First Year scholarships

Class of 2029

Class of 2028 Alumni Legacy Scholarship Recipients

FIRST YEAR SCHOLARSHIPS

There are 18 First Year Scholarships (with a total of 25 awards) available for students entering the ninth grade. All incoming freshmen who apply between November 10, 2024, and January 10, 2025 are eligible to apply.

The First Year Scholarship Application is available as part of the MySFD Application Portfolio and is included in the Class of 2029 application checklist.

FIRST YEAR SCHOLARSHIPS DETAILS

Due Date:  January 10, 2025 

APPLICATION PROCESS

The First Year Scholarship application is a two-part process designed to highlight the unique qualities of each candidate:

  • Part I: Parents or guardians complete this section, providing essential information on the family’s background and demographics to give context to the student’s application.

  • Part II: Students take the spotlight! This section invites candidates to respond to multiple essay prompts, allowing them to share their passions, interests, strengths, and personal stories with the scholarship review committees.

Additionally, an online recommendation form must be submitted by a teacher, administrator, or advisor to support the application.

Ready to Apply?

Create your MySFD account today and begin your First Year Scholarship application! Take this opportunity to showcase your strengths and start your high school journey with confidence.

FIRST YEAR SCHOLARSHIPS

(click on scholarship name for description)

  • About: Five children of St. Francis DeSales High School alumni (parents or grandparents) are selected to receive a $1,000 scholarship. The recipients must demonstrate involvement in co-curricular activities, community service, and maintain a minimum “C” average.

  • About: Originally established in 1992, these three $1,000 scholarships honor the memory of the Carfagna family’s patriarchs by empowering future generations. The family believes DeSales enriches and challenges students to make the world a better place in ways big and small. With these scholarships, the Carfagna family hopes to help provide the opportunity to receive a rigorous Catholic education, and, in turn, the recipients will deepen their devotion to faith, family, and education. Recipients are selected based on academic standing (minimum of 85 or 2.5 GPA).

  • About: This $1,500 renewable scholarship is in honor of Fr. Jerry Rodenfels, a 1964 SFD alumnus who dedicated 42 years of service as a priest to the Diocese of Columbus. This is awarded to a student who is a parishioner of Church of the Resurrection and is involved in the Middle School Youth Program at Church of the Resurrection or attends one of the Diocesan schools. The applicant must demonstrate service in their parish or school, and maintain good academic standing. *To continue receiving this renewable scholarship, the recipient must continue to be a parishioner at Church of the Resurrection, demonstrate service in their parish or school, and maintain good academic standing.

  • About: This $1,000 renewable scholarship is in honor of Fr. Charlie Klinger, who served at St. Paul Parish for 16 years and was a champion for all students. Students who currently attend St. Paul school are eligible to apply for this scholarship.

  • About: The Grandparents Scholarship Fund was established in 1990 by a number of caring grandparents of St. Francis DeSales students. They wished to give deserving students the opportunity to benefit from an education at St. Francis DeSales High School. A $1,000 scholarship is awarded to students that demonstrate good academic standing (minimum of 85 or 2.5 GPA) and commitment to their family and community.

  • About: This $500 scholarship, awarded to an incoming freshman girl, is in memory of Jay Kubin, a man who coached Softball and Girl’s Basketball at St. Francis DeSales High School. Jay was a devout Catholic who valued his religion and was always there to lend a hand to children and young adults. The scholarship is awarded to an incoming freshman girl who has demonstrated leadership qualities through community and school involvement, is in good academic standing, and participates in co-curricular activities.

  • About: Established in 2014, this $500 scholarship is funded by the Sauter family as well as the proceeds from the 2013 John L. Sauter Memorial Golf Tournament. The scholarship is in appreciation for the quality, faith-centered education that John and Connie’s four daughters received during their years at DeSales. This scholarship shall be awarded to an incoming freshman who attended St. Paul School, and actively participates in community service.

  • About: The Joseph and Elois Cua Memorial Scholarship was established to honor the patriarch and matriarch of the Cua family. Joseph and Elois sacrificed immensely to send all 10 of their children to catholic high schools. It was an educational and faith-based commitment on which they would not waiver. This scholarship is awarded to one incoming freshman who appreciates the value of a well-rounded catholic education. Applicants must have a minimum "B" average, demonstrated community service and be involved in a co-curricular activity.

