Tuition Assistance & Scholarships

Scholarship Name: The Academic Decathlon Scholarship
Type of Scholarship: Merit-Based Assistance
Applicants: Class of 2025
Distribution Amount: Total award of $4,000 distributed equally among the students 4 years at SMCHS
Distribution Method: Award will be applied to your tuition payment schedule

HISTORY
The Academic Decathlon Scholarship is awarded to incoming freshman students who were part of the decathlon team at their elementary school during the 2020-2021 school year. A total award of $4,000 will be distributed to the qualifying student equally among their 4 years at SMCHS - $1,000 each year they attend SMCHS. This scholarship requires they maintain a 3.5 GPA to continue to receive the award for subsequent years.

CRITERIA / REQUIREMENTS
The following criteria has been established for the Academic Decathlon Scholarship:

• Incoming freshman student for the 2021-2022 school year
• The recipient can be male or female
• Recipient must make every effort to be a model student at SMCHS
• Maintain a GPA of 3.5 all years enrolled at SMCHS
• Completion of the Academic Decathlon Scholarship Application Form
• A letter verifying your participation on the Academic Decathlon team as well as your current GPA from your school's principal is required.

These scholarships are awarded to incoming students who receive the highest scores in their High School Placement Test taken at SMCHS. There is no scholarship application needed.

HSPT 98^th-100^th Percentile
A student who scores between the 98th and 100^th NATIONAL percentile on the HSPT, will receive a scholarship with a total award of $4,000. The award will be distributed equally among the students 4 years - $1,000 each year they attend SMCHS. This scholarship requires they maintain a 3.5 GPA to continue to receive the award for subsequent years.

HSPT 95^th-97^th Percentile
A student who scores between the 95^th and 97^th NATIONAL percentile on the HSPT, will receive a scholarship with a total award of $2,000. The award will be distributed to them equally among their 4 years - $500 each year they attend SMCHS. This scholarship requires they maintain a 3.5 GPA to continue to receive the award for subsequent years

Awardees will be notified in February, 2021

Scholarship Name: The Michael J. Pellizzon '05 Scholarship
Type of Scholarship: Tuition Assistance
Applicants: Class of 2022, 2023, 2024 & 2025
Distribution Amount: Amount varies based on need.
Distribution Method: Award will be applied to your tuition payment schedule.

HISTORY
Michael graduated from Santa Margarita Catholic High School in 2005 and was a member of the varsity basketball team that won CIF in his senior year. He was captain of the J.V. team and named its most valuable player. He made many friends that he remained in very close contact with for the rest of his short life. He was described as a person that made other students feel better about themselves and motivated them to do better and was a great kid and teammate. He was a great listener and sounding board for his many friends. He was a kind, compassionate soul who loved his family, friends, music, sports, playing his several guitars and composing music among other things. His family will never stop celebrating his life and the gifts he brought to them. They will never stop missing their beautiful Michael.

CRITERIA / REQUIREMENTS

• Demonstrates financial need – FACTS Application Required.
• Freshman, Sophomore, Junior or Senior student.
• Recipient can be male or female.
• The student must demonstrate a love of athletics, music or extra-curricular activities.
• Recipient must make every effort to be a model student at SMCHS.
• Designated specifically for students who have lost a parent or a sibling.
• First generation child of Latin descent.
• Completion of The Michael J. Pellizzon '05 application form.

APPLICATION CLOSED - Available December 3, 2020

Scholarship Name: The St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Scholarship
Type of Scholarship: Tuition Assistance
Applicants: Class of 2022, 2023, 2024 & 2025
Distribution Amount: Amount varies based on need.
Distribution Method: Award will be applied to your tuition payment schedule.

HISTORY
The St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Scholarship was established by a generous anonymous donor to give tuition assistance for a Catholic student who would not otherwise be able to afford one. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton was the first native-born citizen of the United States to be canonized by the Catholic Church. Mother Seton, as she is often called, founded the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph, the first community for religious women established in the United States. She also opened St. Joseph’s Academy and Free School, the first American parish school, which planted the seeds of Catholic education in the United States. Her legacy now includes religious congregation’s whose members work on the unmet needs of people living in poverty in North America and beyond.

CRITERIA / REQUIREMENTS

• Demonstrates financial need – FACTS Application Required.
• Female, Freshman, Sophomore, Junior or Senior next school year.
• Good academic standing at SMCHS.
• First generation child of Latin descent.
• Alumna of St. Junipero Serra Catholic School or The Parish School at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church.
• The scholarship recipient will write an acknowledgement letter to the donor with a copy to SMCHS Advancement Department.
• Completion of the The St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Scholarship Application Form.

