Scholarship Opportunities
Named Scholarships
The Ben Cognetta Memorial Scholarship
The Ben Cognetta Memorial Scholarship was established in 2022 by alumna Dana Cognetta Fritchie ' 93 and William Fritchie to honor a man who believed that his daughter—and all young women—deserve a quality Catholic school education that fosters individuality and values hard work and perseverance. This scholarship is awarded to a graduate of The Academy of St. Dorothy who reflects the values that Ben Cognetta and his family hold dear: hard work, perseverance, and determination.
The Mike Fiore Memorial Scholarship
The Mike Fiore Memorial Scholarship was founded by Charlene Fiore, Mike’s wife. The scholarship was founded after Mike tragically lost his life during the 9/11 attacks. It is a one-time $500 scholarship awarded to a Notre Dame Academy 8th grade student continuing her education at the high school. The student should be involved in sports and display qualities of sportsmanship and team leadership.
The Daniel Hollnsteiner Memorial Scholarship
The Daniel Hollnsteiner Memorial Scholarship was founded by Teresa Hollnsteiner and family. It is a one-time $500 scholarship awarded to a Notre Dame Academy 8th grade student continuing her education at the high school.
The Liander Family Scholarship
The Liander Family Scholarship is awarded to a Notre Dame Academy 8th grade student continuing her education at the high school.
The John and Delicia McEvilly Memorial Scholarship
The John and Delicia McEvilly Memorial Scholarship, established in 2020 by Marietta McEvilly-Cowan is awarded to an NDA 8th grader continuing her education at Notre Dame Academy High School. John McEvilly was a Catholic school educator who was committed to all-female education. He often said “in unity there is strength” and so a one-time $500 scholarship was established for a community builder who is dedicated, hard-working, and committed to Catholic education.
The Carol O’Donnell Memorial Scholarship
Carol O’Donnell, a mother of three Notre Dame Academy alumnae, Jill O’Donnell Tormey ‘69 ‘73, Kelly O’Donnell Galvin ‘74 ‘78, and Tracy O’Donnell Murray ‘76 ‘80 was committed to and deeply involved at Notre Dame Academy. Her deep love of Notre Dame and the education of young women was evident in her volunteer work at the school. Carol was the grandmother of two alumnae, Caitlin O’Donnell Tormey ‘97 ‘01 and Killian Tormey Clifford ‘00 ‘04. Her great-granddaughter now attends the Elementary School. Her family has established a $2,000 one-time scholarship in her memory that is awarded to a Notre Dame Academy 8th grade student continuing her education at the high school. This student embodies the spirit of a Notre Dame Academy woman and lives out the mission of Notre Dame Academy.
The Maureen Donohue Memorial Scholarship
Maureen Donohue, Class of 1952, was an alumnae who truly embodied our graduate profile. She attended Our Lady of Good Counsel Elementary School, Notre Dame Academy High School, and Notre Dame College. Maureen taught chemistry at Tottenville High School for 42 years. In addition to her classroom responsibilities, she coached the cheerleading squad and helped found the school’s chapter of the National Honor Society. Her niece, Patricia Higgins, and husband Steven Higgins established the Maureen Donohue Memorial Scholarship in 2014 to honor her legacy. A one-time $500 scholarship is awarded to a student who is graduating from Our Lady of Good Counsel and is continuing her education at Notre Dame Academy High School.
The Trucco-Chapman Scholarship
The Trucco-Chapman Scholarship was founded in 2010 by alumna Nancy Trucco Chapman ‘55. The $5,000 scholarship is awarded to a high school student.
Live Significantly Scholarship
The Live Significantly Scholarship was founded in 2020 by alumna Linda D'Auria Petrocelli ‘84. This $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a rising senior who has made a consistent and meaningful contribution to her community over her first three years in high school.
The Dr. Max Werner Memorial Scholarship
Dr. Max Werner, the great-grandfather of a Notre Dame Academy alumna, came to Staten Island with his family as a ten-year-old boy in 1917. He graduated from Cornell University and the Saint Louis University School of Medicine. He opened his first pediatric medical practice in Mariners Harbor in 1933, serving families all over Staten Island. He was affiliated with St. Vincent’s Hospital, eventually becoming the Head of Pediatrics. His grandson, Peter Shiffmann, and wife, Erin Shiffman established the Dr. Max Werner Memorial Scholarship to honor his legacy. This one-time $500 scholarship is awarded to a senior who excels in science and is considering a career in the medical field.
