2018 Gift Of The Heart – Deptford High School

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 Deptford High School: Matthew Lowry and Tricia Onyango.

Matthew Lowry

Following a volunteer project, Matthew Lowry explains that the gratitude he receives makes his efforts all the more worth it. He has been significantly involved in his church and larger community.

At his church, Matthew volunteers as junior lectern. At least once a month, he will take part in services and read the liturgical passage. When religious education pageants take place, he sets up and works the lighting. Additionally, every Christmas Matthew looks forward to preparing food baskets for those in need in his neighborhood.

Matthew also invests time at a local farm to aid his family friend. This entails all of the activities involved in managing a farm. Alongside his siblings, Matthew will feed animals, clean pens, and move hay. He notes that his time spent at the farm has been rewarded; now when he goes to the farm, the animals both recognize and come to greet him at their fence upon his arrival.

Overall, Matthew explains that he’s “really enjoyed every minute doing these services” and loves how service can bring a community together. Aside from his volunteer work, Matthew also regularly competes on his varsity swim team. Great job Matthew!

Tricia Onyango

While involved in several organizations in her high school, Tricia Onyango has dedicated a significant amount of her time volunteering in her greater community. As she intends on pursuing a career in the health profession, spending time in the hospital has been an ideal way to give back.

Beginning in the summer of 2016, Tricia has regularly spent time at Cooper University Hospital providing whatever support is needed. Her responsibilities have included conversing with patients, providing general directions to visiting families, picking up x-ray films, and assisting the hospital staff. Tricia cites Cooper University Hospital as one of her most important commitments, and describes her experience there on the whole as “simply amazing.”

Additionally, Tricia has enjoyed volunteering with her church youth group through Habitat for Humanity. With these organizations, she aided in a home improvement project for a local family in need. Other projects include making sandwiches for a nearby soup kitchen and holiday fundraising drive for her community. At school, Tricia is an active member of Rotary Interact and manages the Girls’ Basketball team. Keep up the excellent work Tricia!

Congratulations are extended to Matthew Lowry and Tricia Onyango 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 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 2018 scholarship winners, click here.