On April 28 2024, Becton held the 2nd Annual Corey Schanel Scholarship Softball Game and Tricky Tray. Becton Alumni Affairs and Military Apprecia Coordinator, Michelle Ferris, created this game to honor Corey after his tragic passing.
Corey Schanel, (Class of 2004) was an incredible athlete and won 3 state championships while at Becton in both baseball and football. After graduation he went on to NJCU and played baseball as well.
The Corey Schanel Memorial Scholarship game is a way Corey’s classmates from 2004, as well as other alumni, family and friends, can honor and reminisce about him while paying it forward to a Becton senior with a scholarship in Corey’s name. The Corey Schanel Memorial Scholarship is offered to Becton Seniors who reside in either Carlstadt or East Rutherford who have the intent to participate in a college sport or are majoring in a sport’s related field.
Some of Corey Schanel’s friends, like Christen Hall and Holly De Rosa, attended the game. De Rosa has known Corey since Pre-K– approximately 30 years. She opens up about how she first heard about the game, “When Mrs. Ferris first contacted me about the game, I was immediately on board. I felt overwhelmed with emotion knowing that this day would be a special way to remember a very dear friend.”
Hall echoes, “Seeing everyone who loves Corey come together and honor him, is just an amazing thing to be a part of. I love that Becton is helping in continuing to keep Corey’s memory alive. Corey was an absolutley amazing soul and is truly missed every single day.”
Hall recognizes that she felt, “Sadness at the realization of the reason for the scholarship game, followed by an extreme appreciation for those who understood that Corey deserved recognition and to never be forgotten. Just looking around at how many people Corey impacted, and all of those people coming together to remember him, was incredible. Thank you to Mrs. Ferris and Becton for creating this scholarship game which will bring the community together every year to honor Corey – he deserves nothing less. I love you Corey Schanel, from 1986 to forever.”
Mrs. Ferris opens up about the behind-the-scenes for a game of this magnitude and importance, as it takes about five months to plan. She adds, “This year we had over 50 raffle baskets to be won. Most of the donations came from the sheer determination of Linda Schanel, Corey’s mother. Her dream was to have wall-to-wall raffle baskets and she made that dream a reality. In addition, this year as a thank you, Corey’s parents provided lunch for the players and families.”
Mrs. Ferris continues, “The week prior to the game, shirts needed to be packed with names and raffle baskets finalized. Game day takes about 2 hours of setup. I would also like to thank Mr. Barbo for playing in the game, and Mr. Maucione for securing the equipment and opening locker rooms for us.”
Mrs. Ferris emphasizes the importance of giving back to the community, “Giving back to the community is not limited to athletes. It is for all Wildcats. Creating a close bond within the community gives people an opportunity to make a difference. There are so many former Wildcats who work at Becton and give back to the students in the community. In addition, many former Wildcats are local police in East Rutherford and Carlstadt and commit to the community every day. Just knowing you can make a difference in someone’s life is so rewarding. ”
Corey Schanel was wonderful friend, kind-hearted son, and supportive father. Corey Schanel will forever be in our hearts, and will always play a part in the Becton community.
