IGNITE Spring 2017 | Page 11

Our Lady of Port Richmond’s matching scholarship program connects schools and supports students “We’re not only acknowledging the sacrifices that families have made, but we’re also giving them a pathway to extend their Catholic education,” says Renee Rozniatoski, advancement director. “And the earlier we can identify students and schools, the sooner families can start planning for where their students are going next year.” Of the school’s graduating class of 20 students, 14 applied for this year’s scholarship, noting their top three high school picks. A selection committee then selected 10 students based on academic excellence, exemplary Catholic identity, leadership, courtesy, cooperation, effort, and community service. The eight recipients accepted scholarships to Roman Catholic High School, Little Flower Catholic High School, or Father Judge High School. Schellinger says he was “pleasantly surprised” that the local high schools agreed to match the scholarship amount and provide additional support. Each of this year’s awardees will receive a minimum of $10,000 in tuition assistance. Our Lady of Port Richmond plans to continue the program through 2020. And the school is already planning to expand the scholarship to help more students further their Catholic educations. In the meantime, they’ll continue focusing on more immediate next steps: helping this year’s graduates prepare for their high school debut. “I see it as Our Lady of Port Richmond putting in the backing that most schools wouldn’t,” says parent Albert Brown. “They aren’t just sending students off. The school is making an investment in the kids they’ve brought along, showing them the school believes in them and their future.” Congratulations to this year’s Matching Starter Scholarship recipients! Attending Little Flower Catholic High School Abigail Galazka Alayna DeNight Emily Dillon Olga Szczesny Attending Roman Catholic High School James Brown James Tammaro Janusz Kowalski Attending Father Judge High School Michael Helder 11