Pope John students remember and honor a friend by helping others

SUSSEX COUNTY-Pope John students want to honor one of their own n a young man who inspired those who knew him. Last week, Pope John High School Principal Monsignior Kieran McHugh announced to students that the school will host a memorial fundraiser in honor of Blake Scymanski, a freshman at Pope John who past away last year from an inoperable brain tumor. The money collected will go to support the Imus Ranch in Ribera, New Mexico. The ranch which is owned by radio personality Don Imus and his wife Diedre, entertains children ages 5 to 18 who are battling cancer. Blake spent nine days there during a remission of his cancer back in 2003. The faculty and students at Pope John knew how important the Imus Ranch experience was to Blake and decided to organized the fundraiser in his honor. "This is what Blake would have wanted," noted Kathy Scymanski, Blake's mom. "He loved the Imus Ranch so much, it helped to inspire back his confidence." In order to raise funds, the students will be offering Old House candles. Orders for the specialty decorative candles can be placed with any Pope John student or by calling 973-729-6125, or stop by the school.