Academic achievement and Catholic values were celebrated April 30 when diocesan students were honored at the Bishop’s Catholic Scholar Society Awards.
A total of 126 students from diocesan elementary and high schools and the special learning centers were presented with $120,000 in scholarships during a ceremony at Bethlehem Catholic High School.
Master of ceremonies for the event was Sam Malone of CAT Country 96 Radio.
The opening prayer was offered by Father Daniel Kravatz, who serve as chaplain for Bethlehem Catholic High School and Notre Dame High School, Easton.
The National Anthem was sung by Theresa Ruhl, an eighth grade Bishop’s Catholic Scholar Society recipient from Notre Dame of Bethlehem School.
Holly DeNofa, principal of Bethlehem Catholic High School, welcomed everyone, followed by introductory remarks by Dr. Philip Fromuth, superintendent of Catholic education. Bishop Alfred Schlert also made remarks and offered the closing prayer.
“To the families who have joined us here today, my best wishes as well,” said Fromuth. “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.”
In addition to their scholarship, each student honored this year also received a medallion with Bishop Schlert’s coat of arms.
Catholic High School Awards
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. The seniors are listed with the schools where they plan to continue their education.
“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 – Olivia Tadlock, Liberty University; Charles Haring, Rowan University.
Berks Catholic High School, Reading – Caroline Reedy, Mount St. Mary’s University; Russell Emrich, Alvernia University.
Bethlehem Catholic High School – Molly Neidig, Delaware Valley University; Aidan Michels, Boston College/ROTC.
Marian Catholic High School, Tamaqua – Lauren Reaman, Bucknell University; Walter Pavlik III, Lehigh University.
Nativity BVM High School, Pottsville – Helena Fredericks, University of Delaware; Fletcher Eades, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Notre Dame High School, Easton – Caitlyn Stackhouse, Kutztown University; Leo McMenimen, Bucknell University.
Special Learning Center Awards
Scholarships of $1,000 were presented to a student from each of the three special learning centers to assist them as they enter the next phase of their education.
“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 – Mackenzie Hudson.
Mercy School for Special Learning, Allentown – Seth McMullen.
St. Joseph Center for Special Learning, Pottsville – Tanner Weisbeck.
Catholic High School Scholars
Scholarships of $1,000 were presented to 111 eighth grade students for their academic achievement, activities and service to their school, parish and community, leadership positions, and recommendations by their principal and pastor.
“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
Good Shepherd Catholic School, Northampton – Hailey Kahr, Bryn Klucharich, James Langan, Jaclyn Ortiz.
Holy Infancy School, Bethlehem – Deon Johnson.
St. Ann School, Emmaus – Brooklyn Joyce, James Raynock.
St. Elizabeth Regional School, Whitehall – Priscila Esquea, Natalia Golebiowska.
St. John Neumann Regional School, Palmerton-Slatington – Aidan Winas.
St. John Vianney Regional School, Allentown– Bridgett Kloiber, Kathryn Kloiber.
St. Joseph the Worker School, Orefield – Samantha Landry, Michael Otieno.
St. Michael the Archangel School, Coopersburg-Bethlehem – Elizabeth Alvarado, Thomas Grubb, Olivia Lounsberry, Nicholas Stapleton.
St. Thomas More School, Allentown – Catharine Haring, Alexander Nehlsen.
Springhouse Middle School, Allentown – Andrew Bowser, Nicholas Bowser.
Berks Catholic High School, Reading
Holy Guardian Angels Regional School, Reading – Samuel Moody, Dane Prechtl, Frank Sabatucci Jr., Emily Schearer.
Immaculate Conception Academy, Douglassville – Gwenivere Cress, Sydney Knipe, Dylan Luft.
La Salle Academy, Shillington – Brindley Kobularcik, Sophia Reali.
Sacred Heart School, West Reading – Marcus Armistead.
St. Catharine of Siena School, Reading – Christopher D’Angelo, Micah Drumheller, Grace Impellizzeri, Sadie Lawlor.
St. Ignatius Loyola Regional School, Sinking Spring – Matthew Morganti, Rocco Perate.
St. Margaret School, Reading – Jada Do, Emma Dominguez Seaman.
St. Peter School, Reading – Gabriella Gomez, Assyria Woods.
Bethlehem Catholic High School
Holy Infancy School, Bethlehem – Jaylene Torres.
Notre Dame of Bethlehem School – Madison Araniego, Alex Dominguez, Rachael Kriebel, Raegan Miltenberger, Kendall Nickischer, James Richards, Theresa Ruhl, Kauan Silva, Kiersten Whalen.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help School, Bethlehem – Sophia Bedics, Louisa Robinson, Danaka Seifert.
St. Anne School, Bethlehem– Brandon Andrews, Emile Ayache, Rory Kirk, Kiley Parkes.
St. Elizabeth Regional School, Whitehall – Matthew Delaney.
St. Jane Frances de Chantal School, Easton – Madilynn Quinn.
St. John Neumann Regional School, Palmerton-Slatington – Canon Morrow.
Marian Catholic High School, Tamaqua
Assumption BVM School, Pottsville – Relles Barcenas.
St. Jerome Regional School, Tamaqua – Madison Biros, Teaghan Biros, Gianna Giannelli, James Gomez, Eris Hayes, Brieanna Hernandez, Margaret Homyak, Isabella Horvat, Kaitlyn Kisenwether, Cristina Mohammed, Quentin Petschauer, Derek Schlosser, Margaret Zeiler.
St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic School, Minersville – Alexander Krapf.
Nativity BVM High School, Pottsville
Assumption BVM School, Pottsville– Lily Baran, Lilyanna Eades, Ryan Grabowski, Conner Kanute, Colt Mason, Hailey Mills, Naomi Neifert, Emmet Portland, Macie Rushannon, Andrew Smith, Delaney Walborn, Chloe Zulick.
St. Jerome Regional School, Tamaqua – Madeline Daynorowicz.
Notre Dame High School, Easton
Holy Family School, Nazareth – Aidan Dalton, Gina Favocci, Anna Goffredo, Julia Goffredo, Samuel Joseph, Gabriela Ronca.
Immaculate Conception School, Pen Argyl – Ellianna Button, Mackenzie Hughes.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help School, Bethlehem – Grace Kelly, Samantha Karwacki.
St. Anne School, Bethlehem – Sophia Silvius.
St. Jane Frances de Chantal School, Easton – Brianna Banaag, Lina Burgess, Nicolas Cruza, Catherine Holzschuh, Alexander Kehm, Samuel Morici, Mark Perone, Jenna Petrik, Mary (Mia) Pierce, Savina Steele.