The St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Scholarship Application

Scholarship Name: Alturas Scholarship Award
Type of Scholarship: Tuition Assistance
Applicants: Class of 2022, 2023, 2024 & 2025
Distribution Amount: Up to $5,000.
Distribution Method: Award will be applied to your tuition payment schedule.

HISTORY
Linda Fisher, a single parent of two, recognized the benefits of a Santa Margarita Catholic education for her sons Michael ’94 and Patrick ’97. Although a challenge financially, she made Santa Margarita Catholic High School a reality for her family. In turn, the SMCHS experience helped her sons became the successful fathers, husbands, and community leaders that they are today. In this spirit, Linda would like to help other single parents make Santa Margarita Catholic a reality for their children. This award will help students from single parent homes discover the many gifts that the SMCHS experience offers to build self-esteem and personal responsibility, as well as successful interpersonal relationships, commitment to Christian values, and the desire to contribute positively to the local community, our nation, and world.

CRITERIA / REQUIREMENTS

• Demonstrates financial need - FACTS Application Required.
• Freshman, Sophomore, Junior or Senior student, male or female.
• Maintain good academic standing at SMCHS with a minimum GPA of 3.0academic standing (3.0 GPA or above) and excellent citizenship.
• Involvement in the SMCHS community – athletics, arts, campus ministry, etc.
• Designed specifically for students from single parent homes.
• Completion of the The Alturas Scholarship Award Application

Alturas Scholarship Award Application

Scholarship Name: The Catherine Schilling Ott Scholarship
Type of Scholarship: Tuition Assistance
Applicants: Class of 2022, 2023, 2024 & 2025
Distribution Amount: $2,500
Distribution Method: Award will be applied to your tuition payment schedule.

HISTORY
This scholarship was made possible by Catherine S. Ott, a devout Catholic, whose background was in education. Ms. Ott wished that her legacy would be ensuring that students who desired to have a Catholic education, be able to have one.  In 2018 Ms. Ott passed at the age of 96 leaving Santa Margarita Catholic High School a planned gift for this endowed scholarship.

CRITERIA / REQUIREMENTS

• Demonstrates financial need – FACTS Application Required.
• Freshman, Sophomore, Junior or Senior next school year.
• Good academic standing at SMCHS with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Catholic and active in your parish.
• Special consideration for those interested in pursuing a career in education.
• Completion of the Catherine Schilling Ott Scholarship application.
• The scholarship recipient will write an acknowledgement letter to the school 
  with a copy to SMCHS Advancement Department.

The Catherine Schilling Ott Scholarship Application

Applicants: Class of 2022, 2023, 2024 & 2025
Distribution Amount: $5,000
Distribution Method: Award will be applied to your tuition payment schedule.

HISTORY
An endowed scholarship has been established in memory of Heather Kirkorowicz ’95, a SMCHS student who entered eternal life in 2018. One SMCHS student will be selected for the scholarship award.

CRITERIA / REQUIREMENTS

• Demonstrates financial need – FACTS Application Required.
• Freshman, Sophomore, Junior or Senior student next school year, male or female.
• Have a strong desire to remain at SMCHS.
• Completion of the Heather Kirkorowicz '95 Memorial Scholarship application.
• The scholarship recipient will write an acknowledgement letter to the donor 
  with a copy to SMCHS Advancement Department.

Heather Kirkorowicz '95 Memorial Scholarship Application

Applicants: Class of 2023, 2024 & 2025
Distribution Amount: Up to $5,000
Distribution Method: Award will be applied to your tuition payment schedule.

HISTORY

The Grandparents Club was formed in 2015 with its members becoming ambassadors promoting SMCHS. The Grandparents Club of Santa Margarita Catholic High School is very pleased to make a scholarship available to a current SM student. It is an effort to ensure that a deserving student in good standing is not denied the SM experience due to financial need.

CRITERIA / REQUIREMENTS
The following criteria has been established for The Grandparents Club Scholarship:

• Demonstrates financial need – FACTS Application Required.
• Freshman, Sophomore or Junior student next school year.
• Good academic standing at SMCHS.
• Completion of the the Grandparents Club Scholarship application.
• The scholarship recipient will write an acknowledgement letter to the donor with a copy to SMCHS Advancement Department.

APPLICATION CLOSED - Available December 3

Scholarship Name: The Guida Family Scholarship
Type of Scholarship: Tuition Assistance
Applicants: Class of 2023, 2024 & 2025
Distribution Amount: $15,000 to be distributed between two students
Distribution Method: Award will be applied to your tuition payment schedule.

