This honor is much more than a scholarship or an award because it gave me the opportunity to learn about Justin and his sincere, motivational drive that pushed him to achieve and learn more. I was fortunate to learn more and more about Justin's goal oriented outlook on life and how much he inspired and motivated those around him including family, friends, and teammates. I hope to continue my college career in academics and athletics in the same manner and with the same motivational "never quit" attitude for which Justin was so highly admired and respected. Additionally, since becoming a freshman member of the football team here at Hopkins, I have learned many traditions that one can take with them in life, even when they have moved on from playing sports and have entered the next journey in their life. "Pride and Poise" is our team motto and is the three-word phrase that our head coach, Coach Jim Margraff, stresses as an essential and valuable life lesson in keeping one's composure and always putting forth your best effort in life. "Pride and Poise" is something that has inspired me and has reminded me of all the ways Justin's friends and family described his demeanor, especially when it came to his athletic passion in baseball.

Emily developed a strong work ethic at a young age through her involvement in sports. This determination earned her recognition on Select, Premier and ODP soccer teams. Emily graduated with 8 varsity letters and was named PHS 2008 Female Athlete of the Year. She was a captain of the PHS Girl’s Soccer team and was the recipient of the 2007 Coach’s Award. She has applied the same level of discipline to the classroom; graduating in the top 10% of her class, and earning nominations for both Soccer and Cross Country Scholar Athlete Awards. Emily is presently attending the University of Pittsburgh majoring in Neuroscience/ Pre-med. Emily’s comments: “The Justin Sheftel Memorial Scholarship affords me the opportunity to honor Justin through hard work as I strive toward a degree in medicine. I feel honored to say that I share some of Justin’s extraordinary attributes and regret that I never had the chance to have known him.”

Kim graduated from Parkland High School with a 4.67 GPA, she was a member of the National Honor Society and Senior Co-Captain of the varsity soccer team where she was a three year varsity letter winner. She also played for Parkland United Club Soccer all through high school and was Editor-In-Chief of the yearbook. She is attending the University of Maryland and is enrolled in their honors program majoring in psychology and cell biology and genetics. Kim's thoughts: "I was awarded three scholarships, one from Weis Markets, UMD and the Justin Sheftel Memorial Scholarship. Out of these three scholarships, I feel most honored to be awarded with the Justin Sheftel scholarship because it combines two of the best things a scholarship can advocate; the advancement of an education and the commemoration of an admirable young man. This scholarship recognizes involvement in athletics, achievement in academics, and an overall amiable and generous personality. I have used these qualities as a blueprint for my life in the past and strive to continue to do so in the future."

Whether playing or watching, sports have always been a significant part of Bridget’s life. During her high school career, she was a two-year varsity letter winner in both volleyball and track and field. In track, Bridget competed in both the long and the triple jump. Throughout the winter and spring she was a member of Crosscourt Volleyball Club. Her dedication to volleyball paid off when she was named co-captain of Parkland’s varsity volleyball team her senior year. Bridget graduated Parkland in the top ten percent of her class with a 4.3 GPA. In addition to sports, she was an active member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, and Key Club, as well as the coordinator of the New Student Program her junior year. Bridget is currently attending the University of Delaware where she is pursuing a career in nursing. Bridget’s comments: I am honored to receive the Justin Sheftel Memorial Scholarship. I have always tried to personify the essential characteristics of a sports player: passion, dedication, and teamwork. Even if a player is not the most talented athlete on the team, he or she can be a huge asset. Despite competition for positions, playing fair, cheering on the team, and mentoring younger players both on and off the court is essential. It is great to play the game, but it is even greater to contribute to the team. I believe Justin demonstrated these attributes to the fullest and I am privileged to be selected for this award in his honor.

It was a true honor to be chosen as the recipient of the Justin Sheftel Memorial Scholarship. To be selected for any scholarship is an accomplishment, but to be selected for a scholarship that represents a fellow Parkland student’s memory means so much more to me. I will continue to strive for success inside and outside of the classroom as well as pursue my love for sports in honor of Justin’s memory.

While growing up, several family moves spread Nick's educational experience across five different school districts. Besides creating long-lasting friendships in several areas of the country, Nick was able to leverage his geographically-diverse scholastic experience when he entered Parkland High School as a freshman in 2002. While at Parkland, Nick was a diligent and focused student, especially interested in the sciences. His hard work paid off, Nick graduated from Parkland in 2006 with a 4.3 GPA and in the top 10% of his class. Based on his academic achievement, Nick was awarded membership into the National Honor Society and Spanish National Honor Society. Additionally Nick earned 16 college credits achieved by Advanced Placement Testing. But Nick's biggest honor in graduating from Parkland was receiving the Justin Sheftel Memorial Scholarship. Of all the scholarship opportunities available through Parkland, this award was the most meaningful to Nick because of his respect for Justin as a student, an athlete and a friend. Outside of academics, Nick's passion is for baseball. In addition to being a pitcher for Parkland's J.V. and Varsity baseball teams, Nick also played in the area's summer leagues for South Parkland and West End. Nick is currently attending the University of Pittsburgh where he is pursuing studies in biological/medical research in Pitt's Honors College Program. In Nick's first semester at Pitt, he was proud to make the University's "club squad" baseball team, not just for himself but also in recognition of Justin's talent and love for the game as well.