West Orange Student Receives Sharing Network Foundation Scholarship

NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ – The Sharing Network Foundation an organization that raises awareness of organ and tissue donation and transplantation, recently awarded scholarships to seven New Jersey high school students. Lavarra (LJ) Hines, a West Orange resident and recent Newark Academy graduate, received one of the scholarships.

According to the foundation, “Scholarships are awarded by the Sharing Network Foundation for their passion and dedication to raising awareness of organ and tissue donation and transplantation. The 2024 graduates were presented with their scholarship awards at NJ Sharing Network’s headquarters in New Providence.” The Sharing Network Foundation’s scholarships are funded by the organization’s family and partner funds.

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Hines received the Jim Rhatican Scholarship Fund. Sharing Network Communications Manager Gary Mignone explained why Hines was chosen. “LJ’s advocacy for organ and tissue donation is inspired by his godfather, Dr. Randall Giles, a trauma surgeon and organ donor who saved multiple lives.” He continued, “Since age nine, LJ has volunteered at NJ Sharing Network’s 5K Celebration of Life, starting at the t-shirt giveaway tent and later as a photographer. These experiences taught him the importance of community service and the critical need for organ and tissue donors, particularly within the African American community.”

Mignone mentioned that Hines has actively spread awareness by distributing educational materials at various events and using his 5K race shirts as conversation starters. Hines also organized a presentation in his school’s driver’s education class to teach students about organ and tissue donation. Mignone stated that Hines’ efforts have inspired many of his peers to register as donors.

Hines shared that Giles, his “Uncle Randy,” passed away due to a brain aneurysm. “He was an organ donor and gave the gift of life to five people with his organs, while more than 50 others received his bone and tissue,” said Hines. After Giles’ death, Hines’ family and friends gathered to honor his life and spread the word about the importance of organ and tissue donation with a 5K for the New Jersey Sharing Network.

Mignone reported, “The Sharing Network scholarship program provides an opportunity to recognize and award graduating high school seniors whose lives have been touched by organ and tissue donation and transplantation. Applicants were measured on academic achievement, community and volunteer efforts, extracurricular activities and advocacy for organ and tissue donation.” The scholarship program began in 2011, and more than $130,000 has been awarded to 65 dedicated student advocates.

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“We are grateful for the generous support of our partner funds and their ongoing commitment to rewarding students who share a commitment to our lifesaving mission,” said Amanda Tibok, Executive Director, Sharing Network Foundation. “We know that all of our scholarship awardees will continue as strong leaders educating others about donation and transplantation throughout their college years and beyond.”

Hines will be attending College of the Holy Cross this fall and majoring in engineering. He plans to run track and field there as well. He enjoys being with friends and family, eating, playing video games and working out. Hines also describes himself as “really competitive and outgoing.”

He wants to tell TAPinto readers, “It’s very important to register as an organ donor and to spread the word on organ and tissue donation and health. Because of organ donations, one person can save several lives, like my Uncle Randy did.”

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