Students Honored With Academic Awards & Scholarships

For students in our Catholic schools, graduation marks the culmination of years spent in an environment where academic rigor is deeply intertwined with faith and values. Catholic schools form not just minds, but hearts, preparing students for a life of purpose, leadership, and service.

These outcomes are important to the donors of the Catholic Foundation of Eastern Pennsylvania. Almost 50 percent of the endowment funds managed by the Catholic Foundation are dedicated to Catholic education and scholarship awards. There are a number of endowment funds that recognize students’ hard work, dedication, and leadership with scholarship awards.

Students Honored With Academic Awards & Scholarships

Congratulations to St. Jane Frances de Chantal School Academic Excellence Award winners: L to R: Lily Sturtevant (2nd Highest General Average) with her teacher Mrs. Pizzuto; Luke DiLollo (Highest General Average); and Joshua Lee (3rd Highest General Average) with his teacher Miss East.

The Importance of Catholic Academic Awards and Scholarships

“Catholic education is one of the most important evangelization efforts for our young people,” said Pete Waldron, President of the Catholic Foundation. “Their formation is critical in helping them lead a purposeful life rooted in faith.

“And it is important to recognize students who have achieved success and who have stood out among their peers.”

The shared commitment to excellent, accessible Catholic education among donors, schools, and the Catholic Foundation is making a tangible difference in schools, as seen in the experiences of those on the front lines of development and support.

“Our partnership with the Catholic Foundation has allowed us to maximize the amount of scholarship funds available to us to best support our students and their families,” said Jennifer Daubert, Director of Development at Nativity BVM High School in Pottsville. “We have achieved significant impact by leveraging the generosity of our donors with strong investment growth.”

Endowment funds create lasting support for Catholic schools. They help cover tuition, support overall operations, reward academic excellence, and even assist students with college scholarships.

Together, we can ensure that Catholic education remains a beacon of light and opportunity.

“We have a shared belief with our partners that no student should be denied the experience of a Catholic education,” Waldron said.

Congratulations to All Our 2025 Academic Award Winners!

St. Jane Frances de Chantal Academic Excellence Awards

Luke DiLollo (Highest General Average)
Lily Sturtevant (2nd Highest General Average)
Joshua Lee (3rd Highest General Average)

St. Jane Frances de Chantal School Academic Excellence Endowment Fund

St. Jane de Chantal Education Endowment Fund

Allentown Central Catholic HS: Francis & Mary Waldron Family Award

Lindsey Yen is this year’s recipient of the Francis & Mary Waldron Family Award. The award is presented to the graduating senior from Allentown Central Catholic High School who exemplifies school citizenship and service to the high school community. Lindsey will attend Villanova University and major in Chemical Engineering.

While at Central Catholic, Lindsey participated in and held leadership positions in a variety of high school extra-curricular and athletic activities. They included: Student Council President (Senior Year), Student Council (4 years), National Honor Society, Honor Roll (Magna Cum Laude), Model U.N., Viking Ambassadors, Morgan’s Message Club, Philosophy Club, Red Cross Club, Viking Fest volunteer, Camp Camelot, Girls Soccer Egg Hunt, Viking 5k, and Varsity Girls Soccer (4 years, Senior Year Captain), Lacrosse (2 years), and Track and Field (1 year).