2018 GIFT OF THE HEART – CLAYTON HIGH SCHOOL

Woodbury, NJ March 5, 2018
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 2018 “Gift of the Heart” Hoffman DiMuzio Community Service Foundation recipients are from Clayton High School: Alex Sciulli and Zachary Grafton.

Alex Sciulli

Alex Sciulli counts her one month long trip to France, Italy, and Spain as one of the most rewarding service trips she has participated in. Activities included beach cleanups and visits to orphanages. The continuous pace of the work affirmed for Alex an interest in service, which she has since carried throughout her high school career.

At Clayton high school, Alex has found countless opportunities to contribute. As National Honor Society service project coordinator, she is responsible for planning all of the organization’s service projects. Further, as a member of NHS she has committed to a minimum 20 hours of tutoring and additional outside volunteer hours as well. In the Sure program, Alex meets with incoming sixth graders regarding obstacles they may face in middle school and goals they’re interested in accomplishing. Additionally, as a member of the student council and as elected Class Secretary, Alex plays an important role in coordinating and overseeing class functions, fundraisers, and activities. Moving forward, she explains that no matter what career she pursues, “service is going to play a large role in my life.” Great job Alex!

Zachary Grafton

Through his involvement in several school organizations, Zachary Grafton has provided substantial benefit to his community. Of all of the events he’s assisted in, he cites food drives as being some of the most popular. Through the JROTC program he has been involved in setting up and executing several drives, including a food drive, coat drive, toy drive and soldier drive, which provided needed supplies to active duty military members. The JROTC project Zachary has found most rewarding is their annual visit to a local veteran’s home. Students that participate spend time with veterans. The visit comprises of making crafts, playing games, and perhaps most importantly, sharing stories. Zachary sums up his experiences volunteering in the following way: “Overall I feel like community service is a key part in my life and I’m glad I was fortunate enough to participate in all these events.”

Other clubs with which Zachary has volunteered include the Environmental Club, National Honor Society, and the Soccer team. Through these commitments, he has the opportunity to tutor students, plan and conduct community cleanups, and volunteer at the food pantry on a monthly basis. Keep up the good work Zachary!

Congratulations are extended to Alex Sciulli and Zachary Grafton 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 2018 scholarship winners, click here.