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Dominic Kuratko Earns the Class of 2029 Johnathan Weiger Memorial Scholarship
Each year the Weiger Family selects a student displaying high moral character, a deep commitment to their faith, and achieving academic excellence at the grade school level, to receive the scholarship. Congratulations to Dominic!
Montini Catholic, on behalf of the Karl Weiger Family, announced the thirteenth annual Johnathan Weiger "Johnny Always Wins" Memorial Scholarship recipient, Dominic Kuratko, from their Bronco Class of 2029. Dominic is a graduate of Divine Providence in Westchester and received recognition from the Weiger Family at the Lasallian college preparatory high school's Celebration of Excellence Awards Ceremony on May 15th.
Johnny Weiger joined Montini's school community for the 2011-12 school year as a member of the Class of 2015. He was also a member of Montini's football team with aspirations to continue his football career at Notre Dame. During Johnny's freshman year, he was diagnosed with leukemia. After undergoing chemotherapy, radiation and a bone marrow transplant, his leukemia was cured. As Johnny was preparing for his sophomore year, however, he was hospitalized with a rare blood disorder commonly referred to as TTP, which can be caused by a bone marrow transplant. He passed away on November 4, 2012 due to complications from the TTP. Throughout his battle with leukemia and TTP, Johnny displayed the spirit of a champion. He always showed great courage, fight and a deep commitment to his faith.
Each year, members of Montini's incoming freshman class are invited to submit an essay in order to be considered for the scholarship. The Weiger Family selects a student displaying high moral character, a deep commitment to their faith, and achieving academic excellence at the grade school level, to receive the scholarship. Dominic will receive a scholarship of $1,000 per year during his four years at Montini Catholic.
Johnny Weiger joined Montini's school community for the 2011-12 school year as a member of the Class of 2015. He was also a member of Montini's football team with aspirations to continue his football career at Notre Dame. During Johnny's freshman year, he was diagnosed with leukemia. After undergoing chemotherapy, radiation and a bone marrow transplant, his leukemia was cured. As Johnny was preparing for his sophomore year, however, he was hospitalized with a rare blood disorder commonly referred to as TTP, which can be caused by a bone marrow transplant. He passed away on November 4, 2012 due to complications from the TTP. Throughout his battle with leukemia and TTP, Johnny displayed the spirit of a champion. He always showed great courage, fight and a deep commitment to his faith.
The legacy of Johnny Weiger is celebrated every year at Montini Catholic's annual Johnny Football Game. Fans wear orange to spread awareness for those battling leukemia. Eighth grade students accepted to Montini Catholic (after taking Montini's December 5, 2026 Placement Test) will be invited to submit an application for the 2027-28 Johnny Weiger Memorial Scholarship in January of 2027.
Montini Catholic is a Lasallian college preparatory high school located in Lombard, Illinois (DuPage County).
Montini Catholic is a Lasallian college preparatory high school located in Lombard, Illinois (DuPage County).
Image below: Dominic Kuratko '29 with Karl and Fran Weiger (Johnathan's parents) at Montini's Celebration of Excellence Award Ceremony.
