Jonathan Page’s life ended suddenly and tragically but his family hopes his legacy will live on by making education more affordable for local students.
The Jonathan Page Memorial Scholarship, created in 2011, honors Merchantville native Jonathan Page, who passed away at the age of 32 alongside his wife in a California car accident in 2010.
This year’s recipient is Eric Franklin of Mt. Laurel who will attend the University of Rochester in the fall and hopes to either design his own major in astrobiology or pursue a degree in biochemistry.
“I am pursuing a job in the sciences, hopefully as a researcher with NASA or a research university,” Franklin said. “This scholarship will help ease the burden of the expensive education that a prestigious school like Rochester provides. It means a lot to me that the teachers who chose me to receive the scholarship consider me of similar caliber to the great mind and person that Jonathan was.”
The scholarship was created to honor Page’s love of science, a field in which he thrived far beyond high school. After graduating from Bishop Eustace in 1996, Page went on to earn a degree in physics from Cornell University in 2000 and established a strong background in engineering research. He worked as an engineer for Communications & Power Industries, Inc. in Palo Alto, Calif., developing anti-missile systems for the Navy.
“Despite the tragedy of his death, I can play a role in keeping his memory and his legacy alive through our shared passion for science. I was surprised and especially flattered when I received the scholarship because usually the honor goes to one of the students in AP Physics,” Franklin said. “It just further complimented me that my teachers saw the connection between who Jonathan was and who I am despite my not taking AP Physics.”
Franklin expressed being most excited at being able to continue his education at the next level with the help of the scholarship.
“What I’m most excited about for college is the increased freedom, to take control of myself, my life, what I want to study and what I want to do. The opportunities in college are endless, and I regret that I only have four years to explore,” Franklin said.
To raise money to fund the scholarship, members of the Page family will hold the second annual Jonathan Page Memorial Scholarship beef and beer. It will take place on Saturday, Aug. 17, at the Woodbine Swim Club.
Admission to the event is a $25 donation and it will feature a chance auction, a DJ and food by Catering by Michael Masso and F. Masso’s Gran Forno Pizza and Catering, located in Marlton. The fundraiser, which also features beer and wine, will be held from 8 p.m. to midnight; RSVP is required.
The goal of the Fund is to raise money annually to help students for years to come. Last year’s beef and beer raised more than $10,000.
For more information or to RSVP to the beef and beer event, contact Nancy Page at cancun817@gmail.com or visit the Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/JonathanPageMemorialScholarship
