VASJ awards over $190,000 during annual Scholarship Day assembly

Over $190,000 was awarded during Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School's Scholarship Day assembly on Friday, Feb. 9. This annual event brings together donors and alumni with VASJ students to celebrate their academic and personal achievements. More than 120 VASJ students earned scholarships this year, a true testament to their discipline and work ethic. 

Congratulations to all of our award recipients! 

Click here to view photos from the assembly. 

The William Breslin Scholarship is given to a student who maintains a GPA in the upper 25% of his/her class and is an athlete who is a model of quiet humility. The recipient of the $500 William Breslin scholarship is Colin Barnett ‘25.

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 two recipients each receiving a $1,000 Gentile Memorial scholarship are Josef Dautovic ’25 and Alanah Bissell ‘25.

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 Corey Smith ’24.

The Brian Kasunic Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a current senior who displays generosity toward others and exhibits leadership, character and true Viking spirit. The student receiving the $500 Kasunic Memorial Scholarship is Tiana Belcher ‘24.

The Tilk Family Scholarship was funded by the family to recognize a student who has graphic arts interest and ability or is pursuing further art education at a traditional college or art institute and has financial need at VASJ. The student receiving the $500 Tilk Family Scholarship is Keymirah Lattimore ‘27.

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 two recipients each receiving a $600 Kathryn Kerver Memorial scholarship are Ashley Burgess ’24 and Melanie Harris ‘25. 

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. The two recipients each receiving a $750 Plesec scholarship are Rai’yana Hall ’27 and Antonio Hodges ‘27.

The Daniel Flannery Scholarship recognizes a student that demonstrates strong work ethic effort and strives to improve academically. A positive role model in the Viking community, maintains a 2.5 GPA and active and always willing to support fellow classmates. The two recipients each receiving a $750 Flannery Scholarship are Alan Smith ‘24 and Edriana Spence ‘24.

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 the $750 Clark Blaine Clark award is Johnny Vuraich ‘25.

The Amy Sambula Memorial Spirit Scholarship was created to honor Amy Sambula, who was a senior at Villa Angela Academy when she was killed in a senseless shooting in the fall of 1969. She would have graduated with the VA Class of 1970. Amy was twice president of her class and an outstanding member of the student body. She gave all of her time, spirit and love to foster an atmosphere of Christian giving. This scholarship recognizes a female student who has spirit, drive, enthusiasm and a love for VASJ. The recipient is a leader and inspires moral leadership in others. The two recipients each receiving a $1,000 Amy Sambula Scholarship are Cecelia Oriani ’26 and Leah Davis ‘25.

The Barbara A. Blaser Scholarship is awarded to young women who excels in technology classes and have an interest in a business career. The two recipients each receiving a $1,000 Blaser Scholarship are Esther Marshall ’24 and La Mya Frazier ‘25.

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 receiving the $1,000 Continenza scholarship is Marcel Dickson Jr. ‘27.

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 receiving the $1,000 Dailey scholarship is Asumana Pelima ‘24.

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 recipient receiving the $1,000 Fedeli Family scholarship is Melanie Harris ‘25.

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 four recipients each receiving a $1,000 Getler scholarship are Kevin Romine ’26, Quandell Wright ‘24, Caleb Sherman ’25 and Sydney Harris ‘24.    

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 six recipients each receiving $1,000 Lieb scholarships are Darion Taylor ‘25, Da’ Vion Taylor ’25, Chingiz Yessenzholov ‘24, Riyonna Kelleware ‘25, Ja’Nya Willis ‘25, and Brandon McBride ‘25.

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. The four recipients of the Pat Lyons Scholarship are Dante Landers '24, Jason Scott ‘24, Mya Norris '26 and Dakaylyn Perkins ‘27.

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 three recipients each receiving a $1,000 Manno scholarship are Jaden Williams ‘24, Ava Somich '26 and Lauren Bell ‘26.
    
Sandra and Dennis Slattery SJ ’63 established a scholarship award for the best submission into the school's literary journal. Currently, this award at VASJ is provided to encourage good writing and to inspire students to work toward publishing their works in the future. The recipient of a $1,000 Slattery Scholarship award is Evan Murphy ‘25.

