Marlboro High School '21 Grad Honored For Organ Donation Advocacy

MARLBORO, NJ - An Englishtown resident and recent Marlboro High School graduate has been awarded a scholarship to attend college next year for her efforts in organ and tissue donation advocacy.

Jessica Riepe, a former member of Marlboro High School’s Donate Life Club and 2021 alumnus, unwaveringly spreads awareness about organ donation and will share her family's personal story related to organ donation with anyone willing to listen, according to a news release.

Riepe's connection to donation and transplantation came when her closest cousin passed away and became a donor in 2016. Riepe recalls how difficult this time was for her and her entire family, but she was so inspired by her cousin’s selfless gift of life.

Riepe was presented with a Betsy Niles Scholarship Fund award for her passion and dedication to raising awareness of organ and tissue donation at the NJ Sharing Network’s headquarters in New Providence, Rhode Island. She plans to attend Holy Family University in Philadelphia in the fall, continuing to spread awareness in her community about organ donation to help educate others.
Scholarship applicants were measured on academic achievement, community and volunteer efforts, extracurricular activities and advocacy for organ and tissue donation. The application process included a thorough review by a committee of NJ Sharing Network Foundation Board members and volunteers.

The Betsy Niles Scholarship Fund was created in memory of Elizabeth “Betsy” Niles, a lifelong Montclair resident who passed away in 2011 after a tragic accident. Niles spent most of her career in educational publishing and was passionate about helping to improve the education system. Her organ and tissue donations aided over three dozen people, including a life-saving kidney transplant for one recipient.

Dan Sarnowski of Sparta, Niles’ loving companion, established The Betsy Niles Scholarship Fund in 2014. Sarnowski and Niles’ family decided the best way to honor Betsy was through supporting education programs.

“Betsy was known for always giving the perfect gift for every occasion and her last gift was the greatest gift of all - the gift of life,” said Sarnowski in a statement. “I feel it’s a perfect tribute to Betsy to have a fund and a scholarship program in her honor. Jessica serves as a perfect example of what it means to take an active role in supporting these important outreach efforts.”

According to NJ Sharing Network, there are nearly 4,000 New Jersey residents currently waiting for a life-saving transplant. In fact, one New Jersey resident dies every three days waiting for a transplant, the organization says, with just one organ and tissue donor having the potential to save eight lives and enhance the lives of over 75 people.

To learn more, get involved and register as an organ and tissue donor, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.