Scholarships
Catholic central endowed scholarships
Scholarship information
Each school year, Catholic Central is able to offer a variety of endowed scholarships to current and incoming Catholic Central students, thanks to the generosity of our donors.
Endowed scholarship applications for the 2025-2026 school year are now closed, except as noted below. Recipients will be notified with their mailed tuition statements.
Applications for the The Lawrence and Patricia Ranazzi Transfer Scholarship are due May 2, 2025.
Applications for Graduating Senior Scholarships are due April 4, 2025.
Applicants must be of good character and have demonstrated consistent respect for authority. Nearly all Catholic Central endowed scholarships take financial need into consideration. Unless otherwise noted, each family must complete the Blackbaud Financial Aid form to be considered for an endowed scholarship. Scholarship funds will be awarded directly to the recipient’s tuition account; no money will be given to the student or their families.
Please click on each scholarship name for more information about criteria and the application submission requirements. If you have any questions, please email scholarships@grcatholiccentral.org.
Applications for the The Lawrence and Patricia Ranazzi Transfer Scholarship are due May 2, 2025.
Applications for Graduating Senior Scholarships are due April 4, 2025.
Applicants must be of good character and have demonstrated consistent respect for authority. Nearly all Catholic Central endowed scholarships take financial need into consideration. Unless otherwise noted, each family must complete the Blackbaud Financial Aid form to be considered for an endowed scholarship. Scholarship funds will be awarded directly to the recipient’s tuition account; no money will be given to the student or their families.
Please click on each scholarship name for more information about criteria and the application submission requirements. If you have any questions, please email scholarships@grcatholiccentral.org.
Transfer student scholarships
The Lawrence and Patricia Ranazzi Transfer Scholarship
Criteria
- Financial need is of primary consideration.
- Minimum cumulative GPA: 3.0
- Available to incoming sophomores, juniors, and seniors who transfer to Catholic Central High School from a local public or private educational institution.
- Must participate in extracurricular activities.
- Must participate in community service.
- Scholarship is renewable for up to two (2) years provided the requirements and criteria are met. Eligible students must reapply yearly.
Submission Requirements
- Completed scholarship application.
- Verification of completed community service requirement.
- One (1) page essay that answers: “Why is it important to me to continue my education at Catholic Central?”
NOTE: Completed scholarship applications from eligible CC transfer students will be due May 2, 2025.
graduating senior scholarships
Thanks to generous donors, graduating Catholic Central seniors have the opportunity to apply for three scholarships. Applications for these scholarships are due on April 4, 2025.
- College-bound scholarships require completed FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
- Scholarships will be awarded directly to the student’s college tuition account in August 2025. No money will be given to the student or their families.
Click on each endowed scholarship name below for more information about criteria and the application submission requirements.
If you have any questions or need further information, please email scholarships@grcatholiccentral.org.
If you have been asked to complete a letter of recommendation, the requesting student may submit hard copies of those letters with their application, or you may fill out an online form by clicking HERE.
If you have any questions or need further information, please email scholarships@grcatholiccentral.org.
If you have been asked to complete a letter of recommendation, the requesting student may submit hard copies of those letters with their application, or you may fill out an online form by clicking HERE.
Mary Lynn Kampfschulte Scholarship Fund
Criteria
- Financial need will be of primary consideration.
- Available to a graduating Catholic Central senior who intends to study Education in college.
- Must have a strong desire to help students in a classroom setting, any grade level.
- Scholarship is renewable if the required criteria are met. Eligible students must reapply yearly.
Submission Requirements
- Completed scholarship application.
- Completed FAFSA.
- Minimum ½ page essay describing any work you’ve done with students. Examples could include, but are not limited to, peer tutoring, working in a classroom, volunteering in a religious education classroom.
Frank and Mary Hernes Memorial Scholarship for Graduating Seniors
Criteria
- Financial need will be of primary consideration.
- Minimum cumulative GPA: 3.0
- Available to a graduating Catholic Central senior who will be attending a two (2) or four (4) year college.
