Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School hosted its annual Founders Day Mass and awards ceremony on Jan. 27. After celebrating Mass with Fr. John Betters of Ss. Robert and William Parish, VASJ students were awarded scholarship money related to the school’s sponsoring orders, the Ursulines and the Marianists.
Each scholarship awarded was founded in the spirit of Fr. William Joseph Chaminade or St. Angela Merici to recognize the accomplishments of current VASJ students. Thank you to Sr. Laura Bregar and Sr. Diana Stano of the Ursuline Sisters and Chris McGrath and William Raddell ’68 of the Marianists for serving as representatives at this year’s ceremony.
Congratulations to the following students:
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. Receiving a $500 scholarship is:
Samantha Turk
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. Receiving a $500 scholarship is:
Ava Somich
The 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. The following student is awarded $1,500:
Vanessa Rivers (not pictured)
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:
Roland Ivy Jr.
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:
Somto Amujiogu
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:
Tiana Belcher
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 a student who has demonstrated growth in the principles and characteristics of VASJ. The following student will receive a $1,000 scholarship:
Honesty Banks
Marianist Excel Program
The Marianist Excel Program, formerly 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 MEP 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 MEP students are:
Freshmen Shawn Dantzler
Destiny Johnson
Jade Johnson
Fernado Taylor
Marion Drake
Ny’Yer Abbas
Sophomores Allison Hockenberry
Kevin Davis
Dedrick Davis
Tylen Bryant
Da'vion Taylor
Darion Taylor
Jetaun Taylor
Vera Rucker
Alexis Parks
Deja Brown
Juniors Da'Shawn Floyd
De'Shawn Floyd
Autumn Hayes
Elijah Swader
Somto Amujiogu
Sydney Harris
Seniors Savonda Jackson
DeAngelo Irving
Cristan Williams
Royzell Gall