2017 Gift Of The Heart – West Deptford High School

Woodbury, NJ, June 8, 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 West Deptford High School: Natalie Asselta and Tyler Barna.

Natalie Asselta

According to Natalie Asselta, community service is a great way to both strengthen one’s community and achieve personal growth. Throughout high school, she has completed numerous service hours.

During summers, she volunteers at Inspira hospital in Woodbury. As a volunteer she has helped transport patients, provided support on the maternity floor, acted as an aid to a nutritionist and to the physical therapy department. She has completed over 125 hours at the hospital. Additionally, Natalie worked with Wigs for Wishes, a community service project spearheaded by her cheerleading team. The team raised money in order to purchase wigs for cancer patients. Other team volunteer work has included West Deptford Day and a fundraiser for a former coach diagnosed with cancer.

Natalie is also a member of student council; as a member she has helped to plan and execute several events. These include Operation Blessing, which involves making hygiene gift bags for families, writing letters for soldiers, donating food for Thanksgiving, and setting up Pep Rally games.

Other organizations with which Natalie is involved include Jersey Pride Cheerleading and Young Women Leaders, a club that acts as a mentorship program for sixth grade girls on leadership. Thank you for your service Natalie!

Tyler Barna

Key Club has provided a great way for Tyler Barna to give back to the community. The student-driven organization is responsible for planning service events throughout the entire year. From the time he’s spent with Key club, Tyler has gained a belief in his ability to have a positive influence in his community. Serving food with Cathedral Kitchen in Camden and preparing meals with Operation Blessing both were moments he felt he had tangible impact.

Now as president of Key Club, Tyler has had the opportunity to plan numerous events. He’s spearheaded a food drive at his high school to benefit a local food pantry, where the club now volunteers regularly. With Key Club, Tyler has completed over one hundred hours of service.

In addition to Key Club, Tyler spent many hours managing a tutoring program as well as working as a tutor in Math and Science. He is also a member of National Honor Society and was a representative of his school at New Jersey’s Boy’s State.

Other extracurricular commitments include the high school musical, DECA and soccer. Great work Tyler!

Congratulations are extended to Natalie Asselta and Tyler Barna 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 Williamstown 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.