YOUTH AWARDS and SCHOLARSHIPS

Over the years since its chartering the local Benicia Knights of Columbus council, Fr. Vilarrasa #7268, has established several cash awards and scholarships to recognize the efforts of our youth and to aid them and their families in the pursuit of their education. The awards and scholarships are briefly described below. Each award/scholarship must be applied for with the Fr. Vilarrasa Council Scholarship Committee, which will determine the recipients. Applications can be obtained at St. Dominic’s School, Religious Education or Parish offices during business hours. The deadline for applications is April 15 of each year for the awards/scholarships being given that year in May. Questions may be directed to: Brian Taglang (707) 745-3608, Russell Ho (707) 745-2729, Joseph Talken (707) 553-8084, or James Guinasso (707) 557-1350.

Fr. Francis Sadoc Vilarrasa, O.P. Scholarship Award

This scholarship is a one-time $500 cash award made at the time of the recipient’s 8th grade graduation from St. Dominic’s School in the City of Benicia, CA and forwarded to the Catholic high school of the recipient’s choice. This annual award has been established by the Knights of Columbus Fr. Vilarrasa Council #7268 to encourage 8th graders in St. Dominic’s School to further their education at a Catholic high school. The award recognizes the lifelong service of the Very Reverend Francis Sadoc Vilarrasa,O.P., a man whose dedicated service to the Holy Catholic Church, the Dominican Order, and education has been an inspiration to many.

Fr. Christopher Fritter, O.P. Memorial Altar Server Award

This award is a one-time $100 US Savings Bond presented in May to an 8th grade altar server at St. Dominic’s Parish in the City of Benicia, CA. This annual award has been established by the Knights of Columbus Fr. Vilarrasa Council #7268 to recognize faithful and exceptional service of an altar server graduating from the 8th grade. The award recognizes the lifelong service of Fr. Christopher Fritter, O.P., a man whose dedicated service to the Holy Catholic Church, the Dominican Order, and to St. Dominic’s Parish has been an influence to many. Fr. Fritter was an Honorary Life member of the Knights of Columbus Fr. Vilarrasa Council and served as its charter Chaplain.

Patrick Leary Memorial Scholarship Award

This scholarship is a one-time $500 cash award made at the time of the recipient’s 8th grade graduation from St. Dominic’s School in the City of Benicia, CA and forwarded to the Catholic high school of the recipient’s choice. This annual award has been established since September 2003 by the Knights of Columbus Fr. Vilarrasa Council #7268 to encourage 8th graders in St. Dominic’s School to further their education at a Catholic high school. The award recognizes the lifelong service of Mr. Patrick Leary, former teacher, principal and coach at St. Dominic’s, a man whose dedicated service to education and athletics touched the lives of many in the Benicia/Vallejo area of northern California.

Sr. Elizabeth Curtis, C.H.F., Religion Award

This award is a one-time $500 US Savings Bond presented at the time of the recipient’s 8th grade graduation from St. Dominic’s School in the City of Benicia, CA. This annual award has been established since May 2004 by the Knights of Columbus Fr. Vilarrasa Council #7268 to promote the Catholic nature of St. Dominic’s School and to recognize the years of service which Sr. Liz rendered to the students and parents of St. Dominic’s School as its very caring and dedicated principal.

St. Thomas Aquinas Scholarship Award

This scholarship is a one-time $500 cash award presented in May upon the recipient’s graduation from high school and forwarded to the university or college of the recipient’s choice on their behalf. This annual award has been established by the Knights of Columbus Fr. Vilarrasa Council #7268 for a deserving high school senior who is a member of the St. Dominic’s Parish community. St. Thomas Aquinas is noted as the most influential thinker of the Medieval period. An Italian Dominican friar, theologian, and philosopher, he is the founder of the system declared by Pope Leo XIII to be the official philosophy of the Catholic Church. In 1880 St. Thomas Aquinas was declared the Patron Saint of all Roman Catholic educational establishments.

Fr. McGivney Columbian Scholarship Awards

These awards are one-time US Savings Bonds presented in May to students of active members of the Knights of Columbus Fr. Vilarrasa Council #7268 in the City of Benicia, CA. One award is given to a student in each of three levels: a $500 US Savings Bond at the High School level, a $250 Bond at the Middle School level, and a $100 Bond at the Grammar School level. Students may attend any school, public or private. These awards are named after Fr. Michael J. McGivney, Founder of the Knights of Columbus.

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