Amidst the holiday season, and in the spirit of giving, we find it most fitting to name Johnny Veglia our Cape Kid of the Month for December. We’re confident you will agree after reading about Johnny below.
As a 15-year-old sophomore and a theatre major at The UCTVS Academy of Performing Arts High School in Scotch Plains, New Jersey, Johnny keeps busy with practices and rehearsals. These time-consuming commitments, however, do not stop him from giving back in a way that is near and dear to his heart.
“Johnny has always loved Halloween and Disney,” explained his mother Cheryl Veglia. When he was in fifth grade, Johnny asked
her if he could turn his Scotch Plains home into a Haunted House for the Halloween season.
Sadly, a beloved family friend, whom he called Aunt Cathy, passed away from breast cancer during the planning of his big debut. It was then that Johnny decided to ask for a suggested donation of $1.00 as admission to the Haunted House, which he chose to donate to a charity in memory of his Aunt Cathy.
Over the past five years, Johnny has raised over $5,500 for the Rutgers Cancer Society by enlisting the help of over 45 family
members, who range in age from 2-years-old to 70, and friends, who gladly dress up and play assigned roles.
All are amazed at the detailed preparations for the big event. Each year, Johnny creates a theme, which is carried throughout the main level and basement of his home, as well as around the entire property. Friends, neighbors, and classmates come out to walk through the heart-warming haunted house. “It is a fabulous night enjoyed by many – and all for a great cause!” shared Johnny’s aunt Michelle Blum.
Well-deserved, Johnny was one of only four people to receive the distinguished Certificate of Congressional Recognition for “…outstanding and invaluable service to the community” for his work on the haunted house. “It’s come full circle,” his mom stated. “Aunt Cathy introduced me to John (Cheryl’s husband), and now Johnny does the haunted house in her memory.”
In addition to the haunted house, which takes Johnny a full year to plan, he is an Alter Server at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Scotch Plains. He is also active in the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Men’s Choir, where his Tenor voice melts hearts. What’s more, he is an event coordinator for Student Government, a Leadership Convention Representative, Relay for Life team captain, and serves as his school’s Student Government Event Coordinator. Despite all of his extracurricular activities, Johnny has remained on the high honor roll list since 6th grade! His dream is to one day work for Disney as an Imagineer.
Truly Wearing the Cape, Johnny is known as a friend who always includes others. In fact, he goes out of his way to make sure everyone is invited and welcomed to all activities, so that no one ever feels left out.
What an incredible honor it is to showcase Johnny Veglia this December! We thank you, Johnny, for your exemplary kindness and for being a role model to others (in such a creative way, we might add!).