit from it.
Austin continues to volunteer in several different areas; however, he spent his 30 hours required for the scholarship assisting the Monroe Township Emergency Medical Services. There, he learned the important role emergency medical professionals play in their community.
A recent Williamstown High School graduate, Austin will be attending Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey this fall. We know Austin has a bright future ahead of him. His passion and commitment to capitalize on his strengths set him apart from others. This young man is wise beyond his years.
Here’s a picture of Austin gearing up for a mission with the Monroe Township EMT.
2007 Scholarship Winners
Amber Hoolahan and Nicole Turner, New Jersey
Nicole Turner and Amber Hoolahan from Franklinville, New Jersey. Both of these Delsea High School graduates were selected for their strong positive commitment to their communities and the heart to make a difference.
After being conditionally selected, they had to complete at least 30 hours of community service. In addition, they received the experience in project planning, coordination, and execution, which are essential skills for today’s leaders.
In coordination with the Franklin Township Community Center, Nicole Turner planned and held five “Movie Nites” with the achieved purpose of providing a safe and productive environment for Franklin Township's children. Nicole described her experience, "I learned that time management can be a difficult trait to have and organizing successful events may be stressful, but you need to try your best and roll with the punches." Nicole is now attending Gloucester County College. Good luck Nicole!
Heavily involved in 4-H, Amber Hoolahan planned, coordinated, and held a semi-formal teen dance to raise money for the Toys for Tots, raising almost 100 toys. Amber is now attending Rowan University in Glassboro, NJ, majoring in Public Relations. Good luck Amber!
Here's a pic of Amber sweeping away the blues at 4-H Camp.
2006 Scholarship Conditional Winner
Justin Faagau from Hawaii
Peter's Wish awarded a $5,000 conditional scholarship to Justin Faagau in June 2006.
Justin and Peter's Wish President, Craig Colucci, met in the Big Brothers of Honolulu Program where they where matched up as Big and Little Brothers. Justin's character, heart, and positive attitude while overcoming adversity in his life represented everything that Craig was trying promote through the founding of Peter's Wish. As a result, the Board of Trustees voted Justin's scholarship as the first official act for the organization.
Justin has to continue to maintain good grades (A-B average), perform 50 hours of community service a year until he graduates high school, and be accepted into a two or four year degree accredited institution to earn the scholarship.
A 13 year-old eighth grader at Damien Memorial School in Kalihi, Hawaii, Justin is active in sports and his community. Besides participating in wrestling and baseball for Damien, Justin now serves as assistant coach for a local youth sports team and as a junior counselor in an after school program. Peter's Wish could not be more proud and honored than having Justin as its first scholarship recipient. We know that he has an incredibly bright future.
Here's a picture of Justin (left) and Peter's Wish President,Craig Colucci, at the award ceremony in June 2006.
