Class of 2028 Scholarship Application

Dennis Wirtz Memorial Scholarship

This $1000 scholarship, established in 1996, honors a man who enriched the lives of all who knew him. Mr. Wirtz made time for others through coaching and volunteering at St. Francis DeSales High School, St. Paul School, the Rotary Club, and Knights of Columbus. Despite the many responsibilities that came with being a busy husband, father, and practicing attorney, Denny always found time to lend an ear, a hand and his heart. His warmth and humor were as generous as his willingness to help others. The recipient must be involved in community service and maintain a minimum of 2.0 GPA.

Lillian Ann Leighton Memorial Aquinas Scholarship

This $250 scholarship is funded by the family and friends of Lillian Leighton, a determined and loving mother who worked tirelessly with the educational system in her community to ensure all students would have ample opportunities to achieve regardless of learning style. The scholarship will be awarded to a student currently in the Aquinas program based on character, kindness, involvement in school and community.

The Elizabeth Garrick Memorial Scholarship - 2 scholarships available

These two $1,000 scholarships are funded by the family and friends of Elizabeth Garrick, a woman who was dedicated to her family, friends, and her Catholic faith. She was a proud supporter of both St. James the Less and St. Francis DeSales High School.  The recipient must be an alumnus of St. James the Less School, be involved in co-curricular activities, and maintain a 3.0 GPA or above.

The Laura Giammarco Cua Memorial Scholarship

This $1,000 scholarship is funded in loving memory of Laura Giammarco Cua (SFD Class of 1973). Laura dedicated 35 years of her life to the education of others.  Her legacy lives on through the thousands of lives she touched in and out of the classroom. This scholarship is intended for a student who embodies Laura's passion for education through their academic endeavors, community involvement, and goals for the future.  In addition to the application for this scholarship, applicants are asked to submit an essay addressing the following: 'What does education mean to me?’

The Jim Purcell Memorial Scholarship

This $1,000 scholarship, established in 2016, is in memory of Jim Purcell.  A lifelong educator, Jim proudly served the DeSales community as a parent, teacher, and Spirit Shop manager.  This scholarship is awarded to a student who has at least a 3.5 GPA and represents DeSales in a co-curricular activity. 

The Mary DiPietro Scholarship

Upon her retirement in 1994, a group of appreciative alumni, colleagues, family, and friends established this $1,000 scholarship in honor of the school’s first librarian for her 31 years of faithful service. It will be awarded to a student who has excellent conduct and performed service to DeSales and/or their church and community.

The Dave VanWassenhove Memorial Scholarship

This $1,000 scholarship is in memory of a man who devoted his entire life to selflessly helping others personally and professionally. During his many years of service, fundraising for DeSales, “Mr. V” enriched the lives of everyone he met. He taught his five children, all DeSales graduates, that we have a responsibility to members of our community with greater need than our own. This scholarship is available to African American students residing in the greater Linden community (zip codes 43224, 43229, 43219, and 43211). 

Chris Daniels Memorial Scholarship - 2 scholarships available

A $1,000 scholarship and a $500 scholarship are funded by the family and friends of Chris Daniels, a member of the St. Francis DeSales class of 1991. These scholarships are awarded to an African American freshman, sophomore or junior who possesses the character and concern for racial harmony that Chris Daniels had. The recipient must follow an alcohol and drug-free lifestyle, and maintain a 2.5 GPA or above. In addition to the application, each applicant is required to provide an essay answering the following: Explain how you share of yourself, as an African American youth, in your home, school and community.

The Mothers' Club Scholarship

A $1,000 scholarship sponsored by Mothers' Club recognizes a rising sophomore, junior or senior student who embodies the spirit of enhancing the school environment for students, faculty and staff through their participation in activities and volunteerism. In addition to the application for this scholarship, applicants are asked to submit an essay addressing the following: Describe how you have impacted the well-being of the students, faculty and staff as a result of your involvement at SFD.

Parent Advisory Board Scholarship - 2 scholarships available

The Parent Advisory Board recognizes a current freshman, sophomore, or junior student who demonstrates responsibility for his or her education. This $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a student who demonstrates excellent character and conduct, is active in co-curricular activities, and maintains 3.0 GPA or above.

The Jim Schmall Memorial Scholarship

This $1,000 scholarship is in honor of Jim Schmall, a member of the class of 2001, who was an advocate for those with no voice. Nicknamed “Biggie,” he truly had a gentle heart. Although he faced serious physical issues, he always looked out for those who struggled to live with dignity every day. In addition to the application, each applicant is required to provide an essay answering one of the following questions: Describe a situation in which you had to overcome a challenge (or) how you have helped a friend or family member overcome a challenge.

Tradition of Excellence Faculty Scholarship

These scholarships recognize a male and a female from the current freshman, sophomore, and junior classes whose intellectual strength, character, and leadership enrich the school community. The scholarships are awarded to students who have maintained a 3.5 GPA or above, and participate in a co-curricular program.

Buzz and Mary Jean Cockerell Family Scholarship

The Buzz and Mary Jean Cockerell Family Scholarship is a testament to their enduring commitment to Catholic education and community support. This $1,000 scholarship is available to students of St. Francis DeSales High School who exemplify outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and a dedication to community service and God.

Guido and JoAnn Ricevuto Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is funded by the friends, family and former athletes of Guido and JoAnn Ricevuto. It is to recognize and honor their commitment to Faith, Family and Tradition that DeSales High School exemplifies. Coach Guido was the Head Track Coach and Assistant Football coach at DeSales High School over a span of fifty years. He coached thousands of athletes over three generations, and his wife, JoAnn, was always by his side taking statistics. The couple believed in family, Catholic education, respect and hard work. A $1000 scholarship will be awarded to a student who participates in at least one co-curricular program and is in good academic standing (3.0 GPA or above). In addition to the application for this scholarship, applicants are asked to submit an essay answering the following question: Explain what Faith, Family, and the DeSales tradition means to you.

