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Scranton University awards Presidential Scholarships

The University of Scranton has awarded 16 freshmen full-tuition Presidential Scholarships for 2009-10.

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Students receiving the University of Scranton’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarships with university president Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., seated from left, are Kaitlin A. Bolster, Jonathan B. Schall, Shannon G. Lavelle. Standing: Gabriella Colonna, W. Ryan Schuster, Kathleen E. Smart, Bradley M. Wierbowski, Michael J. Genello, Matthew S. McGrath, Becca W. Cangemi, Samuel A. Juliano, Holly P. Pratesi, Timothy J. McCormick, Olivia A. Haney, Maura A. Regan and Alexander G. Daly.

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Presidential Scholarships are awarded to incoming freshman with exemplary records in both their high school and community involvement.

The scholarships cover the full cost of tuition for four years of study if the student maintains at least a 3.25 grade point average.

In addition, scholars are invited to participate in a Presidential Colloquy, which includes academic discussions led by the president, discussions with the provost, and faculty about topics raised by speakers making invited presentations on campus, and a seminar on leadership and civic responsibility.

The following incoming area students received Presidential Scholarships:

• Becca W. Cangemi, Scranton, was valedictorian of her graduating class at West Scranton High School. Cangemi plans to major in biology. She was involved in Spanish club, chorus and orchestra. Cangemi served as the treasurer of the Tutor Club and was a participant in the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership seminar. She is the daughter of Gary and Nancy Cangemi.

• Michael J. Genello, Scranton, a graduate of West Scranton High School, plans to major in biology as a member of the Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program. He is a National Merit Commended Scholar, and earned the Scranton School District Scholarship for Outstanding Academic Achievements. He was captain of the golf team and vice president of the National Honor Society. He is the son of Michael and Mary Genello.

• Timothy J. McCormick, Scranton, salutatorian of his graduating class at Scranton High School, he plans to major in biology as a member of the Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program. McCormick is a National Merit Commended Scholar and an AP Scholar with Distinction. McCormick served as senior class president, and captain of the soccer, and swimming and diving teams. He is the son of Jim and the late Nancy McCormick.

• Matthew S. McGrath, Old Forge, was the salutatorian of his graduating class at Scranton Preparatory School. McGrath plans to major in finance as a member of the Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program. He is a National Merit Finalist and a member of the National Honor Society. McGrath was captain of the varsity football team. He is the son of Scott and Angela McGrath.

• Jonathan B. Schall, Wyoming, a graduate of Wyoming Area High School earned the Superintendent’s Achievement Award, being ranked among the top students in his class. Schall plans to major in biochemistry. An AP Scholar with Honor, he served as president of the National Honor Society. Schall served as captain of his high school’s Scholastic Scrimmage, Shore Bowl, Science Iditarod, and PA Academic Competition teams. He is the son of Frank and Karen Schall.

Also receiving scholarships were: Kaitlin A. Bolster, Trinity High School, Mechanicsburg; Gabriella Colonna, Staten Island Technical High School, New York; Alexander G. Daly, New Paltz, N.Y., Our Lady of Lourdes High School; Olivia A. Haney, Danville Area Senior High School; Samuel A. Juliano, Bergenfield, N.J., Bergen Catholic High School; Shannon G. Lavelle, Hicksville, N.Y., Holy Trinity High School; Holly P. Pratesi, West Hempstead, N.Y., St. Francis Preparatory School; Maura A. Regan, Downingtown, Bishop Shanahan High School; Walter Ryan Schuster, Nazareth, Bethlehem Catholic High School; Kathleen E. Smart, Hatboro, Archbishop Wood High School; and Bradley M. Wierbowski, Owego, N.Y., Seton Catholic Central High School.