Four eighth-grade students from South Jersey’s Catholic schools were recently named recipients of the 2026 Dr. David T. Coghlan Young Catholic Leader Award, and will receive tuition scholarships.
Established in memory of Dr. David T. Coghlan, a former superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Camden who died in 2005, the scholarships are given to incoming freshmen who will be attending a diocesan Catholic high school in the fall.
Two eighth graders were awarded the top prize of $1,500 each: Salvatore Capone, from Our Lady of Hope Regional School, Blackwood, and Lilliana Roseboro, from Saint Peter School, Merchantville.
Capone will begin classes at Gloucester Catholic High School in Gloucester City this fall, while Roseboro will start at Camden Catholic High School in Cherry Hill.
Two eighth-grade runners-up received $750 toward their education: Hannah Carvelli, from Saint Margaret Regional School, Woodbury Heights, who will attend Paul VI High School in Haddonfield; and Daniella LeRose, from Mays Landing’s Saint Vincent de Paul Regional School, who will attend Holy Spirit High School in Absecon.
Catholic school elementary principals throughout the Diocese were asked to nominate an eighth-grade student who best exemplified the qualities that defined Dr. Coghlan’s life: a keen intellect, generous spirit, and gracious demeanor fueled by an intense spirituality and commitment to faith.
In applying for the scholarships, each student wrote an essay which explained their future goals, and why they chose to attend a Catholic high school; detailed their contributions to family, community, school, and Church; and noted how they will use their gifts to make a difference in their high school communities and beyond.
Capone is proud to be “someone who puts family and others first always,” he wrote in his essay.
“As Catholics, we all must contribute to the Church, our community, our school, and our families,” he continued, noting not his service in Mass as a lector, cantor, and Master of Ceremonies, but his care to his family, as the middle of three children.
“I help honor the 4th Commandment of ‘Honor Thy Father and Mother’ but not fussing, even in the difficulty of not wanting to clean up or contribute to something I did not do. I know I need to help keep balance and steer my siblings… on the right path,” Capone added.
Looking to his future, he will “continue to strive in my education and faith and steer others to God” at Gloucester Catholic, he said, also noting his hopes to become a permanent deacon.
“In all, I just want to live and continue to praise God [until] my last breath.”
Capone’s nominating principal, Liz Martino, called him a “kind, thoughtful, service-minded and talented… Catholic gentleman” who “never hesitates to do the right thing, [and] is generous in sharing his gifts with others.”
“I know he will do good things [at Gloucester Catholic] and in our church and world,” Martino added.
In her essay, Roseboro noted she chose Camden Catholic High School because “I value a place that focuses on faith, kindness, respect, and service the way Catholic schools do.”
She also noted how she’s dependable in small but important ways for her family, whether that’s helping her brother with his homework, taking care of herself, or assisting her parents after they were both diagnosed with cancer.
Roseboro has also been involved with her school as a member of its Saints for Service club, a student ambassador, is in the choir and on the basketball team. At the parish level, she has helped at its Christmas bazaar or pig roast.
In high school, she will continue to make a difference, she said.
“I will always strive to see Christ in others and encourage them to be connected to God. I will always put my best foot forward and be thankful for everything God has given me so that I am able to set a good example for those around me.”
Kathy O’Callaghan, her nominating principal, called Roseboro “a natural leader [who] demonstrates kindness, respect, and integrity in all that she does,” whether that’s taking on a leadership role and guiding younger students, making sandwiches for Cathedral Kitchen, or maintaining team morale on the basketball court.
“She is a young woman of integrity, faith, and leadership, and I am confident she will continue to make a profound impact on all those around her.”
Katharine Coghlan, widow of Dr. Coghlan, noted that the awardees are “confident, well-informed, and articulate” students who “are a beautiful reflection of how our Catholic schools impact the whole person.”
In reading their essays, she continued, she was “impressed by how they delight in putting their faith into action, choosing to view challenges as opportunities and using daily activities to serve others.”
In addition to the award recipients, every essay applicant received a $50 Amazon gift card from the Diocese of Camden’s Office of Catholic Schools to honor their commitment and service efforts.
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