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 receiving a $,1000 Spirit and Service Scholarship award is Carmella Dalto ‘26.

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 two recipients each receiving a $1,000 Prince Science scholarship are Will Flaisman ’25 and Terrance Dillard ‘25.

The Evelyn A. Svete Memorial Scholarship was established by Sandra Turner, Villa Angela 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 three recipients each receiving a $1,000 Svete scholarship are Kailey Thomas ’24, Moriah Gyles ‘26 and Demya Westfield ‘26.

Jeff and Sandra Turner also 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; which are academic excellence and social consciousness rooted in contemplation, justice and compassion. The two recipients each receiving a $1,000 Turner Scholarship are Ellen Besa ‘25 and Cadence Hinojosa ‘26.

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 G.P.A of 3.0, are in good standing with the school, and display a strong work ethic and moral character. The four recipients each receiving a $1,000 Valentino Memorial Scholarship are Henry Gonakis '27, Joey Oriani ‘25, Zoe Kelsey ‘26 and Corrine McIntosh ‘27.

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 be awarded to a junior or senior who excels in mathematics and displays strong academic curiosity. The recipient should 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 the $1,000 Veasey scholarship is Jesse Hill ‘25.

The Viking Scholarship recognizes one student per class as model VASJ students who demonstrate strong moral character, scholarship and leadership. The four recipients each receiving a $1,000 2024 Viking Scholarship are: 
Freshman Zac Gembus ‘27
Sophomore: Chandler Barton ‘26
Junior Josephine Radachy ‘25
Senior Sydney Harris ‘24

The St. Joseph Class of 1958 Scholarship honors young men who are Catholic, reside in Euclid or Cleveland, have demonstrated a love of learning, and are in at least the 10th grade. The two recipients each receiving a $1,000 St. Joseph Class of ’58 Scholarship are Frank Oriani ‘26 and Lorenzo Oriani ‘26.

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 two recipients each receiving a $1,000 Zlatoper Family scholarship are London Adkins ‘27 and Jetaun Taylor ‘25.

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 two recipients each receiving a $1,000 St. Joe’s Class of 1969 scholarship are Justin Clark ‘27 and Elyse Farrar ‘27.

The Gloria “Mrs. M” Melaragno Scholarship was established in honor of Mrs. Melaragno who was affectionately known as “Mrs. M” by the legions of St. Joseph High School students beginning in the 1960’s. This 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 of the $1,000 Melaragno scholarship is John Gibson ‘26.

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 the $1,000 Scaminace Scholarship award is Robert Smith ‘25.

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, which was Kevin’s alma mater when it was known as Holy Cross; is an individual who models the Our Lady of the Lake (Holy Cross) and VASJ spirit of friendliness, openness, and good humor; and who reflects the Marianist characteristic of hospitality to others. The recipient of the $1,000 Kevin Storey Scholarship is Crysta Rutkowski ‘26.

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. This scholarship is given to 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 two recipients each receiving a $1,250 Louis and Adele Caravella scholarship are Daniel Curry ’25 and Denzel Curry ‘26.

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 three recipients each receiving a $1,500 Centa Family scholarship are Shane Waganek '25, Kevin Romine ‘26 and Emmanuel Jordan '26.

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 McKenna Murphy ‘26.

The Kay and Vincent 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 families are making to send them to VASJ. The two recipients each receiving a $1,500 Petteruti Family scholarship are Tiana Belcher ’24 and Jacob Ericksen ‘26.

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 and his wife Mary was very active in the community, specifically the Euclid Hunger Center and a long-time employee of Euclid Hospital. The recipient of this scholarship 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 two recipients each receiving a $1,500 Gliha memorial scholarship are Priyah Broadus ’26 and Jordan Marshall ‘27.

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. Recipients should be involved in extracurricular activities and be a positive influence in the Viking community, while maintaining a 2.5 GPA.  The three recipients each receiving a $1,500 Welsh scholarship are Timothy McCombs ’25, Harun Grebovic ‘26 and Jasir Linton ‘26.
    
