Adopt-A-Student restructures and renews scholarship efforts

Following a restructuring, the Diocese of Worcester’s Adopt-A-Student program is working to expand its efforts in providing scholarships to students.  

“The Adopt-A-Student program of the Diocese of Worcester has one goal in mind. It wants to help more students who want a Catholic School education to get one. And it's gearing up to do just that," said a press release from the diocese.

Adopt-A-Student has provided scholarships to deserving students who would otherwise be financially unable to attend a diocesan school since 1988. The program was established by Bishop Timothy Harrington, the third bishop of Worcester. Scholarships are presented to students who are academically qualified and specifically seek an education in the tradition and environment of Catholic schools.

Bishop McManus stated, “As the fifth bishop of Worcester, it has been my privilege over the past 20 years to keep Bishop Harrington’s life-changing vision alive by promoting and supporting Adopt-A-Student in whatever way I can.”
 
Following the death of the then-chairperson and founding member, Robert Pape, Adopt-A-Student's steering committee was restructured last November. Some other “members who volunteered for decades expressed a desire to pass on their experience to new members,” stated the press release.

Longtime steering committee member Robert Kenney, who was interim chairperson, was recognized last year by Bishop McManus for his contributions to the Adopt-A-Student program with the St. Paul diocesan award. Mr. Kenney said, “those of us who have been committed to Adopt-A-Student for years, like Ed Madaus, Joe Bafaro, Bob O’Connor and Bob Maloney, want to be sure that this legacy continues. We have seen first-hand how this program really does change a life for young people by giving them access to a quality, Catholic education. Their gratitude and their successes, both in college and in their professional careers, are the reasons we want Adopt-A-Student to continue to grow.”

Bishop McManus invited new members to the board and appointed new officers, they are Edward J. Connor Jr., chairperson; Dennis O’Connor, vice chairperson; Rebecca Gordon, secretary; and Daniel F. DiTullio, treasurer.

Mr. Connor said, “It is truly an honor to continue the fine work of these legacy members who have established this wonderful scholarship fund for the Central Catholic schools. I look forward as chairperson to working together with our new steering committee to provide the resources necessary for a wonderful Catholic education for our students.”

Other members of the new steering committee are Joseph J. Bafaro, Grace Clark, Robert J. Kenney, William L. King, Edward P. Madaus, Fran Meringolo, Father Derek A. Mobilio, Robert O’Connor, Delphine S. Pape, Debra M. Seaman, Patricia A. Smith, and Delphine P. Soucie. Ex-officio members are Sherry Leger Callahan, Michael J. Clark, Margaret Kursonis, David Perda and Susan M. Saucier.
 
New members William King and Grace Clark are both Adopt-A-Student alumni. Mr. King is a 2010 graduate of Holy Name Central Catholic Jr./Sr. and Mrs. Clark is a 2015 graduate of St. Peter-Marian Central Catholic Jr./Sr. High School.

The steering committee also works with five subcommittees addressing student selection, liaison to scholarship recipients, development, finance, and special events.

The annual Student Recognition Reception, a scholarship fundraiser and time to recognize accomplishments of student scholars, is to be held on May 8 at St. Paul Diocesan Jr./Sr. High School.
 
“This is a great evening for families, Catholic school staff and other supporters of Catholic schools to celebrate how we are changing lives,” according to Debra Seaman, special events chairwoman. Also being planned is the long-running Adopt-A-Student golf tournament traditionally held in late August, chaired by Chet Piskadlo.

To learn more about Adopt-A-Student, including how to be a sponsor, advertiser, or attendee for the upcoming May Student Recognition Reception, or how to adopt a student with direct gifts, visit adopt-a-student.net.