HISTORY
The Guida Family Scholarship was established in 2019 and is available to SM students. The Guida’s philanthropy through the years lives on through their scholarship. Their family wishes to ensure that deserving students in need of financial assistance can experience the same excellent faith-based education their daughter did.

CRITERIA / REQUIREMENTS
The following criteria has been established for The Guida Family Scholarship:

• Demonstrates financial need – FACTS Application Required.
• Freshman, Sophomore or Junior student next school year.
• Good academic standing at SMCHS.
• GPA 3.0 or higher.
• Completion of the The Guida Family Scholarship application.
• The scholarship recipient will write an acknowledgement letter to the the Guida Family turned into the SMCHS Advancement Department.

APPLICATION CLOSED - Available December 3

Scholarship Name: The Jack Meehan '04 Memorial Football Scholarship
Type of Scholarship: SMCHS Tuition Assistance Scholarship
Applicants: Class of 2022, 2023 and 2024 Football Player
Distribution Amount: A total of $2,500 to be distributed to one student
Distribution Method: Award will be applied according to your tuition payment schedule

• Demonstrate financial need - FACTS Application Required.
• Senior, junior or sophomore next school year.
• SMCHS football player.
• Have a strong desire to remain at SMCHS.
• Maintain a GPA of 3.0 throughout their school year.
• Completion of the Jack Meehan '04 Memorial Football application.
• The scholarship recipient will write an acknowledgement and update letters to the donor with a copy to SMCHS Advancement Department.

The Jack Meehan '04 Memorial Football Scholarship Application

• Demonstrate financial need – FACTS Application Required
• Junior or senior student next school year, male or female.
• Have a strong desire to remain at SMCHS.
• Love of the ocean is a preferred quality, but not necessary.
• Completion of the Christopher Cvengros application form.
• The scholarship recipient will write an acknowledgement letter to the donor with a copy to SMCHS Advancement Department.

Christopher Cvengros '98 Memorial Scholarship Application

• Demonstrate financial need – FACTS Application Required.
• Junior or senior student next school year.
• Have a strong desire to remain at SMCHS.
• Demonstrate a love of learning, music, athletics, or value extra-curricular activities.
• Complete the sophomore year at SMCHS maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.0 (C).
• Selected students who continue to maintain a GPA of 2.0 throughout their junior year
  will automatically be renewed to receive the scholarship for their senior year.
• New recipients will be selected so that four scholarships are awarded each year
  (two juniors and two seniors).
• Completion of the Bradley Dillahunty application form.
• The scholarship recipient will write an acknowledgement letter to the donor
  with a copy to SMCHS Advancement Department.

Bradley J. Dillahunty '02 Memorial Scholarship Application

• Demonstrate financial need – FACTS application required.
• Junior or senior student next school year.
• Demonstrate a strong work ethic in and out of the classroom.
• Involvement in athletics is a preferred quality, but not necessary.
• Completion of the C.J. Hubbard '01 Memorial Scholarship application.
• The scholarship recipient will write an acknowledgement letter to the donor with a copy to SMCHS Advancement Department.

CJ Hubbard '01 Memorial Scholarship Application

• Demonstrate financial need - FACTS Application required.
• Junior or senior student next school year.
• Good academic standing at SMCHS with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Demonstrated engagement in a variety of extra-curricular activities at SMCHS.
• Completion of the Redwitz Family Scholarship application form.
• The scholarship recipient will write an acknowledgement letter to the donor
  with a copy to SMCHS Advancement Department.

APPLICATION CLOSED - Available December 3

• Demonstrate financial need – FACTS Application Required.
• Junior or Senior next school year.
• GPA of 3.0 or above and exhibit strong character.
• Have an interest in the sciences or engineering(potentially as a future college major or career).
• Completion of the Richard Hunsaker Scholarship application.
• The scholarship recipient will write an acknowledgement letter to the donor with a copy to SMCHS Advancement Department.

Richard Hunsaker Scholarship Application

• Demonstrate financial need – FACTS Application Required.
• Junior or senior student next school year, male or female.
• Good academic standing at SMCHS with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Provide at least one letter of recommendation from a current faculty member or administrator from SMCHS.
• Completion of the Reg Sobczak application form.
• The scholarship recipient will write an acknowledgement letter to the donor with a copy to SMCHS Advancement Department.

