VASJ awards over $165,000 on Scholarship Day thanks to donors

Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School was proud to host its annual Scholarship Day assembly on Friday, Feb. 3. Thanks to the generosity of our alumni and donors, the school was able to award more than $165,000 in scholarship money to VASJ students.

Each of the scholarships recognizes the accomplishments and work ethic of current students.

Click here to view photos from the event.

Tom L. Fink Memorial Scholarship
The Tom L. Fink Memorial Scholarship has been designated by the Fink family to go to a member of the VASJ football team who has demonstrated outstanding zeal, enthusiasm and commitment to student life as well as passion and commitment to study, work and sports. The student receiving the $500 Fink Memorial scholarship is:

Joey Oriani '25

Kathryn Kerver Memorial Scholarship
The Kathryn Kerver Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of Kathryn Kerver, who lost her life in a car accident in her sophomore year at VASJ in 1991. She was a very spirited young lady who loved life. Her memory lives on in her nephews and nieces who attend VASJ and her brothers and sisters who are all alumni as well. The scholarship recognizes students who are Catholic, have school spirit, good conduct, and a willingness to serve others, are friendly and non-judgmental, treat others equally, and have a 2.5 GPA or better. The recipients receiving a $500 Kerver Memorial scholarship are: 

Joshua Drabek ’25
Daira Martinez ’23

Thomas J. Gentile Memorial Scholarship
The Thomas J. Gentile Memorial Scholarship has been created by the Gentile Family in memory of Thomas J. Gentile, a St. Joseph High School graduate of the Class of 1971. Tom was a successful businessman and a longtime baseball fan and coach. Recipients are students who participate in baseball or fast pitch, maintain a GPA of at least 3.0, have a good conduct record, and are interested in a career in business or becoming an entrepreneur. The recipients receiving a $500 Gentile Memorial scholarship are: 
    
Kenya Blythewood ’26
Tim Gonakis ’24    
Daniel Zgela ’24

Jared Plesec Scholarship
The Jared Plesec Scholarship is awarded to students who dedicate their time to volunteer in the community and through the ministry at VASJ. The student is in good standing academically with a 2.5 GPA. Jared Plesec ’14 was a young man who dedicated his life to the welfare for the advancement of all people. He became active with the Salvation Army and grew to become a senior soldier. At the age of 21, he was brutally killed while taking the time to share the Lord's word with someone who needed his guidance. The recipients receiving a $750 Plesec scholarship are:

Tiana Belcher ’24
Seneca Morton ’24

Clark Blaine Clark Scholarship
The Clark Blaine Clark award was established as a memorial scholarship for three members of the St. Joseph Class of 1990: Steven Clark, Frederick Blaine and Thomas Clark. The award was established to recognize a football player who shows spirit, camaraderie and commitment to the Viking community. Steve, Fred and Tom were members of the State Division II Championship football team. Tom was a student council president and one of three seniors selected to speak at graduation. Steve also wrestled at 189 pounds on the State Division I Championship wrestling team. All three were to attend college on football scholarships but sadly were killed in a car accident on the evening of prom. The recipient of a $750 Clark Blaine Clark award is:

Aidan Staunton ’23

Daniel Flannery Scholarship
The Daniel Flannery Scholarship recognizes a student who demonstrates strong work ethic effort and strives to improve academically. The student is a positive role model in the Viking community, maintains a 2.5 GPA, and is always willing to support fellow classmates. The recipients receiving a $750 Flannery Scholarship are:

Amy Conway ’23
Adam Spates ’24

Amy Sambula Memorial Spirit Scholarship
The Amy Sambula Memorial Spirit Scholarship recognizes a female student who has spirit, drive, enthusiasm and a love for VASJ. She is a leader and inspires moral leadership in others. 

