Joseph DeJames Memorial Scholarship Fund

-From race directors Dave and Vivian

The Joseph DeJames Memorial Scholarship Fund honors the memory of a man who dedicated his life to ensuring that kids who had become ensnared in the juvenile justice system would not be mistreated, simply because they were accused of breaking the law. Often battling those who turned a blind eye to these kids or, worse yet, advocated harsh treatment for them, Joe worked tirelessly to ensure that juvenile detention centers provided safe, clean, and decent living conditions and that the kids housed there would receive a thorough and effective educational and social service program.

Through Joe's efforts, New Jersey's system of juvenile detention centers was significantly improved - many have been cited as national models. Indeed, Joe's expertise earned him a national reputation, and other states called on him to help them improve their juvenile justice systems. Joe was widely respected for his knowledge about how to build facilities and programs that reduced the risks of suicide among juveniles.

To honor Joe's memory, and to continue his life-long efforts to help troubled and troubling youngsters, a scholarship fund has been established in Joe's name. This fund will be used to support the post-secondary educational expenses of a yongster who has been involved in New Jersey's juvenile justice system, and who is now putting his or her life back together and getting on the right track. The scholarhsip will be used to defray the costs of tutition and books for a program of study at any accredited post-secondary educational program - college, university, or trade school - for a juvenile who has been housed in a New Jersey detention center or training school.

In the Spring of 1998, detention center directors and training school superintendents will be asked to submit nominations for scholarship recipients. At least one scholarship recipient will be selected by a panel of five of Joe's friends and colleagues. All contributions to the Joseph DeJames Memorial Scholarship Fund are tax deductible.

The 1997 Joe DeJames Legacy Lives %K Run had a total of 105 entries and raised over $3,000 for the scholarship fund. Thank you all for coming and for your generous donations.

Editor's Note: Vivian and Dave are to be commended for organizing this incredible event. From the pre-race preparations to the race itself and the post-race activities, they organized one of the finest events I have ever attended.

March 1998 Newsletter Articles

RVRR Web Site Navigation:

Starting Line | Vital Stats | Club Runs | Races | Teams | Membership Info | Sponsors | Newsletters | Links