Congratulations To The 2025 Gift Of The Heart Scholarship Recipients!

Clearview High School

Hadley Puckett

Hadley Puckett’s commitment to altruism began at 12 when volunteering at a veterans’ shelter, transforming a simple service requirement into a lifelong passion. She later joined TopSports, supporting children with disabilities, deepening her understanding of selfless giving. Her volunteerism expanded to teaching dance, park cleanups, and community service through the National Honor Society. These experiences have shaped her perspective, fostering meaningful connections. As she looks toward college, she remains dedicated to service, eager to continue making a positive impact on others’ lives.

Delsea Regional High School

Kayleigh Barndt

Kayleigh Barndt has dedicated significant time to community service through the Interact Club and National Honor Society. She serves meals to the less fortunate, provide companionship to the elderly, and mentor students, including those fluent only in Spanish. Kayleigh educates younger children on healthy choices and volunteers with the Friends of Save program. Additionally, she supports school athletics by assisting at football games, track meets, and wrestling events. Kayleigh’s commitment to service has deepened her empathy and given her valuable life lessons, and she plans to continue making a positive impact for years to come.

Deptford High School

Delaney Vanhoof

Delaney Vanhoof has dedicated herself to community service from a young age. Earning her Girl Scout Silver Award, she hand-sewed sleeping mats for homeless veterans, inspired by her father’s military service. She volunteers at Home of the Brave, baking and organizing supply drives. She also runs the Deptford High School food pantry, raising over $5,000 in donations. Additionally, she organized a formal dress drive, fostered rescue dogs, and participated in community events. Passionate about helping others, she plans to continue serving as a future nurse practitioner.

Gateway High School

Aidan Bender

Aidan Bender’s dedication to community service began in middle school and continued through high school. At Bishop Eustace Preparatory School, he volunteered at events like “Victory Day” for special needs children and served as a camp counselor. After transferring to Gateway Regional, Aidan led donation drives for Gloucester County Veterans Affairs, volunteered at Angels of God Community Outreach, and organized books for BookSmiles. With over 80 service hours logged, he plans to continue his education and passion for community service in college, aiming to make a lasting impact.

Glassboro High School

Hanna Juma

Hanna Juma has dedicated over 100 service hours annually throughout high school. She volunteered for six years with TOPSports, helping children with disabilities play sports. At the Gloucester County Animal Shelter, she raised $500 through a school fundraiser. During the Ukrainian refugee crisis, she led a sunflower pin fundraiser, raising over $1,000 for the International Rescue Committee. Hanna also supports veterans through the People for People Foundation and has volunteered for a decade at United Methodist Homes, engaging with seniors and assisting during holidays. She is committed to making a positive impact in her community.

Gloucester County Institute of Technology

Andrea Smith

Andrea Smith’s commitment to service stems from her Christian upbringing, emphasizing showing God’s love through helping others. She leads the “Sunday Dinner” teen discussion group, providing a safe space for open conversations and organizing an MLK Day of Service project promoting positivity at GCIT. Andrea volunteers with Special Olympics North America, advocating for people with intellectual disabilities, and led a social media seminar for staff. At Jamie’s Dance Odyssey, she student-teaches and assists at recitals. Additionally, she contributes to her church’s dance and digital ministry, finding joy and fulfillment in making a positive impact.

Kingsway High School

Ava Patel

Ava Patel has dedicated over 275 hours volunteering at Inspira Mullica Hill Hospital since freshman year, assisting staff, greeting visitors, and supporting patients. Initially drawn to gain medical experience, she now finds deep fulfillment in her service. At Kingsway Regional High School, she is part of Dragons SPARK, leading community projects such as library clean-ups and animal shelter work. She is also organizing care packages for hospital patients and staff. Ava believes in the lasting impact of small acts of kindness and hopes to carry these values into her future career and life.

