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2024 FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS SCHOLARSHIP WINNER ANNOUNCED!

6/12/24 - Earlier tonight on behalf of his daughters Tori and Cindy Trause, the Trause Trust had the honor to present the Vito Trause 2024 Friday Night Lights Scholarship to graduating senior, Joe Klein.

Joe's essay perfectly captured the indelible mark Vito left on our community and how he was able to capture your attention and make you feel seen and heard no matter how old you were.  Joe shared an example of that with his story of how he got to hang out with Vito who kept him very entertained at his dad's softball game with his big personality, resemblance to Yogi Beara, and endless stories. Not lost on Joe was the magnitude of losing Vito when he passed to our community. Winning the state championship this year also reminded us all of Vito "knowing he was cheering from up above".

Joe will be attending SUNY Cortland University in the fall where he plans on continuing his football career. We wish him, the rest of our applicants, and the entire Westwood HS Class of 2024 the best of luck moving forward in the next chapter of their lives. 
SIGN THE PETITION -Cardinal fans - we need an outpouring of support to show the Board of Education our community wants this! We put in the request over three years ago to name our stadium (bleachers) after our #1 fan Vito Trause. 

Please please please consider signing the petition to really let them know this is what our community wants. Please sign the petition put together by local Eagle Scout James Stickel (click here) and SHARE IT with your family and friends!

#NeverForget???? #CardinalForever???? #NoOneBetter?? #SignThePetitionNow??

 

FUND MISSION

To honor the extraordinary life of everyone’s Pal, Vito Trause, by funding charity causes, organizations, and community endeavors he held dear to his heart.
 

ABOUT 
 

Vito Trause -- standout multi-sport athlete, devoted husband and father, WWII POW & decorated veteran, mentor, lifelong supporter of military service members, Township of Washington, N.J. community icon, Westwood High School Cardinals #1 Fan -- died peacefully on October 31, 2019, he was 94 years old 
 

LEARN MORE ABOUT VITO TRAUSE 
 


VITO TRAUSE IN THE NEWS
 



 
LAWN SIGNS 

SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS MOTHER SETON COUNCIL
#5427 OF THE TWP. OF WASHINGTON
Click here for press release


PAST EVENTS
The WWRSD Board of Education is planning a public hearing on Monday, June 21st, 2020 on the application to name the high school stadium in honor of Vito Trause. A super-majority of the Board will be required to approve the application (6/9 votes in favor).
PLEASE LEND YOUR SUPPORT TO THIS EFFORT!