High school seniors can apply for Marisa Tufaro Foundation scholarships

Our nonprofit has been blessed since its inception four and a half years ago to award scholarships totaling $21,500 to 31 inspirational high school students in Marisa’s honor and loving memory.

In addition, through the benevolence of Woodbridge High School, The Marisa Tufaro Foundation has been privileged to award 10 Woodbridge High School Marisa Tufaro Memorial Scholarships to equally remarkable young men and women totaling $5,000.

Marisa was born with a complex cardiac defect that required six open-heart surgeries. Despite being hospitalized for more than two years and maintaining hundreds of doctor’s appointments, she lived a vibrant life that inspired. After her sixth surgery, Marisa developed two life-threatening conditions that necessitated a heart transplant. A postoperative complication developed into a rare form of cancer – known as post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder – that riddled her brain and body. Following a valiant battle, Marisa succumbed to her illness Jan. 30, 2017.

Established July 30, 2017, The Marisa Tufaro Foundation has already made a profound impact, donating nearly a quarter of a million dollars and spearheading multiple community initiatives to fulfill its mission of helping pediatric patients and other children in need throughout the greater Middlesex County area.

The nonprofit has also donated thousands of toys, nonperishable food items, winter jackets, baby supplies and other items upon which it has placed no monetary value.

Please take a moment to click on the links below to read stories about each of the incredible high school graduates who have received Marisa Tufaro memorial scholarships. All of the recipients overcame adversity and/or fulfilled our nonprofit’s mission by helping children in need throughout the greater Middlesex County area.

Each scholarship recipient epitomized Marisa’s caring spirit, excelled academically, performed extensive community service and was heavily involved in extracurricular activities.

The Marisa Tufaro Foundation annually presents the Marisa Tufaro Memorial Community Service Scholarship ($1,000) and the Marisa Tufaro Foundation Greater Middlesex Conference Student-Athlete Scholarship ($500) to deserving high school seniors.

From 2018 through 2021, The Marisa Tufaro Foundation also sponsored the Marisa Tufaro Memorial Edison High School Scholarship, presenting each recipient with a $1,000 award.

We look forward to honoring the Class of 2022 with more scholarships this year.

Please encourage eligible high school seniors to apply.

Marisa Tufaro Memorial Community Service Scholarship Recipients (2018-21)

Shreya Shivakumar, J.P. Stevens High School

Isabella Vallaro, Woodbridge High School

Jordan Cinelli, Woodbridge High School

Leticia Da Silva, Woodbridge High School

Michael Lapczynski, Metuchen High School

Haley Resta, Woodbridge High School

George Wenson, Woodbridge High School

Marisa Tufaro Foundation Greater Middlesex Conference Student-Athlete Scholarship Recipients (2018-21)

Darcy Fruhschein, North Brunswick High School