Two graduates of St. Bede the Venerable Catholic School in La Cañada Flintridge were awarded scholarships in an essay contest on heritage sponsored by Branch 374 of the Italian Catholic Federation at St. Bede Roman Catholic Church.

Diana O’Toole won a $250 scholarship, submitting an essay on her Polish heritage which was described by Scholarship Chairman Mark Mannerelli as “totally on topic and extremely entertaining.”

Emily Deville was awarded a $100 scholarship. Her essay was described as equally comprehensive and titled “The Value of a Catholic Education.”

Both students will be attending Flintridge Academy of the Sacred Heart in the fall.

The local ICF branch, one of hundreds in California, Nevada, Arizona and Illinois, each year awards two scholarships to seniors at the parish elementary school for essays either focused on their heritage or on the value they received from their Catholic education. Additionally, ICF nationally provides an annual $400 scholarship to graduating high school students who are from an Italian heritage.

St. Bede photo courtesy of Al Restivo

  AL RESTIVO, JUNE 30, ST. BEDE, YOUTH