Justin Sheftel was killed in 2005, shortly after graduating from Parkland High School. He was in Ocean City, MD celebrating senior week when he was struck by a car. It was confirmed the driver was speeding and DUI at the time of the accident. He was sentenced and has served time in jail and will be responsible for 40 hours a year for three years of community service. This community service will be focused on talking to High Schools about the dangers of drinking and driving and making destructive decisions. Linda Sheftel will also be participating with him during these talks. In the spring of 2007 they spoke to over 20 High Schools, and parent organizations.  

In 2008 Cindy and Linda completed approximately 15 speeches, Ben did not participate, he was back in jail serving time for a second DUI, the pain and outcome of his decision in 2005 still has an impact today. Ben is out of jail and will be actively involved in the speeches starting in October of 2008 and for the spring of 2009.    If you would like to hear how drinking and driving has impacted these two familes, friends and communities or to find our more about the speeches, go to the home page and click on Speeches.

To let you know a little about Justin, he was a very bright energetic young man with an unlimited potential in his future. He had worked hard all through school, attaining not only high grades but also exceptional SAT scores. He had a tremendous diversity of friends and was an avid baseball fan. His smile could light up a room. He was on the verge of his independence and was looking forward to going to college to pursue his dreams.

Some words written from his teachers and friends,

“I am in a business where I am supposed to touch lives and be positive with kids. Justin touched my life!” "We have felt so blessed that we knew Justin for as long as we did. Justin brought so much joy and laughter into our lives; our senior year would have been so dull without him.”

 “Justin is gone, our family is devastated, the young driver will be haunted for the rest of his life and I will continue to miss and grieve over the loss of a terrific young man; all so unnecessary.”

“He had the ability to make everyone around him comfortable and upbeat, second his work ethic was second to none. It almost goes without saying that his quick, dry wit was also very special.”

“The great relationship between Justin and me was stronger than friends, I feel like a part of myself is lost. His interests, passions, hobbies, humor and love will always be remembered, which is something no one can take away”.

“The last of many traits that I’m going to name in which Justin carried with him was his kindness and generosity. We are all here this morning because Justin had an impact on all of us. All his qualities added together to create a great guy, a loved family member, but to me most importantly an extravagant best friend. Thank you Shef for everything you could have ever done.”

The loss of Justin has had major impact on a number of lives, not just his family’s. He was well loved, respected and valued. He is greatly mourned and missed.

 In an effort to honor Justin and to keep his memory alive a Memorial Fund was established. In 2006 we awarded two seniors a $2,500 scholarship and another $500/year if they maintain a 3.0 GPA. The fund donated to the Colitis and Crohn’s Research, and to the Lehigh Valley Miracle League (see links).  In 2007 we awarded two $5,000 scholarships, and donated to the Miracle League.  In 2008 we continued our support of the Miracle League, and awarded two $7,500 scholarships.  To maintain the fund we have a Softball Tournament every year.

 In 2009 it will be the fifth annual Softball Tournament.  Every year we have grown, this year there will no more than 20 teams, we want to increase the community support and involvment without forgetting what the tournament represents.  Please come and participate in a great day that honors Justin, and his friends that started this tournament just three weeks after he died.  They are all heroes.