Paulsboro High School

Aniya Mitchell

Aniya Mitchell’s journey into volunteering began as a National Honor Society requirement but evolved into a genuine passion. Initially indifferent, a leadership seminar inspired her to serve her community. She participated in events like Toys for Tots, church fairs, and assisting seniors. A pivotal moment came during a Thanksgiving food distribution, where the gratitude of those she helped filled her with warmth and purpose. Aniya now understands the profound impact of small acts of kindness and is committed to serving others.

Pitman High School

Rebecca Mazzola

Rebecca Mazzola’s volunteer work began with community cleanups and food drives at Pitman High School, sparking a passion for service. As chairwoman of the Pitman Youth Advisory Council (PYAC), she led initiatives like anti-substance abuse programs and partnered with “I Support the Girls” to aid women in need. She organized school supply drives and mental health programs, advocating for youth engagement. As a senior, Rebecca serves as National Honor Society president and Board of Education representative, emphasizing empathy and leadership. She plans to continue making a positive impact through community service in college and beyond.

Washington Township High School

Angela Larrea

Community service has been central to Angela’s growth, shaping her leadership and dedication to others. As a leader in the Interact Club, she organized service projects like Monzo Madness and the Buddy Walk, supporting individuals with special needs. Angela helped raise funds for ALS research, participated in charity drives, and promoted inclusion through Project Unify in volleyball. Her involvement in business clubs and peer tutoring has allowed her to bridge cultural gaps and inspire future leaders. Angela believes in the lasting impact of service, striving to create a ripple effect of kindness and positive change in her community.

West Deptford Township High School

Macey Harrold

Macey Harrold is dedicated to community service in West Deptford, starting as a little league athlete and progressing to coaching children under five. Inspired by high school athletes’ leadership, she strives to foster young athletes’ love for sports. Her involvement in the Friends of Rachel club extends her service to local schools, deepening her commitment to helping others. Macey’s experiences have influenced her aspiration to pursue pediatric healthcare, hoping to bring joy and support to children through nursing. She believes in creating a tight-knit community by connecting with young people and spreading positivity wherever possible

Williamstown High School

Destiny Lauletta

Olla Obeid founded and co-teaches the “Robotics Seminar Program” at Monroe Township Public Library, offering free engineering and robotics classes to kids aged 7-14 across South Jersey. Collaborating with Williamstown High School’s National Honor Society, the program also provides community service opportunities for peers. During school, Olla tutors physics and math, boosting underclassmen’s confidence. Beyond school, their family supports InterFaith Works and Northside Learning Center, assisting refugee families in Syracuse, New York. They help fundraise and donate school supplies and hygiene products, actively participating in welcoming children from diverse backgrounds, particularly during the holiday season.

Woodbury High School

Aleyah Lynch

Cassandra Gallagher is passionate about community service and leadership. She has held roles such as Student Board Representative, Class President, and National Honor Society Secretary. Her dedication includes volunteering at concession stands, painting storefronts, and working with Kidz4Cuz for a decade to support cancer patients and mental health awareness. She believes every act of service, big or small, fosters kindness and positivity. Through her experiences, she has developed leadership, perseverance, and teamwork, shaping her commitment to serving others. Cassandra hopes to continue making a difference and inspiring others to embrace a culture of compassion and service.

Penns Grove High School

Caleb Fowler

Caleb’s community service essay highlights his dedication to supporting their community through diverse initiatives. He regularly volunteers at his church’s food bank, delivering nutritious meals to those in need, including seniors and single-parent households. Caleb also participates in Read Across America, engaging elementary students with storytelling to foster a love for reading. Additionally, he contributes to community cleanliness through park clean-up projects in Penns Grove. Caleb’s efforts demonstrate strong leadership, compassion, and a commitment to creating a safe, supportive, and appreciated community environment, positively impacting the lives of many local residents.

