SCHOLARSHIP NAMED TO “SPIRITUAL FATHER AND GRANDFATHER” OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

On May 5, 2005 it was announced that Bishop Luers and Bishop Dwenger High Schools created a $1,000 scholarship opportunity in the name of Msgr. J. William Lester, PA. This scholarship will be awarded annually to two recipients entering the freshman class at both schools and will start with the 2005-2006 school year.

Msgr. Lester is currently serving as the Vicar for Retired Clergy for the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, as well as, the administrator for St. Patrick Parish, Fort Wayne. He is observing his 60th year of priesthood. Of the scholarship, he said, “It’s wonderful! This is a great moment in which we can further the education of youth in both schools giving all our young people the opportunity to get a Catholic education. I’m happy to have my name lent to something that helps.”

Msgr. Lester, Bishop Luers and Bishop Dwenger have worked together to strengthen Fort Wayne’s Catholic Schools. The scholarship will begin as a $1,000 award to a freshman at each school and as the endowment grows they are looking forward to a future goal of four full ride scholarships for each high school.

“People are eager and really looking forward to this,” said Mary Keefer, Principal Bishop Luers.

The non-renewable scholarship is open to any eighth-grade student whose family is registered in a Catholic parish within the local diocese. The applicant must be a C-plus student or better and be active within their parish as a Mass server, volunteer with the religious-education program or other parish activity.

Both schools already provide financial aid to a number of their students to offset the $3,500 tuition, plus $900 in fees. Appoximately 70% of Bishop Luers students receive assistance. The Msgr. Lester Scholarship Fund started by the two high schools has already grown to over $14,000. Anyone interested in financially supporting the scholarship fund is asked to contact either Bishop Luers or Bishop Dwenger high schools, or send a contribution directly to the Msgr. Lester Scholarship Fund at either school.