NEW JERSEY — Two Ocean County high school seniors have been awarded scholarships from the NJ Sharing Network Foundation for their dedication to promoting organ and tissue donation, each driven by personal life experiences.
Reilly Hoagland of Toms River High School East was recognized for his commitment to raising awareness about organ donation while managing his own lifelong health challenges. Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at age four, Hoagland has relied on a strict treatment regimen and regular physical activity — including years of playing ice hockey — to maintain his lung function. A registered organ donor, he shares his story through social media, school writing projects, and community events to inspire others to consider becoming donors. He plans to continue his advocacy as he attends The University of Alabama this fall.
Thomas Olski of Brick Township High School was also awarded a scholarship for his efforts in organ donation awareness, motivated by his father’s sudden diagnosis of kidney failure in 2020. Throughout his father’s treatment and eventual kidney transplant from a living donor — Olski’s aunt — he stepped up to support his family while maintaining academic success. The experience inspired him to advocate for donor registration and education. Olski will attend Rutgers University – New Brunswick, where he plans to continue his advocacy and pursue a career in disability law.
Both students were honored during a ceremony at NJ Sharing Network’s headquarters in New Providence as part of the Foundation’s annual scholarship program, which celebrates graduating seniors who have demonstrated a strong commitment to the mission of saving and enhancing lives through organ and tissue donation.
