For exhibiting generosity, compassion, inclusiveness, and other qualities of benevolence, East Brunswick High School senior Grace Gogola received a 2025 Greater Middlesex Conference Kindness Counts Award.

The honor was bestowed upon Gogola, a field hockey and lacrosse player, during the conference’s 24th annual Sportsmanship Awards luncheon at the Pines Manor in Edison on Wednesday.

The Peter Fund and The Marisa Tufaro Foundation, who sponsor the award, presented Gogola with a commemorative plaque and $500 to donate in her name to a charity of her choice that assists Middlesex County children in need.

The Kindness Counts Award was established in loving memory of high school student-athlete Peter Bonn-Elchoness, who died suddenly and without warning in his sleep from a rare disease that causes damage to the heart.

The 17-year-old from Niwot, Colorado was renowned throughout his school community as a magnetic presence and gifted student-athlete who always looked out for others.

Shortly after his passing in November 2022, Peter’s family learned even more about his generosity of spirit through condolence letters they received from his classmates. Among other acts, Peter stood up to bullies, supported kids in crisis, and rooted for teammates and competitors.

His parents, Dave Elchoness, an Edison High School alumnus, and Eve Bonn, were told Peter saved lives. Dave and Eve established The Peter Fund, a nonprofit that encourages young people to mirror their son’s kind nature.

GOGOLA EPITOMIZES AWARD’S SPIRIT

Selected from a pool of outstanding nominees, Gogola epitomizes the spirit of the Kindness Counts Award.

“She radiates kindness, generosity, and compassion at all times and brings a sense of warmth and positivity to everything she does, making a profound impact on those around her,” according to Gogola’s nominator. “She never does it for recognition or reward, it is just who she is.”

Gogola has volunteered through various organizations including the East Brunswick Youth Council, where she has served on the executive board during two of her three years as a council member. Through her involvement with the Robert E. Holmes Community Center STEAM program, Gogola has further demonstrated a commitment to giving back, working with students from Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School and the Edison Housing Authority.

“Grace is also a member of the Sources of Strength program, a suicide prevention initiative, where she actively participates in trips to upper elementary schools, spreading a powerful message of hope and resilience,” according to Gogola’s nominator. “Her ability to connect with younger students and share the importance of finding one’s sources of strength is another testament to her compassion and leadership.

“Grace’s experience as a lifeguard and her work at a summer camp further reflect her dedication to the well-being of others, where she consistently puts the safety and happiness of those in her care first. Through these experiences, she has shown an incredible capacity to balance responsibility with empathy, traits that are reflected in every aspect of her life.”

As a two-sport athlete, Gogola leads by example on and off the field. She gives her all at every practice and game, consistently following direction with precision and setting a perfect example of hard work and determination.

“Grace’s kindness, generosity, sportsmanship, and tireless work ethic serve as an inspiration to her peers,” according to her nominator. “Her genuine personality will continue to have a profound impact on wherever she goes next.”

HONORING PETER’S MEMORY

Often looked up to as leaders, student-athletes are sometimes held to a higher standard. The manner in which they conduct themselves reflects upon the name that appears on the back and front of their jerseys.

Student-athletes, such as Peter Bonn Elchoness, who as an accomplished fencer qualified for the Junior Olympics, can make a difference outside the competitive arena.

“Simply put, Peter is no longer here but the world desperately needs more of what he did during his lifetime,” said Dave Elchoness, noting that despite Peter’s untimely passing, his legacy of honorable deeds continues.

“To be able to honor Peter’s memory by presenting this award to student-athletes in Middlesex County, a place where I no longer live but for which I will always feel a deep fondness, is profoundly meaningful.”

Dave Elchoness is a friend and former Edison High School classmate of Cyndi Tufaro, who along with her husband Greg founded The Marisa Tufaro Foundation in memory of their inspirational daughter to assist pediatric patients and children in need throughout the greater Middlesex County area.

Born with a severe cardiac defect, Marisa survived six open-heart surgeries and a heart transplant before succumbing in 2017 to a rare form of cancer. She was just 13 years old.

Despite being hospitalized for more than two years and maintaining hundreds of doctors’ appointments, Marisa was an Edison Township Public Schools honor roll student involved in myriad extracurricular activities who lived an inspirational life.

With incredible support from Greater Middlesex Conference schools, the foundation bearing Marisa’s name has donated more than $375,000 to fulfill its mission.

The nonprofit has also spearheaded drives that have generated thousands of toys, nonperishable food items, winter jackets, baby supplies, school supplies, and other items for donation upon which it has placed no monetary value.

In addition, The Marisa Tufaro Foundation has awarded $33,000 in scholarships to 42 exceptional Middlesex County high school seniors and sent 27 elementary and middle school students to a weeklong summer art camp at Rutgers University’s Zimmerli Museum.

“Out of an unfathomable tragedy, the Bonn-Elchoness family has found an ineffably meaningful way to keep alive Peter’s indomitable spirit,” Cyndi Tufaro said. “The Marisa Tufaro Foundation is honored to partner with The Peter Fund and the Greater Middlesex Conference on this important initiative.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to celebrate student-athletes who mirror Peter’s benevolent nature with the Kindness Counts Award.”