VERONA, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of NJ Sharing Network. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.
Six New Jersey high school students were awarded scholarships from the Sharing Network Foundation for their passion and dedication to raising awareness about organ and tissue donation and transplantation.
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The 2026 graduates were presented with their scholarship awards at NJ Sharing Network’s headquarters in New Providence.
The 2026 scholarship awardees are:
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Jessica Theobald of Verona, NJ (Verona High School) received a scholarship from the Daniel S. Buckiewicz Scholarship Fund. Jessica’s commitment to organ and tissue donation advocacy developed through multiple family experiences and early exposure to healthcare. Her mother’s career as a nurse introduced Jessica to the importance of donation at a young age. Her grandfather also donated his corneas after his passing, further shaping her understanding of the gift of donation. Jessica later supported a loved one through a lung transplant journey, gaining a deeper perspective on the challenges of the waiting list and transplant process. She also witnessed a family honor their son’s wish to become an organ donor after his passing, reinforcing the importance of donor registration and family conversations. Jessica expanded her commitment to service by joining her local rescue squad as a youth volunteer, where she gained experience in emergency medical services. She also strengthened her leadership and community engagement through volunteer work with The Arc of Essex County and the NJ Elks. Jessica plans to study nursing at Ramapo College of New Jersey in the Fall.
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Olivia Teta of Manasquan, NJ (Wall High School) received a scholarship from the Daniel S. Buckiewicz Scholarship Fund. Olivia built her interest in organ and tissue donation advocacy through her goal of becoming a nurse and her involvement in her school’s Donate Life Club. As she learned more about transplantation, she recognized the impact of donation, including the role living donors play in saving patients on the transplant waiting list. She took on a leadership role in the club and served as Vice President of its Executive Board, where she coordinated educational programming, school-wide awareness campaigns, and outreach initiatives such as a club t-shirt design, a rock garden display, and Donate Life Month activities. She also helped develop a promotional video highlighting the club’s mission. Olivia plans to study nursing at Monmouth University in the Fall.
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Leyla Rolon of South Plainfield, NJ (South Plainfield High School) received a scholarship from the Riley’s Path Fund. Leyla formed her perspective on organ and tissue donation through her father’s need for a kidney transplant and her family’s experience navigating the transplant waiting list. When no immediate match became available, her family received life-changing news: her mother matched as a living donor and chose to donate her kidney to her husband. That decision saved his life and deeply shaped Leyla’s understanding of sacrifice, love, and living donation. She witnessed her parents move through diagnosis, surgery, and recovery, and she developed a lasting appreciation for how donation brings hope to families. Leyla now shares her family’s story to encourage donor registration and raise awareness of organ and tissue donation. She will be attending Seton Hall University in the Fall.
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Victoria Pribish of Old Bridge, NJ (Old Bridge High School) received a scholarship from the Riley’s Path Fund. Victoria’s perspective on organ and tissue donation was shaped by her father’s lifesaving heart transplant and the journey her family experienced alongside it. Her father, Mathew Pribish, a firefighter with the Linden Fire Department, was diagnosed with Marfan Syndrome and later developed advanced heart failure. He endured multiple surgeries and complications, including years supported by mechanical heart devices. Victoria witnessed her family navigate the uncertainty of the transplant waiting list and the moment they received the call that a donor heart had become available. A successful transplant gave her father a second chance at life. Following his recovery, he returned to full active duty and now shares his experience to encourage others to register as donors. For Victoria, this experience strengthened her sense of gratitude and shaped her commitment to service and resilience. She will be attending Monmouth University in the Fall.
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Olivia Huttinot of Englewood, NJ (Dwight Morrow High School) received a scholarship from the Jim Rhatican Scholarship Fund. Olivia’s connection to organ and tissue donation stems from her personal experience as a kidney transplant recipient. Diagnosed at age four with severe kidney disease, she underwent extensive testing and care before it was confirmed that she required a kidney transplant. In a true act of love, her father became her living kidney donor, undergoing surgery alongside her. Following her transplant, Olivia faced a recovery that included ongoing medical care and a gradual return to school. Despite these challenges, she persevered academically and personally. Olivia reflects on her journey with deep gratitude for her family, her medical team, and the second chance at life she was given. Her experience continues to inspire her perspective and goals for the future. She will be attending St. John’s University in the Fall.
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Grace Trinidad of Teaneck, NJ (Teaneck High School) received a scholarship from the Hearts for Emma Partner Fund. Grace developed her commitment to organ and tissue donation advocacy after her mother experienced a sudden, life-threatening illness that led to a lifesaving heart transplant. During her mother’s hospitalization, Grace witnessed the compassion and dedication of the nurses who supported her family, and that inspired her to pursue a career in nursing. She credits her mother’s recovery and the generosity of an organ donor and their family with shaping her belief in the importance of donation. Grace volunteers at NJ Sharing Network events, including the 5K Celebration of Life, and participates in educational outreach with her family. She aspires to become a labor and delivery nurse serving underserved communities and will be attending Siena University in the Fall.
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 high school scholarship program’s inception in 2011, more than $160,000 has been awarded to 85 dedicated student advocates.
The Sharing Network Foundation’s scholarships are made possible thanks to several of the organization’s family and partner funds:
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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.
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Hearts for Emma Partner Fund – created in celebration of Emma Rothman’s lifesaving heart transplant to support high school education and donation advocacy efforts.
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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.
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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.
“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 of the 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.”
According to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) and NJ Sharing Network, more than 100,000 Americans — including nearly 4,000 New Jerseyans — are currently waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. To learn more about organ and tissue donation or to register as a donor, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org
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