JPII Catholic seniors earn $6.5 million in four-year scholarship offers

The Class of 2014 at Pope John Paul II Catholic High School includes 85 seniors. (CONTRIBUTED)

HUNTSVILLE – The Class of 2014 at Pope John Paul II (JPII) Catholic High School includes 85 seniors, who recently were recognized for their awards, college acceptances and scholarship offers.

The JPII graduates received more than $1.7 million dollars in first-year scholarships and more than $6.5 million over four years. School leaders are proud of student achievements in academics, arts, spiritual matters and athletics.

“These scholarships honor some of our school’s most distinguished graduating seniors, including students who demonstrate exceptional talent and potential for success in rigorous college studies,” principal Vince Aquila said.

JPII seniors received offers from the University of Notre Dame, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Georgia Institute of Technology, The Citadel, Vanderbilt University, Pennsylvania State University, Boston College and Purdue University.

“These outstanding seniors are not only exceptionally bright but are driven with a passion for success in their diverse interests and paths,” interim president Nancy Archuleta said. “I have no doubt their talents and enthusiasm will lead to great things.”

The top five students at JPII are Matthew Denhard, Jackson Graves, Joseph Kersteins, Sabrina Swistek and Katherine Sisk.

Graves received the Alice I. Hession Academic Award for commitment to learning. Kersteins earned the Rev. Louis Giardino Religion Award for the most significant impact on JPII’s faith community.

Sisk received the Bishop’s Trophy, “the highest honor for a graduating senior in a diocesan high school,” Archuleta said. “The student must demonstrate Christian principles, deportment and attitude.”

Margaret White won the Brother Benedict Stoegbauer, S.D.S Community Service Award. The Linda Bifulco Athletic Award went to Megan Anderson.

Susan Sieja and Jeffrey Winghart earned the Edward Manlove Falcon Flight Award for willingness “to embrace the motto ‘to learn enthusiastically, lead honorably and live responsibly,'” Aquila said.

Ashley Freeman received the Dana Bathhurst Fine Arts Award “for a student who embraces a spirit of creativity and achieving a high level of excellence in visual and performing fine arts,” Archuleta said.

For more information, visit jp2falcons.org.