The Kulpa Foundation, a charitable organization founded by Jason and Melissa Kulpa, is proud to announce Dan and Tim O’Mara as recipients of the Kulpa Scholarship. The brothers, both juniors at Canton High School in Canton, Massachusetts, were selected for their character, academic dedication, and the perspective they have gained growing up alongside their younger brother Benji, who has Down syndrome and autism.
In their scholarship essays, both brothers wrote about how Benji transformed their understanding of gratitude, resilience, and what matters most. “He gives life everything he has,” Tim wrote, describing a brother who faces challenges most people never will, yet remains the happiest person he knows.
That perspective has shaped each brother’s path in a distinct way.
Dan, a straight-A and High Honor Roll student, discovered his passion for building when he and his father constructed a backyard deck with a pool lift so Benji could safely get in and out of the family pool. Watching his brother’s joy in the water sparked a career ambition: Dan plans to study Building and Construction Technology at UMass Amherst, with the goal of creating projects that improve people’s lives. He is also a member of the varsity golf and wrestling teams and works part-time as a waiter.
Tim, a member of the varsity lacrosse team, plans to pursue a degree in physical education, a calling he traces directly to his experiences with Benji. He hopes to build a career helping young people grow through movement and sport.
Both brothers plan to apply to college through Early Action this November.
“Dan and Tim’s essays stopped us in our tracks. These are two young men who turned their family’s challenges into purpose, and we’re honored to help them take the next step toward college,” said Jason Kulpa, co-founder of The Kulpa Foundation.
“I am grateful to the Kulpa Foundation for this scholarship. Growing up with Benji inspired my passion for building things that improve lives. This support brings me one step closer to studying Building & Construction Technology at UMass Amherst,” explained Dan.
Tim also shared: “I am so grateful for this scholarship from the Kulpa Foundation. Benji has always been a huge inspiration to me. Seeing how hard he’s had to work to reach milestones that most of us take for granted is what inspired me to pursue a career in physical education. I look forward to helping others grow through movement and sport.”
The O’Mara brothers join Ryan Connelly, a junior at Indiana University, as recipients of the Kulpa Scholarship this year. The scholarship supports students who demonstrate perseverance, community involvement, and the ability to overcome significant life challenges, with particular attention to families navigating the demands of healthcare and caregiving.
About The Kulpa Foundation
Founded by Jason and Melissa Kulpa, The Kulpa Foundation is committed to alleviating the financial burdens associated with healthcare through grants, scholarships, interest-free loans, and educational programs. The Foundation’s scholarship initiatives support students who demonstrate academic effort, community involvement, and the ability to overcome significant life challenges. To learn more about The Kulpa Foundation and its scholarship programs, visit https://www.kulpa.org.
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