Montini Catholic High School in Lombard congratulated five Kazma Scholarship award recipients from their Class of 2028. Each year, the Kazma Family Foundation, in conjunction with the Catholic Education Foundation (CEF), presents awards to eighth graders actively attending a Catholic parish in the Diocese of Joliet and who are interested in attending a local Catholic High School.

Traditionally, scholars are honored at an annual Mass held at the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus in Joliet.  This year's Mass, celebrated by Bishop Ronald A. Hicks was held on Saturday, August 17th. Also in attendance were scholarship recipients from Benet Academy, Bishop McNamara, IC Catholic Prep, Joliet Catholic Academy, St. Francis and Providence Catholic. This year, twenty Montini Catholic students benefit from the Kazma Scholarship. Twice a year these grateful recipients have the pleasure of having lunch with Kazma President, Leigh-Anne Kazma and Montini President Kevin Beirne, at Montini's De La Salle Hall. 

Montini Catholic Kazma Foundation Scholarship recipients honored this year from their Class of 2028 are:

Kevin Barrett (St. Pius X graduate)

Raphael Patacsil  (Holy Trinity graduate)

Abriana Schumerth  (St. Isaac Joques graduate)

Leah Piper  (Jackson Middle School graduate)

Andrew Hemmersmeier (Visitation graduate)

"Each of us have unique talents and gifts we've been given from God," Bishop Hicks has said during his homily. "The Kazma family are the epitome of those living the gospel by sharing what they have unselfishly with others. They are an example to us all." 

The Kazma Family Foundation proudly supports Catholic education by providing scholarships to the seven Catholic high schools in the Diocese of Joliet. The Class of 2028 represents the 21st class of high school students that the foundation supports and mentors through their generosity.

The Kazma Family Foundation was established in 1997 by Gerald and Margaret Kazma. At that time, their daughter, Leigh-Anne Kazma, was named president and sole employee. The main mission of the foundation is to provide financial assistance to students and their families seeking a Catholic education. Ms. Kazma serves on several boards including the Catholic Education Foundation (CEF), Chicago's Big Shoulders Fund and numerous elementary and secondary schools. Ms. Kazma has dedicated her entire career to personally engaging with students who receive financial aid from the foundation. She serves as a mentor for her scholarship recipients, reviewing their progress and enjoying lunch and conversation with them at their high schools. They began providing college scholarships to students at Mercy Home for Boys and Girls in the Archdiocese of Chicago and branched out to provide scholarships to students throughout the Chicagoland area, including the Diocese of Joliet. In recent years, the Kazma Family has established scholarships at the Pontifical North American College in Rome, Ava Maria University in Florida, St. Joan of Arc school in Florida, Universidad de Don Bosco in El Salvador, and has helped fund school construction in Honduras.)

In order to be eligible for a Kazma Scholarship, a student must demonstrate a sense of respect for others, be a good Catholic role model in their community, and receive no less than a "C" letter grade in any of their courses. Student applicants are also asked to submit a 250 word essay on what it means to be a Catholic student.

Every spring, Montini Catholic offers several opportunities for students to apply for scholarship awards. All scholarship and financial aid opportunities offered by Montini Catholic High School can be explored by visiting the school's 'Admissions' page at: www.montini.org/admissions.

Image above:  L to R: Kevin Barrett, Raphael Patascil, Leigh-Anne Kazma, Abriana Schumerth, Bishop Hicks, Leah Piper, Mrs. Margaret Kazma,  Andrew Hemmersmeier and Montini President Kevin Beirne;