The student receiving a $750 Sambula scholarship is:

Lela Seals ’25

The recipient of a $1,000 Sambula scholarship is:

Sophia Merkuloff ’24

Barbara A. Blaser Scholarship
The Barbara A. Blaser Scholarship is awarded to young women who excel in technology classes and have an interest in a business career. The recipients receiving a $1,000 Blaser scholarship are:

La Mya Frazier ’25
Za’Niyah Smith ’23

Vincent Continenza Scholarship 
The Vincent Continenza Scholarship is awarded to a freshman football player who is interested in a path in business, culinary arts or economics. The recipient of a $1,000 Continenza scholarship is:

Ryan Jones ’26

Dailey Family Scholarship
The Dailey Family Scholarship has been established by Don and Mary Jo Dailey. Don is a St. Joseph Class of 1970 alum. The scholarship recognizes students who have shown leadership and dedication to the Viking community. The student receiving a $1,000 Dailey scholarship is:

Jayah Todd ’24

Umberto and Mary Ellen Fedeli Family Scholarship
The Umberto and Mary Ellen Fedeli Family Scholarship recognizes students who are examples of living the Gospel values, exhibit a strong work ethic, give service to the community and school, and are excellent role models. The student receiving a $1,000 Fedeli Family scholarship is:

William Flaisman ’25

H.J. Jack Getler Memorial Scholarship
The H.J. Jack Getler Memorial Scholarship goes to an outstanding student who has made the greatest contribution to the professionalism of the school’s literary magazine and/or digital media class. Candidates maintain a 2.6 grade point average and represent the characteristics of a true VASJ student. The students receiving a $1,000 Getler scholarship are:

Josie Carpenter-Lewis ’23
Carley Guy ’24                
Amari Hancock ’23
Lawrence Hunt ’23

Richard and Colette Lieb Scholarship
The Richard and Colette Lieb Scholarship has been established by the Lieb brothers to recognize students who have completed their sophomore year, maintain a minimum of a 3.0 GPA, have demonstrated Christian values, and are involved in two or more extracurricular or club activities. The stduents receiving $1,000 Leib scholarships are:

Jayla McIntyre ’23
Maura Murphy ’24
Alexis Parks ’25
Jaylin Reid ’25
Corey Smith ’24
John Vuraich ’25



Pat Lyons Memorial Scholarship  
As an All-American scholar-athlete and St. Joseph High School graduate, Pat Lyons reached out to help students succeed and graduate from VASJ. The Pat Lyons Memorial Scholarship for $1,000 recognizes student-athletes who exhibit good character and citizenship. This year’s selections are:

Jayla Brooks ’24
Dante Landers ’24        
Cecelia Oriani ’26
Frankie Oriani ’26        
Lorenzo Oriani ’26            

Vincenzo A. Manno Scholarship
The Vincenzo A. Manno Scholarship Fund is awarded to a student from the Collinwood area who has an interest in music or the musical/operatic stage, who intends to pursue a career in music or the stage in some fashion from acting to playing a musical instrument to directing and producing to the business side of the enterprise, and who is engaged in musical activity at the school. The students receiving a $1,000 Manno scholarship are:

Michael Arcaro ’24        
Gianna Grayson ’23
Ariana Somich ’23
    
Medical Alumni Scholarship
Alumni of the school who are involved in healthcare-related careers founded the Medical Alumni Scholarship. Dr. Holzheimer SJ ’57 is presenting a $1,000 scholarship to a student interested in a career in the healthcare field, who has an above-average skill in science, maintains a good conduct record, and is actively involved in the school. Congratulations to:

Esther Marshall ’23

Gloria “Mrs. M” Melaragno Scholarship
The Gloria “Mrs. M” Melaragno Scholarship is named in honor of Mrs. Melaragno, who was affectionately known as “Mrs. M” by legions of St. Joseph High School students beginning in the 1960s. The scholarship awards students who are academically and spiritually solid and display the traits Mrs. M exemplified – selflessness, humor, kindness, hospitality, friendship and sensitivity to others. The student receiving a $1,000 Mrs. M. Scholarship is:

Daira Martinez ’23

Spirit and Service Scholarship
The Spirit and Service Scholarship established by Ray Murphy is awarded to a student who is at least a sophomore, demonstrates the spirit of a Viking, and is committed to serving the school and the community. The recipient of a $,1000 Spirit and Service award is:

Celina Stewart ’23

Fred & Diana Prince Science Scholarship
The Fred & Diana Prince Science Scholarship is awarded to a junior who demonstrates excellence in science and plans to major in a science or technical field in college. The recipient also demonstrates leadership abilities in scientific activities at VASJ, has a social consciousness regarding the use of science, hopes to have a career in a science field, and is a person of strong moral character. The students receiving a $1,000 Prince Science scholarship are:

