The Marisa Tufaro Foundation is honored to announce that South Plainfield Middle School’s Savannah Makely is one of five students from Middlesex County to receive a 2026 Marisa Tufaro Memorial Art Scholarship.

The scholarship entitles Savannah to attend a weeklong art camp this summer at Rutgers University’s Zimmerli Art Museum, where Marisa previously honed her craft and where her artwork was once displayed at an exhibit.

Savannah is the type of student who is constantly challenging herself creatively. She consistently pushes beyond expectations, bringing thoughtful, school-wide artistic projects to the table and often takes a leadership role in overseeing their execution from concept to completion.

Her ability to generate ideas, organize others, and follow through with care and intention is remarkable.

In addition to her strong work ethic, Savannah possesses an impressive natural artistic ability. Her passion for art is evident in each of her artworks, and is further enriched by her love of music, another of Savannah’s creative passions.

Savannah’s multifaceted artistic interests enhance her work and reflect a level of creativity that sets her apart from classmates.

Savannah also benefits from a strong support system at home. Her parents, both educators, fully encourage and nurture her artistic endeavors. Such support has helped Savannah develop confidence, discipline, and a genuine appreciation for learning and creative growth.

Beyond the art room, Savannah is an outstanding student academically. Her performance in her core classes reflects the same dedication, responsibility, and excellence that she brings to her creative work.

Savannah arrives to school eager to learn, open to feedback, and excited to grow. She is well-rounded, motivated, and deeply committed to her education.

Savannah is an exceptional young artist, thoughtful leader, and dedicated student.

Rutgers University’s summer art camp allows artists (ages 7-14) of various ability levels to explore their creative side and develop new skills alongside wonderful teaching artists in a unique setting only an art museum can provide. Children often find inspiration in the museum’s collection as they explore the galleries.

According to Rutgers University’s website: “During the hot days of summer, the Zimmerli is the place to be for budding young artists. Each year, new classes are added to stimulate, challenge and delight both veteran and newcomers who participate in the program. The Zimmerli continues to offer its popular classes in painting, drawing, pastels, watercolors, sculpture, and an art ‘sampler’ class.”

To date, The Marisa Tufaro Foundation has been blessed and privileged to send 31 elementary and middle school students to attend the Zimmerli Art Museum’s summer camp in Marisa’s loving memory.

Established eight and a half years ago in Marisa’s honor and to keep alive her indomitable spirit, The Marisa Tufaro Foundation has made a profound impact, donating nearly $450,000 to fulfill its mission of assisting pediatric patients and children in need throughout the greater Middlesex County area.

The nonprofit, which makes community service an integral part of its mission, has also spearheaded multiple initiatives resulting in the collection of thousands of toys, nonperishable food items, winter coats, baby supplies, children’s books, school supplies and other items for donation upon which it has placed no monetary value.

In addition, the foundation has awarded $36,500 in scholarships to exceptional high school seniors who have helped children in need.

Born with a severe cardiac defect, Marisa Tufaro survived six open-heart surgeries and a heart transplant before succumbing in 2017 at the age of 13 to a rare form of cancer following a valiant battle.

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

Marisa’s ambition was to attend an arts college, and while God’s plan did not allow her to make it to one, her work did.

A piece Marisa constructed with a New York City School of Visual Arts graduate student during an art therapy session at New York Presbyterian’s Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital was displayed at the “Your Turn” exhibit at the college’s Flatiron Gallery in Manhattan in February 2017, days after Marisa’s untimely passing.

In 2012, Marisa was awarded a generous Summer Arts Scholarship to the Zimmerli Art Museum based on her achievement in camp and her artistic potential.

This year’s Marisa Tufaro Memorial Art Scholarship recipients share Marisa’s passion and talent for art.