Local High School Students Awarded Scholarships for Advocacy and Support of Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation
(NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ) – Twelve New Jersey high school students were awarded scholarships from the Sharing Network Foundation for their passion and dedication to raising awareness of organ and tissue donation and transplantation. The 2025 graduates were presented with their scholarship awards at NJ Sharing Network’s headquarters in New Providence.
The Sharing Network Foundation’s scholarships are made possible thanks to several of the organization’s family and partner funds:
Daniel S. Buckiewicz Scholarship Fund - created in memory of organ and tissue donor Dan Buckiewicz to encourage students to have conversations about donation with their families and friends.
Hearts for Emma Partner Fund - created in celebration of Emma Rothman’s lifesaving heart transplant to support high school education and donation advocacy efforts.
Jim Rhatican Scholarship Fund - created in memory of Jim Rhatican, a NJ Sharing Network Volunteer, liver transplant recipient, and retired teacher and coach of 35 years.
Missy’s Miracle Scholarship Fund - created in celebration of Missy Rodriguez’s lifesaving liver transplant to follow her passion as a college counselor through scholarships for high school students.
Riley’s Path - created in memory of organ donor Riley Kogen to provide financial assistance to transplant patients in times of crisis, and to award scholarships to high school students and advocacy heroes.
The 2025 scholarship recipients are:
Thomas Ekberg of Wall, NJ (Wall Township High School), received a scholarship from the Daniel S. Buckiewicz Scholarship Fund. He will attend The College of New Jersey (TCNJ). Thomas’s dedication to organ and tissue donation advocacy is deeply personal. His family’s experience with polycystic kidney disease (PKD), which affects several relatives including his aunt, led to a life-changing moment in November 2023 when his mother donated a kidney to his aunt, saving her life. Witnessing this act of generosity and the complex emotions involved inspired Thomas to become a passionate advocate. He serves as vice president of his school’s Donate Life Club, organizing community outreach and education to dispel misconceptions about donation. Thomas plans to study exercise science and pursue a career as a physical therapist, aiming to support transplant recipients in their recovery. His advocacy is fueled by a commitment to ensuring that more people understand the gift of organ and tissue donation and the lives it can save.
Gabrielle Johnson of Scotch Plains, NJ (Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School), received a scholarship from the Daniel S. Buckiewicz Scholarship Fund. She will attend the University of California - Santa Barbara. Gabrielle’s connection to organ and tissue donation began through a deeply personal family loss when her mother passed suddenly from a brain aneurysm. Since 2013, Gabrielle and her family have been active supporters of NJ Sharing Network, participating annually in the 5K Celebration of Life as Team One Love. Gabrielle has also volunteered at events since 2018 and made it her mission to raise awareness about the impact of donation. In 2021, Gabrielle had the honor of attending the Donate Life Rose Parade? float presentation in Pasadena, California, where her mother’s floragraph was featured. Motivated by this experience, she plans to study psychology in college, following in her mother’s footsteps, with a goal to help others heal and thrive.
Julia Rowniewski of Wallington, NJ (Applied Technology High School), received a scholarship from the Daniel S. Buckiewicz Scholarship Fund. She will attend Villanova University. Julia’s advocacy for organ and tissue donation began with her sister’s lifesaving kidney transplant, a defining event in her early childhood. Though too young to fully understand at the time, Julia grew up surrounded by the realities of transplant life—from long doctor visits to summer camps for kidney disease. A turning point came during a sibling support session at camp, where she heard stories of families waiting for transplants and came to see her sister’s survival not as guaranteed, but as a gift. Motivated by that realization, Julia became a certified volunteer with NJ Sharing Network in middle school. She has since represented the organization at community festivals, participated in 5K Celebrations of Life with Team Liberty, and joined the Transplant Games, where she connected with others affected by donation and transplantation. Now a registered organ and tissue donor herself, Julia is committed to ensuring more families have the chance to experience the gift of life.
Frank Furnari of Oak Ridge, NJ (Jefferson Township High School), received a scholarship from the Hearts for Emma Partner Fund. He will attend County College of Morris. Two years ago, Frank received a lifesaving heart transplant, a gift that came after battling Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome and enduring five open-heart surgeries. His 14-hour transplant surgery was a turning point, giving him a new chance at life. Since then, Frank has gained energy, improved academically, and started jogging and weightlifting. Motivated by his experience, he is passionate about becoming an advocate for organ and tissue donation and plans to get involved with NJ Sharing Network advocacy efforts after high school.