Bella Gembarski ’24
Johnathan Pitts ’23

Sandra and Dennis Slattery SJ ’63 Scholarship
Sandra and Dennis Slattery SJ ’63 have established an award for the best submission into the school's literary journal. Currently, this award is provided to encourage good writing and to inspire students to work toward publishing their works in the future. The recipient of the $1,000 Slattery award is:

Leah Davis ’25

Mary Sopko Family Scholarship
The Mary Sopko Family Scholarship was established to recognize a student who has shown improvement and dedication to VASJ music. The recipient of the $1,000 Sopko award is:

Dylan Rhoad ’23

Evelyn A. Svete Memorial Scholarship
The Evelyn A. Svete Memorial Scholarship was established by Sandra Turner, VA Class of 1966, and her husband, Jeff, to honor Mrs. Turner’s late aunt, Evie Svete, a 1941 graduate of Villa Angela Academy. A successful businessperson, Evie Svete supported those who worked hard and demonstrated the traits of kindness, generosity, determination and integrity. The students receiving a $1,000 Svete scholarship are:

Drayonah Chandler ’25
Kyla Graham ’23
Peyton Zeigler ’23

Jeff and Sandra Turner Scholarship    
Jeff and Sandra established the Jeff and Sandra Turner Scholarship to recognize students who reflect the characteristics of the Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland and the order’s foundress, St. Angela Merici: academic excellence and social consciousness rooted in contemplation, justice and compassion. The recipients of a $1,000 Turner scholarship are:

Zoe Kelsey ’26
Mya Norris ’26

Nicholas Valentino Memorial Scholarship
The Nicholas Valentino Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of the 1964 graduate of St. Joseph High School by longtime friend Mark Haskell. For 26 years, Mr. Valentino was an accountant and a member of the Ohio Bar Association as well as the president of Advisory Services Inc. in Cleveland. Nominated by VASJ faculty and chosen by Mr. Valentino’s family, recipients are students who maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, are in good standing with the school, and display a strong work ethic and moral character. The recipients of a $1,000 Valentino Memorial scholarship are:

Timothy Gonakis ’24
Damiyah Jones-Crosby ’24
Alan Smith ’24
Ciera Williams ’25

Joseph P. Veasey Scholarship
Inaugurated in 2008 in memory of Joseph Veasey, a 2003 VASJ graduate who passed away after battling Leukemia for 16 months, the Joseph P. Veasey Scholarship is designated to a junior or senior who excels in mathematics and displays strong academic curiosity. The recipients show interest in art, architecture, or engineering and model Marianist family spirit by cultivating meaningful interpersonal relationships and developing a strong sense of community among their peers. The recipient of a $1,000 Veasey scholarship is:

Ta’Dreana Tate ’24
        
Viking Scholarship
Viking Scholarships, in the amount of $1,000 each, recognize one student per class as model VASJ students who demonstrate strong moral character, scholarship and leadership. The recipients of the 2022 Viking Scholarships are:

Freshman Elizabeth Dunmire ’26
Sophomore Brian Kortovich ’25
Junior Sean DiDona ’24
Senior Cristan Williams ’23



St. Joseph Class of 1958 Scholarship
The St. Joseph Class of 1958 Scholarship honors young men who are Catholic, reside in Euclid or Cleveland, have demonstrated scholarship and a love of learning, and are in at least the 10th grade. The St. Joseph Class of ’58 Scholarship winners in the amount of $1,000 are:

Mekhi Davenport ’26
Moses Thompson ’25

Kevin Storey Scholarship
The Kevin Storey Scholarship Fund was established in memory of Kevin Storey SJ ’69. The recipient is a graduate of Our Lady of the Lake School, alma mater of Kevin Storey when it was known as Holy Cross, an individual who models the OLL and VASJ spirit of friendliness, openness and good humor, and who reflects the Marianist characteristic of hospitality to others. The recipient of a $1,000 scholarship is:

Paul Kilroy ’25

Zlatoper Family Scholarship
In memory of Joseph M. Zlatoper, the Zlatoper Family Scholarship is offered to students who excel in math or science courses by a better than average grade and have demonstrated an interest in math or science as a career. The students also demonstrate the Viking character and spirit that is a VASJ tradition. The students receiving a $1,000 Zlatoper Family scholarship are:

