Aaron Cender was honored as a recipient of the fourth annual Marisa Tufaro Memorial Edison High School Scholarship during the school’s virtual Senior Awards ceremony.
Marisa, who would have been a senior this year at Edison High School, died in January 2017 after complications from a heart transplant developed into a rare form of cancer, to which she succumbed following a valiant battle.
The memorial scholarship in Marisa’s name is funded through a donation James Monroe Elementary School made at the time of her passing to The Marisa Tufaro Foundation.
Established less than four years ago in loving memory of Marisa, our tax-exempt nonprofit has already donated nearly $200,000 to help pediatric patients and other children in need throughout the greater Middlesex County area.
Those eligible for the scholarship were required to be seniors who were college bound or had applied or been accepted to a vocational or trade school. Candidates were required to be well-rounded and exceptional students who shared Marisa’s interests or took part in at least one of the extracurricular activities in which she was involved.
Aaron, who will attend The College of New Jersey in the fall, plans to major in Music Education.
An award-winning musician and member of Edison High School’s marching band, Aaron participated in every honors music class and mentored younger classmates.
“Aaron is a young person of the highest character who comes to school every day with enthusiasm,” Edison High School Principal Charles Ross said.
“He’s accomplished and yet still humble and able to make people around him feel good while contributing to the school climate. He achieves in his classwork, in his music and is a leader in the band program.”
Marisa, who played percussion in the school orchestra as an elementary student, would have been Aaron’s classmate this year.
The role outstanding educators from Edison Township played in Marisa’s complete development can never be overstated.
Marisa was born with a complex cardiac defect that required six open-heart surgeries. Despite keeping hundreds of doctor’s appointments and being hospitalized for more than two years, she lived a vibrant life that inspired.
Marisa was an honor roll student at Herbert Hoover Middle School and James Monroe Elementary School. At James Monroe Elementary School, Marisa served as student council vice president, participated in annual spring musicals, wrote for the school newspaper, sang in the school chorus, and was a member of various clubs.
The Marisa Tufaro Foundation is eternally grateful for the support it has received from Edison High School. The football team has joined our nonprofit for 5K walks. The swimming program has participated in county-wide fundraising swim-a-thons. The bowling team took part in season-opening tournaments that served as fundraisers for our nonprofit and as holiday toy drives for pediatric patients. The girls basketball team partnered with our foundation to collect baby-care items for the Ozanam Family Shelter. Members of the boys basketball, baseball and wrestling teams have also participated in multiple fundraising events for our nonprofit.
Administrators, faculty, staff, students and their parents have donated to our foundation or volunteered to assist at events.
“Our kids come together because we know Marisa is with us,” Mr. Ross said. “She’s still a part of our community and we take care of our own.”
The foundation is honored to be able to give back to Edison High School through its annual scholarship.
We wish Aaron and the entire Class of 2021 continued success in their future endeavors.