2017 Scholarship Recipients

On May 10, 2017, we awarded our first set of scholarships in memory of Griffin. It was a very difficult and arduous process, but somewhat therapeutic as well, knowing that we were making something positive out of our tragedy of losing Griffin.   We had many outstanding applicants, and after much deliberation and discussion, narrowed our choices down to a final eight. We interviewed each of the 8 finalists, and chose Caroline Jones and Justin Blackford as our first recipients of the Griffin Moody scholarship.  Part of our criteria in the end was whether or not we think Griffin would have been friends with the finalists.  We think Griffin would be very pleased with our selection of Caroline and Justin.

Caroline Jones

Caroline was a member of the National Honor Society at Nease, as well as part of the Link Crew, a member of the Pink Club, the Junior Ladies Club, the Acts of Random Kindness Club, a Nease HS football manager, and a four-year member of the Nease Tennis Team.  She participated in the IB program is is proficient in piano, guitar, and the ukulele.  She volunteered hundreds of hours during her high school career, helping with tutoring programs, Vacation Bible Schools, SOUPer Bowl, and other activities.

Constance will be attending the Vanderbilt University in the fall, where she will be studying pre-med, and ultimately hopes to participate in research and find a cure for ALS.

Justin Blackford

Marc was a member of the National Honor Society, the Math and English Honor Societies, the Junior Gentlemen Club and Senior Men Club.  Justin was an accomplished member of the Nease JROTC program, where he rose in rank from Community Service Commanding Officer to Awards and Promotions Commanding Officer, eventually becoming the Charlie Company Commanding Officer.  Justin was picked to participate in the Area Twelve NJROTC Leadership Academy.  He was also a member of the NHS Track team.  During his high school career, Justin maintained part time jobs working from 12 to 30 hours per week.   Justin also accumulated many hundreds of community service hours via NJROTC and Honor Society volunteer activities.

Justin will be attending the University of Florida in the fall, and hopes to complete a degree in Finance and perhaps continue with ROTC