Butler Catholic School was one of four area Catholic schools that will benefit from scholarships provided by an anonymous benefactor to the Diocese of Pittsburgh. Other schools include Holy Sepulcher School in Middlesex Township; St. Wendelin School, 211 St. Wendelin School Road; and St. Joseph High School in Natrona Heights.

Four area Catholic schools will benefit from scholarship money provided by an anonymous donor.

The Diocese of Pittsburgh announced Thursday that, because of a donor, Butler Catholic School in the city; Holy Sepulcher School in Middlesex Township; St. Wendelin School, 211 St. Wendelin School Road; and St. Joseph High School in Natrona Heights will soon be aided by St. John Paul II STAR Student tuition assistance, through scholarships available now.

STAR stands for Student Tuition Assistance Resource. The donor has specified that funding will initially serve students at the four schools.

“Please join me in expressing deep gratitude to this Catholic business leader who wants today's students to receive the same stellar education and formation in the faith that he benefited from in Catholic school,” said Bishop David Zubik. “His spirituality was profoundly influenced by Pope John Paul II, and he wants the STAR Student scholarships to honor the former pontiff.

“This generous donor approached us with a desire to help students and increase enrollment in regions where he has close ties. He views this important gift as a beginning and hopes to eventually expand STAR Student scholarship opportunities to other schools in the diocese.”

St. Wendelin School Principal JoLynn Clouse said, “I am just thrilled to be part of this program to help families out at St. Wendelin.”

Details being finalized

Kathy Dudley, director of development at Butler Catholic School, said details about the number and amounts of the scholarships available to Butler Catholic students are still being finalized. “The scholarships will be available to current and incoming students,” Dudley said. “We are encouraging students of all faiths to come here and apply.”

The 270-member Butler Catholic School student body will begin the fall term Aug. 26.

The diocese encourages families to contact the four schools as soon as possible to apply for the scholarships. More information can be found on the Diocese of Pittsburgh website: https://diopitt.org/star-student.

Applicants will be interviewed by an admissions coordinator, who will guide them through the process.

Families do not need to qualify as low-income, but must show financial need, while still contributing toward tuition.

Both Catholics and non-Catholics can receive STAR Student scholarships, but need to demonstrate commitment to some faith tradition. Parents or guardians must agree to support the student's spiritual and academic development, in part through registration and active participation in and support of their parish or faith community.

“If they (student families) show need and show commitment to the school or church, they may qualify,” Clouse said.

Participate in activity

The student must similarly demonstrate commitment to academic progress and show evidence of good character. They must participate in at least one activity at their parish or other faith community.

Butler Catholic Principal Sister John Ann Mulhern said, “The donor believes in Catholic education, the true value of a strong spiritual, academic and moral program.”

“The St. John Paul II Star Student will make a life-changing difference for students, their families and for these school communities,” said Michelle Peduto, director of Catholic Schools. “This gift helps the students right now and will strengthen these schools for the generation to come.”

Clouse said she hopes the scholarships will help St. Wendelin enlarge its current 77-member student body and 34 children enrolled in its preschool.