The Oak Society is committed to helping families in our parish continue a Catholic education through scholarships and tuition assistance. The Oak Society is possible thanks to the generosity of our parishioners. The Oak Society will provide scholarships to students with criteria set by the donor or organization. We continue to build this scholarship program in order to expand the opportunities available to our students. If you are interested in donating or creating a scholarship, please contact Sarah Moore at smoore@stbrigidofkildare.org or (614) 761-3734.
All grant and scholarship applications are reviewed anonymously and confidentially by a committee composed of parish and school representatives.
Saint Brigid of Kildare School School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
Scholarships: Spring 2024 Scholarships Open
Scholarships for eligible Saint Brigid of Kildare School students enrolled for the 2024-2025 school year opened on April 10, 2024 and close on April 24, 2024. Scholarships will be reviewed and rewarded prior to the end of the school year. Please click the names below to learn more about each scholarship and to be taken to the application form.
You are welcome and encouraged to apply to more than one scholarship. However, scholarships will only be awarded to one family or family member. In the case of a family/student being selected for more than one scholarship, the scholarship with the greatest financial value will be awarded and the other scholarship will be given to the student/family with the next highest ranking.
| Please note: all families are eligible to apply and receive scholarships regardless of whether they did/did not receive tuition assistance or EdChoice. |
Maria Theresa Jeric Memorial Scholarship
Maria Theresa Jeric attended St. Brigid School for 1st-8th grades, graduating in 2011. She was happy and cheerful, funny and witty, and prayerful. Her Catholic Faith was important to her and studying for and receiving the Sacraments in 2nd and 8th grades was extremely special. A friend to all who was respectful and cared about everyone, Maria was her own person. She was a quiet leader by her example and wasn’t afraid to stand up for what was right.
Maria was an avid reader from the time she checked out her first library book. She loved doing art projects as well as science experiments, math problems, singing, and learning to speak, read, and write Spanish. Always inquisitive, she loved to learn everything and anything, and took on any challenge that came her way. She worked really hard to do well. One year there was a speech competition that was open to 6th-8th graders in all of the Catholic schools in the diocese. Maria spent hours and hours of her own time writing her speech and practicing her presentation. She continued through 3 levels of the competition to ultimately be chosen the Diocesan winner as a 6th grader!
Maria participated in CYO softball and basketball and was on the St. Brigid Girls’ Tennis Team in 6th-8th grades, going on to play four years of varsity for Bishop Watterson High School. She was a Girl Scout through 8th grade, an Altar Server through her Senior year, and a flute player in the Bishop Watterson feeder school Honor Band. She continued to play flute as needed with choirs at Sunday Mass, as well as singing and playing flute with the St. Brigid high school choir.
Maria later graduated from Bishop Watterson High School as a Valedictorian in 2015. She was very interested in the medical field and double majored in Biology and Spanish at Miami University (Oxford) so she could communicate with more of her future patients. She graduated from Ohio Dominican University’s Physician Assistant Program in December, 2021, 4 months before she was diagnosed with Stage 4 Adrenal Cancer, a very rare and aggressive cancer. After recovering from the surgery to remove a huge tumor from her abdomen, Maria was able to work full-time for just over a year at her dream job as a Physician Assistant in a primary care practice before God called her home on August 13, 2023.
The Maria Theresa Jeric Memorial Scholarship was established to honor Maria’s memory by the many who loved her. The life Maria led will be remembered and honored by awarding students who demonstrate the same qualities Maria did while attending St. Brigid of Kildare Elementary School. Maria’s legacy is tied to her many years at St. Brigid of Kildare, a second “home” for her and her beloved family.
This $1,500 scholarship will be awarded to a student going into the 7th or 8th grade at St. Brigid of Kildare Elementary School for the 2024/2025 school year. Current 6th and 7th graders should apply. Interested students must complete the application form themselves and then ask a teacher of their choice to write a recommendation (approx. 250-words) indicating the qualities this student demonstrates that would make him/her a candidate for this scholarship. Please ask the teacher to submit the recommendation to Sarah Moore smoore@stbrigidofkildare.org by April 24, 2024.
Award:
$1,500
Application Requirements:
Applicants are asked to answer six questions after reading about Maria.
Deadline:
April 24, 2024
Karen and William Nomina Faith and Service Scholarship
“Rivers do not drink their own water; trees do not eat their own fruit; the sun does not shine on itself and flowers do not spread their fragrance for themselves. Living for others is a rule of nature. We are all born to help each other. No matter how difficult it is…Life is good when you are happy; but much better when others are happy because of you.” – Pope Francis
Karen and William Nomina were the parents of Kelly Nomina Barr and grandparents of Maisie and Declan Barr who are parishioners and students of St. Brigid of Kildare Catholic Church and School. Mr. and Mrs. Nomina grew up in a small town where their faith in God bloomed and they dedicated themselves to a life of service to others.
