In recognition of outstanding leadership, dedication to volunteerism, and commitment to supporting children and families in need, John F. Kennedy High School senior Riley Timinski has been awarded a Marisa Tufaro Memorial Community Service Scholarship.

The Marisa Tufaro Foundation presents the $1,000 scholarship in honor and loving memory of its namesake to high school students who support the nonprofit’s mission of assisting children in need throughout the greater Middlesex County area.

Since its inception in July 2017, The Marisa Tufaro Foundation has donated nearly $450,000 to fulfill its mission. The nonprofit has also donated thousands of toys, nonperishable food items, winter jackets, baby supplies, children’s books, school supplies, and other items upon which it has placed no monetary value.

As a teen leader for Be the Change NJ, vice president of the high school’s Key Club, active member of John F. Kennedy’s Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) chapter, and three-time class vice president, Timinski has organized and participated in numerous service initiatives.

Through her charitable endeavors, Timinski has addressed food insecurity, financial hardship, and youth homelessness. She’s filled holiday wish lists, conducted backpack drives, and volunteered as a counselor for a youth theater program. She’s assisted local families whose homes flood and fire impacted. Through her efforts, Timinski has aided countless others.

“I have watched (Riley) grow into a dedicated, creative, and compassionate leader who consistently uses her talents to strengthen her school and community.” said Dawn Santana, a Family & Consumer Science teacher and the high school’s FCCLA advisor.

“What truly distinguishes Riley is her character. She approaches service with humility and empathy, consistently looking for ways to ensure others feel valued and included.”

An honor roll student involved in myriad extracurricular activities, Timinski is a modern-day Renaissance woman who has used her love of the arts – including crafting, fashion design, and participating in school musicals – to benefit others.

“Actively engaged across academics, service, and the arts, she approaches every commitment with maturity and reliability and seeks opportunities to make a difference,” Santana said.

“She is a thoughtful and hardworking young woman who leads with integrity and compassion, and I am confident she will continue to positively impact her community wherever she goes.”

Timinski, who will attend Saint Joseph’s University this fall, learned about the value of community service at a young age, volunteering alongside her family at annual Thanksgiving food drives to provide meals to more than 200 families in need each year. Through assembling donations, creating homemade cards, and delivering meals, she witnessed firsthand the impact of food insecurity in her own community.

At John F. Kennedy, Timinski continued to address the issue through the high school’s Key Club. During four years as a member and two years as an officer, she played an active role in organizing an annual drive supporting the We Feed Woodbridge Have-A-Heart Food Drive. Timinski’s idea of a Candy Bar Bingo event, where students could play bingo in exchange for donating nonperishable food items, transformed the Key Club’s traditional food drive into a school-wide event that encouraged greater participation.

“As the event has grown in popularity each year, so have our donations, making it very exciting when (Woodbridge) Mayor (John) McCormac comes to collect our contributions to be delivered to our local food pantries,” Timinski said.

Timinski expanded her efforts through FCCLA, a student organization focused on community service and leadership. She and her team initiated and led a “Kick Out Hunger” campaign, organizing a charity kickball event that collected more than 400 nonperishable food items last fall for REPLENISH, the Middlesex County food bank.

According to the latest data from Feeding America, more than 90,000 Middlesex County residents, including 20,000 children, are food insecure. On the heels of the pandemic, escalating fuel costs and rising inflation rates have exacerbated the issue.

“I am proud to play a small part in ensuring children have access to nutritious meals that support their growth and overall well-being,” Timinski said. “My experiences within my school and community have challenged me to grow into a leader who is curious, engaged, and committed to serving others.”

Timinski has also used her talents as a performer on stage and experience assisting behind the scenes in the high school’s musical productions to help children. For the past three summers, she volunteered as a counselor for Middlesex County’s Kids & Teens in the Park program, helping children build confidence through theater.

“I teach choreography and dance, assist with painting and set construction, and help backstage,” Timinski explained. “As a former Kids & Teens in the Park participant, I am able to share my love of theater by mentoring youth. These experiences have shown me that supporting children also means creating opportunities for them to feel seen and supported.”

Timinski said Marisa Tufaro’s story and indomitable spirit further inspired her volunteerism and community service.

Born with a severe cardiac defect, Marisa survived six open-heart surgeries and a heart transplant before succumbing to a rare form of cancer in 2017 following a valiant battle. 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 multiple extracurricular activities who lived a vibrant life.

“Marisa’s legacy has shown me the value of living each day with intention and dedicating my time and energy to the people and passions that bring me joy,” Timinski said.

“Even more importantly, I have learned the power in using those passions to make a positive difference in the lives of others.”