Justin is our first local student from New Jersey who has been chosen for a scholarship. Justin has had four open heart surgeries. When he was about two years old, he developed RSV and was in and out of the hospital for the next six months. He had a pacemaker put in his chest when he was 10 years old. A year later, he developed bacterial endocarditis (an infection of the lining of the heart) and had to be on IV antibiotics for six weeks.
All of his medical problems have not stopped Justin from achieving many terrific things. When he was 14 years old, he achieved Eagle Scout, the highest rank in the Boy Scouts. At age 17, he was a Build-A-Bear?s huggable hero national semi-finalist for community service and leadership. In his senior year, he was voted one of the best students in his Class of 2006 and attended a dinner banquet where his parents got to watch him receive an award.
Justin enjoys playing music and making movies. He loves to snowboard. Justin also enjoys going to local hospitals to visit families with ?heart? babies to encourage and uplift them. He also makes hug pillows for kids who are just out of heart surgery. These hug pillows make it less painful for the kids when they have to cough or sneeze.
Justin is attending Camden County College for the 2006-07 school year. He will receive the scholarship for next year and the following two years when he transfers to a four-year college. We wish Justin the best of luck!