Application Requirements:
This scholarship is available to any Saint Brigid of Kildare student in K-8th grade for the 2024-25 school year
Amount:
$500 for one school year
Deadline:
April 24, 2024
The Brendan Foley Spirit Scholarship
The Brendan Foley Spirit Scholarship is available to any Saint Brigid of Kildare student entering sixth-eighth grade. Brendan (Class of 2015) loved Saint Brigid of Kildare School, was a fun-loving, dedicated student, and was always kind, respectful, and responsible. This scholarship will honor Brendan’s faith-filled spirit as shown by the recipient and will be awarded by financial need and written response.
Writing Prompt:
Please write a paragraph reflecting on Brendan’s eighth grade Memory Book quotation: “Cherish your days at Saint Brigid School because it will probably be the best school you ever attend.” What does this quote mean to you and your experience at Saint Brigid School?
Award:
Two scholarships, $1,500 each
Deadline:
April 24, 2024
Home and School Association Scholarship
The Home & School Association is a parent-run organization with the purpose of enriching the Catholic School experience for Saint Brigid of Kildare students and staff by supporting our school’s mission statement, building a strong sense of community spirit, and expressing appreciation to those committed to our school.
In an effort to give back to the students, this scholarship, funded by the Annual Fund, will be awarded to one individual in grade seven, who demonstrates that he/she embodies the mission statement of our school and represent all that Saint Brigid of Kildare School has given to him/her to become the Catholic individual he/she is today, as he/she is poised to take on the role of leader of our school.
Application Requirements:
Students may compete by choosing one essay to answer:
1. If you were to come to the table with the younger students, how would you advise them to be successful?
2. Share a time you have demonstrated leadership and the impact it had on those around you.
A review panel will select student essays and then will conduct interviews to determine the winner of a $1000 scholarship for eighth grade tuition at St Brigid of Kildare School.
Amount:
$1,000 scholarship to be used towards eighth grade tuition at Saint Brigid of Kildare School.
Deadline:
April 24, 2024
The Joyce O’Reilly Family Scholarship
The Joyce O’Reilly Family Scholarship is available to any Saint Brigid of Kildare School family with three or more children currently attending a Catholic school, grades preschool through college. The scholarship will be used for the children attending Saint Brigid of Kildare School in grades K-8.
Joyce, the mother of six children, believed in the importance of Catholic education for her children. In her memory, this scholarship will provide large families holding this same dedication to Catholic education with some assistance with their tuition at Saint Brigid of Kildare School.
Application Requirements:
The application will include a short paragraph about the importance of Catholic education for the applying family.
Award:
$1,500
Deadline:
April 24, 2024
The Saint Brigid of Kildare School SPiCE Scholarship
The SPiCE Scholarship Program will be broken down into two categories intended to recognize individuals from our Parish, School, and Religious Education Program. Scholarship amount and number awarded will vary annually based on available funds.
A. Children Modeling the Mission: We are so appreciative of our children who show kindness, embody our mission and model Christ through their acceptance of peers benefitting from SPiCE. Our teachers and Religious Education catechists see this behavior exhibited from children on a daily basis. Teachers and catechists will be submitting nominations on behalf of those children to receive a scholarship towards the upcoming school year’s tuition/fees.
B. SPiCE Supporting Families: Many families support the SPiCE program through their time, talents, and treasures even though they may not have a student that is directly benefiting from the program. In an effort to show our appreciation and gratitude, families will be nominated to receive a scholarship that will be applied towards the upcoming school year’s tuition/fees.
Deadline:
April 24, 2024
The Babs Pulsfort Memorial Gift of Giving Scholarship
Babs Pulsfort truly embraced the passion of this Parish as a founding and active member until she passed away in January 2020. Her many roles in the parish — even before working here full time — were an example to others to get involved, participate on committees, donate your time, and ultimately work to build this Parish for the next generation.
Babs made so many sacrifices for her family, but in doing so, passed on the core values of giving. One of her favorites sayings was “the gift is in the giving” and “no gift of giving is too small.” We would love to hear from St. Brigid of Kildare students wishing to apply for the scholarship answering the question “What does Giving Mean to Me?” and how this is rooted in our Catholic faith. This scholarship is open to St. Brigid of Kildare students entering 6-8 in the fall of 2024.
Award:
$1,000
Application Requirements:
The application will have a short essay (250 words) on “What does giving mean to me?”
Deadline:
April 24, 2024
The Elizabeth Jane Zetzer Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is in memory of Elizabeth Jane Zetzer who during her few short hours on earth was loved and adored. Her spirit is kept alive by her parents, Matthew and Colleen, siblings Abigail (Class of 2016) and Brian (Class of 2018), and her beloved Grandparents, Gilbert and Gail Kenehan. This scholarship will be awarded to a student who is in our SPICE (Special People in Catholic Education) program. Colleen, one of St. Brigid of Kildare Elementary School’s Intervention Specialist, has spent the last 20+ years helping children who have unique learning needs and has helped develop the school’s special needs program. This award honors Elizabeth Jane and allows a child to receive a Catholic Education at St. Brigid of Kildare School, which has been home for the Zetzer family.