Reg Sobczak Memorial Scholarship Application

• Demonstrate financial need - FACTS Application required.
• Junior or Senior next school year.
• 3.0 GPA and demonstrate strong work ethic in and out of the classroom.
• Has an interest in pursuing a service oriented career.
• Is a model of kindness and service to others and has exceeded the normal SMCHS service hour requirement in their community.
• Recipient must make every effort to be a model student at SMCHS.
• Completion of the Ryan David Zalta scholarship application form.
• The scholarship recipient will write an acknowledgement letter to the donor with a copy to SMCHS 

Ryan David Zalta '92 Memorial Scholarship Application

Distribution Amount: A total of $500 to be distributed to one student
Distribution Method: Award will be applied according to your tuition payment schedule

HISTORY
This scholarship is for an SMCHS student in the football program. Ted Prenovost loved his family and the game of football. He played through high school and at UC Davis and went on to become an attorney and owner at the Law Firm of Prenovost, Normandin, Bergh & Dawe, APC. Ted was a big fan of SMCHS football who attended every game and volunteered of his time to the program. Ted’s infectious heart, smile and laugh touched all those he came in contact with. Ted cheered on every player making each feel as though they were as special as the next

CRITERIA / REQUIREMENTS
In the desire to recognize an SMCHS students the Ted Prenovost Good Guy Scholarship was created with the following criteria:

• Junior or Senior next school year.
• Member of the SMCHS Football Team.
• The student must demonstrate a love of football and SMCHS.
• Recipient must make every effort to be a model student at SMCHS.
• Completion of the Ted Prenovost Good Guy Scholarship Application.
• The scholarship recipient will write an acknowledgement letter to the donor with a copy to SMCHS Advancement Department.

Ted Prenovost Good Guy Scholarship Application

Distribution Amount: Up to $2,000
Applicants: Class of 2022 or 2023

HISTORY
Mr. Nicholas Kraus (1982-2014) embodied everything good about a teacher at SMCHS. Trying to describe his impact on the community is like trying to describe a symphonic masterpiece to someone who has never heard it. His students felt a strong connection, and the SMCHS community loved and admired him. Mr. Kraus was a phenomenal musician, a master teacher, and his work ethic was paramount. Above all, Mr. Kraus was extremely humble. His selfless and kind attitude was evident in every aspect of his professional and personal life.

Mr. Kraus taught in the Performing Arts Department from 2010-2014. During that time, Mr. Kraus taught various courses in music, performed regularly on campus in productions and concerts, and volunteered his time and expertise to assist with the Eagle Regiment Marching Band.

CRITERA/REQUIRMENTS
In the desire to recognize talented SMCHS students with demonstrated financial need, the friends and family of Nicholas David Kraus, and the Performing Arts Department of SMCHS established the following scholarship criteria:

• Demonstrates financial need - FACTS Application required.
• Junior or senior next school year.
• The recipient must be enrolled in the instrumental music program and a desire to pursue music in college.
• Recipient must make every effort to be a model student at SMCHS, showing humility, selflessness, kindness, and a willingness to volunteer.
• Additional consideration may be given to those who have lost a parent or family member.
• Completion of the Nicholas David Kraus Memorial Scholarship Application Form.

Nicholas David Kraus Memorial Scholarship

Type of Scholarship: SMCHS Tuition Assistance Scholarship
Distribution Amount: $1,500 for one student
Applicants: Class of 2022 or 2023

HISTORY
Raymond R. Dunne was our beloved principal from September 2007 through June 2019. Upon retiring as principal, parents, faculty, staff, alumni, alumni parents and friends started the Raymond R. Dunne Scholarship fund in his name. Of his many accomplishments during his time as principal the most vital and his lasting legacy was ensuring the school’s charism of Caritas Christi, the love of Christ. The scholarship recipient will be someone who lives their life with Caritas Christi and demonstrates how they live the core principals, Compassion, Humility, Justice and Goodness and makes each and every day "A great day to be an Eagle.”

CRITERA/REQUIRMENTS

Mr. Dunne has established the following scholarship criteria:

• Demonstrate financial need - FACTS Application required.
• Junior or senior student next school year.
• Good academic standing at SMCHS with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Completion of the Raymond R. Dunne Scholarship application form.
• The scholarship recipient will write an acknowledgement letter to the scholarship committee with a copy to SMCHS Advancement Department.

Raymond R. Dunne Scholarship

The California Scholarship Federation (CSF) is an academic honors organization that accepts members who meet rigorous academic requirements. CSF stimulates interest and fosters pride in high standards of scholarship. Its purpose is to identify, motivate, and encourage students with intellectual abilities toward further education. The organization was incorporated in 1930 and is administered by a state board of directors. The chapter at Santa Margarita Catholic High School, established in 1989, is a member of the Southern Region and has many alumni who are CSF Life Members. This scholarship honors one graduating senior who meets the CSF Life Membership requirements and exemplifies the values and attributes of the ideal SMCHS student.

