Scholarships & Grants Process
Welcome to the Lafayette Catholic School System Scholarship and Grant Page
The Lafayette Catholic School System (LCSS) is proud to offer a range of college, merit-based and student aid scholarships and grants designed to support our students and teachers in their pursuit of academic excellence and spiritual growth. Throughout our history, generous supporters have stepped forward to give back to our community, creating opportunities for future artists, liturgical leaders, and leaders in various fields. Their philanthropic spirit has helped countless students achieve their dreams and empowered our educators to continue providing a transformative learning experience.
This page serves as a comprehensive and transparent resource for families, students and teachers and staff seeking financial assistance or grant opportunities within the LCSS community. Here, you will find detailed information about the various scholarships and grants available, including eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and award amounts. We encourage you to explore these opportunities and take advantage of the support that has been so generously provided by our community.
Merit-Based Scholarships
Abigail J. Crowe Memorial Scholarship (STL)
This scholarship is awarded in memory of Abigail J. Crowe, who died as an infant in 1996. In spite of her short life, she gave and continues to give joy to her family. In Hebrew, Abigail means, “brings joy.” There are two (2) $250 scholarships awarded each year.
Selection Criteria: Current St. Lawrence student who has attended St. Lawrence School for at least 3 years, is joyful, act like a Christian and based on financial need.
Application Process: None. Selected by student peers of St. Lawrence with final approval by the Principal.
Class of 1970 Maurie Ferriter Memorial Scholarship (CC)
The scholarship was established in 2012 in memory of Maurie Ferriter, Class of 1970.
Selection Criteria: Current junior who will be a senior next school year, is a member of the Student Council and will participate in a leadership role during his/her senior year. Must be of good moral character and reputation, and good academic and disciplinary standing.
Application Process: Submit online application in the spring. Winner selected by the Central Catholic Scholarship Committee.
Craig R. Wilson Memorial Scholarship (STL)
The scholarship was established in 1987 by family in loving memory of Craig R. Wilson, who was tragically killed in an airplane crash on October 12, 1984.
Selection Criteria: Current St. Lawrence student with musical interests, instrumental or vocal with an average G.P.A.
Application Process: None. Selected by the faculty and staff of St. Lawrence with final approval by the Principal.
Dr. Pickerill Knights of Columbus Scholarship (CC)
Established in 2003 in honor of Dr. James M. Pickerill by the Knights of Columbus Council 456.
Selection Criteria: Current 8th grade student who is enrolled for the next school year. Must be a child or relative of a Knights of Council 456 member living or deceased with a minimum 3.0 grade point average. Must be of good moral character and reputation, and good academic and disciplinary standing.
Application Process: Submit online application in the spring. Winner selected by the Central Catholic Scholarship Committee.
Future Leaders of St. Lawrence Parish (STL)
The scholarship started in 1995 through a trust fund to recognize future leaders of St. Lawrence Parish.
Selection Criteria: Current St. Lawrence grade 6 student who is a member of St. Lawrence Parish and is enrolled in seventh grade at Central Catholic.
Application Process: Submit online application in the Spring, a short essay and be interviewed by the St. Lawrence Selection Committee. Winner selected by the faculty and staff of St. Lawrence with final approval by the Principal.
Herman and Dorothy Schrader Scholarship for St. Lawrence (STL)
Herman and Dorothy Schrader were active supporters of Catholic education at St. Lawrence. The scholarship was started by the Schrader Family to continue the support in honor of Herman and Dorothy.
Selection Criteria: Current St. Lawrence student entering grades 4, 5 or 6 who is actively involved in Church ministry, i.e. altar server, sings in the Church choir, and is involved in parish life. Family should be a witness of service for St. Lawrence Parish and student should have average grades or better.
Application Process: None. Selected by the faculty and staff of St. Lawrence with final approval by the Principal.
Jane Roswarski Scholarship (STL)
The scholarship was established by the Roswarski Family in memory of Jane who set a wonderful example of Catholic faith by the way she lived.
Selection Criteria: Current St. Lawrence grade 5 or 6 student who is working to their potential, demonstrates service to Church, community and family, and is an example of the Catholic faith by the way they live their life.
Application Process: None. Selected by the faculty and staff of St. Lawrence with final approval by the Principal.
Jean A. Cooley Scholarship (STL)
Jean Cooley, a product of Catholic education herself, deeply understood the transformative power of the Lafayette Catholic School System. Her commitment to providing her son with this same foundation was evident in the substantial investment of her time and dedication..
Selection Criteria: Current St. Lawrence student whose family has made a great sacrifice of their time and energy for their child to attend Catholics Schools.