- Required community service: 20 hours in the past year.
Submission Requirements
- Completed scholarship application.
- Completed FAFSA.
- Verification of completed community service requirement.
- Two (2) page essay explaining how the Catholic education you have received at Catholic Central has prepared you for college and the secular world you will encounter.
The Dennis W. Campbell Memorial Scholarship for Graduating Seniors
Criteria
- Financial need is not a primary consideration.
- Minimum cumulative GPA: 2.5
- Open to graduating seniors who plan to go to college with the intent of earning a four-year degree OR who will be attending a two-year college or a trade/vocational school to become proficient in a career field or trade that will allow them to return home after graduating to assist in their family-owned business.*
- Required community service: 20 hours in the past year.
- Scholarship is renewable if the required criteria are met. Eligible students must reapply yearly
Submission Requirements
- Completed scholarship application.
- Verification of completed community service requirement.
- 500-word essay explaining why you need this scholarship.
- Provide the name and address of your family business and your work experience in the business.
- Two (2) letters of recommendation (from teachers, church leaders, employers, etc.).
*Examples of trades/vocations include, but are not limited to, motorcycle/small engine repair, education and child care, culinary/baking, electronics repair, travel and tourism, interior design, plumbing, heating and refrigeration, art and design, barbering, drafting and design, massage therapy, and cosmetology.
9th - 12th Grade scholarships
Scholarships Available to Incoming 9th - 12th Grade Students
AMDG Architects Scholarship Fund
Criteria
- Financial need is of primary consideration.
- Minimum cumulative GPA: 2.0
- Must be of Hispanic/Latino heritage.
- Priority given to graduates of San Juan Diego Academy.
- Required community service: 20 hours in the past year.
- Family must financially invest in tuition, based off the family’s financial capacity.
- Parent(s)/ Guardian(s) must attend two parent/teacher conferences.
- Scholarship is renewable if the financial need persists and the required criteria are met. Eligible students must reapply yearly.
Submission Requirements
- Completed scholarship application.
- Verification of completed community service requirement.
- Two letters of recommendation (from teachers, church leaders, etc.).
The Fred and Rosemary Braun Scholarship
Fred and Rosemary Braun lived lives of service and touched many with their kindness. This scholarship was created to support their belief in Catholic education and to financially support those who desire a Catholic education.
Criteria
- Financial need is of primary consideration.
- Minimum cumulative GPA: 3.0
- Must be involved in at least one extracurricular activity or sport.
- Scholarship is renewable if the financial need persists and the required criteria are met. Eligible students must reapply yearly.
Submission Requirements
- Documentation of service hours.
- Essay (no longer than one (1) page) explaining why volunteering is so important to you.
- One (1) letter of recommendation from your priest, principal, teacher, or counselor.
Msgr. Charles D. Brophy Scholarship
Criteria
- Financial need is of primary consideration.
- Priority given to students from St. Jude parish.
Submission Requirements
- Completed scholarship application.
- Minimum two (2) page essay describing why the scholarship will make a positive difference in your educational endeavors.
The Willie Butler Encounter Diversity Endowed Scholarship
For four decades, Willie Butler’s kind words and contagious smile welcomed and inspired the Catholic Central Community. Transcending religious, cultural, and economic differences, Willie stands as a reminder to us all that with faith in God and a positive outlook, we too can overcome adversity and be models of Christ’s love. Willie was a joyful man, always exhibiting kindness and love. He always saw the humanity in others and lived a life loving others the way God wants us to love. Willie was an amazing community member, and all who encountered him felt joy, acceptance, and a spirituality of generosity and love. To encounter Willie was to encounter diversity.
Criteria
- Financial need is of primary consideration.
- Preferred minimum cumulative GPA: 3.0
- Scholarship recipients should identify as a Black person of color with a passion for education and spirituality. Consideration will be given to student applicants who are Black persons of color that also share other aspects of Willie’s experience, such as having evidence of a disability or being from a community close to Catholic Central.
- Scholarship is renewable if the need persists and the required criteria are met. Applicants must reapply yearly.
