The Lake Michigan Catholic School Fund announced the recipients of seven scholarship awards totaling $15,000 at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic School’s honors night. Each of the four recipients has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to achieving academic and extracurricular success, developing their Catholic identity and faithfully serving others.
“These impressive young adults represent the first class to graduate with an Our Lady of the Lake Catholic School diploma and will join countless other Laker alumni making a difference out in the world. On behalf of the Fund and its supporters, we are very proud of the Class of 2023, and we are grateful and honored to contribute to their ongoing success,” according to John Proos, Lake Michigan Catholic School Fund president.
Christina Avello is a deeply involved honor roll student, five-sport varsity athlete and avid volunteer. She’s also employed as a cashier. “I’ve worked hard and done my best in everything to give myself the best chance of being able to afford college,” she said. Avello will continue her education at Marian University in preparation for a career in psychiatry. She was awarded the $1,000 Hugh and Zell Naffziger Memorial Scholarship and the Jennifer Monte Memorial Scholarship, which awards $10,000 over four years.
David Milanowski will attend Holy Cross College in Notre Dame, IN with the ultimate goal of earning his Master’s of Business Administration from the University of Notre Dame. Milanowski is a selfless and respected leader in school, at his job and through his volunteer work. His leadership also shines on the court, diamond and field as a three-sport varsity athlete and two-year football team captain. He has earned academic honors and is an active member of DECA and student council. Milanowski was awarded the $1,000 Theisen Family Scholarship.
Stella Rosenbaum dreams of being among the best in her chosen field of forensic science. A star athlete, she has served as captain of the varsity softball and volleyball teams, and is undefeated in her career as a junior novice lightweight amateur boxer. She’s had a job since she was 14; is involved in multiple clubs, organizations and volunteer efforts, and is treasurer of the school’s National Honor Society chapter. Rosenbaum will attend the University of Tampa and was awarded the Beth Blanchard Memorial Scholarship, the James K. Smith Memorial Scholarship and the Theisen Family Scholarship, totaling $2,500.
Aspen Zencka is excited to attend St. Mary’s College to pursue her degree in speech and language pathology. Zencka is the school’s National Honor Society president and yearbook editor, and an active Interact club member. She also plays varsity soccer and is captain of the varsity volleyball team. Teacher Allison Gleiss says Zencka “stands out by her drive, kindness, and organizational skills.” Zencka was awarded the $2,000 Shaya Whitt Memorial Scholarship.
Formed in 1971, the nonprofit Lake Michigan Catholic School Fund has generated direct financial support for Our Lady of the Lake Catholic School and its predecessors. Through 2022, the Fund has contributed over $7.2 million toward the advancement of Catholic education in Southwest Michigan. The Fund is a 501c3 organization and is independent from the diocese, parishes and schools.
A private Catholic school accredited by the Michigan Non-Public Schools Accreditation Association, Our Lady of the Lake provides an exceptional academic experience by focusing on Education, Faith and Citizenship. Learn more at ollakers.com.
