SCHOLARSHIP

  SCHOLARSHIP  
2023 FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS SCHOLARSHIP


The open submission period for the Friday Night Lights Scholarship is now OPEN for this year (2023). This scholarship is directly in line with the Fund’s mission; to honor the extraordinary life of everyone’s pal, Vito Trause and celebrates one of his most cherished activities, attending Friday Night Lights at Westwood Regional, which showcases all that is good in our extended high school community.

The Friday Night Lights Scholarship, given by The Vito Trause Memorial Charitable Fund, is a $1000.00 scholarship award presented to a Westwood Regional High School senior enrolling in a two/four year college, accredited trade school, or branch of the military.

Candidates for consideration must have a minimum two-year participation commitment in the Friday Night Lights experience at Westwood Regional High School as a member of the Cardinals football team, cheer squad, marching band, color guard, or as a student-athlete that has supported Friday Night Lights with the Crazies
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The submission criteria for consideration of this award is a 350-500 word, double spaced, 12pt font essay in response to the following question:  Through knowing Vito Trause personally - or via research - how will his legendary life impact your future?

Biographic information on Vito Trause can be found on the home page. Essay submissions should be sent to Mrs. Debrody

2022 FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS SCHOLARSHIP WINNER ANNOUNCED!

6.8.22- On behalf of his daughters Tori and Cindy Trause, Trause Trust Chairperson Rich Poggi had the honor to present the 2022 Friday Night Lights Scholarship in the name of our Pal to graduating Senior, James Stickel a worthy recipient (as you will hear in the video - click here) and a wonderful young man who will continue to do great things as he heads off to college.

Congratulations and good luck to James and to all the entrants who applied for this year’s scholarship and were touched forever, as we all were, by Vito. ???? Click here to read James' essay.
2021 VITO TRAUSE FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS SCHOLARSHIP  WINNERS!

We were honored to present along with Cindy Trause the 2021 Friday Night Lights Scholarship in Vito’s name to two worthy recipients who not only exemplify student athleticism and community in our district but were also beloved favorites of Vito as he rooted for them from the stands. This was the first year (in almost 60) that Vito didn’t attend a game at WWRHS but these two graduating Seniors - like their peers - were fortunate to have known him and had him there for a significant portion of their high school careers. Congratulations to Meghan Riedel and Ian Borgersen! ????


 
LUKE REKUCKI AWARDED FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS SCHOLARSHIP 2020

The Vito Trause Memorial Charitable Fund is pleased to announce Westwood Regional High School senior, Luke Rekucki, has been named the first recipient of the Friday Night Lights Scholarship.  The official award was made via video during a virtual presentation posted to YouTube by the school’s faculty and administration.   

The scholarship is directly in line with the Fund’s mission; to honor the extraordinary life of everyone’s pal, Vito Trause and celebrates one of his most cherished activities, attending Friday Night Lights at Westwood Regional, which showcases all that is good in our extended high school community. 

“Thanks to the many students who took the time to submit essays describing how Vito’s legendary life will impact their futures,” said Heather Henry, Scholarship Chair.  “They are all winners who were obviously deeply affected and inspired by Vito - as we all were and continue to be.  Luke’s essay just touched us a little more and was the unanimous choice by our board.”

Rekucki who will be attending Lehigh in pursuit of an integrated business and engineering degree this Fall summed up news of the award by saying, “I appreciate this so much, especially since it's associated with Mr. Trause who I was lucky to get to know my senior year before his passing.”