Submission Requirements
- Completed scholarship application.
- One (1) page essay detailing a personal encounter with diversity.
- One (1) letter of recommendation from a mentor, teacher, or clergy leader (pastor, priest, deacon, minister).
The Timothy (CC '51) and Janet Conroy Family Legacy Scholarship
This scholarship fund established by Timothy (CC ’51) and Janet Conroy honors the legacy of great teachers at Catholic Central High School who influenced their lives and those of their eight children, all Catholic Central graduates. The Conroy family honors those excellent Catholic Central teachers who not only taught their subject matter well, but also formed the hearts, minds, and moral character of countless students over generations.
Criteria
- Financial need is of primary consideration.
- Minimum cumulative GPA: 2.5
- Must be involved in at least two (2) extracurricular activities, preferably in a leadership role. If extraordinary family commitments prevent this, those family commitments may be honored as fulfilling this requirement.
- Scholarship is renewable if the financial need persists and the required criteria are met. Eligible students must reapply yearly.
Submission Requirements
- Completed scholarship application.
- Personal letter detailing why Catholic Central is good for you, and why you are good for Catholic Central.
- Essay sharing why your extracurricular activities are so important to you, and what you have learned from these experiences.
- One (1) letter of recommendation from your priest, principal, teacher, or other administrator that addresses how you show respect for the dignity of others.
“Conquering Obstacles” The Denny Flak Scholarship
Criteria
- Financial need is of primary consideration.
- Minimum cumulative GPA: 2.5
- Must participate in extra-curricular activities.
- Scholarship is renewable if the financial need persists and the required criteria are met. Eligible students must reapply yearly.
Submission Requirements
- Completed scholarship application.
- Essay describing how you have overcome or are overcoming obstacles or challenges while maintaining your character, integrity, and sense of humor. Also, explain how this scholarship will enable you to continue to meet and overcome challenges you face.
- Up to two (2) letters of recommendation are encouraged but not required; letters may not be from family members.
Deacon Dale Hollern Scholarship
This scholarship was made possible by the gifts raised in honor of Deacon Dale Hollern who passed away on November 3, 2011. Deacon Dale served the Grand Rapids Catholic Secondary Schools as a dedicated teacher and coach for over 30 years.
Criteria
- Financial need is a consideration.
- Minimum cumulative GPA: 2.5
- Required community service: 20 hours in the past year.
- Evidence of leadership, humility, and commitment to the Catholic faith.
- The scholarship is renewable for students maintaining a minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA for four years. Eligible students must reapply yearly.
Submission Requirements
- Completed scholarship application.
- Verification of completed community service requirement.
- Up to three (3) page essay explaining your personal commitment to growth in the following areas: Educational Goals and Aspirations, Spiritual Commitment, and Service Commitment, giving examples of when you overcame adversity or demonstrated persistence to achieve personal goals that benefit the greater good. Include in your essay evidence of leadership, humility, and your commitment to the Catholic faith.
Rev. James C. Kowalski Scholarship Fund
Criteria
- Financial need is of primary consideration.
Submission Requirements
- Completed scholarship application.
- Two (2) page essay describing why the scholarship will make a positive difference in your educational endeavors.
Joe Lauria Memorial Scholarship Fund
Criteria
- Financial need is of primary consideration.
- Minimum cumulative GPA: 3.0
- Required community service: 15 hours in the past year.
- Scholarship is renewable if the financial need persists and the required criteria are met. Eligible students must reapply yearly.
Submission Requirements
- Completed scholarship application.
- Verification of completed community service.
- Two (2) page essay describing why Catholic education is important to you, addressing your financial need and highlighting your academic and community service experiences.
Lyle B. Morrison Memorial Scholarship
Criteria
- Financial need is of primary consideration.
- Minimum cumulative GPA: 2.5
Submission Requirements
- Completed scholarship application.
- One (1) letter of recommendation from a teacher, staff member, or priest.
