The following members of the Class of 2022, as determined by the principals of their respective high schools, have each received a $1,500 Walter Gannon Diocesan Scholarship. The criteria are that students must be deserving of the award because of their high level of scholarship, concern for others and economic need. The scholarships are made possible due to a gift to the diocese from Walter Gannon.
Benedictine College Preparatory
Tyler Craig. The 2021-2022 recipient of the Walter Gannon Diocesan Scholarship for Benedictine College Preparatory School is Tyler Craig. He is the son of Timothy and Mary Ruth Craig of Glen Allen. Tyler is the Band company commander and a member of the National Honor Society and baseball and swim teams. Tyler will attend Elon University and pursue a degree in either criminal justice or communication.
Blessed Sacrament-Huguenot
Harrison Lee. Harrison has been a student at BSH since his freshman year. Harrison loves that BSH has a unique family that fosters his academic excellence. He fondly remembers the outdoor campus allowing him snow days and the fun weather. Harrison has been in Latin Club, Drama Club, football – where he was a captain his senior year, captain of the baseball team, and basketball. Harrison will attend Chowan in the fall where he will study sports management while also playing football for the Chowan University Hawks. Harrison would like to thank his fellow class members of 2022 and the teachers who have put in the time he and other students need to excel. His advice for current students is,“Always remain prepared for the long days that can happen while enjoying the active environment of BSH.”
Catholic High School
Guinevere Pomeroy. Guiney, a member of the National Honor Society, is a strong student with a positive attitude. A four-year member of the cross-country, indoor and spring track teams, Guiney completed over 150 hours of community service at the Virginia Aquarium and is now employed in guest engagement due to her communication skills and personality. Involved in a host of school clubs (School Literary Magazine, Environmental Club, and Pro-Life Club to name a few), Guiney plans to study biology at James Madison University.
Peninsula Catholic High School
Diana Ibarra Balderas. Diana’s commitments to her studies, family and job make her a role model to her peers and siblings, as well as an exemplary PC Knight. Diana has been inducted into the Spanish Honor Society and National Honor Society, and has challenged herself with a variety of AP, Dual Enrollment and Honors-level classes throughout her high school years. Diana also serves as a School Ambassador and member of the Retreat Team. Graduating with a 3.70 GPA, this first-generation college student will be attending Roanoke College and majoring in business and management.
Roanoke Catholic School
Johnatan Vargas. Johnatan is an outstanding student having earned First Honors distinction for three consecutive years while attending Roanoke Catholic School. He is a 2020 inductee to the Pacelli Chapter of the National Honor Society and has taken some of the most rigorous courses offered. Johnatan was the high school recipient of the coveted Gillespie Family Scholarship in 2021-2022 and will be attending Roanoke College. During his high school career, Johnatan has been an active volunteer in our community, supported the Red Cross Club at school, worked part-time at a local restaurant and has participated in varsity baseball and swimming. Johnatan represents all of the best qualities of a student graduating from Roanoke Catholic School.
Saint Gertrude High School
Julia Barrafato. Julia is a model student, friend and classmate. Her theology teacher noted this year that she has “a positive and peaceful attitude that makes our classroom a better place.” She defaults to observing when in a large group but pays close attention to details and opportunities to contribute. And contribute Julia has. She has added something new every year — theater (onstage and crew), performance choir, shot put, managing the field hockey team, as well as vice president of her class for four years. She is well-respected by her peers because she performs at a high level with the best attitude and sense of humor in whatever she takes on. Julia will be attending Virginia Commonwealth University.
Walsingham Academy
Anne Marie Singley. Anne Marie has a passion for creative intellectual inquiry. She continually strives to surpass academic standards of excellence at Walsingham Academy. She is an optimistic and engaged learner. She solicits and accepts constructive criticism from her instructors. Anne Marie is a young lady of conscience and compassion, having volunteered with many local community agencies during her time at Walsingham. Service within the school includes Student Government Association, National Honor Society and Trojan Ambassadors.