2017 Gift Of The Heart – Clayton High School

Woodbury, NJ January 26, 2017
For Immediate Release

The law firm of Hoffman DiMuzio has allocated close to half a million dollars to its “Gift of the Heart” Community Scholarship Foundation. Forty-one graduating seniors from Gloucester and 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 2017 “Gift of the Heart” Hoffman DiMuzio Community Service Foundation recipients are from Clayton High School: Brianna Prior and David Siugzda Jr.

Brianna Prior

A common maxim is that “actions speak louder than words.” Brianna Prior’s service speaks volumes. She explains that volunteering has brought her greater perspective when considering her role in the world and the importance of making a positive contribution.

Relay for Life has been a staple in Brianna’s life for the past five years. The annual event raises money for the American Cancer Society and their efforts to find a cure. This event acts not only as a fundraiser but a powerful symbol.

For one night, teams walk around a track continuously. Just as cancer patients are unwavering in their perseverance, participants are without rest. For Brianna, this act of solidarity is a reminder: life is precious. She believes that practicing empathy should be a precursor to any action, and that community service can play an integral role in developing this skill.

At school, Brianna helps the nurse as an intern and teaches sixth grade students about life skills as a S.U.R.E. mentor. Additionally, she serves as the National Honor Society treasurer, Student Council Secretary and manager for the Basketball and Soccer team.

As her senior year concludes, Brianna says she plans to continue to try “to make a positive change in the world each and every day.” You go Brianna!

David Siugzda Jr.

There’s great joy to be found in service. Beyond the fulfillment of helping his community, David Siugzda Jr. has found his volunteer work to be a means to foster lasting friendships, particularly through his involvement in Boy Scouts.

DJ recalls his first road clean up. While the task at hand seemed initially burdensome, the cleanup soon became fun amidst friendly volunteers and interesting conversation. He has since completed countless volunteer hours with Boy Scouts, including “adopting” a family to help with the holiday season, placing flags on the graves of fallen servicemen for Memorial Day, and helping with canned food drives.

As part of his Eagle Scout project, DJ will be making a silhouette of the famous marines raising the flag at Iwo Jima for the Glassboro VFW, as well as installing flowerbeds and donating several benches.

In addition to the Boy Scouts, DJ volunteers as a member of JROTC, student council, and the National Honor Society. He believes that volunteering is a great way to find community.   Thank you for your service DJ!

Congratulations are extended to Brianna Prior and David Siugzda Jr., as well as their proud family and friends! Their community service embodies a Gift of the Heart.

Next week’s featured recipients will be from Clearview 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 2017 scholarship winners, click here.