The Brian “McDivot” O’Driscoll Scholarship Fund
Brian O’Driscoll '77 loved life, his family, and his Catholic Central family. Engineering and golf were two of Brian “McDivot” O’Driscoll’s passions, and his family has named this scholarship to honor him and his legacy.
Criteria
- Financial need is of primary consideration.
- Minimum cumulative GPA: 3.0
- The student must have an interest in STEAM — Science, Technology, Engineering, Art or Math career field.
- Special consideration will be given to any student who has demonstrated an interest in STEAM Education, community service, or extracurricular activities.
- Required community service: 15 hours in the past year.
- Scholarship is renewable if the financial need persists and the required criteria are met. Eligible students must reapply yearly.
Submission Requirements
- Completed scholarship application.
- Verification of completed community service requirement.
- Two (2) page essay describing your interest in the STEAM academic track and/or a visual example of something you have created that shows an inclination to these studies (i.e. elementary robotics competition, participation in Odyssey of the Mind, building a go-cart, sharing pictures of art you’ve created, devising a gadget on your own, inventing something that resolved a dilemma, or software you created).
- Two (2) letters of recommendation from a teacher, parish priest, coach, or counselor (cannot be a family member).
Jim and Linda Payne Tuition Assistance Fund
Criteria
- Financial need is of primary consideration.
- Minimum cumulative GPA: 3.0
- Scholarship is renewable if the financial need persists and the required criteria are met. Eligible students must reapply yearly.
Submission Requirements
- Completed scholarship application.
- Minimum two (2) page/ 500 word essay describing how you have overcome or are overcoming obstacles or challenges in your personal life and why this scholarship will make a positive difference in the quality of your life.
Ed and June Prein Family CCHS Scholarship Fund
Criteria
- Financial need is of primary consideration.
- Minimum cumulative GPA: 3.0
- Must have an interest in Science Technology, Engineering, and Math career field (STEM).
- The student must maintain a high attendance record.
Submission Requirements
- Completed scholarship application.
- Two (2) page essay describing how studying and mastering the STEM academic challenges presented to you today will motivate you to become an innovative and creative thinker, ready to meet 21st century challenges.
The Reilly Family Scholarship
The Reilly Family Scholarship was established to honor the memory of Frank '48 and Victoria Reilly.
Criteria
- Financial need is of primary consideration.
- Minimum cumulative GPA: 2.5
- Required community service: 15 hours in the past year.
- Scholarship is renewable if the financial need persists and the required criteria are met. Eligible students must reapply yearly.
Submission Requirements
- Completed scholarship application.
- Verification of completed community service requirement.
- Two (2) letters of recommendation (from teachers, parish priest, neighbors, etc.)
The Joe and Marie Reynolds Family Scholarship
Criteria
- Financial need is of primary consideration.
- Minimum cumulative GPA: 2.5
- Priority is given to a single parent household.
Submission Requirements
- Completed scholarship application.
The William Ronan ’61 Scholarship
Criteria
- Financial need is of primary consideration.
- Minimum cumulative GPA: 3.0
- Must to be involved in at least one extracurricular activity or sport.
- Scholarship is renewable if the financial need persists and the required criteria are met. Eligible students must reapply yearly.
Submission Requirements
- Completed scholarship application.
- Maximum one (1) page essay explaining why a Catholic Central education is important to you.
- One (1) letter of recommendation (from your priest, principal, teacher, or counselor).
The Rob Rosenbach Memorial Scholarship
Established in memory of Rob Rosenbach '04, an advocate and protector of the underdog.
Criteria
- Financial need is of primary consideration.
- Minimum cumulative GPA: 2.5
- Must demonstrate strong character, respect for and compassion towards fellow students, teachers, and administrators. This must be supported by specific letters of recommendation as noted below.
- Scholarship is renewable if the financial need persists and the required criteria are met. Eligible students must reapply yearly.
Submission Requirements
- Completed scholarship application.
- Maximum two (2) page letter of recommendation from a fellow student.
- Maximum two (2) page letter of recommendation from a teacher.
- Maximum two (2) page letter of recommendation from an administrator or a parish priest.