Application Process: Submit online application in the spring that describes the efforts your family makes in order to attend St. Lawrence (or in the future Central Catholic) and why you feel it is important to make these sacrifices. Winner selected by the faculty and staff of St. Lawrence with final approval by the Principal.
Millie’s Mission Scholarship (CC)
Established in 2022 by Millie’s Mission, Inc., a local organization founded over forty years ago by Millie Haughn who financially supports the school system by running a chain of thrift stores. Annual award amount determined by the Millie’s Board of Director each year.
Selection Criteria: Any current 9th through 12th grade student who has demonstrated a commitment to serve others through volunteering or work experience at Millie’s Thrift Stores.
Application Process: Submit online application in the spring. Winner selected by the Millie’s Mission, Inc. Board of Directors.
Mary Jane Mowle Memorial Scholarship (CC)
The award is provided through the generosity of the Mary Jane Mowle Literacy Endowment established in 2017 through Mary Jane Mowle’s Trust bequest. Mary was an English teacher and loved being involved in literacy. In 2023 two (2) $500 scholarships were created for junior students to be used towards tuition at Central Catholic or tuition for post-secondary education.
Selection Criteria: Must be a junior at Central Catholic, demonstrate a commitment to education and dedication to literacy.
Application Process: Submit online application in the spring. Winner selected by the Central Catholic Scholarship Committee.
Richard & Paulene Schrader Spirit of St. Lawrence Award (STL)
Established in 2017 by Richard and Paulene Schrader through an estate gift. Annually awards two (2) $250 scholarships for one male and one female sixth grade student who embody the Spirit of St. Lawrence. In addition to the $250 scholarship each recipient will receive a bag of candy in honor of the “Candy Man”, Richard “Dick” Schrader.
Selection Criteria: Must be a 6th grade student at St. Lawrence and enrolled in seventh grade at Central Catholic. Recipients must have a strong academic record, demonstrate concern other as shown through volunteer or acts of kindness, have a positive attitude that brings joy to others and strong desire to excel academically.
Application Process: None. Selected by the faculty and staff of St. Lawrence with final approval by the Principal.
St. Francis Scholarship (CC)
Established in 2005 by the alumni of St. Francis High School for Girls. St. Francis opened behind St. Elizabeth Hospital in 1928 and operated until 1957 when Central Catholic Jr.-Sr. High School opened.
Selection Criteria: Current 8th grade female who is enrolled for the next school year. Must be Catholic and an active member of their parish.
Application Process: Submit online application in the Spring. Winner selected by the Central Catholic Scholarship Committee.
William and Mayme Dilts Scholarship (STL)
William and Mayme Dilts are remembered as being faithful, family-oriented and fun-loving. The scholarship was started by the Dilts Family to honor the late William and Mayme.
Selection Criteria: Current St. Lawrence student who is a witness to service for the Greater Lafayette Community and St. Lawrence Parish. Student should be working to their potential with average grades or better.
Application Process: None. Selected by the faculty and staff of St. Lawrence with final approval by the Principal.
Student Aid
The Lafayette Catholic School System is committed to making a Catholic education accessible to anyone who desires a faith-based education. Through the generosity of supporters we offer a variety of scholarships and grants designed to assist families with demonstrated financial need. All student aid, including scholarships and grants, is managed by the Office of Student Aid. Awards are determined based on the specific criteria of each program and a thorough assessment of a family’s financial situation. The following scholarships and grants are awarded by the Office of Student Aid in the form of student aid each year.
Buck & Betty Overman Scholarship for Central Catholic Jr.-Sr. High School
Established in 2005 by Dr. Robert Bumbleburg’s personal trust in honor of sister and brother-in-law for students attending Central Catholic Jr.-Sr. High School.
Claire & Patrick Mackey Scholarship
The Claire Mackey Scholarship was established in 2012 in memory of Claire Mackey, a CC student who passed away at the end of her freshmen year. In 2014 the Claire and Patrick Mackey Scholarship were established to memory Claire and her brother Patrick who both passed away from leukemia. The award is for a junior high student, Catholic or non-Catholic who is actively involved in community service, has good moral character and demonstrates need beyond 150% of federal free and reduced lunch guidelines.
Class of 1964 Scholarship
Established March 2017 in honor of the Class of 1964. Provides student aid scholarships for any CC 9 – 12 grade student who demonstrate financial need, have a good academic record, represent good moral character and are involved in extracurricular activities.
Cletus & Theresa Clark Scholarship
Provides unrestricted funds for LCSS student aid awards.
Dorothy L. Spitznagle Memorial Scholarship
Established in 1998 through Dorothy Spitznagle’s estate. Provides charitable grants for Catholic students attending Catholic schools in Tippecanoe County.