Somkenechukwu Obiechina '23
Joseph Szmania '24

St. Joseph Class of 1969 Scholarship
The St. Joseph Class of 1969 Scholarship was established by the Class of 1969 on the occasion of its 50th reunion celebration. This scholarship is given in gratitude for the blessings of the Marianist culture and education these alumni experienced in the Viking Village both inside and outside the classroom. Proudly called “The Class with Heart,” the Class of ’69 awards this scholarship to VASJ students who embody the Viking traditions of school spirit, hard work, friendship and concern for others. The recipient of a $750 St. Joe’s Class of 1969 scholarship is:

Janae Yarboro ’23

The recipient of a $1,500 St. Joe’s Class of 1969 scholarship is:

Maria Karboski ’23

Thomas Bodle Scholarship
The Thomas Bodle Scholarship is awarded to individuals with a GPA of at least 2.5, who are involved in at least one activity, club, or sport, and who live out the charisms of the Ursuline Sisters and Marianist Brothers. The students receiving a $1,500 Bodle scholarship are:

Isaac Berry ’25
Nicholas Dunmire ’24
Sharriah Johnson ’24
Seneca Morton ’24
Alexis Parks ’25
Jaylin Reid ’25
Brea Warner ’23

Centa Family Scholarship
The Centa Family Scholarship has been established by St. Joseph Class of 1970 alum William J. Centa to recognize students with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA who are involved in two or more extracurricular or club activities. The recipients of a $1,500 Centa Family scholarship are:

Emmanuel Jordan ’26
Paul Kilroy ’25
Shane Waganek ’25

Joseph Farrell Memorial Scholarship
The Joseph Farrell Memorial Scholarship was established in honor of Mr. Farrell, a 1961 graduate of St. Joseph High School and a longtime teacher and administrator. He was the embodiment of Viking pride and is a member of the VASJ Hall of Fame. This scholarship was created to recognize students who model Christian values, are generous to others, and exhibit a strong sense of Viking loyalty. The recipient of this year’s $1,500 Farrell Memorial scholarship is:

Leah Davis ’25
    
Robert and Mary Gliha Memorial Scholarship Award
The Robert and Mary Gliha Memorial Scholarship Award has been designated by the Gliha family in memory of Robert Gliha, a St. Joseph High School graduate of the class of 1970 and his wife Mary. Robert was the deputy director of economic development for the City of Euclid, where he dedicated a 37-year career to the development of the city and its local businesses. His wife, Mary, was very active in the community, specifically the Euclid Hunger Center, and a long-time employee of Euclid Hospital. The recipient is a student who excels academically in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math, has demonstrated leadership, and is actively involved in service to VASJ as well as their community. The students receiving a $1,500 Gliha scholarship are:

La Mya Frazier ’25
Sophia Zagar ’25

Vincent and Kay Petteruti Scholarship
The Vincent and Kay Petteruti Family Scholarship is given to students who display kindness toward other students and demonstrate a true understanding of what it means to be a member of the Viking family. Students must also appreciate the benefits of a strong Catholic education and acknowledge the sacrifices their family is making to send them to VASJ. The students receiving a $1,500 Petteruti Family scholarship are:

Somto Amujiogu ’24
Robert Smith ’25

Peter C. & Eileen R. Welsh Scholarship
The Peter C. & Eileen R. Welsh Scholarship recognizes a student who is active in the Viking community and demonstrates the true spirit of the Viking family. The student should be involved in extracurricular activities and be a positive influence in the Viking community. The student should also maintain a 2.5 GPA. The students receiving a $1,500 Welsh scholarship are:

Darnell Randle ’25
Mariah Roberson ’24
Andre Spinks ’24

Judy and Roger Sustar Scholarship
The Judy and Roger Sustar Scholarship was established by Judy Sustar, Villa Angela Class of 1961, and her husband, Roger Sustar, St. Joseph Class of 1961. The scholarship recognizes students with a minimum of a 2.5 GPA who come to school every day, work hard, put forth the effort, stay out of trouble, and are involved in extracurricular activities. The students receiving a $1,500 Sustar scholarship are:

Austin Barnett ’23
Lyvia Craig ’24    
Arielle Daniel ’26
Dedrick Davis ’25
Sydney Hairston ’26
Jesse Hill ’25    
Brandon Johnson ’24
Jasmine Williams ’23            
        
St. Joseph Class of 1970 Scholarship
The St. Joseph Class of 1970 Scholarship is awarded to students with a GPA of at least 2.5 who are meaningfully involved in at least one extracurricular activity at school (sports, band, clubs, etc.), with strong consideration given to Music and Drama candidates, and who live out the charisms of the Ursuline Sisters and Marianist Brothers.

