Outstanding Catholic school students of the Diocese of Allentown were recognized April 29 at the Bishop’s Catholic Scholar Society Awards, sponsored by the Because We Are Catholic appeal.
A total of 118 students from diocesan elementary and high schools and the special learning centers were presented with $112,000 in scholarships.
The ceremony was hosted by Notre Dame High School, Easton. Jaclyn Friel, principal, welcomed everyone, and Alessandra Hurd, senior, sang the National Anthem.
Father Stephan Isaac, chaplain of Allentown Central Catholic High School, offered the opening prayer.
Master of ceremonies was Sam Malone of CAT Country 96 Radio.
“Today is a very special day, as we gather from the five counties of the Diocese to recognize the outstanding Catholic school students of our Diocese,” said Dr. Philip Fromuth, superintendent of Catholic education, making opening remarks.
“To the families who have joined us here today, my best wishes as well. As this is a proud day for the Diocese of Allentown, it is equally a proud day for each of you. You should be commended on your choice in providing a Catholic education for your child.
“I would like to recognize our priests, sisters, principals, other administrators, lay teachers, and board members of our schools. I commend you for all your efforts in the education of these students.
“Lastly, I congratulate each one of the students who will be receiving awards today. I encourage each of you to continue on your road to excellence, both as a student and as a person of faith. Your hard work, determination, involvement in activities and your Catholic faith have brought you here today. Continue on this road as you move on to your next level of education.”
Bishop Alfred Schlert also made remarks and offered the closing prayer.
In addition to their scholarship, each student honored also received a medallion with Bishop Schlert’s coat of arms.
Bishop’s Catholic Scholars
Scholarships of $500 for post-secondary education were presented to 12 seniors – two from each of the six diocesan high schools. The students were chosen because they exemplify the value of Catholic education and represent our Catholic school tradition of academic excellence.
“We rejoice with you and with your families, whose encouragement and support has made Catholic education possible for you,” said Fromuth. “This education has enabled you to grow not only in knowledge, but also in love for your God, and service to your parish, school, and community.
Allentown Central Catholic High School – Samantha Ann Meskill, Tanner Temple.
Berks Catholic High School, Reading – Mary Henefer, Scott Sauselen.
Bethlehem Catholic High School – Mary Thornburg, Matthew Tomko.
Marian Catholic High School, Tamaqua – Kerrigan Digris, Alexander Cornmesser.
Nativity BVM High School, Pottsville – Caitlin Cappella, Cameron Strauss.
Notre Dame High School, Easton – Emma Zambo, James Cartier.
Special Learning Center Scholarships
Scholarships of $1,000 were presented to a student from each of the three special learning centers to assist them as they continue their Catholic education in one of the special learning centers operated by the Diocese of Allentown.
“These wonderful students are examples of our young people who live their faith every day and truly share the Gospel message,” said Fromuth.
John Paul II Center for Special Learning, Shillington – Alexandra Castillo.
Mercy School for Special Learning, Allentown – Natasha Sierra.
St. Joseph Center for Special Learning, Pottsville – Tyler Tray.
Catholic High School Scholarships
Scholarships of $1,000 were presented to 103 eighth grade students for their scholastic achievement, leadership, and service to others.
“Each one of you has distinguished yourself by your scholastic achievement, leadership, and service to others,” said Fromuth. “These traits have served you well. I encourage you to continue to work hard and to share your gifts with others throughout your high school years.
Allentown Central Catholic High School – Allison Barto, Brock Cerimele, Nicholas Christiano, Anna Coassolo, Emily Ebert, Elise Eisenhard, Liam Fitzpatrick, Julia Gloc, Ethan Haller, Angeline John, Adelaide Kehoe-Huck, Crocifisso Martino, Thomas Mcgorry, Darielys Ramirez, Thomas Scheidel, Sophia Schultz, Luca Sciortino, Alexander Stapleton, Jake Strobl, Leah Sweetana.
Berks Catholic High School, Reading – Riley Bray, Casey Changco, Allison Diaz, Sarah Hauser, Lucas Karwejna, Rileigh Knepp, Kathryn Konopelski, Nathan Leonhardt, Ennybel Mejia, Lilli Mensinger, Sara Miller, Elena Pendleton, John Recktenwald, Katherine Reilly, Leonel Romero, Luke Schrenk, Mayra Serrano, Rozlyn Suarez, Madeline Walton, Moises Zavala.
Bethlehem Catholic High School – Matthew Amrick, Olivia Audette, Jocelyn Bell, Nicholas Bennett, Axel Burkart, Andreina Fienco, Jerielys Figueroa, Derrick Hartman, Brady Jones, Silva Kendryck, Katelyn Kiss, Justin Martinez, Sasha Mathew, Deidre Michels, Olivia Nguyen, Rhyker Santiago, Evan Schultz, Peter Tocci, Anna Triscott, Ethan Whalen.
Marian Catholic High School, Tamaqua – Achilles Fitzpatrick, James Gelatko, Leah Grabosky, Esme Petschauer, Maisie Petschauer, Steven Richardson, Lydia Strucko, Emily Upanavage.
Nativity BVM High School, Pottsville – Ryan Examitas, Connor Felty, Anna Jansson, Samantha Krusinsky, Colin Lenahan, Robert Mcdonald IV, Finley Mcnamara, Thomas Monaghan, Sophia Palmieri, Layne Pasker, Emmalee Pinkey, Addison Ricard, Jacob Swartz, Jacob Williams, Janelle Ziegmont.
Notre Dame High School, Easton – Dante Azzolina, Jacob Best, Nicholas Braido, Kylie Daley, Regan Dittmar, Rachel Fisher, Lexie Gallagher, Natalia Garis, Reid Harak, Michaela Henderson, Christian Hittinger, Abigail Lauten, Paige Lyden, Isabella Mateo, Emily Reichard, Alivia Rieland, Francesca Reto, Adrianna Shevtziv, Julianne Skibinski, Aiden Van Wert.
Photo: Seniors from each high school who were recognized with Bishop's Scholar Awards, along with Bishop Schlert, Dr. Philip Fromuth, and leadership staff from all six high schools.
Copy Permalink