Elizabeth J. Porter Scholarship
Provides unrestricted funds for LCSS student aid awards.
Fritz & Ellen Holzgrefe Scholarship
Established in loving memory of Frederick “Fritz” Holzgrefe who passed away February 18, 2012 and his wife Ellen (Vickers) Holzgrefe who preceded him in death in 2011.
Gerry & Rose Anthrop Scholarship
Established in loving memory of parents Gerry & Rose Anthrop by their children Joseph Anthrop ‘65, Mary Anthrop ‘68, and John ‘76 & Jana Anthrop. Awarded annually to a Central Catholic 9 – 12 grade student, in the form of student aid, who attended St.Lawrence for at least two years and continued through Junior High. Final selection is approved by the Principal based upon need, student’s reputation, academic record, disciplinary standing and involvement in extracurricular activities.
Herman & Dorothy Scholarship for Central Catholic
Established in loving memory of alumni parents Herman & Dorothy Schrader by their son, Michael Schrader ‘70. Provides student aid for a Central CatholicJr. – Sr. High School student(s) who qualify for aid, have an overall GPA over 3.0, is in good disciplinary standing, and has a desire to love and practice the Catholic faith.
James P. Albregts Student Aid Fund
Established in February 2019 through the irrevocable trust of James P. Albregts who passed away February 18, 2018. Purpose of the fund is to assist in payment of tuition costs for children at Central Catholic Jr.-Sr. High School in the form of student aid grants.
Joseph P. Riehle Scholarship
Provides unrestricted funds for LCSS student aid awards.
Leah Hurst Scholarship
Provides unrestricted funds for Central Catholic student aid awards.
Mary Hack Steiner Scholarship
Provides unrestricted funds for Central Catholic student aid awards. Preference to children with physical disabilities and families having three or more children attending LCSS.
Mildred E. Haughn Tuition Assistance Fund
Established in loving memory of Millie Haughn who passed away August 21, 2005. Provides funds to be applied toward the payment of tuition required for the attendance of Roman Catholic students in any of the Lafayette area Catholic Schools.
Norbert Korty Scholarship
Provides unrestricted funds for LCSS student aid awards.
Otto Steiner Scholarship
Provides unrestricted funds for LCSS student aid awards.
Patricia Onorato Busch Memorial Scholarship
Established in August 2000 by Dr. Joseph J. Onorato and Elizabeth C. Onorato in memory of their daughter, Patricia A. Onorato Busch ‘81, who passed away May 6, 2000 after battling breast cancer. Provides student aid scholarships for students who attend or desire to attend Central Catholic Jr. – Sr. High School.
Precious Blood Monastery Scholarship
Established in 2006 on behalf of the friends of the Precious Blood Monastery. Provides student aid or similar financial assistance based on financial need, academic performance, and/or community service for any student attending the Lafayette Catholic School System.
Rev. George Loner Scholarship
Provides unrestricted funds for LCSS student aid awards.
Robert & Diane Frey Scholarship Fund
Provide scholarship(s) for CC students entering grades 9-12 who demonstrate financial need, have a good academic record, represent good moral character and are involved in extracurricular activities.
Ronald & Kathy Bollock Tuition Assistance Fund
Established in 2022 by Ron Bollock in memory of his wife Kathy through her estate. Provides unrestricted funds forLafayette Catholic School System student aid awards based upon financial need.
Teacher and Program Grants
Archbishop Fulton J Sheen Scholars Fund
Archbishop Fulton J Sheen Scholars Fund was established in December 1985 by Joseph P. and Mary Rita Cassidy to fund need-based scholarships. In 2016 the purpose of the fund updated by their children Michael F. Cassidy ‘ and Maribeth Cassidy Schmitt to provide scholarships for Central Catholic Jr.-Sr. High School students entering 9 – 12 grade and LCSS Faith Ministry staff to attend liturgical leadership or similar programs to develop future liturgical and spiritual leaders.
Selection Criteria: Recipients should be practicing Catholics with high potential to be leaders amongst their peers. Preference given to students with a cumulative G.P.A. greater than or equal to a 3.0.
Application Process: None. Selected by the Director of Campus Ministry with final approval by the Principal.
Noreen Beardmore Endowment for Goodness & Humanity
Established in January 2023 in memory of Noreen O’Brien Beardmore who passed away June 13, 2021. Proceeds may be used to improve teacher retention through support and development, and establish a Financial Assistance Program for teachers, staff, students and school families for emergency financial assistance for items such as utility bills, rent, tuition, prescription medication, school supplies, extracurricular activities, school clothes, food, etc.
Selection Criteria: Any current faculty/staff, student or family may apply for Emergency Financial Assistance at anytime.
