Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School was proud to award over $150,000 in scholarship money to students as part of the school’s annual Scholarship Day assembly on Feb. 18. More than 100 students received scholarships during this year’s event. Each of the scholarships recognizes the accomplishments and work ethic of current VASJ students.
Kevin Storey Scholarship Fund The Kevin Storey Scholarship Fund was established in memory of Kevin Story SJ ‘69. The recipient is a graduate of Our Lady of the Lake School, alma mater of Kevin Storey '69 when it was known as Holy Cross, an individual who models the OLL (HC) 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 award is:
Miranda Howard '22
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 each receiving a $1,000 awards are:
Erika Elie '22
Amiah Bullock '24
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 recipients each receiving a $1,500 awards are:
Nicholas Dunmire '24
Samantha Turk '23
Brea Warner '23,
Johnathan Pitts '23
JoVon Riley '22
Alexis Parks '22
Isaiah Batts '22
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. This recipient of the $3,000 award is:
Ariana Somich '24
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. 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 recipient of the $2,500 scholarship is:
Sean DiDona '24
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. 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 recipient of the $2,500 scholarship is:
Zoe Davis '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 the $1,500 scholarships are:
Shane Waganek '25
Paul Kilroy '25
Clark Blaine Clark Award 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. The recipient of this $500 award is:
Patrick Dunmire '22
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 this $1,500 award is:
Da'Vion Taylor '25
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 recipient of a $1,500 award is:
Darion Taylor '25
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 recipients of the $1,500 awards are:
Laila Grice '23
Kylie Bosley '23
Dresden Frye '24
DeBartolo Fund Scholarship The DeBartolo Fund Scholarship is given to a daughter of a Villa Angela or VASJ alumni who excels in donating time and talent through service to others. The recipient of this year’s $1,000 award is:
Kailey Thomas '24
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 $1,000 award is:
Rebecca Hamper '23
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 recipients of $1,000 scholarships are:
Kahlan Kilburn '25
\Maya Williams '25
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 recipient who will receive a $750 scholarship is:
Joey Oriani '25
Sally Furlich Scholarship The Sally Furlich Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship awarded to a student who best exemplifies the qualities and philosophy of Sally Furlich, which is a strong sense of community and Viking service. The recipient who will receive a $750 scholarship is:
Shana Porter '22
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 student receiving a $500 scholarship is:
John Vuraich '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 Villa Angela-St Joseph student. The recipients who will receive $1,000 each are:
Isaac Bonner '22
Nacarre Nixon '22
Nina Davis '25
Carley Guy '24
Robert Gliha Memorial Award The Robert Gliha Memorial Award has been designated by the Gliha family in memory of Robert Gliha, a St. Joseph High School graduate of the Class of 1970. 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. The recipient is a student who excels academically in the area of science, technology, engineering and math, has demonstrated leadership, and is actively involved in service to VASJ as well as their community. Selected are:
Keemari Lacey '24 for a $1000 scholarship
Jaylen Felder '22 for an $850 scholarship
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 recipients of a $5,000 scholarship are:
Isaiah Batts '22
Michael Croasmun Jr. '22
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 of this $500 scholarship are:
Joshua Drabek '25
Daira Martinez '23
Richard and Collette Lieb Scholarship The Richard and Collette 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 recipients of the $1,000 scholarships are:
William Flaisman '25
Sharriah Johnson '24
Hannah Trhlik '25
Brea Warner '23
Lewis Davis '22
James Butler '23
Joy Kwasniak Swanson “Live For Joy” Memorial Scholarship The Joy Kwasniak Swanson “Live For Joy” Memorial Scholarship was inaugurated in 2008 by the family of 1991 VASJ graduate, Joy, who succumbed to cancer in 2006. This scholarship is designated for participants in the VASJ basketball program who exhibit the characteristics of a stout leader and an overachiever. Receiving $1,500 awards each are:
Terrance Dillard Jr. '25
Alana Bell '24
Donald D. Lynch Family Foundation The Donald D. Lynch Family Foundation has awarded Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School with a $20,000 renewable grant for the purpose of providing scholarships for students who are goal-oriented, focused on education, work to their potential, and have demonstrated behavior that is consistent with the school's code of conduct. Most importantly, the students must be actively living their Catholic faith by following the example of Jesus and living the Gospel of the Lord in all that they do. We are awarding the following three scholarships:
The recipient of the Fr. David McBriar, OFM Scholarship in the amount of $5,000 is:
Roland Ivy Jr. '23
The recipients of the Donna Lynch Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $5,000 each are:
