The opportunity to learn in an environment that combines faith with education is one of many reasons students treasure their Catholic schools. When faced with issues that make it difficult for their families to continue affording tuition, the South Jersey Scholarship Fund provides a source of support.
Each year, the SJSF supports students who attend Catholic schools operated by the Diocese of Camden. Last year, its $110,000 grant supported more than 125 students attending elementary and high schools throughout the Diocese.
“The South Jersey Scholarship fund does such good work, making it possible for students to benefit from a Catholic school education. I appreciate the donors as well as the work of the board members who give of their time to make this fund possible,” said Heather Crisci, principal of Camden Catholic High School, Cherry Hill.
In order to help more students, the South Jersey Scholarship Fund’s Board of Trustees is on a Spring Sprint for Scholarships to raise $100,000 from May 1 to June 30. It’s not a literal race, but a campaign to secure funding to assist students in the 2024-25 school year.
Board member Jaqueline Bull explained her reasons for becoming involved with the SJSF, one of which was her responding to the Gospel of John: “My sheep hear my voice, I know them and they follow me. I give them eternal life.” She began to reflect on how she truly began to know Jesus as a first-grader at Saint Rose of Lima School, Haddon Heights.
“I realize now that my Catholic education enabled me to develop friendships, not only with my fellow classmates, but also with God. This relationship carried over throughout my lifetime,” she said. “This core value of Catholic education, plus the strong academics, made me comfortable throughout my entire career teaching at Saint Jude Elementary School [now Our Lady of Hope, Blackwood] and eventually at Immaculata University. As a board member and donor, I’m working to make available Catholic education and the strengthened relationship with Jesus for who all want it.”
Parents are thankful for the board’s commitment to helping Catholic School students.
“Being able to send my children to school where God, faith and prayer are part of everyday life is an absolutely blessing. I also know all the staff and teachers have my children’s best interest at heart, both with academics and moral development. It truly is a vocation for the staff and teachers, and not just a job,” said Laura Connolly, whose children attend Saint Peter Catholic School, Merchantville, and Paul VI High School, Haddonfield. “The scholarship fund is greatly appreciated and needed in order to send my children to Catholic school.”
To support the SJSF’s Spring Sprint for Scholarships, visit southjerseycatholicschools.org/springsprint or call 856-583-6125.
at the bottom and then tap “Add to Home Screen”
