This scholarship was awarded over a four-year period from 2018 through 2021 in tribute to the students who would have been Marisa’s classmates.

The Marisa Tufaro Foundation awarded one $1,000 scholarship at the conclusion of the 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20 and 2020-21 academic years to an exceptional Edison High School graduating senior who was college-bound or had applied or been accepted to a vocational or trade school.

The scholarship was made possible through the generosity of a benefactor, who asked to remain anonymous and whose desire it was for the funds to exclusively benefit a well-rounded and excellent student who shared Marisa’s interests and may have overcome adversity.

Born with a complex cardiac defect, Marisa survived six open-heart surgeries and two life-threatening conditions prior to receiving a heart transplant.

The transplant, which was performed to extend her life, tragically cut it short after a postoperative complication developed into a rare form of cancer to which she succumbed at the age of 13 following a valiant battle.

For a child who kept hundreds of doctor’s appointments and was hospitalized more than two years, Marisa lived a vibrant life that inspired others.

Marisa was an honor roll student at James Monroe Elementary School and Herbert Hoover Middle School — a credit to outstanding educators whose role in Marisa’s complete development can never be overstated — would have been a senior at Edison High School during the 2020-21 academic year.

She served as student council vice president at James Monroe, where Marisa also participated in five annual spring musicals, wrote for the school newspaper, sang in the school chorus, played percussion in the school orchestra and was a member of various clubs.

Marisa is the daughter of longtime Edison Township Public Schools educator Cyndi Tufaro and former Home News Tribune sportswriter Greg Tufaro.

Ciara Johnson, a 2018 Edison High School graduate, was the first recipient of the annual scholarship.

Kendra Candido, a 2019 Edison High School graduate, was the second recipient of the annual scholarship.

Mark Rosario, a 2020 Edison High School graduate, was the third recipient of the annual scholarship.

Aaron Cender, a 2021 Edison High School graduate, was the fourth recipient of the annual scholarship.

Conditions of Eligibility

Applicants had to meet the following criteria in order to be eligible for the Marisa Tufaro Memorial Edison High School Scholarship:

Must have been a college-bound senior or a senior planning to attend a vocational or trade school with a cumulative unweighted grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Must have pursued aspirations with passion, integrity, character and respect for others.

Must have participated at the high school in any of the following extracurricular activities, all of which Marisa was involved with during her years as an Edison Township Public Schools student:

  • Theater
  • Chorus
  • Band
  • School newspaper
  • Student council

May have overcome adversity (not limited to medical challenges).

Selection Process

The scholarship recipient was selected by the Edison High School Counseling Department in conjunction with The Marisa Tufaro Foundation’s scholarship selection committee.

The Marisa Tufaro Foundation was permitted to publish, with the winner’s permission, certain general information including the winner’s name, educational background and future educational plans.

Scholarship Conditions

Winners who were college-bound seniors, could only use the scholarship for tuition, fees, books, and room and board. Verification of college enrollment and proof of proper use of the funds were required.

Winners who were seniors planning to attend a vocational or trade school, could only use the scholarship for tuition, fees, books and tools of the trade. Verification of vocational or trade school enrollment and proof of proper use of the funds were required.