Saint Ignatius Scholars Recognition

At two special ceremonies Friday (Sept. 27), first during Convocation in the Chapel of the Holy Cross and then in Faber Hall, Jesuit High School recognized the seven students chosen for the school's most prestigious scholarship, the Saint Ignatius Scholar Program.

Two students in each grade level are selected to receive the award, which is worth half the cost of tuition through high school. Students initially qualify to receive the award in 8th grade if they are accepted into Jesuit and scored in the top 2% nationwide on the High School Placement Test. From that pool of Ignatius Scholar finalists, candidates must submit an essay and letter of recommendation, and are evaluated on the basis of character, faith, service, and need. All finalists receive a financial award, and the two selected scholars in each class receive a 50% scholarship toward tuition for all four years.

With their families in attendance, Jesuit High School's Saint Ignatius Scholars honored Wednesday were:

·        Seniors Christopher Browy and Ethan Marquis

·        Junior Dawson Kiser

·        Sophomores Theodore Baier and Zachary Reich

·        Freshman Matthew Griffith and Ayden Lee

Jesuit president Fr. Richard C. Hermes, S.J. honored the scholars at Convocation, and then the senior Ignatius Scholars, Browy and Marquis, addressed the student body. Browy spoke about the impact the scholarship has had on his life, and Marquis spoke about the legacy of Jesuit education and introduced the newest Ignatius Scholars, Griffith and Lee, to be recognized.

After Convocation, the scholars and their families attended a special breakfast event in Faber Hall. There, principal Barry Neuburger commended them, and everyone watched a brief video about the amazing 16th century life of Saint Ignatius,  the namesake of the scholarship and founder of the Jesuit Order. The seniors, Browy and Marquis, were presented with special plaques depicting Saint Ignatius, in recognition of their achievement as four-year Ignatius Scholars. Griffith and Lee then spoke about their experience in becoming Ignatius Scholars at Jesuit.

Friday's event came on the 479th anniversary of the founding of the Society of Jesus, known as the "first confirmation of the Society." The Jesuit Order was confirmed on Sept. 27, 1540 by Pope Paul III. 

In order to maintain their scholarship, the Ignatius Scholars must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 4.0, complete all required community service by the designated dates, remain free of serious disciplinary sanction (i.e., notice or probation), and participate in at least one non-athletic school club or activity. The program was founded in 2014, making this the third school year with every grade level represented.

For more information about the Ignatius Scholar Program, contact Admissions Director Steve Matesich '91 at (813) 877-5344, ext. 715, or email admissions@jesuittampa.org.

Please see below a video of Friday's Convocation, and below that is a photo slideshow of the Convocation and breakfast.