SJPS Foundation awards $55,000 in scholarships

The St. Joseph Public Schools Foundation Board of Directors is pleased to announce its 2025 Foundation Scholarship recipients. Each student has been awarded a $5,000 college scholarship to be used for tuition, fees, books and on-campus housing. Chaired by a Foundation Board member, each scholarship committee is composed of community members who review each application and determine applicants to interview.

“Our scholarship program has grown to $55,000 for each graduating class of St. Joseph High School,” Sam Abdelnour, President of the SJPS Foundation said in a news release. “Awards are funded by individual donors who care deeply about SJPS students and their futures.”

Abdelnour also emphasized that in addition to its scholarship offerings, the Foundation raises funds to enrich the education of students in the St. Joseph Public Schools district. In 2024, the Foundation awarded more than $1 Million to the district in support of academic initiatives.

Paul W. and Rose Suchovsky Scholarships

Edward J. Todd, a 1954 St. Joe Alumni wished to honor the memory of his mother and stepfather, Paul and Rose Suchovsky, by establishing this scholarship for St. Joseph High School seniors pursuing a college degree in the field of business, engineering or law. Paul and Rose Suchovsky were business people and entrepreneurs who appreciated the important role business plays in building communities and providing opportunities. Six $5,000 scholarships are awarded annually.

The 2025 Paul W. and Rose Suchovsky Scholarship recipients are: ¦ Olivia Harris, University of Michigan

¦ Mariah Jhala, University of Michigan

¦ Alexandra Reyes, University of Michigan

¦ Charly Shell, University of Kentucky

¦ Avery Valenti, University of Tennessee

¦ Jason Wright, Calvin University

Yeager Family Foundation Scholarship

The Yeager Family Foundation has established a $5,000 scholarship to help assist graduating seniors from St. Joseph High School who wish to further their education by attending college. As longtime members of the community, the Yeagers would like to recognize students who have displayed a passion for learning, have a desire to succeed and who want to build on the foundation that they received through the St. Joseph Public Schools.

The 2025 Yeager Family Foundation Scholarship recipient is: Chloe Jennings, Emory University

Bill Marohn Leadership Scholarship (funded by Dr. Gyl and David Kasewurm)

Dr. Gyl Kasewurm wishes to honor her friend and mentor, William (Bill) Marohn, by establishing this scholarship to assist graduating seniors from St. Joseph High School who wish to pursue a college degree. The Bill Marohn Leadership Scholarship will recognize student leaders who demonstrate impeccable character, kindness and leadership skills.

The 2025 Bill Marohn Leadership Scholarship recipient is: Cole Caplea, Indiana University

The Spirit of Community Service Scholarship

The Abdelnour Family has established a scholarship to assist graduating seniors from St. Joseph High School who wish to further their education by attending college. Sam and Anna Abdelnour have a long history of service to others in the community. Their experience has personally enriched their lives, and they wish to recognize students who exhibit the spirit of volunteerism. The recipient of this scholarship will demonstrate a wide range of community involvement and display sincerity and passion for giving to others.

The 2025 Spirit of Community Service Scholarship recipient is: Elizabeth Fisbeck, Rochester Institute of Technology The SJPS Foundation Health and Education Scholarship

The SJPSF Health & Education Scholarship was established by Jim Darnton and his family. Diane Darnton, a nurse, was an active school parent when her children Hannah and Luke were students in the St. Joseph Public Schools. She volunteered in the library at E.P. Clarke, and led the Junior Great Books Club with Becky Foster. A tragic spring break accident left Diane a quadriplegic while the Darnton kids were in high school. Diane’s husband Jim will never forget the outpouring of care for his family from the SJPS Family after this life-altering event. Diane recently passed away, but the family would like to continue her legacy by assisting a student pursuing a career in healthcare or education.

The 2025 SJPS Foundation Health and Education Scholarship recipient is: Braden Miesse, University of Michigan

Mattox Williams Legacy Scholarship

The Mattox Williams Legacy Scholarship was established by The Williams Family and the Hoops for Hope Foundation. It honors Mattox’s extraordinary life and enduring legacy. A bright, athletic and compassionate individual, Mattox was a dedicated advocate for pediatric cancer patients, their caregivers, and medical professionals – all while courageously battling cancer. His passion, resilience and generosity continue to inspire and uplift others, leaving a lasting impact on those who follow in his footsteps. This scholarship is dedicated to honoring the memory of Mattox Williams and seeks to support students who exemplify leadership and kindness and who plan to further their education in a field dedicated to making a positive impact.

The 2025 Mattox Williams Legacy Scholarship recipient is: Rachel Cox, University of Michigan

HARRIS

REYES

JHALA

SHELL

VALENTI

WRIGHT

JENNINGS

CAPLEA

FISBECK

MIESSE

COX