Pascal’s Way scholarship available to graduating seniors

Pascal Weisberger’s short but impactful life was defined by kindness and a passion to help protect the environment and animals.

A college scholarship called Pascal’s Way was created to honor his legacy by providing support to youth with a similar philosophy of community service, compassion for others and a commitment to improving the world, as Pascal sought to do. A 5K run/walk on Saturday, May 11, will raise funds for the scholarship program.

Weisberger died in May 2020 from knife wounds in a family incident in Islamorada that involved a subsequent, multi-hour manhunt for the suspect, his older brother, Daniel.

The Pascal’s Way Scholarship was created by his father, Ari Poholek, and is awarded to graduating high school seniors who have committed to a two- or four-year college program. Weisberger would have graduated with the current graduating class at Coral Shores High School.

Scholarship applicants must have a minimum high school GPA of 3.0 and a minimum amount of community service hours required for graduation, but preference will be given to applicants with the greatest number of hours assisting at least two or more community-based organizations and/or events.

Applicants must be enrolled in a Monroe County high school, or have previously been, and not yet matriculated to a college institution. Poholek can be reached at apoholek@gmail.com or 305-879-2118.

Along with the application, students are asked to submit a résumé highlighting leadership/service experience, educational background and work experience; three references, including at least two who can speak to recent community service; and an approximately 500-word essay about how community service experiences shaped the applicant and how the applicant anticipates helping others and the environment in the future.

In his early life, Weisberger had difficulty communicating and socializing with peers, and in preschool was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, said Poholek.

“With strong support from his caring family, teachers and specialized services, over time Pascal overcame his issues to become an outgoing young man with a close group of wonderful friends, and many amazing achievements in a variety of areas,” his father said.

To raise funds for the scholarship, the third annual Pascal’s Way 5K Run/Walk is set for 8 a.m. Saturday, May 11, at the Treasure Village Montessori campus in Islamorada. All are invited to participate. Virtual run/walk participants can participate whenever and wherever is convenient until the end of May, Poholek said.

Any additional funds will go to support the science programs of Treasure Village Montessori in Islamorada and Ocean Studies Charter School in Key Largo.

“In his nine years living in the Upper Keys, Pascal attended both of these schools and they each added to his life and helped him become the special young man that he was known to be,” Poholek said.

In lieu of a formal registration fee, run/walk organizers ask participants to make a donation at the registration site, https://runsignup.com/Race/Info/FL/Islamorada/PascalsWay5K, in the suggested amount of $30 to $40.

“We encourage your participation even if you can afford a smaller amount. Amounts above the suggested donation are also welcome and encouraged, as well as from folks who don’t plan to run or walk, but would like to support CSHS Class of 2024 graduating seniors and the science programs of local schools,” according to Poholek.

Pascal’s Way is about being a good human, and Pascal’s example in his 14 years of life has moved the community in the Keys to set aside a day of good will and community service in his honor. The annual Pascal Weisberger Day of Service is Feb. 2, which was his birthday.

“I hope that spirit shines and enriches the experience for everyone who participates in this annual 5K run/walk, an activity that played a significant role in Pascal’s life and development,” Poholek said.