HOW WE SPREAD LOVE
Shine Brighter makes an impact in the lives of individuals and communities on a small far reaching scale. We provide resources and assistance to those in need and bring joy to unexpected recipients.
We thrive on the positive energy of those we care about and those we have not met yet. Shine Brighter curates volunteer events which emphasize the importance of teamwork, inclusion, and coming together for a common cause.
Our resources are applied to the giving of gifts and financial assistance promoting the “paying it forward” mindset. We continue to encourage others to “shine bright” in their homes and communities by creating random acts of kindness. Share your story on facebook or instagram using #shinelikecourt.
Courtney lived a life of loving service and touched the lives of so many. Shine Brighter continues to support people with disabilities, animals, the environment, and many more philanthropic interests.
Shine Brighter understands the importance of continued education and provides opportunities for those in need. Currently the Shine Brighter Scholarship, honoring Courtney, financially assists individuals who have shown kindness and service to others and are pursuing higher education.
Hello! My name is Kyle Kirshen and I will be attending Northeastern University and majoring in Chemistry on a pre-med track program. My hobbies include swimming, ultimate frisbee and writing. I can not thank you enough for being chosen. I also have made sure to spread love and give out hearts we purchased as a small way to show my appreciation.
Shine Brighter Scholarship Recipients
Victoria Johnson is currently a student at the University of Rhode Island majoring in Nursing and Spanish with a minor in Leadership studies. She is the Assistant Vice President of Philanthropy Services for the Sigma Kappa Sorority and was accepted as a Campus Tour Guide.
My name is Emily and I am originally from Wolcott Connecticut. I graduated from UConn with a major in Allied Health and Science, and decided that I wanted to pursue my education further and obtain my BSN to become a registered nurse at Utica College. I have spent the past two summers as a health center staff at Camp Horizons which has quickly become my favorite place and my second home. I also work with them as a residential support coach, a job which I love! When I’m not working or in school I love hiking, kayaking, watching musicals with my friends and cooking. I am so thankful to receive this special scholarship, and excited to spread kindness and the pillars of this organization as a nurse!
My name is Amina and I am honored to be receiving the Shine Brighter Scholarship which celebrates the life of Courtney Wilczewski. I am currently a senior in high school and will be attending Dartmouth College this fall. I plan to study both history and genetics. I also hope to spend time conducting research and learning through experiences and interactions. As for future career plans, I want to help children by starting a non-profit that provides educational and medical services both in America and overseas. At my high school, I run a community service organization called Key Club which serves to help locals in need. I am also the senior class president and a member of National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, and Glamour Gals, a makeover service for senior in retirement homes. I also spend time volunteering at my local hospital and as a Sunday school teacher at my mosque. In my spare time I enjoy reading, baking chocolate chip cookies, and spending time with my family! Some of my favorites things include pizza,the color blue, and binge watching Grey’s Anatomy. Again I want to thank Wilczewski family for their generosity and I wish to continue spreading kindness and love, just as Courtney did.
My name is Cameron and I am a senior at New Providence High School. I plan on studying psychology at Rowan University in the fall. One of my favorite service projects as my Eagle Project, where I built and painted bookshelves, as well as collected almost 5,000 children’s books for inner-city reading rooms. I plan on continuing to give back to the community in college and beyond.
Amanda is a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area native where she attends Hampton High School. During high school, Amanda was a four year varsity soccer player, three year varsity track and field participant, and member of the only fully integrated sport of bocci. She was also active as the Founder and President of Best Buddies International, Hampton Chapter; Creative Chairperson Hampton H.S. Mini-thon; member of the National Honor Society, English Festival, and FBLA. In her spare time, Amanda volunteers in the Child Life unit of Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, is a junior member of the Allegheny Health Institute Food Insecurity Board, is a SciAccess Student Conference Committee Member, and serves as a Catechist at her Church. Amanda will be graduating this spring and plans to attend either Case Western Reserve University or the University of Richmond where she will major in Public Health, Economics, and Biochemistry in preparation for a career in medicine.
My name is Marissa and I am very thankful and honored to have received this scholarship. I am graduating high school to continue my education at Stonehill College, where I will be majoring in health sciences In the future I hope to become a Physician’s Assistant. In high school I volunteer often at Bridgeworks where I work with students with special needs on different projects that are sold around the school. I am one of the leaders of the Art Club, a part of NHS, and I run cross county indoor and outdoor track. I’ve also volunteered at Hospital for Special Care, Bailey’s Garden and other organizations. In my free time I enjoy playing soccer, drawing/painting, hanging with friends and family an going to the beach. Once again, I am very thankful to have received this scholarship and can’t wait to continue spreading kindness.
My name is Alana and I am so incredibly grateful to have been awarded a Shine Brighter Foundation Scholarship. I am a senior at New Providence High School, and have been accepted to Haverford College to study biochemistry. I am a member of the Waksman Student Scholars Program where I study duckweed and its potential for biofuel and ecosystem remediation. As the President of the Peer Leadership Club, I enjoy organizing events aimed to create an inclusive and motivational environment for freshman as they adjust to the high school experience. As a member of the Future Civic Leaders Club, I partake in a variety of service initiatives to help underprivileged and disadvantaged families. I am a four year Varsity soccer player and two-time captain, as well as a three year varsity swimmer. In addition to participating in school activities, I am heavily involved in volunteering as a soccer and swim mentor for special needs children at the Boys and Girls Club of Newark, TryCAN, and the Connection. I also volunteer at Children's Specialized Hospital, where I distribute a variety of supplies throughout the hospital's various waiting rooms. In my free time I love to play soccer, read, play with my cat Emerald, and try new and fun foods with friends. I am extremely honored to have been awarded this scholarship by the Wilczewski family, and hope to continue to embody Courtney's many beautiful qualities in her memory.
The Shine Brighter Foundation continues to award scholarships to individuals who embody the characteristics and spirit of Courtney. We have awarded 19 scholarships in honor of Courtney and look forward to adding more scholarships each year.