2016 Gift Of The Heart – Deptford High School

Woodbury, NJ March 7, 2016
For Immediate Release

The law firm of Hoffman DiMuzio has allocated close to a half a million dollars to its “Gift of the Heart” Community Service Scholarship Foundation. Forty-one graduating seniors from Gloucester & Salem County High Schools have been selected to receive a one thousand dollar scholarship for embodying the service ideals of the program. This week, the 2016 “Gift of the Heart” Hoffman DiMuzio Community Service Foundation recipients are from Deptford High School: Kayanna Ray and Arjun Puri.

Kayanna Ray

It is true, that in giving to others we learn about ourselves. Kayanna Ray through her dedicated service to Inspira Medical Center has confirmed that someday she will indeed become a doctor. Kayanna served as a Patient Ambassador at the Inspira Medical Center. This provided her with the opportunity to work closely with patients, bringing them food, water, comfort and companionship. Kayanna also made sure to spend time with patients who did not receive any outside visitors.

Additionally, Kayanna Ray volunteered at the local library where she encouraged other teens to read. She was a Book Buddy reading to toddlers, a tutor, and helped with the library’s annual yard sale.

Kayanna served as president of the NAACP all four years of high school. She is an active member of the National Honor Society and SADD. Kayanna believes “part of what makes me who I am is community service and volunteering; therefore most of my commitments involve helping others.”

Clearly, Kayanna Ray has shared with others her Gift of the Heart! We thank you Kayanna!

Arjun Puri

To Arjun Puri, community service means giving something of yourself that will never die. Among Arjun’s many extra curricular activities, he tutored physically disabled children while visiting India. For almost two months, he lived with and taught these special children. He became their friend and helped to develop their sense of community at the Swami Ganga Nand Bhuri Wale International Foundation.      

Closer to home, Arjun volunteered at area senior citizen homes. He believes that community service has transformed him into a more open-minded and compassionate person who is willing to sacrifice for others. On the school front, Arjun is a member of the National Honor Society, NJROTC and peer tutoring. He is also part of the Robotics Team, Science Club as well as the Health Care Careers Club. He also participates on the tennis, wrestling and soccer team at Deptford High School. According to Arjun, “generosity, love, and hope provide a piece of happiness that will live forever in the hearts of the recipients.”

Congratulations are extended to Deptford High School’s Kayanna Ray and Arjun Puri, as well as to their proud family and friends! Their community service to others shows the true meaning of a Gift of the Heart!

Next week’s featured recipients will be from Gateway Regional High School.

Click here to read more about the Hoffman DiMuzio Gift Of The Heart Scholarship Foundation.

If you’d like to see the rest of the 2016 scholarship winners, click here.