Christopher Kolb of Warren, NJ (Gill St. Bernard’s), received a scholarship from the Hearts for Emma Partner Fund. He will attend University of Notre Dame. At just five months old, Christopher received a lifesaving heart transplant - a second chance made possible by a family’s incredible generosity. That gift continues to shape his life and purpose. As president of his school’s Donate Life Club, he led registration drives, hosted awareness events, and shared his story to inspire others to say “yes” to donation. A passionate student of science and a second-degree black belt in Taekwondo, Christopher plans to study chemistry in college, with aspirations of developing medications that support transplant recipients like himself. He honors his donor each day by living a full life and helping others understand the impact of organ and tissue donation.
Greta Clausen of Short Hills, NJ (Millburn High School), received a scholarship from the Jim Rhatican Scholarship Fund. She will attend Union County College. Greta received her gift of life through a heart transplant at just eight months old, overcoming non-compaction cardiomyopathy. Growing up alongside her twin brother, Greta’s journey has been one of resilience and advocacy. She has been a dedicated participant in NJ Sharing Network’s 5K Celebration of Life events since childhood, raising awareness and funds for organ and tissue donation. Greta’s passion for inclusion and self-advocacy has shone through her role as a New Jersey Special Olympics Youth Ambassador, representing the state nationally and internationally while promoting diversity and acceptance. A leader at her high school’s Unified Club, she continues to foster opportunities for students with and without disabilities. Greta also participated in the Transplant Games of America, further amplifying her message of hope and gratitude. Celebrating her transplant anniversary each year, Greta embraces her unique story to inspire others and honor the gift she received.
Lily Coniglio of New Providence, NJ (New Providence High School), received a scholarship from the Jim Rhatican Scholarship Fund. She will attend Boston College. Lily’s journey with organ donation advocacy began as a child watching NJ Sharing Network’s 5K Celebration of Life pass by her home - an event that inspired her to lace up and get involved. After recovering from a serious illness, her gratitude fueled an even deeper passion for the cause. As the team captain of “Lily’s Laces,” she has encouraged friends to run, register as donors, and join her efforts to spread awareness. She’s participated in local outreach and consistently brings energy and heart to events that celebrate the power of donation. When she received her driver’s license, saying “yes” to organ and tissue donation was her first proud act of commitment. Lily now looks forward to continuing her advocacy in college, determined to inspire others to give the gift of life.
Brian Lippman of New Providence, NJ (New Providence High School), received a scholarship from the Missy’s Miracle Scholarship Fund. He will attend Boston College. Brian’s advocacy for organ and tissue donation is driven by personal experience and a deep commitment to honoring donors and supporting recipients. He has been actively involved in donor remembrance projects, helping families honor their loved ones through quilts, memorials, and holiday gifts. Brian’s belief in donation’s impact grew stronger after witnessing his five-year-old neighbor’s successful liver transplant. At Boston College, he plans to continue his advocacy through student organizations like SODA (Student Organ Donation Advocates) and the American Red Cross, working to raise awareness and ensure that more lives are saved through the gift of donation.
Paige Henrikson of Andover, NJ (Lenape Valley Regional High School), received a scholarship from the Riley’s Path Fund. She will attend East Stroudsburg University. Paige became an advocate for organ and tissue donation after the loss of her childhood best friend, Abigail Sarah Nicosia, who passed away at the age of 14 from a brain tumor. Though Abby was unable to donate her organs as she wished, her stem cells were donated to help save the lives of NICU babies. Paige honors Abby’s legacy through Abigail’s Army, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization she helped grow from a school car wash into an impactful community initiative that supports children’s hospitals and promotes awareness of donation. Through annual events, fundraising, and one-on-one conversations, Paige proudly shares Abby’s story and encourages others to consider registering as donors, carrying forward the spirit of generosity that defined her best friend’s life.
