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

The honor was bestowed upon Colon, an All-Blue Division wrestler, 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 Colon with a commemorative plaque and $500 to donate in his name to a charity of his 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.

COLON EPITOMIZES AWARD’S SPIRIT

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

“John Colon is a very humble and caring person,” North Brunswick wrestling coach David Saley said.  “He volunteers his time to help his teammates get their grades up by running team study halls, he spends extra time after practice to help his teammates get better at wrestling with extra practice, (and) he gives free rides to teammates and school mates that need a ride.”

Saley said Colon watched over and cared for a special needs wrestler on the team, making him feel part of a much larger community. The coach said teammates followed Colon’s lead in supporting their special needs friend.

“John helps others in school most of the day, and he helps me get the kids ready to wrestle and prepare them for matches on match days,” Saley said. “John also aids the youth team by showing moves at practice sometimes and goes to their matches” where he is their most encouraging vocal supporter.

Saley said Colon embodies all the characteristics of the Kindness Counts Award.

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.”