NOTE: All letters of recommendation should highlight the applicant's strong character, respectfulness, and compassion toward fellow students, teachers, and administrators.
The Rosloniec Family Scholarship Fund
Criteria
- Financial need is of primary consideration.
- Scholarship is renewable if the financial need persists and the required criteria are met. Eligible students must reapply yearly.
Submission Requirements
- Completed scholarship application.
- One (1) page essay describing your work ethic and desire to receive a Catholic education.
Jeffrey P. Scholz Memorial Scholarship
Criteria
- Financial need is of primary consideration.
- Minimum cumulative GPA: 2.0
- Scholarship is renewable if the financial need persists and the required criteria are met. Eligible students must reapply yearly.
Submission Requirements
- Completed scholarship application.
- One (1) page personal letter -OR- a short video expressing your interest in science.
- Two (2) letters of recommendation (from teachers, church leaders, etc.) speaking to the applicant’s interest in science.
The Paul and Helen Walsh Scholarship
Established in memory of Paul G. Walsh '34 and his wife Helen Walsh.
Criteria
- Financial need is a consideration but not a requirement.
- Minimum cumulative GPA: 2.5, with high academic achievement or interest in math and/ or science.
- Primary consideration given to students from St. Jude Parish; then to students from All Saints Academy; then to any Catholic Central student.
- Scholarship is renewable if the required criteria and submission requirements are met. Eligible students must reapply yearly.
Submission Requirements
- Completed scholarship application.
- One (1) page essay explaining how you hope to use your education in math and/or science to advance your career plans, and how your career will be used to help the community.
- Two (2) letters of recommendation; one (1) from a math or science teacher and one (1) from another source, such as someone from your church, a neighbor, coach, or grade school teacher.
The Dr. William '54 and Mary '54 Passinault Family Scholarship
The Dr. William '54 and Mary '54 Passinault Family Scholarship was established through a generous estate gift from Dr. Passinault as a beautiful reflection of the Passinaults' shared passion for Catholic education and personal commitment to Catholic Central.
Criteria
- Financial need is not a consideration; Blackbaud Financial Aid is not required to apply for this scholarship.
- Minimum cumulative GPA: 2.5
- Applicants will demonstrate excellent work ethic in the classroom and model Christian behavior as a Catholic Central student through service.
- Scholarship is renewable if the required criteria are met. Eligible students must reapply yearly.
Submission Requirements
- Completed scholarship application.
- One (1) page essay demonstrating your commitment to your faith and to service, and how Catholic Central prepares you to be a servant leader for a Christ-centered life.
The Thomas L. Quinn '53 and Geraldine L. Quinn '54 Memorial Endowed Scholarship
The Thomas L. Quinn '53 and Geraldine L. Quinn '54 Memorial Endowed Scholarship was established through a generous gift from the Quinn family as a reflection of the family's commitment to a Catholic Central education.
Criteria
- Financial need is of primary consideration
- Minimum cumulative GPA: 2.5
- Applicants will demonstrate excellent work ethic in the classroom and model Christian behavior as a Catholic Central student through service.
- Scholarship is renewable if the financial need persists and the required criteria are met. Eligible students must reapply yearly.
Submission Requirements
- Completed scholarship application.
- One (1) page essay demonstrating your commitment to your faith and to service, and how Catholic Central prepares you to be a servant leader for a Christ-centered life -OR- Letter of recommendation from a teacher speaking to your strong work ethic in the classroom and examples of how you model Christian behavior.
Scholarships Available to Incoming 9th - 11th Grade Students
Polish-American History Endowed Scholarship / David C. Lukowitz Scholarship
Two scholarships (one Catholic Central Polish-American History Endowed Scholarship and one Catholic Central David C. Lukowitz Scholarship) will be awarded to students attending Catholic Central each year.
Criteria
- Financial need is not a primary consideration; Blackbaud Financial aid is not required to apply for this scholarship.
- Preference will be given to students of Polish-American descent (one parent or grandparent of Polish descent). If two candidates are not found in any year, then any student may be considered.