The Sarah Molyneux Memorial Scholarship
Established in 2022 by Maureen Molyneux Robertazzi ‘68 ‘72 to honor her mother, Sarah Molyneux’s legacy. This four year scholarship is awarded to an 8th grade student who excels academically but may not otherwise be able to attend Notre Dame Academy High School.
The Alam Family Scholarship
Established in 2022 by the Alam Family, this one-time scholarship is awarded to a Notre Dame Academy 8th grade student who is continuing her education at the high school. Sisters Bareah ‘05 ‘09, Abeeha ‘03 ‘07, and Munazza ‘08 ‘12 all attended the elementary and high school. The student must embody the values of Notre Dame Academy and embrace the family connection that NDA provides.
Endowed Scholarships
The Jennifer Azara ’85 ’89 & Suzanne Azara Foley ’89 ’93 Endowed Scholarship
Established in 2020 by Christine and Joe Azara, in honor of their daughters, this academic scholarship is awarded to an incoming ninth-grade student who attended Notre Dame Academy Elementary School.
The Katherine and John P Connors, Jr. Endowed Scholarship
Established in 2021 by Katherine and John P Connors, Jr. parents to three alumnae, Eileen Connors ‘05, Kate Connors ‘03 ‘07, and Colleen Connors ‘12 ’16. This academic scholarship is awarded to a deserving student entering Notre Dame Academy High School.
The Notre Dame Academy Finance Committee Endowed Scholarship
The Sr. Rose Galligan Endowed Scholarship
The Sr. Rose Galligan Endowed Scholarship was established in 2021 by Kathryn & Jeffrey Jaenicke (Kathryn Ferrie Jaenicke ‘87) to honor the memory of one of Notre Dame Academy’s longtime leaders, Sr. Rose Galligan, CND. The scholarship is to a Notre Dame Academy 8th grade student continuing her education at the high school. The student must embody the spirit of NDA and have a legacy at the school.
The Lotz Family Endowed Scholarship
The Lotz Family Scholarship was established in 2007 by Mr. and Mrs. Edward Lotz, Janet Lotz O’Connor, Pamela Lotz Spellane, and Stephanie Lotz Seaborg.
Marguerite’s Way Endowed Scholarship
Established in 2021 by Jeane Rajacic-Poppe, Ph.D. and John D. Poppe, Jr., The Marguerite’s Way Endowed Scholarship is awarded to a Notre Dame Academy 8th grade student continuing her education at the high school. The recipient of this scholarship maintains academic excellence, embodies the strong moral character and fortitude of Notre Dame and has a long legacy at Notre Dame Academy.
The Maroney-Unrein Family Endowed Scholarship
Established in 2021 by Eileen and Lawrence Unrein (Eileen Maroney Unrein ‘76) this full scholarship is awarded to a student who may not otherwise be able to attend. The student should exemplify a commitment to her community and embody the values of a Notre Dame Academy education.
The O’Connor Family Scholarship
Established in 2022 by Janet Lotz O’Connor and her husband Thomas O’Connor to support Catholic education for young women.
The Tormey Family Endowed Scholarship
Established in 2021 by Jill O’Donnell Tormey ‘69 ‘73 and Thomas A. Tormey Jr., parents of alumnae and current grandparents. This academic scholarship is awarded to a student who excels academically.
The Class of 1981 Endowed Scholarship
Established in 2022 by the members of the Class of 1981 in memory of Kristina Merz Bufano, Graceann Cancellieri, Debra DeMaso, Lisa Green, and Jeanine Sullivan. This four year scholarship is awarded to a student in good academic standing who embodies the mission, vision and values of NDA and demonstrates commitment to serving her community even in the face of adversity.
Third Party Scholarships
Columbus Citizens Foundation Scholarship
The Foundation awards scholarships to students of Italian heritage who show success in their studies and involvement with their communities. For more information, please visit https://columbuscitizens.org/
Washington Square Veterans Scholarship
The Washington Square Veterans Scholarship is awarded to a student who is a direct descendant of a United States military veteran. This one-time scholarship honors the sacrifice of our servicemen and women and their families.