Dana Gentile Memorial Scholarship

This $1,000 scholarship was created in loving memory of Dana Gentile by her children, Thomas (SFD Class of 2009), Nicholas (SFD Class of 2011) and Anna (SFD Class of 2013). Dana was known as a loving mother, a strong leader, a determined worker, and a devout woman of faith. Her faith and her family were always Dana’s centerpieces in life. She was a selfless woman who dedicated her life to serving others and inspiring her children to always stay humble and kind. Her legacy lives on through her family and the many other lives she has impacted. This scholarship is intended for a student who embodies Dana’s values though their service of others through their faith, involvement in co-curricular activities, and academic endeavors. In addition to the application for this scholarship, applicants are asked to submit an essay answering the following question: How has your faith and family helped you through a time of adversity?

Humanitarian Scholarship

This $1,000 scholarship was created to honor Social Studies teacher Steve Ulry for his work advocating social justice and educating his students about the importance of empathy toward others. This $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a current freshman, sophomore or junior that holds a 2.5 GPA or higher, and is passionate about social justice and protecting others.

SFD Memorial Scholarship

This $1,000 scholarship was established to pay tribute to men and women in our St. Francis DeSales High School family who have gone before us to their eternal resting place. These special people have made a lasting legacy to our school and community through their loving support and selfless actions. The SFD Memorial scholarship is funded through donations made in memory of loved ones. The recipient of this scholarship must be involved in community service and maintain a minimum of 3.0 GPA.

Lisa K. Dumm Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is funded by the family of Lisa K. Dumm, in recognition of her dedication to her children's education and upbringing in catholic schools. This scholarship is awarded to a rising sophomore, junior or senior who is participating in AP coursework, involved in athletic or extracurricular activities and looking at pursuing a college education after their senior year.

Brader and Iannarino Family Scholarship

This scholarship is funded by Marita Iannarino Brader and family as a tribute to Jeffrey Brader. It is designed to recognize and honor his commitment to the values and ideals that St. Francis DeSales High School exemplifies. The Brader family believes in the importance of faith, leadership, and active participation in the school community. A $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a current student who participates in at least one co-curricular activity, demonstrates leadership, and shows a faith-filled commitment to the school's mission.

The Captain Nicholas Jan Rozanski Memorial Scholarship

This memorial scholarship is funded by the Mitchell family in honor of their beloved nephew and cousin who gave his life fighting in Afghanistan. This $1,500 scholarship is awarded to a Catholic student who attends one of the feeder school parishes of St. Francis DeSales High School. The student must have a GPA of 3.0 or above, and participate in a co-curricular program. In addition to the application, each applicant is required to include a short essay on how the military or a military person has impacted your life.  

The Bob Lennon Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is funded by the SFDHS faculty, friends and family of Mr. Bob Lennon to recognize and honor Bob’s 40 years of dedication as a science teacher and coach. Five $1,500 scholarships are awarded to students who participate in at least one co-curricular program and are in good academic standing (3.0 GPA or above). 

Joey Sansone Memorial Scholarship

Two $1,500 scholarships are given in memory of Joey Sansone, class of 2004. Joey was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in 2016 and lost his battle on October 4, 2018. He was an old soul, who was passionate about his Catholic education, felt strongly that his Catholic upbringing molded him to the man he was, and gave him his deep relationships with family and friends. This scholarship is awarded to students who attend a SFD feeder parish, who participate in a co-curricular program, maintain a minimum of a 2.5 GPA and are active participants in school or community service. In addition to the application for this scholarship, applicants are asked to submit an essay addressing the following: why your Catholic education is important to you.

John J. Preston II Memorial Scholarship

This $1,500 scholarship was founded in loving memory of John J. Preston II (DeSales class of 1970) by his family and friends. John Preston spent 50 years in Columbus as a contractor, working hard at helping people improve their homes and businesses. The recipient of this scholarship should be a hard worker who is active in helping to improve both the DeSales community and the Central Ohio area. The student must be involved in a co-curricular activity, and exhibit leadership skills within his/her activity.

Kaye Jean Vahalik Memorial Scholarship

This $2,000 scholarship was created in loving memory of Kaye Jean Vahalik, by her husband Jim, and sons Jimmy (2007), and Mitchell (2009). Kaye was the number one supporter for her sons in all aspects of life. Even though Jimmy and Mitchell went to public school until 8th grade she always had the desire to send them to DeSales for their high school experience. She wholeheartedly believed in Faith, Family, and Tradition. Applicants must be coming to SFD from the public school system, and participate in co-curricular activities.

The Joyce A. Kozlowski Scholarship

The Joyce A. Kozlowski Scholarship is a $2,500 award. The scholarship winner must participate in co-curricular activities and maintain a "C" GPA or better.  

Stewart Family Memorial Scholarship - 2 scholarships available

This scholarship was founded by Betsy and Matt Stewart, honoring beloved members of the Stewart, Raphael, Ozimok, and Pharion families. A $2,500 scholarship is awarded to one female and one male student-athlete who maintains a 3.75 GPA or above, have strong character and leadership skills and are involved in parish or community service.

Dr. Francis Henninger Scholarship

This $4,500 scholarship (which may be split into three $1,500 scholarships) was established in recognition of Dr. Francis Henninger, a former professor at The University of Dayton, who was a great influence in the lives of his students as a teacher and a friend.  Dr. Henninger emphasized that students must have many different interests, and learn to work hard in and out of the classroom. The scholarship is awarded to students who are active in co-curricular activities.