- Minimum cumulative GPA: 2.5
Submission Requirements
- Completed scholarship application.
- Applicants are required to produce a project that deals with the Polish-American experience in Grand Rapids. The project should be based on primary sources (newspapers, church newsletters, family photo albums, birth/marriage/death certificates, diaries, letters, or an oral history by interviewing a Polish relative about their experiences). The Polish-American historical societies or the Polish Halls may be a good source of information. The paper, project, or recording of an interview may involve a variety of topics; Polish-American women in Grand Rapids, a story of a Polish-American family over generations, a history of a Catholic parish or school, stories of social or cultural societies (St. Ladislaus, Sacred Heart, Polish Falcons, Polish athletes, Polish businesses, etc.). Students are encouraged to study the history of their own family, parish, or family business.
Scholarships Available to Incoming 9th GRADE Students
The James and Ann Burns Scholarship
Criteria
- Financial need is of primary consideration.
- Minimum cumulative GPA: 2.0
- Incoming freshmen from Immaculate Heart of Mary or St. Thomas Parishes; family/student must be registered members of either St. Thomas Parish or Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Grand Rapids.
- Required community service: 15 hours in the past year.
- Scholarship is renewable if the financial need persists and the required criteria are met. Eligible students must reapply yearly.
Submission Requirements
- Completed scholarship application. Applicants should note parish membership on this form.
- Verification of completed community service requirement.
- Two (2) letters of recommendation (from teachers, parish priest, neighbors, etc.).
The Ronnell and Linda Denhof Scholarship Fund
The Denhofs are indebted and grateful to Our Lady of Consolation Parish through decades of active parish membership. To honor their parish and their faith, it is their desire to provide tuition assistance to students from the parish who desire to attend a Catholic high school.
Criteria
- Financial need is the primary consideration.
- The applicant must be a registered member of Our Lady of Consolation Parish in Rockford, MI.
- Applicants must have demonstrated acceptable character and behavior.
Submission Requirements
- Completed scholarship application.
Sr. Robert Ann Dominican Sisters Educational Fund
This scholarship was established in honor of Sr. Robert Ann Erno, longtime Catholic Central teacher, and her fellow Dominican sisters.
Criteria
- Financial need is of primary consideration.
- Minimum cumulative GPA: 3.0
- Required community service: 20 hours in the past year.
- Good standing at present school with outstanding attendance record.
Submission Requirements
- Completed scholarship application.
- Verification of completed community service requirement.
- Two (2) page essay explaining why you feel this scholarship will make a positive difference in your life. This essay should also address your good character and how you have consistently shown respect for authority.
Eugene "Sam" Kunst Memorial Scholarship
Criteria
- Financial need is of primary consideration.
- Minimum cumulative GPA: 3.0
- Must participate in extracurricular activities.
- Scholarship is renewable if the financial need persists and the required criteria are met. Eligible students must reapply yearly.
Submission Requirements
- Completed scholarship application.
- Two (2) page essay describing your interest in Catholic education and why you should be considered for this scholarship.
William and Karen Lawrence Family Scholarship
Criteria
- Financial need is of primary consideration.
- Minimum 8th Grade cumulative GPA: 3.5 GPA
- Priority given to students from San Juan Diego Academy.
- Scholarship is renewable for up to all four years if financial need persists and student continues to meet all criteria. Eligible candidates must reapply each year.
Submission Requirements
- Completed scholarship application.
- 250 word essay that answers: “Why is it important that you continue your Catholic education at Catholic Central High School?”
- One (1) letter of recommendation (cannot be a family member).
The Michael Lebednick Scholarship Fund, in honor of Albert and Eleanor Lebednick
The Lebednick Scholarship was established as a means for Michael Lebednick '65 to show his appreciation for the Catholic education he received, and to honor his parents, Albert and Eleanor '41 Lebednick, who sacrificed to ensure he received a proper faith-based education.
Criteria
- Financial need is of primary consideration.
- Minimum cumulative GPA: 3.0, with consideration given to students who fall short of a 3.0 GPA (due to family struggles, language barriers, or difficulty in a specific area of study) but demonstrate determination in improving their GPA.
