Edison Student Gets Scholarship For Organ Donation Advocacy

EDISON, NJ — A high school student from Edison was awarded a scholarship for her dedication in raising awareness of organ and tissue donation.

Anika Bhatnagar is among seven New Jersey high school students who received a scholarship from the Sharing Network Foundation.

The 2024 graduates were presented with their scholarship awards at NJ Sharing Network’s headquarters in New Providence.

Bhatnagar is a 2024 graduate of Middlesex Academy for Allied Health and Biomedical Sciences.

She received a scholarship from the Missy’s Miracle Scholarship Fund.

Bhatnagar’s advocacy for organ donation was inspired by her father’s battle with IgA nephropathy and lifesaving kidney transplant in 2019.

Recognizing the critical need for awareness, Bhatnagar began volunteering with the NJ Sharing Network in 2021.

She organized educational booths, led fundraisers, and hosted livestreams to share stories of donors and recipients, including her parents' experience.

The student also participated in panel discussions, leveraged social media, and partnered with local leaders to promote the cause.

Her efforts also included a mayoral proclamation for National Donate Life Month and public service announcements.

Bhatnagar established a Donate Life club at her high school to educate peers about organ donation. Her initiatives earned her several awards, including the Student of the Year award from the Edison Chamber of Commerce and the Youth Volunteer award from NJ Sharing Network.

The Sharing Network Foundation’s scholarship program provides an opportunity to recognize and award graduating high school seniors whose lives have been touched by organ and tissue donation and transplantation. Applicants were measured on academic achievement, community and volunteer efforts, extracurricular activities and advocacy for organ and tissue donation.

Since the program’s inception in 2011, more than $130,000 has been awarded to 65 dedicated student advocates.

“We are grateful for the generous support of our partner funds and their ongoing commitment to rewarding students who share a commitment to our lifesaving mission,” said Amanda Tibok, Executive Director, Sharing Network Foundation. “We know that all of our scholarship awardees will continue as strong leaders educating others about donation and transplantation throughout their college years and beyond.”

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