Moonlight for Melinda

In Honor of Melinda Walters - 1995 - 2019

This scholarship began in 2019.

The goal is increased rather than start a new account annually.

This quote was a favorite of Melinda's and describes her approach to life:

"I am happy when I eat fresh fruit, when I burst out laughing, when I discover a new song, when I finish a good book, when I wake up and feel relaxed. I'm glad to have friends, family, a home, food when I'm hungry, hot water when I shower. I love being able to live and see the season change, to have gifts at Christmas and my birthday, to travel sometimes, to have a good education and great access to culture. I'm flattered when people compliment me, when people smile at me, when people are polite to me. There are so many things that make life so simple and easy and I will always think about them more than all the bad things that will happen to me. I do not have time to be sad every day and ungrateful, I have every reason in the world to be happy."

This scholarship account has a running goal since its beginning in 2019. The total reflects the love that has been donated and utilized since June 2020 when the first scholarship recipients were awarded. We up the goal instead of starting a new fund annually. Since 2020 you have all provided $32,500 in scholarships. (PREIT generously donated $10,000.00 of the $32,500).

Melinda Walters graduated WTHS in 2014 and Rutgers University with a degree in Nutritional Sciences in 2018. She planned to become a registered dietitian when her life was tragically cut short by a car accident at the age of 24. Melinda's legacy of "sending wishes for a better universe" extended beyond her life as an organ donor that will save or improve the lives of 74 individuals. This scholarship was created to provide a $2,500 scholarship opportunity each year, over the coming years, to TWO Senior High School students.

This scholarship is created and managed by her parents to support a student(s) who possess the qualities to carry on the life philosophy of Melinda and honor her legacy through their actions. These student(s) will demonstrate knowing the importance of eating right, exercise, being one with nature, having balance in life, being disciplined while being silly and why travel is the best education. 

These student(s) will be selected upon an application process that includes an essay answering these questions: What does living healthy mean to you? Why is travel important to an individual's growth? Why do you feel you deserve this scholarship? What extra curricular athletic/arts/or other activity did you participate in during your years in school and why? Letter of reference. The parents, family and friends of Melinda Walters make the selection of the recipients.

What happened and how we will go forward in honor of Melinda:

She was a vibrant soul with an ever-glow that surrounded you when in her presence. She left you to ponder her messages of being kind, thoughtful, appreciating the small things in life and great things in nature from a four leaf clover, a wishy of a dandelion to the views from a mountain top. She was a UNIVERSAL soul and spirit who loved nature, the humankind and the universe. She taught herself how to play the ukulele and always drew upon her creative nature. She enjoyed photography, drawing, painting and reading a good book. Melinda believed in a life of loving others without judgement, caring for those who needed caring and believed in hard work to achieve her goals.

Her goal was to become a registered dietitian. This is a very difficult path of study. Melinda met her goal and achieved her college degree through her dedication and determination from Rutgers, New Brunswick six months prior to her passing. 

Melinda was in a tragic automobile accident on a beautiful Sunday afternoon in August. She spent her last Saturday night with her best friend in NYC (a night long in the making). On Sunday she planned to take a healthy hike with her cousin, who she so loved. She loved being in nature in the great outdoors. On Monday, she was to start her new job on her path to the Dietitian field. Instead she was involved in an auto mobile accident in her Honda accord she loving named Kermit. The first responders were quick and caring, she was helicoptered to the Cooper Hospital Trauma Unit to never be outside again.

Melinda’s brain damage was devastatingly significant and well beyond most brain injuries. Multiple neurological consultations, including one provided by a leading neurologist in the country were completed. There was nothing that could be done. It was Melinda’s decision to be an organ and tissue donor in case this horrible day ever occurred. We knew her wishes. It helped us make decisions for her care with confidence. A note to all of you, have these tough conversations with your loved ones as we did and I pray you never have to act upon them. Beyond having the gift of Melinda in our lives, we were blessed with the time to say goodbye. Something many of us are not given. Over those painful and yet peaceful 11 days, we held her warm hand, kissed her forehead and relished every second by her side.

After 11 difficult days in the trauma unit, she succumb to her fatal brain injuries. With her passing she donated her organs and helped the lives of 74 individuals she will never know but will now know her through her gift of life. We hope too, that she inspires others to donate organs to help others achieve a better life or simply to live.

Melinda was amazing!  ❤️ We do not look forward to the many days ahead missing her but we do look forward to the many days we will honor her life...❤️.

We are grateful as we continue to receive so much support and love from our friends and family to support us through the loss of our daughter, Melinda Walters, at the young and healthy age of 24 .

We, Melinda's family... want to thank you ALL for your heartfelt support.

Lisa and Rob, Melinda's parents