Joey Olszewski Scholarship


Joey Olszewski was my cousin. He passed away in 2010 from an illness. News of the illness and eventual passing shocked my family. Joey was a healthy, athletic young man who played sports in high school and college. I'll tell you more about him later, but for now I want you to know what his family is doing to honor his legacy

The Olszewskis started the Joey Olszewski Memorial Scholarship Fund to honor their son and brother. The scholarship is awarded to a student-athlete at Massabesic who exemplifies character, grit, and community spirit.

Fabulous Prizes to be Raffled off

The scholarship fund is selling raffles for various prizes. All of the proceeds raised will go to the Joey O Memorial Scholarship Fund. this year's drive is a special one, as it marks the 25th anniversary of Massabesic's 2000 State Football Championship. 

Bar Harbor Vacation. A three-night stay at a 3-bedroom condo in downtown Bar Harbor. Good November-March.

New England Patriots Tickets. Two premium tickets to a game at Gillette Stadium. More details coming on game and date.

Boston Bruins Tickets. Four tickets to the Bruins' game against the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday, October 25. Section 328, Row 8, Seats 1-4.

Sunday River Getaway.  A 2-night stay at the Fall Line Condominiums at Sunday River. The condo accommodates six people and is good for a mid-week stay, excluding school vacation weeks.

Free Driving School Tuition. Free tuition for a complete Driver's Ed program from Flannigan's Driving School in Sanford, Maine.

WOW Floating Island Raft. A giant inflatable raft that can hold 4-6 people. Great for a day on the lake or at the beach.

Hair Care Package. A $150 hair-care package from Cindy at Salon Smith in Saco, Maine. This luxury salon experience is great for a little pampering that will leave you feeling amazing!

Town Line Family Restaurant. A $100 gift card from the Town Line Family Restaurant in Waterboro, Maine.

Applebee's Gift Card. A $100 gift card from Applebee's Restaurants.

Subway Party Platter. A party platter from the people who help you eat fresh! The prize is valued at $65.

Amazon Gift Card. A $50 gift card that can be used for just about anything at the online retailer.

Starbucks Gift Card. A gift card to help you start your day with some delicious coffee, tea, or pastries.

The raffle is run by The Hussey Foundation.

My Cousin Joey

L to R: My grandfather, my brother, Joey,
me, Uncle Joe. At Joey's football game, 1993.

My cousin went by "Joey" to differentiate him from his father, also named Joe. As my cousin got older, he played sports and was very good at it. Every time we saw each other, my brother and I would usually play baseball or football with him and his friends. There was one fall weekend when we went to Maine to see him play in a football game. He scored a couple of touchdowns, a sign of things to come for my "little" cousin on the gridiron.

He was also an avid baseball card collector. This was another hobby we shared. Between this and video games, there was plenty of common ground for us whenever we saw each other.

Joey graduated from Massabesic High School in 2001, leading the football team to the 2000 Class A 
State Championship. After high school, he attended the University of Maine, playing football for two seasons before earning a degree and moving  

Joey was a healthy, athletic man who had a lot of different hobbies and interests. After graduating college, he went to Beverly hills where he was the Director of VIP Relations for a consulting firm.

Then word reached my family that my cousin was sick. He had ARDS. I had never heard of it, but I figured he would pull through. He was still working out and taking care of himself. He was lean and very strong. Things didn't get better for my cousin, and he left us in September of 2010. It was tough news for all of us to take. I went to his memorial service, then back to his parents' house, a place that usually holds the happiest  memories of my life. It was the first time I wasn't excited about going to Maine.

Memories of my Cousin

I remember my uncle calling Joey "Joeski" and "Ricky". Joey would quote scenes from "Three Amigos". Both of us would quote the Michael Keaton "Batman". We watched "Animal House" during one of our New Year's celebrations at his family's house.

There were a lot of fun times with my cousin Joey. He was taken from us far too soon. A picture of him adorns the mantle at my aunt and uncle's house. Even though he's not forgotten, the picture serves as a reminder for anyone who visits.

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