Maura Murphy '25
Sophia Merkuloff '24
The recipient of the John and Margaret Lynch Family Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $5,000 is:
Larisa Kikic '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 each recognizes four student-athletes who exhibit good character and citizenship. This year’s student-athlete selections are:
Austin Barnett '23
Autumn Hayes '24
Lamar Jackson '24
Juliana Szalay '24
Vincenzo A. Manno Scholarship Fund 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 of 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 recipients of the $500 scholarship are:
Michael Arcaro '24
Noah Clarke '22
Gianna Grayson '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 $750 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:
Niya Schady '22
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 recipient who will receive $1,000 is:
Josie Carpenter-Lewis '23
Frances Bernadette Meunier Memorial Scholarship The Frances Bernadette Meunier Memorial Scholarship is awarded to volleyball student-athletes who exhibit a strong work ethic, have great personal leadership and team commitment, and are actively involved in the VASJ community. The recipients of a $1,250 scholarship are:
Esther Marshall '24
Bella Gembarski '24
Spirit and Service Scholarship The Spirit and Service Scholarship established by Ray Murphy is awarded to a student who is at least a sophomore and who demonstrates the spirit of the Vikings and is committed to serving the school and the community. The recipient of the $,1000 award is:
Bryce Bowles '23
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 VASJ '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. Receiving a scholarship of $500 are:
Adam Szmania '24
Joseph Szmania '24
Chloe Fuller '23
Seneca Morton '24
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 recipients receiving $1,000 each are:
Matthew Nagy '24
Kyla Graham '23
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 here 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 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 recipients of a $2,000 award are:
Jaden Williams '24
Noah Clarke '22
Andrew Spinks '24
Chineye Obiechina '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 recipients of a $750 scholarship are:
Maria Karboski '22
Randi Seagroves '22
Janae Yarboro '23
Joseph M. Scaminace Scholarship The Joseph M. Scaminace Scholarship is named for St. Joseph Class of 1971 graduate Joseph Scaminace. This scholarship awards students who are academically ambitious and display a strong sense of ethics, tenaciousness and personal responsibility. The recipient of a $1,000 award is:
Michael Taylor '22
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 recipients of $2,000 each are:
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 a $925 award is:
Savannah Anderson '24
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 of $1,000 each are:
Joey Webb '22
Macklin Muhlhan '23
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 $1,500 is:
Trinity Bates '22
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 live out the charisms of the Ursuline Sisters and Marianist Brothers.
The recipient of a $2,000 award is:
Je'Nasia Cantie '22
The recipients of a $1,000 are:
Kyla Graham '23
Zachary Kohler '23
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 recipients of a $1,500 award are:
Smyira Petty '22
Nina Davis '22
Da'Vion Taylor '25
KaeVaun Blair '25
Timothy Bopp ’23
Amy Conway ’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 recipients of the $1,000 scholarship are:
Tiana Belcher '24
Ryan O'Connell '22
Alisa Jordan '22
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 award are:
Vanessa Rivers '23
Dylan Rhoad '23
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 the $1,000 awards are:
Titus Bates '22
Timothy Gonakis '25
Makaila Alexander '22
Allison Hockenberry '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 scholarship is:
Darian Davis '23
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: Breylen Moore '25
Sophomore: Eliana Mills '24
Junior: Colin Hatcher '23
Senior: Iyanna Battle '22
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. Should be involved in extracurricular activities and be a positive influence in the Viking community. Student should maintain a 2.5 GPA. Receiving scholarships of $1,500 each are:
Darnell Randle '24
Amiah Bullock '24
Charles Kortovich '22
Vincent and Kay Petteruti Scholarship The Vincent and Kay Petteruti 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. Receiving scholarships of $1,500 each are:
Charles Mullin '22
Timothy Bopp '22
Kasey Freeman '24
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. Receiving scholarships of $1,000 each are:
Charlotte Gustovic '23
Makaila Alexander '22
Friends of VASJ Scholarship The Friends of VASJ Scholarship is awarding one student $750. Receiving this scholarship is:
RiKya Lucas ‘22
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 of 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.
Ari Jones
Alexzandra Lang
Brooklein Henderson
Brady McNulty
Chase Polunus
Christianna Wilson
Darnelle Randle
Dennis Tripp
Destiny Washington
Jonasia Kidd
Deborah Adegbite
Somto Amujiogu
La’Tisha Bendter
Nashir Graves
Brandon Johnson
Nikiya Schady
Mary Rice
Jasmine Ellul
Ta’Dreana Tate
Terrance Moore
Ja’Myla Brooks
Colin Hatcher
Maria Karboski
Mary Radachy
Za'Niyah Smith
Gaia Taylor
Nathan Udics
Nicholas Udics
Sydney McDowell
Natalie Rutkowski
Zachary Banasik
Rachel Barker
Devin Cook
Patrick Dunmire
Thomas Kelsey
Sha'Miah Richardson
Tamia Young
Isaiah Batts
Da’nae Seals