Ira C. Miller, Esq. presented a $500 check to Steinert High School senior Heather Heenehan, this year’s winner of the Pellettieri Rabstein & Altman S.K.O.R. Buddy Scholarship, in recognition of her 6 year commitment to the Hamilton Area YMCA’s “Special Kids Organized Recreation” (S.K.O.R.) program. The New Jersey law firm created the award as part of the lawyers’ commitment to encouraging, and rewarding, citizenship among youth in the community.
“S.K.O.R. provides individuals with disabilities, aged 5 to 21, year-round organized sports leagues and summer camp programs,” explains attorney Thomas R. Smith, Esq., one of the founders of the S.K.O.R. program and current Board Chair of the Hamilton Area YMCA, as well as a partner in the New Jersey law firm of Pellettieri Rabstein & Altman. “Since the beginning, Heather has been a S.K.O.R. Buddy in basketball, softball, soccer and summer camp.”
Kathy Rhead, S.K.O.R. Director, also a Hamilton, New Jersey resident and present for the award, commended Ms. Heenehan’s dedication and caring. “We can always count on Heather,” Rhead explained. “The kids know she will be there week after week, year after year. They know her face. She’s consistent. She connects with them. She sees the kid, not the disability. And that’s exceptional.”
Heather Heenehan, an honors student and varsity athlete, has reportedly earned several scholarships and plans to attend the University of Connecticut in the Fall. “Our whole family is involved with the Y”, says Ms. Heenehan, referring to the Hamilton Area YMCA. “I enjoy the kids most of all.” Ms. Heenehan currently attends Steinert High Schoo
“As litigation lawyers, we know that life rewards action … and thriving democracies require citizens willing to stand up for themselves and to stand up for others,” declared attorney Ira C. Miller, a managing partner at the New Jersey law firm, in presenting Ms. Heenehan with the award. “So we honor the citizens of tomorrow who get involved in such a meaningful way, hoping that it becomes a way of life for them and they become a role model to others”.
“There are a lot of good kids out there doing good things,” added James Fell, Executive Director of the Hamilton Area YMCA, “We tend to hear too much these days about the kids in trouble. Most kids will do right when given real opportunities, a healthy environment and resounding community recognition.”
For further information about the Hamilton Area YMCA S.K.O.R. Program, contact Kathy Rhead or James Fell at the YMCA at 609-581-9622 or visit www.hamiltonymca.org.
Founded locally in 1929, the New Jersey law firm of Pellettieri Rabstein & Altman represents clients in accident & injury, family & individual, and business & employment litigation. The attorneys currently meet with clients at offices in Princeton, Mount Holly and Nutley NJ. For further information visit online at www.pralaw.com or call Thomas Smith at 609-520-0900.
