The University of Scranton Awards Presidential Scholarships

          The University of Scranton has awarded 16 freshman full-tuition Presidential Scholarships for 2009-2010.

         Presidential Scholarships are awarded to incoming freshman with exemplary records in both their high school and community involvement.  The scholarships cover the full cost of tuition for four years of study as long as the student maintains at least a 3.25 grade point average.  In addition, Presidential scholars are invited to participate in a Presidential Colloquy, which includes academic discussions led by the president, discussions with the provost and faculty about topics raised by speakers making invited presentations on campus, and a seminar on leadership and civic responsibility.

         The following incoming students were awarded Presidential Scholarships.

        The salutatorian of Trinity High School, Kaitlin A. Bolster, Mechanicsburg, will major in nursing. Bolster is a National Merit Finalist and an AP Scholar with Honor. She was a member of the National Honor Society and Foreign Language Honor Society.  A member of the varsity swim team, she was awarded Trinity High School's gold medal for female athlete with the highest class standing for four consecutive years. Bolster volunteered with the Special Olympics swim team. She is the daughter of Richard and Jeanne Bolster.

        Becca W. Cangemi, Scranton, was valedictorian of her graduating class at West Scranton High School.  Cangemi plans to major in biology.  She was involved in Spanish club, chorus and orchestra. Cangemi served as the treasurer of Tutor Club and was a participant in the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership seminar. Cangemi volunteered at the Girl Scouts organization. She is the daughter of Gary and Nancy Cangemi.

        Gabriella Colonna, Staten Island, N.Y., is a graduate of Staten Island Technical High School. A member of the Special Jesuits Liberal Arts Honors Program, she has not yet declared a major. Colonna is a College Board AP Scholar award winner, and a member of the National Honor Society.  In high school she maintained a 4.0 grade point average and earned the President's Award for Educational Excellence.  She was co-captain of the varsity girls basketball team. Colonna volunteered for the American Cancer Society and at Light-the-Night walks.  She is the daughter of Anthony and Marisa Colonna.

        Alexander G. Daly, New Paltz, N.Y., is a graduate of Our Lady of Lourdes High School.  A member of the Special Jesuits Liberal Arts Honors Program, Daly has not yet declared a major. He was a member of the National Honor Society and earned the New York State Scholarship for Academic Excellence.  He was actively involved on the fencing team, serving as captain for three years, and in the Italian Club, serving as president for two years.  He is the son of Kern and Maria Daly.   
   
        A graduate of West Scranton High School, Michael J. Genello, Scranton, plans to major in biology as a member of the Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program.  He is a National Merit Commended Scholar, and earned the Scranton School District Scholarship for Outstanding Academic Achievements. He was captain of the golf team and vice president of the National Honor Society.  Genello volunteered with the Special Olympics organization, and worked on the City of Scranton and Pennsylvania State smoking ban. He is the son of Michael and Mary Genello.

        Olivia A. Haney, Danville, is a graduate of Danville Area Senior High School.  Haney graduated among the top in her class. She is an AP Scholar with Distinction, and a National Spanish exam silver medalist. Haney was a member of the National Honor Society and marching and concert bands.  She was a volunteer at Catholic Heart Workcamp.  Haney plans to major in International Studies.  She is the daughter of Jeffrey and Virginia Haney.

        Samuel A. Juliano, Bergenfield, N.J., is a graduate of Bergen Catholic High School. Juliano plans to double major in biochemistry and philosophy as a member of the Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program. He was a member of the National Honor Society, Latin Honor Society, and is a Garden State Scholar.  In high school, Juliano was involved in Robotic Club, serving as vice president, the Young Doctors Organization, and Golf Club. He volunteered at Habitat for Humanity and Hackensack University Medical Center. He is the son of Samuel and Pierre Juliano.

