2017 Gift Of The Heart – Deptford High School

Woodbury, NJ, March 2, 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 Deptford High School: Amanda Owens and Tyler Peatman.

Amanda Owens

Following a stroke, the reduced ability to speak can be a difficult obstacle to face. Some of Amanda Owen’s most fulfilling volunteer hours have been spent with Magee Rehabilitation, an organization in Philadelphia that’s dedicated to helping stroke patients.

Amanda has participated in a weekly discussion group in order to provide the opportunity for patients to build confidence in their speaking skills and to further develop their communicative ability. Though structured by various speaking games, the group will often comprise of encouraged tangential discussions. Her volunteer work with Magee Rehabilitation has brought Amanda the benefits of listening to interesting stories and the chance to learn about the lives of a diverse and kind group of people.

Following the conclusion of this particular program, Amanda wishes it could have continued longer. She notes “each week I saw great improvements from the week before.” The group provided participants time for both practice and support. After weeks of discussion, patients left with greater confidence and motivation to continue their rehabilitation.

Your community has undoubtedly benefited from your efforts Amanda! We thank you.

Tyler Peatman

The time spent participating in a sport can provide great opportunities to build confidence and gain a sense of community. Tyler Peatman has supported Deptford Junior Wrestling, a program for elementary school students, by completing over 400 hours of volunteer work throughout his high school career. His primary role has been assisting the team with practices, matches and tournaments.

As a former wrestler in the program, Tyler explains that he understands the perspective of the young athletes, and the value in stressing more than athletic improvement. Students, already becoming overwhelmed by busy schedules and growing expectations, can benefit from an extracurricular activity that develops the means to structure the chaos.

By learning what comprises good character and a strong work ethic, students can benefit in nearly every other aspect of their lives. Tyler believes while one wrestler may have a future in the sport, many more will take with them only the lessons they learn. For him, volunteering has provided multitudes of memorable experiences and a great deal of fulfillment. Tyler views the hours that he has spent with the program as an investment in not only young athletes, but the future of his community and hopes to continue volunteering post-graduation.

Great job Tyler!

Congratulations are extended to Amanda Owens and Tyler Peatman, 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 Gateway 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.