The students receiving a Class of 1970 scholarship in the amount of a $2,000 each are:

Max Gembus ’25
Quandell Wright ’24

Timothy W. Robertson Memorial Scholarship
The Timothy W. Robertson Memorial Scholarship recognizes students who are outstanding academic performers and models of school spirit. The basketball court at VASJ is named for Mr. Robertson, not just because of his devotion to the sport as the longtime statistician, photographer and most enthusiastic fan of the basketball team, but also for his steadfast loyalty to all things Viking. The highly respected math teacher and member of the Class of 1962 was a friend to all at VASJ. 

The students receiving the Robertson Memorial scholarship in the amount of $2,000 are:

Zoe Kelsey ’26
Sabrina Uzomah ’23
Sean Wroblewski ’26

Scheidel Scholarship
The Scheidel Scholarship was established to assist students who have high aspirations, strong academic performance and financial need. A cumulative minimum GPA of 3.25 is required. The students receiving the Scheidel scholarship in the amount of $2,000 are:

Laben Bradford ’23
Max Gembus ’25
Evan Murphy ’25         
Jayveon Roe ’25        

Rosalyn Capasso Scholarship
The Rosalyn Capasso Scholarship was established in memory of Rosalyn Capasso, who taught English at Villa Angela Academy. She was young, high energy, and held a vision of her God and held her actions to her vision. She left her mark of an active, positive, intelligent, struggling, devout Catholic who was determined to teach her students a love of English. This scholarship in her name is awarded to a female student finishing her sophomore year who is a strong Catholic and has an interest in language arts. The student receiving the Capasso Scholarship in the amount of $2,500 is:

Laya Milner ’25

Patricia Boone Caravella VA '73 Scholarship
The Patricia Boone Caravella VA '73 Scholarship is awarded to an individual who has an interest in pursuing a career in any of the STEM fields, anticipates attending college, and also has an interest in the humanities. The student should be a well-rounded individual who has an interest in history, art, literature, or music and is involved in volunteer work. Being Catholic is a plus, but not mandatory. The student receiving the Boone Caravella scholarship in the amount of $2,500 is:

Nathan Udics ’23

Louis and Adele Caravella Scholarship
The Louis and Adele Caravella Scholarship is awarded to an individual who has an interest in pursuing a career in any of the STEM fields, anticipates attending college, and also has an interest in the humanities. The student should be a well-rounded individual who has an interest in history, art, literature, or music and is involved in volunteer work. A Catholic is a plus, but not mandatory. The student receiving the Louis and Adele Caravella scholarship in the amount of $2,500 is:

Nicholas Udics ’23

Davis-Kerscher Scholarship
The Davis-Kerscher Scholarship is awarded to hard-working students who demonstrate a true appreciation of a strong Catholic education and maintain a 3.25 GPA. The students receiving the Davis-Kerscher scholarship in the amount of $2,500 are:

Dresden Frye ’24
Jasmine Williams ’23        

Edward and Patricia Kaduk Scholarship
The Edward and Patricia Kaduk Scholarship was established by James SJ ’69 and Catherine Kaduk. This award was established under the Keeping Our Promises Campaign scholarships. The students receiving the Kaduk Scholarship in the amount of $2,500 are:

Ryan McManus ’24
Sophia Merkuloff ’24            

The recipient of this year’s Kaduk scholarship in the amount of $5,000 is:

Justine Anderson ’25

Howley Family Scholarship
The following students were selected for the Howley Family Scholarship as incoming freshmen. These students demonstrated high academic achievement in grade school and placed in the top one-third on the VASJ Placement Test. These students have maintained at least a 3.0 grade point average while at VASJ, participate in at least one extracurricular activity, maintain good standing with the school, and submit semi-annually an outline of their progress and academic accomplishments to the Howley Family Foundation.  

The Howley Family Scholarship freshmen recipients are:

Dante Darby
Lily Herlihy    
D'Shaun Johnson
Destiny Johnson
Leila Johnson
Steven King
Benjamin Knox
Desmond Sims
Mario Townsend
Dominic Vasquez