Pennsville High School

Riley Bowman

Riley Bowman discovered a passion for community service during high school, evolving from mere knowledge to genuine connection. She participated in park cleanups, adaptive sports leagues, crafting holiday cards for soldiers, decorating nursing homes, and, most memorably, the Meals on Wheels program. Delivering meals to seniors, Riley found joy in bringing smiles to those in need. Her experiences taught her gratitude, empathy, and the impact of small acts of kindness. Inspired by these lessons, she plans to continue serving others throughout college and beyond, valuing the profound fulfillment service brings.

Salem High School

Trinity Ransome

Trinity Ransome, a Salem High School student, has excelled academically with a 4.8 GPA while participating in the International Baccalaureate Program. She traveled to Barcelona, where she engaged in community service by cleaning beaches, admiring the pride Barcelonians take in their environment. Locally, Trinity volunteers through her church, Seeds of Greatness, promoting kindness and growth. She leads road cleanups with her school and softball team and serves as a camp counselor at Camp Youth Empowering Youth, teaching life skills and leadership. Her dedication to helping others and creating a positive impact earned her a nomination for the Hoffman & DiMuzio Scholarship

Schalick High School

Rachel Lunemann

Rachel Lunemann is a dedicated community leader and volunteer. She has served as an assistant soccer coach, a Cougar R.I.S.E. aide supporting students with disabilities, and a member of TIPA, Interact Club, NHS, and the National Art Honor Society. Through TIPA, she educates peers on mental health and substance abuse. As a Gold Shirt Mentor, she guides underclassmen and aids in freshman orientation. Her leadership extends to student council representation and soccer management. Rachel’s commitment to service, mentorship, and advocacy highlights her passion for making a meaningful impact in her community.

Woodstown High School

Ella Prinsen

Ella Prinsen’s lifelong commitment to service stems from values instilled by her family. She volunteers with TOPSports, supporting children with special needs, and assists with the Healthy Kids Running Series. At Sharptown Church, Ella teaches Vacation Bible School and serves meals through The Lodge Ministry. She also aids in a special needs classroom, tutors math students, and volunteered as a Blood Donor Ambassador. Ella finds fulfillment in helping others, whether through church, school, or community events, and is dedicated to continuing her service in the future.

Cumberland High School

Ava Dunfee

Community service was not required at Ava’s high school, but she chose to participate annually through Interact & Leo clubs, driven by a genuine passion for giving back. Volunteering at a women’s shelter taught Ava to advocate for important issues. Participating in park and road cleanups helped her contribute to environmental preservation. Ava’s favorite project, Operation Christmas Child, allowed her to provide essentials and gifts to children, fostering empathy and gratitude. These experiences reinforced the value of small acts of kindness and strengthened Ava’s commitment to making a positive impact in her community and beyond.

Our Lady of Mercy Academy

Kate DeLucca

Kate DeLucca’s six-year journey in American Sign Language (ASL) has shaped her passion for bridging communication between hearing and Deaf communities. Through Hands Up Silent Theatre, she has mentored students, performed in productions, and engaged in advocacy as a junior board member. Her dedication earned her the 2023 Leadership Award. Completing ASL coursework in high school strengthened her foundation, complementing her practical experiences. Aspiring to be an ASL interpreter, she has applied Early Decision to Rochester Institute of Technology’s ASL-English Interpretation program, aiming to create an inclusive environment where hearing and Deaf individuals can thrive together.

Millville High School

Jonah Smith

Jonah Smith, a legal intern at a law office specializing in elder law, finds fulfillment in helping clients through difficult times, such as navigating wills and Power of Attorney issues. Jonah’s goal of becoming a lawyer stems from a desire to serve others. Beyond work, he volunteers at elementary schools to promote reading and assist with community outreach. Jonah also coaches beginner tennis players, drawing from personal experience as a novice in the sport. Despite a busy schedule, Jonah prioritizes volunteering, believing in the profound impact of giving time to support and uplift others in society.