The Notre Dame Club of Orange County (NDCOC) expanded its community service commitment by awarding scholarships to eight graduates of Diocesan elementary schools. The students were honored for exemplifying what it means to “give back” by volunteering and participating in a host of community service programs in their communities.
NDCOC Board President Paul Irving said community service is just one focus of the university’s alumni club. According to Irving, presentation of the first annual NDCOC Scholarship Award for Outstanding Community Service recognizes graduating 8th graders at each of the participating Diocesan K-through-8 schools.
The $250 scholarships will be forwarded to the recipients’ Catholic high school to offset tuition costs. A plaque will also be given to each school to acknowledge yearly recipients.
This year’s scholarship recipients include:
Nolan Bellow of St. Catherine of Siena, who will attend Santa Margarita Catholic High School
Caden Contreras of St. Hedwig, who will attend Servite High School
Cara Jiminez of St. Irenaeus, who will attend St. Joseph High School
Caroline Linton of St. Juliana Falconieri, will attend Rosary Academy
Mira Oravetz of St. Joachim, who will attend Connelly High School
Matthew Scully of St. Bonaventure, who will attend Mater Dei High School
Alex Vallone of Our Lady of Fatima, who will attend Santa Margarita Catholic High School
Jasmine Vodhanel of St. Columban, who will attend Rosary Academy