VASJ hosts annual Founders Day Mass, awards ceremony

The beginning of every year offers an opportunity for the Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School community to gather together to celebrate the school's founders: Blessed William Joseph Chaminade, founder of the Society of Mary (Marianists), and St. Angela Merici, foundress of the Ursuline Sisters. 

The school community came together once again on Feb. 11 for the annual Founders Day Mass and awards ceremony.  

Fr. John Betters from Ss. Robert and William Parish served as celebrant for this year's Mass. 

At the conclusion of Mass, students were awarded scholarship money related to the school’s sponsoring orders. Each of the scholarships was founded in the spirit of Fr. Chaminade or St. Merici to recognize the accomplishments of current VASJ students.

Please join us in congratulating our Ursuline and Marianist scholarship award recipients for 2022! 

Ursuline Service Scholarship

In keeping with the mission of the Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland to transform society through social justice, the Ursuline Service Scholarship recognizes students who are generous in their service to school, church and community, and leadership in issues of justice. The recipient of a $500 scholarship is:

Sophomore Seneca Morton



Sr. M. Ursula Fahey Scholarship

The Sr. M. Ursula Fahey Scholarship recognizes a daughter of a VA or VASJ alum who displays leadership in school, church and community. The recipient of a $500 scholarship is:

Sophomore Kailey Thomas 



Sr. Rosemary Hocevar Science Scholarship

Sr. Rosemary Hocevar is a former science and math teacher and principal of Villa Angela Academy; she continues her support of VASJ today.  The Sr. Rosemary Hocevar Science Scholarship is designated for current sophomores or juniors who have maintained a 2.5 GPA, have demonstrated service to school, parish, and/or community, and are interested in a career in education, science, or math. Each of the following students was awarded $1,000:

Sophomore Sean DiDona
Junior Somkenechukwu Obiechina



Sr. Naomi Schreiner Scholarship

The Sr. Naomi Schreiner Scholarship is named after a legendary longtime VASJ Hall of Fame teacher. This $500 award is given to a senior who best represents the four characteristics of the National Honor Society – scholarship, leadership, service and character. The recipient of the $500 award is:

Senior Lewis Davis



Sr. Angela Marie Waldron Scholarship

The Sr. Angela Marie Waldron Scholarship recognizes a student who has shown a love of learning, has a grade point average of at least 3.0, participates in multiple activities and is active in his/her parish. The recipient of the $500 award is:

Sophomore Nicholas Dunmire



Anna Mae Eppich-Lang Scholarship

The Anna Mae Eppich-Lang Scholarship is an award in memory of Mrs. Lang. The recipient is a female resident of Cleveland who, in addition to performing well academically, has qualities that epitomize the spirit of VASJ. This year’s recipient of $500 is:

Junior Sabrina Uzomah

Fr. Louis Wiesner Scholarship

The Fr. Louis Wiesner Scholarship was established in memory of the founding principal of St. Joseph High School. This scholarship is awarded to students who have demonstrated growth in the principles and characteristics of VASJ. Each of the following students will receive a $750 scholarship:

Junior Dylan Rhoad
Junior Darian Davis



Marianist Urban Students Program (MUSP)

The Marianist Urban Students Program was founded in 1990 and came to VASJ in 1999, with the first graduating class being in 2003. The Marianist Brothers and Priests contribute over $100,000 a year to operate this program. These students receive academic and social support at VASJ. The students in MUSP receive over $10,000 in tuition scholarship aid during their four years. Those chosen for this program go through a thorough and competitive selection process. When your name is called, please stand. The current MUSP students are:

Freshmen

Dedrick Davis
Kevin Davis
Dontae Fairfax
Allison Hockenberry
Jetaun Taylor
Keon Walthall
Vera Rucker
Myles Jackson
Tylen Bryant
Da’Vion Taylor
Darian Taylor
Carmello Jones

Sophomores

Somto Amujiogu
Da'Shawn Floyd
De'Shawn Floyd
Autumn Hayes
Elijah Swader
Sydney Harris

Juniors

Savonda Jackson
Deangelo Irving
Cristan Williams
Royzell Gall Jr.

Seniors

Kevin Laster
JoVon Riley
Anthony Dixon Jr.
Gbagalo Kennedy