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South Plainfield Today
By the People, for the People
South Plainfield Middle Schooler Wins Marisa Tufaro Memorial Art Scholarship
Savannah Makely to attend summer art camp at Rutgers Zimmerli Art Museum
Published on Feb. 25, 2026
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The Marisa Tufaro Foundation has awarded its 2026 Marisa Tufaro Memorial Art Scholarship to Savannah Makely, a student at South Plainfield Middle School. The scholarship will allow Savannah to attend a weeklong art camp this summer at Rutgers University's Zimmerli Art Museum, where Marisa Tufaro previously honed her craft.
Why it matters
The Marisa Tufaro Foundation was established in honor of Marisa Tufaro, who passed away at age 13 after a valiant battle with a rare form of cancer. The foundation aims to assist pediatric patients and children in need, and the art scholarship continues Marisa's legacy of creativity and passion for the arts.
The details
Savannah Makely is described as a student who consistently pushes beyond expectations, bringing thoughtful, school-wide artistic projects to the table and often taking a leadership role in overseeing their execution. She possesses an impressive natural artistic ability, and her passion for art is evident in each of her artworks, which are further enriched by her love of music.
- The Marisa Tufaro Foundation has been sending students to the Zimmerli Art Museum's summer camp in Marisa's memory since the foundation was established eight and a half years ago.
- Savannah Makely will attend the weeklong art camp at the Zimmerli Art Museum this summer.
The players
Savannah Makely
A student at South Plainfield Middle School who has been awarded the 2026 Marisa Tufaro Memorial Art Scholarship. She is described as a student who consistently pushes beyond expectations, brings thoughtful, school-wide artistic projects to the table, and possesses an impressive natural artistic ability.
The Marisa Tufaro Foundation
A nonprofit organization established in honor of Marisa Tufaro, who passed away at age 13 after a battle with a rare form of cancer. The foundation aims to assist pediatric patients and children in need, and the art scholarship continues Marisa's legacy of creativity and passion for the arts.
Rutgers University's Zimmerli Art Museum
The location of the weeklong art camp that Savannah Makely will attend as part of the Marisa Tufaro Memorial Art Scholarship. Marisa Tufaro previously honed her craft at the Zimmerli Art Museum, and her artwork was once displayed at an exhibit there.
What’s next
Savannah Makely will attend the weeklong art camp at Rutgers University's Zimmerli Art Museum this summer.
The takeaway
The Marisa Tufaro Foundation's art scholarship continues the legacy of a young artist who passed away too soon, providing opportunities for other talented students like Savannah Makely to explore their creativity and passion for the arts.