        Shannon G. Lavelle, Hicksville, N.Y., is a graduate of Holy Trinity High School.  Lavelle plans to study nursing.  In high school, she earned the President's Award for Academic Excellence, and a 2009 New York State Education Department Scholarship for Academic Excellence.  She is an AP Scholar with Honor, and a seven-letter varsity athlete for track and cross country.  Lavelle volunteered at the Henry Viscardi School for children with disabilities. She is the daughter of Michael and Diane Lavelle.

        Salutatorian of his graduating class at Scranton High School, Timothy J. McCormick, Scranton, plans to major in biology as a member of the Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program.  McCormick is a National Merit Commended Scholar and an AP Scholar with Distinction.  McCormick served as senior class president, and captain of the soccer, and swimming and diving teams. He won the Lackawanna League Diving Championship. He is an active member of St. Joseph's Center serving as a junior auxiliary board member. He is the son of Jim and the late Nancy McCormick.

        Matthew S. McGrath, Old Forge, was the salutatorian of his graduating class at Scranton Preparatory School.  McGrath plans to major in finance as a member of the Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program.  He is a National Merit Finalist and a member of the National Honor Society.  McGrath was captain of the varsity football team. He volunteers at the Scranton Arc and the family to family thanksgiving food drive. He is the son of Scott and Angela McGrath.

        Holly P. Pratesi, West Hempstead, N.Y., is a graduate of St. Francis Preparatory School.  Pratesi is an AP Scholar and a member of the National Foreign Language and Math Honor Societies.  In high school, she was a peer tutor and counselor, and played on the soccer team. Pratesi volunteered for Relay for Life. A member of the Special Jesuits Liberal Arts Honors Program, she has not yet declared a major. She is the daughter of Neil and Lydia Pratesi.

        Maura A. Regan, Downingtown, a graduate of Bishop Shanahan High School, will major in occupational therapy. Regan is a National Merit Commended Scholar, and an AP Scholar.  She was editor-in-chief of her school's newspaper and vice president of the National Honor Society. Regan is an Archdiocese of Philadelphia Academic Scholar.  She volunteers with the Catholic Religions Education program, Head Start and at vacation bible school. She is the daughter of Paul and Amy Regan.
 
        Jonathan B. Schall, Wyoming, a graduate of Wyoming Area High School earned the Superintendent's Achievement Award, being ranked among the top students in his class.  Schall plans to major in biochemistry.  An AP Scholar with Honor, he served as president of the National Honor Society.  Schall served as captain of his high school's Scholastic Scrimmage, Shore Bowl, Science Iditarod, and PA Academic Competition teams.  He was school board representative for his class and a two-time distinguished Key Club treasurer. He is the son of Frank and Karen Schall.
      
        Valedictorian of his graduating class at Bethlehem Catholic High School, Walter Ryan Schuster, Nazareth, plans to major in chemistry as a member of the Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program.  Schuster is a National Merit Finalist and a member of the National Honor Society. He was senior class president, as well as president of his high school's band. Schuster is an Eagle Scout for the Boy Scouts of America.  He is the son of Walter and Cathryn Schuster.

        Kathleen E. Smart, Hatboro, is a graduate of Archbishop Wood High School. Smart plans to major in business administration as a member of the Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program.  She is a National Merit Commended Scholar and a member of the National Honor Society.  Smart served as president of Spanish Club and was captain of the girls lacrosse team.  She was a member of the Archbishop Wood Community Service Corps. She is the daughter of Bill and Mary Smart. 

        Bradley M. Wierbowski, Owego, N.Y., was the valedictorian of his graduating class at Seton Catholic Central High School.  Wierbowski plans to major in biochemistry, cell and molecular biology as a member of the Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program. He is a National Merit Commended Scholar, an AP Scholar and was a member of the National Honor Society.  In high school, Wierbowski was a member of student council and the varsity cross-country and track teams. He was a volunteer teacher's assistant for high school geometry. He is the son of David J. and Judith A. Wierbowski.