ABOUT US

The SSJ Invitational is a fundraiser for the Stephen S Johnson Memorial Fund. The tournament is an annual event to honor Stephen’s memory by bringing together his family, friends and members of the local community who share his passions by indulging in one of them - golf.  The fund's mission is to continue Stephen's passion for helping others by giving to a number of carefully selected causes.       

The SSJ Memorial Scholarship, at Exeter High School, on an annual basis, helps provide financial assistance to a graduating Exeter High School senior that is pursuing a four-year college degree or a Trade School Program. With the generous donations from the past eight years the fund has awarded seven students from EHS a $10,000 scholarship each. This past year we also created the The SSJ Memorial Medical Scholarship in response to the pandemic for an individual who is driven to improve the lives of others by pursuing a career in medicine, nursing, mental health, EMT or as a paramedic.

The 2022 SSJ Memorial Medical Scholarship was awarded to Tariku Neunaber who will be attending Northern Florida University. Tariku plans on getting a BA in Exercise Science and a doctorate in Physical Therapy. He wants to use his knowledge specifically for and in underserved communities and groups that may not be able to access this type of care. Tariku was captain of Varsity Soccer this year. He also started a program called One Love Soccer Balls that brings soccer balls and other sports equipment to kids around the world. He has personally delivered these items to poor and refugee children in his home country, Ethiopia and other countries. Congratulations to Tariku and we wish him the best of luck!

The 2021 SSJ Memorial Medical Scholarship was awarded to Mia Stone who is in her second semester at the Unversity of Maryland and studies Public Health Science with the goal of pursing an advanced medical degree possibly in oncology. She apsires to work hard and follow her passion for helping others and knowing she is making a difference. She grew up being connected to the medical field through family member's careers and illness. We wish Mia all the best as in her words "I take the first step into fulfilling the purpose of my life and saving the lives of others."

The 2020 SSJ Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Samra Holmes who attends Wocester Polytechnic Institute majoring in Computer Science and Robotics Engineering. Samara won the Yale Science and Engingeering Award her junior year for her Activation Methods of 4th Dimensional Printing project submitted to the NH Science and Engineering Exopostion. She enjoys time with her  family and friends.

Ava Comeau, 2019 recipient, is attending Mount Holyoke College majoring in Political Science & still plans to attend law school. Ava finished the semester with a 4.0  GPA! This past year Ava has been involved with the Pre-Law Association which hosts regular events with alumni who have attended law school. She was accepted into the spring abroad program in Montpellier, France and is attending school there for the semester. "I am endlessly grateful for your ongoing support for my education."

Elise Donovan, 2018 recipient, attends Hobart William Smith College working towards completing her double major in International Relations & Environmental Studies. This past spring she was inducted into the Junior Female Honor Society for personal and academic excellence. Elise will be graduating this spring!  “I want to thank you for the scholarship, as it has been a big help in allowing me to fully engage and devote more time to my studies.”

Taylor Merrick, 2017 recipient, graduated in December 2021 from Unity College with a cumulative GPA of 3.7.  This past summer she worked as a park ranger at Jewel Cave National Monument in Custer, SD.  Taylor is now attending UNH for her Master's Degree in Secondary Education. She plans to assist with research in some capcity in the Marine Biology and Ecology Department.  Afterwards her goal is to work as a full-time educator at a local nonprofit nature center. "Thank you so much for the generosity of your scholarship....I truly believe  it was the support and push I needed to believe in what I am capable of not only as a student, but as a person".

Brandon Mello, 2016 recipient, graduated from the UNH Accelerated Masters Mechanical Engineering program in May 2020. He worked as a Process Engineer at Seurat Technologies for the past year and is now attending Stanford to pursue a MS in Mechinical Engineering in person. It was great to have Brandon participate in the 2021 SSJ this past fall. We thank him for his support!

Other Donations: In addition, the fund has proudly contributed $33,000 to date to the Dana–Farber Cancer Institute in memory of Davey Hovey CRUS11TOUR Endowment Fund, and helped sustain and support the following local organizations:

Womenade of Greater Squamscott

New Hampshire Food Bank

Society of St. Paul de Vincent

Wright Start Memorial Fund

Waypoint

St. Lawrence University

Big Sister Boston

Key Collective

We are a charitable organization (EIN: 81-2365390) making all corporate and major contributions tax deductible.

We hope you will join us on June 17, 2022 at Breakfast Hill Golf Club or donate to celebrate Stephen’s memory and continue our proud mission of making a difference.

Click here to view photos from past years