- Must have graduated from a Catholic grade school.
- Must be involved in at least one (1) extracurricular activity or sport.
- Special consideration will be given to applicants who have documented service hours in a local V.A. facility or nursing home.
- Scholarship is renewable if financial need persists an student continues to meet all criteria. Eligible candidates must reapply each year, and complete a minimum one (1) page summary of their experience and the efforts required to achieve the criteria of the scholarship.
Submission Requirements
- Completed scholarship application.
- Verification of completed community service, if applicable.
- One (1) letter of recommendation (from grade school principal, teacher, or counselor).
- For Lebednick Scholarship recipients applying for scholarship renewal, minimum one (1) page summary of their experience and efforts it took to achieve the criteria of the scholarship.
Douglas and Arlene Lillis Scholarship
Criteria
- Financial need is of primary consideration.
- Minimum cumulative GPA: 3.0
- Must be involved in extracurricular activities.
- Priority given to students with interest in fine arts, especially choir and/or band.
- Scholarship is renewable for one (1) year if financial need persists and student continues to meet all criteria. Eligible candidates must reapply each year.
Submission Requirements
- Completed scholarship application.
- Two (2) page essay describing your desire to attend Catholic Central.
The John and Sandy Lowery Family Scholarship
Criteria
- Financial need is of primary consideration.
- Minimum 8th Grade cumulative GPA: 2.5
- Required community service: 15 hours in the past year.
- Scholarship is renewable if the financial need persists and the required criteria are met. Eligible students must reapply yearly.
Submission Requirements
- Completed scholarship application.
- Verification of completed community service requirement.
- Two (2) letters of recommendation (from teachers, parish priest, neighbors, etc.).
The Nicholas Mihos Memorial Scholarship Fund
Criteria
- Financial need is of primary consideration.
- Minimum 8th Grade cumulative GPA: 2.8
- Required community service: 15 hours in the past year.
- Scholarship is renewable if the financial need persists and the required criteria are met. Eligible students must reapply yearly.
Submission Requirements
- Completed scholarship application.
- Verification of completed community service requirement.
- Two (2) letters of recommendation (from teachers, parish priest, neighbors, etc.).
Reynolds-Elderkin Family Scholarship
Criteria
- Financial need is a primary consideration.
- Minimum 8th Grade cumulative GPA: 2.0
- Required community service: 20 hours in the past year.
Submission Requirements
- Completed scholarship application.
- Verification of completed community service requirement.
- Two (2) letters of recommendation (from teachers, church leaders, etc.).
Alan R. Ryan Scholarship for Catholic High School Education
This scholarship is managed and awarded by the Grand Rapids Community Foundation and as a result, has its own requirements and due date.
Criteria
- Financial need is a primary consideration.
- Minimum academic average: B or above.
- Must be a Kent County resident.
- Must express an interest in attending Aquinas College for post-secondary education.
Submission Requirements
- Scholarship applications will close April 1, 2025.
- Students can view the application and scholarship information in "Additional Scholarships" on the Grand Rapids Community Foundation website at grfoundation.org. Interested students will need to create an account in the application portal and select the "Alan R. Ryan Scholarship" opportunity to apply.
The Ziemke Family Scholarship
Criteria
- Financial need is of primary consideration.
- Minimum 8th Grade cumulative GPA: 2.5
- Required community service: 15 hours in the past year.
- Scholarship is renewable for up to four years if the student’s financial need persists; students must reapply each year.
Submission Requirements
- Completed scholarship application.
- Verification of completed community service requirement.
- Two (2) letters of recommendation (from teachers, parish priest, neighbors, etc.).
Scholarships Available to Incoming 12th GRADE Students
Jon Davidson Memorial Scholarship
Criteria
- Financial need is of primary consideration.
- Must participate in extracurricular activities.
- Must participate in community service.
Submission Requirements
- Completed scholarship application. Include information about community service hours and extracurricular activities.
- Verification of completed community service requirement.
