Nineteen graduates of Orange County Catholic Diocesan Elementary Schools are headed to Catholic high schools this fall with the support of scholarships awarded by the Notre Dame Club of Orange County (NDCOC).
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 Scholarship Coordinator Paul Irving said presentation of the award for Outstanding Community Service recognizes graduating 8th graders at each of the participating Diocesan K-through-8 schools. This year, 19 of 31 Catholic elementary schools participated, an increase from eight in 2017.
NDCOC board president Mark Merriman said community service is just one mission of the university’s alumni club in Orange County, and the growing number of scholarships awarded shows increased involvement by the club, schools and students.
Scholarships in the amount of $250 will be forwarded to the recipients’ Catholic high school to offset tuition costs. Recipients this year will be attending the OC Catholic high schools of Cornelia Connelly, JSerra, Mater Dei, Rosary Academy, Santa Margarita and Servite. Plaques are also in place at each school to acknowledge yearly recipients with their photo.