For exhibiting generosity, compassion, inclusiveness, and other qualities of benevolence, Mother Seton Regional High School senior Sasha Smyth received a 2025 Greater Middlesex Conference Kindness Counts Award.
The honor was bestowed upon Smyth, a three-sport athlete who plays volleyball, basketball and softball, during the conference’s 24th annual Sportsmanship Awards luncheon at the Pines Manor in her native Edison on April 9.
The Peter Fund and The Marisa Tufaro Foundation, who sponsor the award, presented Smyth with a commemorative plaque and $500 to donate in her name to a charity of her choice that assists Middlesex County children in need.
Smyth has selected CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children) of Middlesex County as her beneficiary.
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.
SMYTH EPITOMIZES AWARD’S SPIRIT
Selected from a pool of outstanding nominees, Smyth epitomizes the spirit of the Kindness Counts Award.
“Sasha exemplifies incredible character, compassion, kindness, and inclusivity in every aspect of her life,” according to Smyth’s nominator.
“She always goes above and beyond to support those around her, offering encouragement, understanding, and support. Her dedication to doing what is right, even when no one is watching, makes her a role model for others. She inspires those around her to persevere with grace and strength.
“Compassion is at the heart of everything she does. She takes the time to listen, understand, and uplift others, making sure that everyone feels valued and heard.”
Smyth was a leader of her school’s Dig Pink for Cancer Awareness and Ambassador Program, which reaches out to students who need mentoring, not just in their academic subjects, but within their social lives. She is also a member of the Seton Ensemble and other Catholic ministries at the school.
“She has provided ample time to be involved with many give-back opportunities,” according to Smyth’s nominator. “She has a strong faith foundation which helps her in her ongoing quest to support the Catholic vision of social change.
“Sasha independently ran her own mission with the ‘Operation Christmas Child’ in which she collected over 100 shoeboxes filled with various items that children need and donated through her parish to areas within the world where children would not be able to have the sustainable items they need as young people.
“Kindness is second nature to her. She approaches every interaction with warmth and a genuine desire to make a positive impact. She is always there to help a teammate or brighten up their day. Her positive energy is contagious, inspiring others to be kinder and more compassionate in their own lives.
“She strives to create spaces where everyone feels welcome, respected, and appreciated for who they are. Whether on the court, community, or personal relationships, she seeks to embrace diversity and ensure that no one is left out.
“Through her commitment to character, compassion, kindness, and inclusivity, Sasha Smyth has made a lasting impact on the lives of many, including her coaches.
“Her actions and values serve as an inspiration and reminder of the power of kindness and the importance of uplifting one another.”
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.”