 | Diocese thanks businesses supporting scholarship fund
By Elizabeth Fazzini, Assistant Editor
GREENSBURG — Soft Caribbean music was the perfect accompaniment to the blue-sky morning at the Scholarship Partners Foundation’s (SPF) annual donor acknowledgement brunch March 13 at the Bishop William G. Connare Center.
“We have great examples of stewardship sitting in our room this morning,” said Trent Bocan, superintendent of Catholic schools.
He highlighted the Catholic school vision of forming students in the faith for life while promoting academic excellence.
“It takes partnerships to make sure that we do this to the best of our abilities,” Bocan said.
SPF was formed to take advantage of the state’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program, which was formed in 2001 to give businesses paying certain state taxes the ability to make a donation to an approved scholarship organization in exchange for state tax credits. | |  Trent Bocan, superintendent of Catholic schools, speaks at the foundation’s donor acknowledgement brunch March 13 at the Bishop William G. Connare Center near Greensburg. Photo by Ed Zelachoski. |
Bocan emphasized that the partnering relationships provide value to the students, and he touted the importance of stewardship.
“It is truly the backbone of what we can do with our Catholic schools,” he said.
Barbara Sabo, principal of Holy Trinity School, Ligonier, underscored the importance of supporting the richness found within the walls of Catholic education.
Raymond Hanley, president of Federated Investors Management Co., a partner business, thanked many people for their “leadership and support of Catholic schools,” especially Bishop Lawrence E. Brandt and Msgr. Lawrence T. Persico, vicar general-chancellor.
Hanley, whose five children attend Catholic schools, noted that faith-based education prepares students well, instills strong values and ultimately benefits the community.
He said the foundation is “a valuable way for our businesses to support our schools” and “an instrument in making Catholic education affordable to those in our region.”
Speaking on behalf of Bishop Brandt, who relayed regrets at not being able to attend, Msgr. Persico communicated appreciation to the scholarship partners.
“Thank you not only for your contribution, but for making the decision to help parents be able to give their children the gift of a Catholic school education,” said Msgr. Persico.
Both Msgr. Persico and Bocan extended accolades to Mike Ziemski, coordinator of the foundation.
“What you see today has a lot to do with Mike’s hard work,” Msgr. Persico said.
There are currently 104 scholarship partners who have joined with the diocese to assist eligible parents with the cost of Catholic school education through the EITC program.
More than $3.5 million has been contributed to SPF, now in its seventh year. There are currently 736 students receiving assistance, with an average award of $800.
According to Ziemski, $7 million in tax credits is currently unclaimed. |