Peter John Feldsine

Perpetual Scholarship

Students at St. Monica Parish School submitted essays to receive the $2500 Peter J. Feldsine Memorial Scholarship.  All students worked very hard. In the past one student had been selected as recipient of the award. This year two students have been selected to receive the scholarship, based on the quality and sincerity of their essays.

Students also planted flowers around the memorial plaque at St. Monica.

Student 1  Essay Excerpt:

     "I believe the benefits of my Catholic education are actually blessings from God. Somehow, God knew St. Monica’s Parish School was where He wanted me to be. The older I get the more I trust Him in my education and my life. The biggest benefit of my Catholic Education at St. Monica is having a faith-based education environment. It really helps to always have reminders God loves us and believes in us. The teachers do an excellent job in supporting school prayers, prayers for classmate prayers, and any catastrophe that has happened in the world. 

     I have been at St. Monica for seven years. I would not be who I am today. I don’t even know if I would have a relationship with God. That is pretty scary. I didn’t know anyone at the school when I first started. I was really scared and lost. But within a few days, everyone was my friend. There is only one class per grade. This has been a great thing for me and for all my friends. If there is a problem with a friend, we have no choice but to forgive them and work through any challenges. The teachers really help us learn how to be successful working with our classmates. Each day I get to grow closer to God, my teachers, my friends and my family."

Student 2 Essay Excerpt:     

     "I have been taught over the years that Catholocism never dies. People and rulers have tried to kill it but have all failed their attempts. There is much I plan to do as an adult to continue this strong legacy. With my sturdy base of faith and knoweldge being built, I will be free to expand off that base in the future. Most girls would include a snazzy house, handsome husband, and a red convertible. That would be nice, but it's not what I am aiming for. For me, things are going to me more simplistic. I choose to be happy. I choose to help my community. I choose to live holy. Most importantly, I choose to remember I am a disciple of God, and with the Holy Spirit and some courage, I wish to spread the word of Christ. Jesus is not just my savior. He is everyone's savior. I need to share him with those who don’t know him. I truly don’t know what God has in store for my adulthood. Nobody really knows that. Whatever it is, I am excited to find it. Thank you, St. Monica. Thank you, God."