Every year, select graduating students from the Diocese of Allentown Catholic high schools and special learning centers, as well as select eighth graders from the parishes across the Diocese, are recognized for their exceptional academic and faith-based achievements at the Bishop’s Catholic Scholar Society Awards.
The event, held annually to honor students “who demonstrate the beliefs of a Catholic education, by exemplifying the tradition of excellence based on Christian values,” brings together families to honor these students. This year, $125,000 in scholarships were presented to the honorees as raised by the Because We Are Catholic Annual Appeal.
This year the event was held at Bethlehem Catholic High School on April 26. Master of ceremonies was Sam Malone, CAT Country 96. Father Stephan Isaac, Chaplain of Bethlehem Catholic High School, began the ceremony with an opening prayer.
“We thank you [Lord] for the gift of your Church and the gift of Catholic education,” Father Isaac began. “Bless and protect all our beloved students, especially these recipients today of the Bishop Scholar Awards. Please bless and sanctify their families.”
Father Isaac also asked for the prayers for Pope Francis whose funeral was held prior to the ceremony.
Madelyn Araniego, a freshman at Bethlehem Catholic High School, sang the National Anthem. Dr. Dean Donaher, Principal of Bethlehem Catholic, gave the welcome.
“The students recognized in this program have demonstrated exceptional academic ability, leadership qualities, and a deep sense of purpose,” said Donaher. He quoted Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things from Christ who strengthens me.” He described how, aside from their academic skills, these students have set themselves apart by being rooted in faith and empowered by the grace of God.
Dr. Michael St. Pierre, Superintendent of Catholic Education for the Diocese, spoke of how this ceremony not only recognizes achievements in faith and academics, but it is also a time to recognize the hope around us and to show gratitude for that. “This morning, we are honored to award over $100,000 in scholarships to students who have excelled, not only academically, but who lead with kindness and serve others with their whole heart.”
Special Learning Center Awards were given to one student from each of the three special learning centers to help them continue their Catholic education:
Malone invited all the eighth-grade students to line up to be awarded their Bishop’s Catholic Scholar scholarships to pursue their high school education at one of the Catholic high schools in the Diocese.
“The selection committee reviewed each student’s application which included their academic achievements, leadership skills, integrity, ability to work with others, activities and service to their school, parish and community, and a recommendation received by their teachers, principal, and their pastor,” said Malone of each of the recipients. These students and their parishes are:
Bishop Schlert closed the ceremony with some remarks. “To our Catholic Scholars, for many of you, this may not be the only award you are receiving at this time of year,” said Bishop Schlert. “This is the time of year of many different awards, academic awards, athletic awards, awards for the arts, awards for service and community involvement….
“You can receive lots of awards based on your scholarship, but this is a Catholic Scholar Award. I would like us to focus on the word Catholic because, you see, scholarship is easily measured. The Catholic part is not easy to measure.
“This is given [to you] for you being a Catholic Scholar, for living your faith, for promoting your faith, for making His name a part of your daily life and letting Him influence your decisions. You’ve chosen to live in a way that’s noticeable to love as a disciple of Jesus Christ.”
Photos by Nick Chismar.
