The Joseph Lillo Memorial Scholarship was developed in loving memory of Joseph Lillo, a baby who lost his battle with Spinal Muscular atrophy in 2007.  Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a motor neuron disease. The motor neurons control the voluntary muscles that are used for activities such as crawling, walking, head and neck control, and swallowing. The loss of motor neurons results in muscle weakness and atrophy. SMA is a relatively common "rare disorder"; approximately 1 in 6000 babies born are affected, and about 1 in 40 people are genetic carriers.

 

The Joseph Lillo Spinal Muscular Atrophy Foundation for Children is committed to raising awareness, as well as resources for research and medical equipment for affected families.  This scholarship has been developed to support the education of high school seniors who are committed to improving the lives of children, as well as adults, through entry into medical or health related professions.

 

What is the Eligibility Criteria?

The award recipient for the Joseph Lillo memorial Scholarship will:

1.      Be a Bayonne resident in their Senior year of high school

2.      Have a GPA of 3.0 or higher

3.      Plan on attending a full time accredited institution of higher education

4.      Plan on pursuing a degree in the medical or health related fields

  

 

What is the Application Process? 
 

All required information and completed applications must be submitted to the scholarship committee no later than February 1st.  Applications will not be accepted after the deadline.

 

The following information should be provided:

·         One original and one copy of the completed application,

·         Three letters of recommendation (one high school teacher, one high school   administrator, one community member)

·         One original and one copy of the essay

·         Official high school transcripts, sealed

How is the Scholarship Awarded?

 

All applications are distributed on October 1st.  Once applications are received, the Joseph Lillo Memorial Scholarship Committee will review packets for their completeness.  Any applications that do not include the application form, letters of recommendation and essay will not be considered for the scholarship.  All completed packets will be reviewed by the Joseph Lillo Memorial Scholarship Committee.  The recipient of the award will be announced in May of the following year. A formal letter will be sent to the recipient and an invitation to the awards luncheon will be included. The recipient and two guests will be invited to attend the luncheon and will be awarded the $2,500 scholarship.   The recipient of the award will also be interviewed by the committee to gather information for a write up to appear in the Bayonne Community Newspaper and Lillo’s Lullaby website.

 

Click here for the Scholarship Application - Due February 1st, 2012