Scholarships Awarded in Memory of Not-Forgotten Basking Ridge Student

Bryan’s Dream Foundation, a Basking Ridge-based public charity, has announced the two winners of its 2013 scholarship contest, Sherry Kuo and Matthew Wilson, two Ridge Hiigh school seniors who graduated in June.

The two winners were chosen on the basis of their academic record and their commitment to community service, according to information from the Bryan's Dream Foundation.

The scholarship, funded by a donation from Basking Ridge residents Nancy and Tim Opremcak, is in memory of their son, Bryan T. Opremcak, who passed away in 2006 of a brain tumor, at the age of 12, while a middle school student in the township.

The scholarship is designed to honor the spirit and determination of Bryan, while he fought this deadly disease, the announcement said. “Bryan would have been proud of the two individuals who receive this year’s scholarship,” said Tim Opremcak, Bryan’s Dad.

The scholarship recipients were selected from a pool of worthy contenders, the announcement said. Each will receive $1,000 towards their college expenses.

Selection criteria for the annual scholarship emphasized strong grades and community service. Providing this scholarship to deserving Ridge students will raise brain tumor awareness and reward those who “pay it forward” and give back to the community, according to information from the foundation. 

Two scholarships of $1,000 each are awarded to a boy and a girl. 

Bryan, an avid lacrosse player who forged many lasting friendships among his classmates, also is remembered each year at the BTO Lacrosse Classic, a fundraiser and get-together for lacrosse players from through the area.

"The purpose of the foundation is to fulfill Bryan's dream to provide hope and support to children with brain tumors and their families and to ensure that no child's life is ended prematurely," the foundation says on its website.