Jersey Johnny Memorial Scholarship

John "Jersey Johnny" Cimasko, a beloved family man and community member, passed away in April of 2025, after a long journey with Frontotemporal Dementia. John sustained an incredible twenty-five-year career on air in sports radio, representing the voice of Colts fans in Indianapolis on WIBC and 1070 ESPN The Fan.

Jersey Johnny was known not only as a top-notch Colts analyst and historian but also for his kindness and charitable spirit. As a true humanitarian, he utilized his platform to aid the Indianapolis community through works such as: the Salvation Army Radiothon, Indy Thunder Blind Beep Baseball, and his time spent with the Little Sisters of the Poor calling bingo or working their yearly golf outing. John, an avid reader and Kurt Vonnegut fan, was a charter member of the Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library. He volunteered every Thanksgiving to deliver meals from various downtown churches, and was sure to visit VA hospitals on Christmas Eve. 

While John was never an enlisted serviceman, he truly honored our veterans. He did whatever was possible to honor and fundraise for Gold Star Families and USS Indianapolis survivors. He was indispensably involved with Indy Honor Flight from the beginning, transporting WWII veterans to Washington, D. C. to see the memorials built in their honor. He never missed an opportunity to thank a veteran.

This scholarship seeks to support students who are known by their community to show up and help their neighbor, in the spirit of Jersey Johnny. 

The Cimasko family is grateful to Jeff Smulyan of Emmis Communications and Alfred Liggins of Urban One for helping to create this scholarship. 

Any high school senior or undergraduate student in Indiana who is pursuing telecommunications or a related field may apply for this scholarship opportunity if they have volunteering experience.  

The ideal applicant makes substantial effort to positively impact their community, donates their time and energy to those in need, and gives voice to important causes. 

To apply, tell us about your volunteering experience, give a specific example of service, and tell us how you plan to help others through your future career. Additionally, upload a letter of recommendation from an educator, employer, or community service supervisor.