  • About: These two scholarships are funded by the family and friends of Lance Corporal Ryan E. Miller (Class of 2003) who gave his life fighting for his country during the Operation Iraqi Freedom War. In Ryan’s honor, two $1,000 renewable scholarships are awarded to incoming freshmen from any one of the feeder schools of St. Francis DeSales High School. The criteria considered for this scholarship award are: active participation in school or community service, self-motivation and care for others.

  • About: This $1,000 scholarship is in memory of Mark Zimmer '79, an icon in the wrestling community and Ohio’s first four-time State High School Wrestling Champion. Mark personifies what it means to be a Champion. He was an incredible man of faith, a remarkable mentor, loyal friend, and a true family man. The Mark Zimmer Memorial Scholarship was established by friends of the Zimmer family. This scholarship will be awarded annually to a male incoming freshman student who demonstrates academic excellence and character. To be eligible for this scholarship the applicant must possess a 3.0 GPA or above, and be active in community service and co-curricular programs.

  • About: This memorial scholarship was established to pay tribute to Monsignor James M. Berendt, founding principal of St. Francis DeSales High School. Msgr. Berendt set in motion the various academic, athletic, and social programs that have developed through the years, and which we continue to enjoy today. He had a great love of sports and was an outstanding baseball player and boxer. This $1,000 scholarship is renewable annually for four years to students who continue to qualify. The scholarship is awarded to a student who possesses leadership potential, maintains a "B" average, participates in co-curricular activities, and has a strong desire to attend St. Francis DeSales High School.

  • About: The Nancy Billy Memorial Scholarship is funded by the family of Nancy Billy. Nancy was the mother of two daughters (Stephanie '03 and Allison '05) who graduated from St. Paul School and St. Francis DeSales High School and was a longtime supporter of St. Francis DeSales. A $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a student from St. Paul School who is active in community service and co-curricular activities and maintains a 3.0 GPA or above.

  • About: Patrick D. Rossetti served as principal of St. Francis DeSales High School from 1979 to 2004, and remains an active supporter of our school today. This renewable $1,500 scholarship was established to recognize Mr. Rossetti’s leadership, dedication, and commitment to the St. Francis DeSales community. The award is based on academic achievement, participation and involvement in community service and school activities.

  • This scholarship was established to pay tribute to St. Teresa of Calcutta, patron of DeSales Class of 2023, to support financial needs of DeSales students and reward service to our community. This $1,250 scholarship is renewable annually for four years to students who continue to qualify. The scholarship is awarded to a student with a demonstrated desire to serve the SFD community and those in Central Ohio in need of support and a strong desire to attend SFD. Renewal requires a maintained a 2.7 GPA average and continued demonstration of their commitment to serving others.

  • About: This $1,000 renewable scholarship was created for an incoming freshman male who will contribute to the ongoing objective of a holistic educational experience in the Catholic tradition, which prepares the mind, body, and spirit of each student. The scholarship’s intent is for students with a commitment to community service and leadership, as well as academic accomplishment. For over 60 years, DeSales has had a rich unmatched history and proud tradition of academic, co-curricular and athletic excellence. To be eligible for renewal, the scholarship recipient must maintain a 3.0 or higher GPA

  • About: This 4 year $1,000 renewable scholarship, for a St. Matthew or St. Matthias student, is funded by the Mulligan Family to honor their parent’s belief that Catholic education has an impact on how children will grow up to be Catholic adults. Tom and MaryKay and their 7 children along with their 20 grandchildren have all attended Catholic schools where they learned to appreciate the importance of Catholic education. In addition, all of the children and grandchildren have attended St. Francis DeSales High School. This scholarship honors their sacrifice and commitment to seeing their children educated in a Catholic setting. The scholarship’s intent is to financially assist practicing Catholics who participate in their parish and school. For scholarship renewal, students are expected to maintain a 3.0 GPA, remain in good conduct standing, and continue to be involved at the parish and school.

  • About: This memorial scholarship was established to pay tribute to the late Tony and Debbie Pizzurro. It was important to Tony and Debbie to send their four children to St. Francis DeSales High School. A $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to honor their values of faith, family and education. The scholarship is awarded to a student who exhibits leadership potential, has a 3.0 GPA and participates in co-curricular activities.

  • About: This $3000 scholarship was established in memory of Tony Romanelli by family and friends. Tony graduated from St. Francis DeSales High School in 1988 and was a member of the 1986 Boys Soccer State Championship team. Tony was a great influence in so many people’s lives and his spirit and enthusiasm will live on through everyone’s life that he touched. This scholarship will be awarded to a male student to continue his catholic education at St. Francis DeSales High School.