Local scholarship honors Neshaminy Graduate

On Feb. 14, the spirit of love filled a local Feasterville pizza shop as community members gathered for a Valentine’s Day fundraiser honoring the life and legacy of Cassandra “Casey” Johnston, a Feasterville native whose dedication to children left a lasting mark on the community. The event not only celebrated Casey’s memory but also supported the Honoring Casey Johnston Education Scholarship Fund, an effort organizers say continues to carry forward her dream of becoming a teacher.

Johnston, a Feasterville resident and graduate of Neshaminy High School, spent much of her young life working with local children at Neshaminy Kids Club. 

“She wanted to be a teacher in the Neshaminy School District and come back to her hometown,” said Libby Caranci, site director of Neshaminy Kids Club. “That was always her goal.”

Johnston commuted from Feasterville to Temple University, where she majored in education and was close to graduating.

She died Aug. 1, 2021, at age 26 following a tragic car accident on Woodhaven Road in Northeast Philadelphia. 

Caranci said Johnston’s passion for working with children was evident from the moment she began working at Neshaminy Kids Club at age 18. Over the years, she became a familiar and beloved presence in the before- and after-school programs and summer camps.

“She was a ball of energy,” Caranci said. “She loved the kids and the kids loved her. She connected with all of the kids, especially those going through hardships.”

Unlike many part-time counselors, Casey approached her work with a strong sense of purpose, Caranci said.

“She wasn’t there just to kill time for a couple of hours,” she said. “When she was there, she was there to make a difference. It’s hard to find someone that age with that passion.”

That commitment to helping others inspired the creation of the Honoring Casey Johnston Education Scholarship Fund shortly after her death. The scholarship supports graduating seniors who plan to pursue careers in education, a path Johnston herself had chosen.

Now in its third year, the program awards two $1,000 scholarships annually to graduating seniors from Neshaminy High School and Bucks County Technical High School who plan to major in education.

The deadline to apply for this year’s scholarships is April 15, and organizers are encouraging eligible students to submit applications through their school counseling offices.

“We are trying to get the word out that this scholarship is available,” Caranci said.

Applicants must demonstrate strong community involvement and volunteer service, qualities organizers say reflect Johnston’s character.

“We believe Casey would want to give these scholarships to kids pursuing education since that was her major,” Caranci said. “When we go through the scholarship applications, I look carefully at their community service and their responses.”

Caranci said the goal is to identify students who share Casey’s desire to make a meaningful difference.

“I try to find applicants that have the same visions and dreams that Casey did,” she said. “Making a difference and being a good role model to these kids who really need someone.”

The Valentine’s Day fundraiser marked the first time organizers held a large public event specifically to support the scholarship fund. The event took place at A&G Pizza, whose owners partnered with organizers to donate a portion of proceeds.

About 300 heart-shaped pizzas were sold during the event, raising $800 for the scholarship fund through sales and additional donations.

“It was the most successful dine-and-dash event they ever had,” Caranci said. “We were very pleased with the community turnout.”

Children attending the event received Valentine’s Day goodie bags, and Sen. Frank Farry made a surprise appearance, distributing roses and contributing a donation.

For Caranci, the event was especially meaningful because many attendees had known Johnston personally or had been part of the programs where she worked.

“So many people at this event were sharing stories about Casey and repeating some of the funny things she would say,” Caranci said. “She had a loud voice, and when she was around you knew Casey was there,” Caranci fondly remembered.

Some of Johnston’s former campers attended the fundraiser, even years after her death.

“She’s been gone for four years, but kids who were in her program still talk about her,” Caranci said. “They remember her and bring up her name.”

Caranci said that although Casey is gone, her legacy lives on with so many of these local children. “She just had this connection with them that the kids really responded to,” she said.

Johnston’s stepmother Carolann Johnston also attended the fundraiser. She and Casey’s father Joseph remain part of the community where she grew up.

“It meant a lot to them that we had this event,” Caranci said. “Her family encouraged to pursue her dream of teaching, and she was almost there.”

Caranci said the scholarship is intended not only to help students financially but also to preserve Johnston’s legacy in the community she loved.

“The purpose is to keep her memory alive and to help kids that are education majors afford college,” she said. “Most of all it’s to remember her, because her passion and dedication to the kids at Neshaminy Kids Club was all heart.”

Organizers hope to expand the scholarship program in the future through additional fundraising efforts. A family-friendly fundraiser is currently being planned in partnership with a local karate studio and is expected to take place sometime this summer. The event will include activities for children and raffle baskets, with proceeds benefiting the scholarship fund.

“My ultimate goal is to raise more money to ease the financial burden on these students,” Caranci said. “Casey was always worried about how much a college education cost, and I think she would want this scholarship to help as many graduating seniors as possible.”

“We are trying to turn tragedy into something positive,” added Caranci. “Through this scholarship and these events, we continue to keep Casey’s memory alive.”

If you or someone you know would like to apply for the Casey Johnston Education Scholarship Fund, please contact Caranci at lcaranci@hotmail.com for more information about eligibility and the application process.