- Personal Essay.
- Two (2) letters of recommendation: one (1) from a priest, teacher, or Catholic Central faculty member, and one (1) from a classmate or peer.
The Leigh Eriks and Armen Oumedian STEM (Science-Technology-Engineering-Math) Scholarship
Criteria
- Financial need is not a primary consideration; Blackbaud Financial aid is not required to apply for this scholarship.
- Minimum cumulative GPA: 3.0
- Must show a strong interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) educational tracts.
- Must demonstrate leadership through academic achievements at Catholic Central and by volunteering in community activities in the greater Grand Rapids area.
Submission Requirements
- Completed scholarship application.
- A document listing the following:
- All academic achievements received at Catholic Central.
- STEM activities that you have been associated with in grade school and high school (seminars, workshops, books read).
- All volunteer experiences in the greater Grand Rapids area.
- Career goals and objectives.
- One (1) page essay not to exceed 500 words explaining their interest in STEM. Think carefully about this statement; it is a critical part of the selection process.
- One (1) letter of recommendation from a teacher, mentor, or advisor.
Francis J. Geary Scholarship
This scholarship recognizes and awards students who best reflect and show a commitment to the values of academic excellence, service, and leadership.
Criteria
- Financial need is of primary consideration.
Submission Requirements
- Completed scholarship application.
- One (1) page essay (not to exceed 500 words) answering the following questions:
- What does Catholic Education mean to me?
- How has an education at a Catholic high school impacted me?
- What are my short- and long-term educational/professional goals?
- How will I use my Catholic education in the future to improve my community?
- How many volunteer/community service hours have I completed each year at school?
The Reed Family Music Scholarship Fund
Criteria
- Financial need is not a primary consideration; Blackbaud Financial aid is not required to apply for this scholarship.
- Must participate in music classes and arts activities outside of school.
Submission Requirements
- Completed scholarship application. Pease make note of any music classes and/ or arts activities completed outside of school.
- One (1) page essay answering the following questions:
- What does being involved in music and mean to me (in general and at Catholic Central)?
- How has the Catholic Central music program impacted my family?
David M. Seamon Leadership Scholarship
Criteria
- Financial need is of primary consideration.
Submission Requirements
- Completed scholarship application.
- One (1) page essay describing current leadership roles in the community and high school.
Jared T. Pilczuk Lifetime of Service Scholarship
Do what you can for others, when you can, while you can. This scholarship is named in honor of Jared T. Pilczuk ’17, who dedicated his all-too-short life to serving others. Jared embodied Catholic Central’s mission: he was truly a servant leader living a Christ-centered life. Eligible applicants for this scholarship will demonstrate a similar love of their faith and commitment to the service of others.
Criteria
- Financial need is not a primary consideration; Blackbaud Financial Aid is not required to apply for this scholarship.
- Must exhibit dedication to community service and bettering the lives of others.
Submission Requirements
- Completed scholarship application form.
- One (1) page essay describing the importance of your faith and your commitment to the service of others.
The Dennis W. Campbell Memorial Scholarship
Criteria
- Financial need is a consideration.
- Minimum cumulative GPA: 2.5
- Open to juniors who plan to go to college with the intent of earning a four-year degree OR who will be attending a two-year college or a trade/vocational school to become proficient in a career field or trade that will allow them to return home after graduating to assist in their family-owned business.*
- Required community service: 20 hours in the past year.
- This scholarship is renewable; juniors who attain this scholarship may reapply as graduating seniors.
Submission Requirements
- Completed scholarship application.
- Verification of completed community service requirement.
- 500 word essay explaining why you need this scholarship; please address financial need in this essay.
- Provide the name and address of your family business and your work experience in the business.
- Two (2) letters of recommendation (from teachers, church leaders, employers, etc.).
*Examples of trades/vocations include, but are not limited to, motorcycle/small engine repair, education and child care, culinary/baking, electronics repair, travel and tourism, interior design, plumbing, heating and refrigeration, art and design, barbering, drafting and design, massage therapy, and cosmetology.