The Judy Ulepic VA '61 Sustar and Roger J. Sustar SJ '61 Scholarship was established by Judy Sustar, Villa Angela Academy alumna from the Class of 1961, and her husband, Roger Sustar, St. Joseph alum from the Class of 1961. This scholarship recognizes students with a minimum GPA of 2.5, who comes to school every day, work hard, put forth the effort, stays out of trouble and are involved in extracurricular activities. The eight recipients each receiving a $1,500 Sustar scholarship are David Jones ’24, Camron Bennett ‘24, NeAyzja Davis ’25, Lamar Jackson ’24, Brian Kortovich ’25, Skyla Thomas ‘26, Kyla Francis ’27, and Demarion Martin ‘27.

The Thomas Bodle Scholarship was established in memory of Tom, who was a proud 1970 graduate of St. Joseph High School.  Tom was a former math teacher and St. Joe’s and VASJ from 1979 to 1999.  He was a freshman, junior varsity and varsity assistant basketball coach, earning four state championship rings during this time.  He was athletic director for two years, and stayed active organizing his class reunions.  A Catholic education was very important to him, and so this 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 eight recipients each receiving a $1,500 Thomas Bodle scholarship are Orion Johnson ’24, Isaac Berry ‘25, Alexis Parks ’25, Jaylin Reid ‘25, Moses Thompson ’25, Dominic Bonner ‘26, Jordan Howard ’26, and Savion Lewis ‘26.

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 (including sports or clubs), with strong consideration given to Music and Drama candidates, that live out the charisms of the Ursuline Sisters and Marianist Brothers. The two recipients each receiving a $2,000 St. Joseph Class of 1970 scholarship are Raymond Eppich ‘26 and Charles Marn ‘26.

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 three recipients each receiving a $2,000 Robertson Memorial scholarship are: Maya Williams ’25, Joseph Fergus ‘26 and Makale Gaffney ‘26.

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 four recipients each receiving a $2,000 Scheidel scholarship are Larisa Kikic ’25, Mekhi Davenport ‘26, Kaelin Houston ’26 and Jamari’ Mays ‘26.    

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 who has finished her sophomore year, who is a strong Catholic and has an interest in language arts. This recipient receiving the $2,500 Capasso Scholarship is Jariana Cortes ‘26.

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 receiving the $2,500 Boone- Caravella scholarship is Chelsea Little ‘25.

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 two recipients each receiving a $2,500 Davis-Kerscher scholarship are Kahlan Kilburn ’25 and Dalaina Jenkins ‘26.

The Edward and Patricia Kaduk Scholarship was established by James Kaduk, an alum from the St. Joseph Class of 1969 and his wife Catherine. This scholarship award was created under the Keeping our Promises Campaign. The four recipients each receiving a $2,500 Kaduk Scholarship are Amani Powell ’24, Ashton Neville ‘25, Hannah Trhlik ’25 and Laila Williams ‘25.

The final scholarship awards are from the Donald D. Lynch Family Foundation. The Lynch Family established these scholarships for the purpose of supporting 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. The following three scholarships will each be awarded to deserving recipients who will receive $5,000 each towards their VASJ education. 

The recipient of The Fr. David McBriar, OFM Scholarship in the amount of $5,000 is La Mya Frazier ‘25.

The recipient of the John and Margaret Lynch Family Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $5,000 is Alexis Parks '25.

The two recipients of the Donna Lynch Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $5,000 each are Justine Anderson '25 and Elizabeth Dunmire ‘26.

The following students were selected for the Howley Family Scholarship as incoming freshmen in the Class of 2027. 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. They receive scholarship support to supplement their VASJ tuition throughout all four years of the high school education, and join the other Howley Scholars in the sophomore, junior and senior classes.

The Class of 2027 Howley Scholarship recipients are Christina Biliani, Alyssa Mullins, Geanice Bostick, Sa’Niyah Payton, Englenn Burkes, Diasu Pelima, Kaden Hopkins-Bey, India Rollins, and Ajla Kikic.