By Michael Bress
Special Contributor
Four eighth-grade students from South Jersey Catholic schools were recently awarded tuition scholarships as part of the 2022 Dr. David T. Coghlan Young Catholic Leader Award. The scholarship is given to incoming freshmen – one overall winner and three runners-up – who will be attending a diocesan Catholic High school in the fall.
The scholarship was established in memory of Dr. David T. Coghlan, a former superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Camden who died in 2005.
Katharine Coghlan, wife of the late Dr. Coghlan, said she is amazed at the impact her husband had on Catholic education in South Jersey as well as how the award has continued his legacy. “The Young Catholic Leader Award not only honors Dave’s memory, but allows us to see his vision alive in our Catholic school graduates. It is incredibly rewarding to see the caliber of the students our Catholic schools produce!”
Sister Rose DiFluri, assistant superintendent of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Camden, coordinated the scholarship outreach to the schools and worked with Dr. Coghlan. “I can attest to the fact that the notion of ‘giving back in Christian service’ was, and is, a very important aspect of what we try to pass on to the students in our Catholic schools. Through the generosity of his family and other faithful donors to the scholarship fund, Dr. Coghlan’s belief in the value of a Catholic education lives on in the students who are chosen to receive the Young Catholic Leader Award.”
Principals from throughout the Diocese were asked to nominate an eighth-grade student who best fits the mission of Catholic education and exemplifies excellence in all aspects of school life. Each nominated student was then asked to complete an application, which included an essay that asked them to share their own story of inspiration and why they planned on continuing their Catholic education in high school.
Daniel Walsh, an eighth-grader from Christ the King Regional School, Haddonfield, was awarded the top prize of $1,000 and will attend Camden Catholic High School in the fall. He wrote in his essay that he wants to continue his Catholic education “to help people out and better the world.”
Walsh has been a part of the school’s volunteer program, the Servants of Saint Francis, and has helped collect coats, money, toys and food for various initiatives during his tenure at the school. “It has meant a lot to see the faces of those I am serving,” he wrote in his essay.
“My education at a Catholic elementary school helped me to see that God is in all that I do – learning, playing, competing, helping and serving,” he continued. As he enters Camden Catholic High School, he hopes to continue to volunteer and make a difference. “I know that through my continued Catholic education, I can become a better person and accomplish what God wants me to do.”
Anne Hartman, school principal, wrote in her recommendation letter that “since he was a very young boy, Daniel showed himself to be a natural leader, leading by stellar example of true Christian behavior.” She also pointed out that “he is compassionate and clear-minded in what is right and just and encourages and enables others to see the joy and purpose in being a servant leader.”
The runners-up were Jennifer Romero from Saint Cecilia School, Pennsauken, who will be attending Camden Catholic High School; Antonia Yucis from Guardian Angels Regional School, Gibbstown, who will be attending Gloucester Catholic High School, and Edward Toth from Gloucester Catholic Junior High School, who will also be attending Gloucester Catholic High School. Each student received a $500 scholarship toward their tuition next year.
Michael Bress is communications and marketing manager for the Diocese’s Office of Catholic Education.
at the bottom and then tap “Add to Home Screen”