Reilly Hoagland of Toms River, NJ (Toms River High School East), received a scholarship from the Riley’s Path Fund. He will attend The University of Alabama. Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at just four years old, Reilly has faced a life filled with medical treatments, hospital visits, and the constant need for vigilance in managing his health. His dedication to exercise - especially playing ice hockey since his diagnosis - has been instrumental in maintaining his lung function. Reilly is a registered organ donor and uses his voice to advocate for donation by sharing his story through social media and school writing projects. He has also participated in numerous events with the Boomer Esiason Foundation and draws inspiration from CF and transplant advocate Jerry Cahill. With a deep understanding of the importance of organ donation, Reilly hopes to one day help others through continued awareness and, if ever needed, to receive the gift of life himself.
Thomas Olski of Brick Township, NJ (Brick Township High School), received a scholarship from the Riley’s Path Fund. He will attend Rutgers University - New Brunswick. Thomas’ life changed dramatically in late 2020 when his father was diagnosed with sudden kidney failure caused by an autoimmune disease. Through months of dialysis, financial hardship, and uncertainty, Thomas stepped up to support his family - taking on extra responsibilities at home while maintaining his academic achievements. In 2021, his father received a lifesaving kidney transplant from Thomas’s aunt, a living donor, which brought hope and renewed strength to their family. Inspired by this journey, Thomas has become a passionate advocate for organ and tissue donation, encouraging others to register as donors and raising awareness through conversations and visible advocacy. Thomas plans to continue his commitment by promoting donation on campus and pursuing a career in disability law to help others facing health and financial challenges.
Eryn Rubenacker of Wharton, NJ (DePaul Catholic High School), received a scholarship from the Riley’s Path Fund. She will attend University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Eryn’s advocacy for organ and tissue donation is rooted in personal tragedy and transformed by purpose. After her mother passed away from a brain aneurysm, her family found solace in the fact that she was an organ donor who saved and improved many lives. Inspired by her mother’s final act of generosity, Eryn has become a passionate voice for donation education and awareness. Each year, she plays a key role in organizing a community softball fundraiser benefiting NJ Sharing Network, honoring her mother’s legacy while spreading hope. Eryn also engages in ongoing outreach efforts to share her mother’s story and combat misinformation surrounding organ donation. She plans to expand her advocacy in college and beyond, committed to ensuring that more families experience the power of “the gift.”
The Sharing Network Foundation’s high school scholarship program provides an opportunity to recognize and award graduating high school seniors whose lives have been touched by organ and tissue donation and transplantation. Applicants were measured on academic achievement, community and volunteer efforts, extracurricular activities, and advocacy for organ and tissue donation. Since the scholarship program’s inception in 2011, more than $140,000 has been awarded to 74 dedicated student advocates.
“We are grateful for the generous support of our partner funds and their ongoing commitment to rewarding students who share a commitment to our lifesaving mission,” said Amanda Tibok, Executive Director, Sharing Network Foundation. “We know that all of our scholarship awardees will continue as strong leaders educating others about donation and transplantation throughout their college years and beyond.”
Photo Caption: Recipients of the 2025 Sharing Network Foundation High School Scholarships, alongside representatives from the Sharing Network Foundation and its partner funds, gathered at NJ Sharing Network headquarters in New Providence to celebrate their commitment to organ and tissue donation advocacy. (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)
About NJ Sharing Network
NJ Sharing Network is a federally designated nonprofit organization committed to saving and enhancing lives through the recovery of donated organs and tissue. Headquartered in New Providence, NJ Sharing Network partners with 54 local hospitals to bring hope to nearly 4,000 New Jersey residents awaiting a lifesaving organ transplant, while also contributing to the national effort to support more than 100,000 individuals on the U.S. transplant waiting list. With over three million New Jerseyans registered as organ and tissue donors, NJ Sharing Network has achieved record-breaking organ donation milestones for six consecutive years. Recognized as one of the nation’s top-performing organ procurement organizations (OPOs), the organization was honored as NJBIZ’s 2024 Nonprofit Business of the Year. Additionally, NJ Sharing Network has been named one of New Jersey’s ‘Best Places to Work’ for seven consecutive years, reflecting its dedication to fostering an innovative, mission-driven workplace. To learn more, get involved, or register as an organ and tissue donor, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.
About the Sharing Network Foundation
The Sharing Network Foundation supports the work of NJ Sharing Network, the federally designated non-profit organization responsible for the recovery of donated organs and tissue in the Garden State. The Foundation is committed to increasing the number of lives saved through clinical advancement, family support, public awareness and education about the lifesaving benefits of organ and tissue donation and transplantation. For more information or to make a contribution, visit www.SharingNetworkFoundation.org.
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