• Graduating senior.
• California Scholarship Federation (CSF) Life Member.
• A letter of recommendation from a current SMCHS teacher.
• Completion of the California Scholarship Federation (CSF) application form.
• The scholarship recipient will write an acknowledgement letter to the CSF Advisory Committee with a copy to the SMCHS Advancement Department.

APPLICATION CLOSED - Available December 3

"No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends." John 15:13

• Demonstrate financial need.
• Graduating senior, male or female.
• Good academic standing at SMCHS, with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Enrolled or planning to enroll in a two or four-year College or vocational training program within one year of graduation.
• Submit a 300-500 word essay that describes why she/he should be selected for the scholarship. The essay should focus on how you will use your faith to face challenges of college life and how your faith will influence your career choices.
• Provide at least one letter of recommendation from a current faculty member or administrator from SMCHS.
• Completion of the Kaydee Royce Campbell application form.
• The scholarship recipient will write an acknowledgement letter to the donor with a copy to SMCHS Advancement Department.
• The Administration of SMCHS will annually invite the Campbell family or their designee to the Senior Awards Night to present the scholarship to the senior recipient.

APPLICATION CLOSED - Available December 3

HISTORY

The Sarah DeMille Scholarship Award was set up in remembrance of Sarah Ashley DeMille, an SMCHS Class of 2005 Lady Runner. Sarah was killed in an automobile accident at Northern Arizona University while volunteering to accompany a fellow student driving home for the weekend.

CRITERIA / REQUIREMENTS

In the desire to recognize talented SMCHS students the family of Sarah Ashley DeMille established the following scholarship criteria:

• Good standing at SMCHS.
• Awarded to one graduating senior member of the Girls' Cross Country team and one graduating senior member of the Boys Cross Country team.
• Recipient of the scholarship award is chosen based on Sarah's values and attributes: Passion, Commitment, Sacrifice, Hard Work, Dream and Believe.
• Exemplifies the ideal SMCHS Runners: One who encourages others to achieve their personal best physically, mentally and spiritually.
• Completion of the Sarah DeMille application form.
• The scholarship recipient will write an acknowledgement letter to the donor with a copy to SMCHS Advancement Office.
• The Administration of SMCHS will annually invite the DeMille family or their designee to the Cross Country Banquet to present the scholarship to the recipients.

APPLICATION CLOSED - Available December 3

• One scholarship given to a candidate that demonstrates financial need.
• One scholarship given to a candidate - open to all.
• Graduating senior.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• Completion of the Eagle Alumni Association Scholarship application.

Eagle Alumni Scholarship Application

• Demonstrate financial need and/or demonstrate merit based on Model UN participation.
• Graduating senior.
• Students should be in excellent disciplinary standing with SMCHS.
• Good academic standing at SMCHS, with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Four-year member of the Model United Nations program.
• Enrolled or planning to enroll in a two or four-year college or vocational training program within one year of graduation.
• Submit a 300-500 word essay that describes why the student should be selected for the scholarship focusing on what the Model United Nations program has meant to them. This essay should also explain involvement with MUN fundraising efforts and with the SOCOMUN conference.
• Completion of the Model United Nations application form.
• The scholarship recipient will write an acknowledgement letter to the MUN Advisor with a copy to SMCHS Development Department.

Richard Voelkel Memorial Scholarship

• Demonstrate financial need and/or demonstrate merit based on Model UN participation.
• Graduating senior, male or female.
• Students should be in excellent disciplinary standing with SMCHS.
• Good academic standing at SMCHS, with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Four-year member of the Model United Nations program.
• Enrolled or planning to enroll in a two or four-year college or vocational training program within one year of graduation.
• Submit a 300-500 word essay that describes why the student should be selected for the scholarship focusing on what the Model United Nations program has meant to them. This essay should also explain involvement with MUN fundraising efforts and with the SOCOMUN conference.
• Completion of the Model United Nations application form.
• The scholarship recipient will write an acknowledgement letter to the MUN Advisor with a copy to SMCHS Advancement Department.

Model United Nations Alumni Scholarship

• One scholarship given to a candidate open to all planning on attending college in the fall of 2021.
• Graduating senior.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0.

Mothers Club Scholarship Application

Distribution Amount: $2,000 for one female graduating senior involved in SMCHS soccer, track, swimming or water polo.
Distribution Method: The scholarship money will be directly paid in the form of a tuition/fee payment to the recipient’s college of choice. No direct cash award will be given to the recipient.