about the scholarship

The Eliza J Norton Foundation (EJNF) is pleased to distribute $10,000 in scholarships to East Coast Wizard Hockey Program (ECW) players each season. $2,000 scholarships will be awarded to up to five ECW players for whom tuition is a hardship, and who embody her spirit of teamwork, sportsmanship, and fierce determination on and off the ice. Please see below for a description of the scholarship and the criteria of eligibility.

The Play with Heart Scholarship was established by the EJNF in memory of Eliza Norton, an East Coast Wizard who we lost too soon in September of 2022 at just 10 years old. She was a fierce supporter of her friends and teammates and had a talent for connecting with everone she met. Described by teammates and coaches as fearless, dedicated, and the ultimate team player, Eliza was the girl that everyone looked forward to seeing at the rink. She always had a huge smile and positive attitude. On the ice, she did whatever she could to protect her team and keep the puck out of her met, even if it landed her in the penalty box. Coaches held up her actions as examples to others. The ideal candidate for these scholarships would emulate these attributes that were core to Eliza.

Awarding of the Play with Heart Scholarship is contingent on several criteria including having committed to an ECW ice hockey team for the following year, a complete application, and an age-appropriate statement (elementary and middle school students should submit a personal statement of at least one paragraph. High School students should submit a personal essay is required of 3+ paragraphs). Scholarship recipients are expected to use their resources wisely and uphold a high standard of conduct on and off the ice. 

Please note, we are not requiring financial documentation for this request. We ask that you honestly and thoughtfully apply for financial assistance based on your family's ongoing and/or unexpected financial need. We hope this scholarship helps ease the burden of cost to families who would like to participate in the East Coast Wizards Program, but would be unable to otherwise. EJNF and ECW provide inclusive programming to all, regardless of ability to pay the full club cost. We will have an objective selection committee composed of representatives from the EJNF Board and at least one third party attendee who can attest to a fair and equitable process.