Application Process: Submit a confidential online application anytime. The Financial Assistance Program is administered by the Office of Student Aid with final approval by the President.
Wilson Family Endowment for the Arts
Established in 2021 by Kurt and Debra Wilson to honor teaching excellence in the arts and inspire passion and creativity through artistic risk-taking grants throughout LCSS. There are two separate awards, each with its unique selection criteria and application process.
Honoring Excellence: Wilson Family Teacher of the Arts
Each year LCSS will award the Wilson Family Teacher of the Arts. The award honors a distinguished teacher in the LCSS who exemplifies excellence in the performing, fine and applied arts. The winner will be publicly recognized during the annual All-Schools Mass, listed in the digital trophy case, receive a one-time increase to their base pay and one-time stipend to be used for learning activities, program purchases or expenses related to professional development.
Selection Criteria: The instructor promotes active learning and successfully encourages students to think imaginatively, critically, and independently. Promotes a love for the arts and contributes to the likelihood that students will continue to explore the arts in their life. Interacts enthusiastically and effectively with students beyond the classroom, using other opportunities to promote student learning and artistic gifts beyond the classroom. Helps students appreciate the relationship between the arts and its place in the Catholic faith.
Application Process: Any member of the LCSS community may nominate a faculty member or themselves for this award. LCSS Principals and the President to review candidates and select the winner.
Inspiring Passion & Creativity
Grants awarded may be originate in several ways. Majority of the grants should be initiated by staff. Additionally, given the value placed on long-term improvements in the arts, any grant may be renewable. Students who feel their work aligns with the priorities are welcome to be part of the grant inquiry process.
Selection Criteria: The grant committee is particularly interested in the following types of grant requests:
- Present artistically excellent and relevant work;
- Have a strong, nuanced understanding of their challenges, and approach challenges in bold ways;
- Maximize their assets to experiment, take risks, pivot and change in response to changing contexts:
- Are well informed about their field of interest and demonstrate curiosity; and
- Demonstrate a commitment to collaboration.
Application Process: Any faculty, staff or student may submit a grant request at anytime. There are no restrictions on award amounts or how many grants are awarded. LCSS Principals and the President to review submissions and select recipients.
Class of 1967 Fine & Performing Arts Fund
Established in 2021 by the Central Catholic Class of 1967 through fundraising efforts following their 50th Class Reunion. The purpose of the fund is to provide unrestricted grants for Central Catholic Jr.-Sr. High School Fine & Performing Arts programs.
Ralph & Alice Van Handel Memorial Educational Fund for St. Boniface School Library
Provide unrestricted grants for the library maintained at St. Boniface School.
Ralph & Alice Van Handel Memorial Educational Fund for St. Lawrence School Library
Provide unrestricted grants for the library maintained at St. Lawrence School.
Ralph & Alice Van Handel Memorial Educational Fund for St. Mary School Library
Provide unrestricted grants for the library maintained at St. Mary Cathedral School.
Awarded for College Tuition
Dan Ade Memorial Scholarship (CC)
This award is in loving memory of Dan Ade, class of 1993. Dan had an enthusiasm for baseball that illustrated the true virtues of a Christian athlete at his best.
Selection Criteria: Senior baseball player who demonstrates a strong commitment to the baseball program, illustrates a positive attitude and a commitment to his teammates.
Application Process: None. Selected by the Athletic Director and Baseball Coach with final approval by the Principal.
Brooke E. Joslyn Memorial Scholarship (CC)
This award is in loving memory of Brooke E. Joslyn who coached basketball at Central Catholic and passed away May of 2002.
Selection Criteria: Any current senior at Central Catholic, GPA, Athletic Accomplishments, Strong Work Ethic and active member of a church.
Application Process: Any current senior at Central Catholic may submit an online application no later than the first Monday in March. Winner selected by the Central Catholic Scholarship Committee.
Chip Leffert Memorial Scholarship (CC)
This award is in loving memory of Dean Blake “Chip” Leffert, class of 1989.
Selection Criteria: One male and one female track and field athlete in grades 9-12 who pushes past the barriers of half-heartedness and reaches for the power within to be their best.
Application Process: None. Selected by the Athletic Director and Track Coach with final approval by the Principal.
Apply for Scholarships
Take the next step in your academic journey. Apply for all college tuition and merit scholarship opportunities within the Lafayette Catholic School System with one application.
Request Emergency Assistance
Through the generosity of the Noreeen Beardmore Endowment for Good, teachers, staff, students and school families may confidentially request emergency financial assistance.
Wilson Family Arts Requests
Nominate a teacher for the annual Wilson Family Teacher of the Arts or submit a grant request that leads to an exploration of organizational and artistic risk-taking meant to experiment with new ideas.
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