<div>JULIE BERNTSEN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP OF DREAMS '25
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<div>Dear Friends, Family, and Supporters,
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<div>My name is Tyler Berntsen. During my freshman year at West Morris Central High School, my mother passed away after a courageous battle with breast cancer. She was a woman of strong values—always emphasizing the importance of giving back and helping those in need.
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<div>After graduating from college, I found myself in a position to honor those values. I reflected on the incredible support my family and I received from our community during the most difficult time in our lives. Friends, neighbors, coaches, teachers, teammates, and fellow students all stepped in to ease the pain, and I’ve never forgotten their kindness. I know I was not the first, and I won’t be the last student at WMC to experience such profound loss.
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<div>West Morris Central hosts a Senior Scholarship Night for graduating seniors. I still remember the impact of receiving two scholarships during my own senior year—it was a powerful reminder of how deeply this community cares. Inspired by that generosity, I reached out to Joey Wagner at WMC with an idea: to create a scholarship in memory of my mother, to support students who have also endured the heartbreaking loss of a parent.
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<div>Since 2015, the scholarship is designed to support students who have experienced the loss of a parent. Applicants are asked to write an essay reflecting on the lessons they learned from their parent and how those lessons continue to drive them to pursue their dreams. 
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<div>This year’s recipient is an extraordinary young woman who has maintained honor roll status all four years, worked diligently as a waitress, and has found inspiration in the memory of her late father. She is pursuing her passion for creativity and drawing, something her father encouraged her to do before his passing when she was just seven years old.
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<div>I’m reaching out to the same community that once supported me—to my friends, neighbors, teachers, coaches, and colleagues—and asking for your help. Whether you’re able to contribute financially or simply share our mission with others, your support makes a difference. I would not be where I am today without this community. I hope you’ll join me in helping these promising young people continue their journey.
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<div>Thank you for your support.
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<div>If you are unable to give, please consider sharing our story.
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<div>With gratitude,
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<div>Tyler Berntsen
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<div>Founder
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<div>The Julie Berntsen Memorial Scholarship of Dreams Inc.
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<div>(501(c)(3) nonprofit organization)
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Colleen Smith

Suzanne Hoffman

Erin Farley

Sean Morris

Anonymous

Traci Buchanan

Kevin Saum

Grace Bononno

Aram Filipiak

Michael Filipiak

Christine Murphy

Saji Philip

Sylvia Hanna

Jean Marie Smith

Jennifer Clark

2025 Julie Berntsen Memorial Scholarship of Dream

2025 Julie Berntsen Memorial Scholarship of Dream

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