Scholarship Fund Keeps Cedar Grove Athlete's Memory Alive

Described as one of the finest athletes to come out of Cedar Grove High School, John Keenan, a member of the Class of 1979, excelled in football and basketball and broke school records in track.  

After graduation, Keenan went on to succeed in business and start a family, while remaining close to friends from his hometown.

When he succumbed to Hodgkin’s Disease 10 years ago at the young age of 42, those friends were determined to keep his memory alive.

The John Keenan Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to reward Cedar Grove High School senior-athletes who represent Keenan’s character as well as his athletic achievements and determination.

More than $25,000 has been awarded to date, according to Peter Dorman, a friend and former classmate of Keenan’s and president of the fund. Bill Scanlon and Deena Scanlon along with Michael Buckworth also help run the fund.

Most of the money, Dorman said, is raised through a bi-annual cocktail party where friends, family members and former classmates of Keenan get together. The event is coming up on Thursday, July 18 at Il Tulipano in Cedar Grove. Tickets are $75.

“He was one of the best athletes to come out of Cedar Grove High School. He was just a great guy and everybody really liked him,” said Dorman, who attended St. Catherine of Siena School and CGHS with Keenan. “Everybody likes the idea of keeping his name going through the scholarship fund.”

Tickets can be purchased by sending a check made payable to the "John Keenan Scholarship Memorial Fund" c/o Peter Dorman, 912 Pompton Ave. Unit A-2, Cedar Grove, NJ, 07009.

For more information, visit the John Keenan Memorial Scholarship Fund on Facebook.

JKMSF Scholarship Recipients