By Angela Webb
Saints Peter and Paul High School
Generous donors throughout the Diocese of Wilmington have been changing the lives of students through their participation in the “Share in the Spirit Scholarship Fund” over the past several years. The positive impact of this campaign is felt in the lives of students, families and faculty alike. Students who may not have otherwise had the opportunity, are thriving in college preparatory environments that provide them with an education deeply rooted in Catholic tradition.
Just as importantly, schools within the Diocese of Wilmington are broadening their demographics as more young men and women receive a Catholic education and emerge as intellectual and spiritual leaders.
The diocese reports that 17% of total students receive some assistance. At Saints Peter and Paul High School in Easton, Maryland, approximately 12% of students receive scholarships.
Principal Scott Wilson has witnessed firsthand the impact of these scholarships, noting with enthusiasm, “The more that we can bring in diverse talents, different interests, different passions, people entering our school at different steps of their own personal faith journeys, the better off we are.” He highlights how each student’s unique abilities allow the school to flourish in athletics and academics. Having the opportunity to be immersed in a rich Catholic tradition, rigorous academics, and competitive athletics, one Saints Peter and Paul student affirms that his scholarship is helping him set goals and plan for success. He explained, “Saints Peter and Paul is preparing me for college and helping me build habits like being disciplined and responsible.”
Every family that benefits from Share in the Spirit scholarships is grateful for the investment that donors make in the broader community. One family expressed their gratitude by stating, “This scholarship has eased the financial stress on my family, allowing us to focus on other expenses.” Many families want to provide their children with an education that prepares them holistically for life, and yet, they cannot, due to financial reasons. Tuition assistance provides a way. One scholarship recipient remarked, “It has inspired me to make the most of every opportunity I am given at this school.”
The Share in the Spirit Scholarship Fund has impacted the lives of hundreds of families throughout the diocese looking for college preparatory and Catholic education, but there are hundreds more who could benefit. The generosity of donors has opened doors that may otherwise have remained closed, allowing families to provide their children opportunities to be leaders within their communities. As Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, the founder of Catholic education in America encouraged her contemporaries, we can only “do what we can and God will do the rest. What seems so impossible to nature is quite easy to grace.”
Angela Webb is a student at Saints Peter and Paul School in Easton, Maryland.