Award:
$850
Application Requirements:
The application will have a short essay (250 words) on What does the SPICE program means to me and my family?
Deadline:
April 24, 2024
St. Brigid Athletic Association (SBAA) Scholarship
The goals of the SBAA athletic programs are to instill Christian values in developing athletic programs open to all students for participation who are members of St. Brigid parish, and/or attend St. Brigid School, or are registered and attend religious education at St. Brigid Parish.
We provide a program that is conducive to skill development for all participants and that prepares the athlete for higher levels of competition and participation.
Award:
With these goals in mind the SBAA would like to offer two $1,000 scholarships for one boy and one girl St. Brigid current 8th graders that plan on attending a Diocesan high school the following year (24-25).
Application Requirements:
Applicants need to submit an essay discussing what role SBAA offerings played into their faith and how SBAA offerings developed their athletic skills, teamwork, self-confidence, self-esteem, and self-discipline.
Deadline:
April 24, 2024
The Henry and Flora Bucci Scholarship
Henry and Flora Bucci had a deep Catholic faith. They passed their commitment to their faith and Catholic education to their children and grandchildren. Paolo (2006) and Maressa (2008) Bucci both attended St. Brigid of Kildare Elementary School. The Bucci Family has created this scholarship to honor Henry and Flora while helping families to receive the quality Catholic education St. Brigid of Kildare Elementary school provides its students.
Award:
$1,500
Application Requirements:
Applicants are asked to write a 250-word essay on “What the Catholic Education you receive at St. Brigid of Kildare Elementary school means to you and your family.”
Deadline:
April 24, 2024
The Holthus Family Scholarship
Seeking grace and wisdom is the motto of Saint Brigid of Kildare School and a motto the Holthus Family has adopted as members of the parish community since before the school opened. We have been immensely blessed by this community and the hope for this scholarship is that it may allow others to share in our many blessings from Saint Brigid.
Most of our favorite childhood memories involve Saint Brigid of Kildare School; between Megan (2008), Eric (2009), and Patrick (2012), Saint Brigid was a second home for our family for 15+ years and has remained so past our graduations. To and be able to say we still have friends from preschool is a pretty amazing thing, and something we cherish each day. Growing up in a faith-based academic environment has given us strong foundations as adults and we hope to be able to share the gift of a Catholic education with other families.
Award:
$2,000
Application Requirements:
Applicants are asked to write a 250-word essay: “Our family has received so many blessings from St. Brigid. Please share the blessing you have received by being a part of St. Brigid of Kildare elementary School with us.”
Deadline:
April 24, 2024
Other Catholic Education Scholarship Opportunities for Saint Brigid of Kildare Parishioners
The Crawford-Hoying Foundation Scholarship
The Crawford-Hoying Foundation’s mission is to shape the lives of underserved youth across Central Ohio so they can do exceptional things, no matter their circumstances.
The purpose of this scholarship is to provide tuition assistance to a deserving incoming Bishop Watterson High School student for all four years of high school.
One incoming freshman will be selected by the Crawford-Hoying Foundation Board to receive this annual scholarship. First preference will be given to students who are members of Saint Brigid of Kildare Parish and demonstrate a need for financial assistance. Second preference will be given to all other students who demonstrate a need for financial assistance as determined by the governing body of Bishop Watterson High School.
For more information and to apply, visit www.bishopwatterson.com
The Murico Family Scholarship
Carmen and Mary Murico have been devoted parishioners of St. Brigid for over 30 years. Their children Emily (Class of 2003), Stephanie (Class of 2004), Natalie (Class of 2008), all attended St. Brigid of Kildare and Bishop Watterson High School. The girls have often said their years at Saint Brigid and Bishop Watterson were some of their most memorable and meaningful.
The purpose of this scholarship is to provide tuition assistance to a deserving incoming Bishop Watterson High School student or students. Students will be nominated by 8th grade teaching team and administration. Students will be contacted to prepare an essay question by St. Brigid teachers.
Christine Wilson Memorial Scholarship
One scholarship is given to a child in one of the feeder school parishes (except St. Brendan) to pursue a Bishop Watterson education. Nominations are made by school staff; nominated students will be invited to apply for this scholarship in the spring.
The Prechtel Family Scholarship
The Richard and Nancy Prechtel Scholarship Program was created in memory of the late Richard and Nancy Prechtel. Its purpose is to recognize and award deserving Bishop Watterson students who demonstrate strong Catholic values and appreciate the gift of a catholic education. The funding for this program will be derived by income from endowment, as well as yearly gifts from interested constituents within the Bishop Watterson High School community. The Richard and Nancy Prechtel Scholarship Program is a one year direct tuition grant of $2,000 and is awarded on an annual basis.
For more information and to apply, visit www.bishopwatterson.com
Bishop Watterson High School Incoming Students
There are a variety of additional scholarships available for students who will be enrolled in Bishop Watterson High School. For information about these scholarships, click here.
St. Charles Preparatory School Incoming Students
There are a variety of additional scholarships available for students who will be enrolled in St. Charles Preparatory School School. For information about these scholarships, click here.
