Marisa Rose Bowl: J.F. Kennedy cheerleader Caitlin Ticas continues to give back

When it comes to volunteer work, Caitlin Ticas could qualify as a poster girl.

Graduating this week from J.F. Kennedy High School in Iselin, the 18-year-old bound for Kean University has given much of herself to help others.

She will donate even more of her time over the next nine days as a cheerleader in the second annual Bellamy and Sons Paving Marisa Rose Bowl, which will be played June 29 at Woodbridge High School’s Nicholas A. Priscoe Stadium. Kickoff is 7 p.m.

All proceeds from the charity all-star football game will benefit The Marisa Tufaro Foundation, whose mission is to assist pediatric patients and underserved children throughout the greater Middlesex County area.

The foundation is donating funds from this year’s contest to PSE&G Children’s Specialized Hospital of New Brunswick and the Edison-based Lakeview School, a program of the New Jersey Institute for Disabilities.

Both were the initial beneficiaries of the game, formerly known as the Snapple Bowl and Autoland Classic, which has raised $736,000 for children in need since its inception nearly three decades ago.

“I’m really excited about the Marisa Rose Bowl,’’ said Ticas, who captained J.F. Kennedy’s varsity cheerleading squad last fall. “I had seen girls last year and it seemed like fun. It’s a good cause and I think it’s a great way to end my cheerleading career.”

A member of the National Honor Society, Student Council and Key Club at J.F. Kennedy, Ticas incorporated a steady stream of community service into an already hectic schedule.

Her volunteerism extended to Operation Christmas Child, Rise Against Hunger, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, Tim Tebow Foundation Night to Shine, as well as 5K walks for Melanoma, Diabetes, and other causes.

“My parents volunteer and have always encouraged me to,’’ Ticas said. “I think it’s good to give back. It feels rewarding, knowing that you helped someone. That’s such a generic statement, but it’s true. It makes you feel better when you give to others.”

This summer, Ticas will serve as a camp counselor at The Club in Woodbridge, overseeing kids taking part in activities including games, crafts, and sports.

“She’s very hard working but also one of the kindest kids I’ve come across as a coach, and that definitely showed when she was captain,” J.F. Kennedy cheerleading coach Sarah Szoke said of Ticas.

“She is definitely one of our most memorable cheerleaders. She’s very outgoing and very friendly with all different kinds of students. She has always been a good role model and dedicated to the team. She was also very empathetic with her teammates and always understanding of everyone’s situation. She was able to be a leader without being mean or yelling at anyone, which can sometimes be hard for teenage girls.”

Inspired by her older brother, Ryan, a gifted pianist who also influenced her desire to make a difference, Ticas worked overtime to become the Mustangs’ cheerleading captain.

“Seeing him be so good at certain things like the piano, it made me want to be better at cheerleading,” Ticas explained.

“I definitely improved over the years. I love cheerleading. I love the crowds. They bring so much excitement and energy. Once I see they’re happy and they’re enjoying the game, it just brings me such joy.”

Ticas joins high school teammates Laura Kozub and Akiva Lewis-Allen among the nearly 40 cheerleaders participating in the Marisa Rose Bowl, an intra-county affair featuring Middlesex County’s top graduating high school senior players.

Gridiron stars Gabe Perez, Evan Richardson, Mark Roche, and Angel Ruiz will represent J.F. Kennedy on Team Rose, which will play against Team Marisa.

Following a charity visit which some players and cheerleaders are making to PSE&G Children’s Specialized Hospital on Thursday, the first of five practices for all participants will be held at Nicholas A. Priscoe Stadium on Friday.

Players, cheerleaders, and coaches will attend a pregame banquet at the Pines Manor in Edison the night before the big game.

The game’s namesake, Marisa Rose Tufaro, survived six open-heart surgeries and a heart transplant before succumbing to a rare form of cancer in 2017 following a valiant battle. She was just 13 years old.

An Edison Township Public Schools’ honor roll student involved in myriad extracurricular activities, Marisa Rose lived a vibrant life that inspired.

Since its inception less than six years ago, The Marisa Tufaro Foundation has donated more than a quarter of a million dollars to fulfill its mission.

The foundation has also donated thousands of toys, nonperishable food items, winter coats, baby supplies and other items upon which it has placed no monetary value.

After the Marisa Rose Bowl, Ticas will begin preparing for her first semester at Kean University, where she will major in history with the hope of becoming an educator. Her brother also aspires to be a teacher.

“I like being around people, I like talking,” she said with a laugh. “I would love to make an impact on someone’s life.

“If I could make the school day better for one student, that would be amazing.”

This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Marisa Rose Bowl: J.F. Kennedy cheerleader Caitlin Ticas gives back