Scholarship Opportunities

Scholarship Name: Alturas Scholarship Award
Type of Scholarship: Tuition Assistance
Applicants: Class of 2027, 2028, 2029 & 2030
Distribution Amount: $7,500 each distributed to two students
Distribution Method: Award will be applied to your tuition payment schedule.

HISTORY

Recognizing the benefits of a Santa Margarita Catholic education and the challenge single parent families often face in affording private school tuition, the Alturas Scholarship Award was established by Linda Fisher in 2020. As a single parent of two, Linda recognized the benefits of a Santa Margarita Catholic education for her sons Michael ’94 and Patrick ’97 and made it a reality for them. The SMCHS experience helped her sons become the successful fathers, husbands, and community leaders that they are today.

In this spirit, the Alturas Scholarship Award provides financial assistance to students from single parent homes to make Santa Margarita Catholic a reality for their families. Students discover the many gifts SMCHS offers in building self-esteem, successful relationships, a commitment to Christian values, and the desire to contribute positively to the community, nation, and world.

CRITERIA / REQUIREMENTS

• Demonstrates financial need - FACTS Application Required.
• Designed specifically for students from single parent homes.
• Freshman, Sophomore, Junior or Senior student, next school year.
• Maintain good academic standing at SMCHS with a minimum 3.0 GPA academic standing and excellent citizenship.
• Involvement in the SMCHS community – athletics, arts, campus ministry, etc.
• Completion of the Alturas Scholarship Award Application

Alturas Scholarship Application

Applicants: Class of 2027, 2028, 2029 & 2030
Distribution Amount: $5,000 distributed to one student
Distribution Method: Award will be applied to your tuition payment schedule.

HISTORY

On December 2, 2020, the Crafts family and Santa Margarita High School lost William Crafts, a beloved son, brother, friend, teammate and classmate.  William lives on, flying on Eagles Wings with our loving God, and in the memories of his five siblings, his parents, extended family and his Eagle family of friends, classmates, teacher, coaches and administrators. William was a true friend with a big heart. In honor of this beautiful young man, friends and family of William contributed to this scholarship to help students and their families who wish to attend Santa Margarita alleviate a portion of the financial stress so that they can enjoy the countless benefits of being an Eagle.   

CRITERIA / REQUIREMENTS

A student may fill out the application below to apply for scholarship OR a Faculty/Staff/Coach may nominate a student.  Students should not request a Faculty, Staff or Coach to nominate them.  All applications and nominations will be considered equally.

• Demonstrates financial need – FACTS Application Required.
• Freshman, Sophomore, Junior or Senior student next school year, male or female.
• Goes out of their way to be a good friend and help others feel part of their community.

• Involvement in the SMCHS community – athletics, arts, campus ministry, etc.

• Maintain good academic standing at SMCHS with a minimum GPA of 3.0 GPA and excellent citizenship.

• The scholarship recipient will write an acknowledgement letter to the donor 
  with a copy to SM Eagle Foundation.

William J. Crafts '22 Scholarship Application

William J. Crafts '22 Scholarship Nomination Form

Applicants: Class of 2027, 2028, 2029 & 2030
Distribution Amount: $5,000 distributed to one student
Distribution Method: Award will be applied to your tuition payment schedule.

HISTORY

An endowed scholarship has been established in memory of Heather Kirkorowicz ’95, a SMCHS student who entered eternal life in 2018. One SMCHS student will be selected for the scholarship award.

CRITERIA / REQUIREMENTS

• Demonstrates financial need – FACTS Application Required.
• Freshman, Sophomore, Junior or Senior student next school year, male or female.
• Have a strong desire to remain at SMCHS.
• Completion of the Heather Kirkorowicz '95 Memorial Scholarship application.
• The scholarship recipient will write an acknowledgement letter to the donor 
  with a copy to SM Eagle Foundation.

Heather Kirkorowicz '95 Memorial Scholarship Application

Scholarship Name: The Catherine Schilling Ott Scholarship
Type of Scholarship: Tuition Assistance
Applicants: Class of 2027, 2028, 2029 & 2030
Distribution Amount: $2,200 distributed to one student
Distribution Method: Award will be applied to your tuition payment schedule.

HISTORY
This scholarship was made possible by Catherine S. Ott, a devout Catholic, whose background was in education. Ms. Ott wished that her legacy would be ensuring that students who desired to have a Catholic education, be able to have one.  In 2018 Ms. Ott passed at the age of 96 leaving Santa Margarita Catholic High School a planned gift for this endowed scholarship.

CRITERIA / REQUIREMENTS

• Demonstrates financial need – FACTS Application Required.
• Freshman, Sophomore, Junior or Senior next school year.
• Good academic standing at SMCHS with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Catholic and active in your parish.
• Special consideration for those interested in pursuing a career in education.
• Completion of the Catherine Schilling Ott Scholarship application.
• The scholarship recipient will write an acknowledgement letter to the school 
  with a copy to SM Eagle Foundation.

The Catherine Schilling Ott Scholarship Application

Scholarship Name: The Michael J. Pellizzon '05 Scholarship
Type of Scholarship: Tuition Assistance
Applicants: Class of 2027, 2028, 2029 & 2030
Distribution Amount:  Minimum $5,000 distributed to multiple students
Distribution Method: Award will be applied to your tuition payment schedule

HISTORY
Michael graduated from Santa Margarita Catholic High School in 2005 and was a member of the varsity basketball team that won CIF in his senior year. He was captain of the J.V. team and named its most valuable player. He made many friends that he remained in very close contact with for the rest of his short life. He was described as a person that made other students feel better about themselves and motivated them to do better and was a great kid and teammate. He was a great listener and sounding board for his many friends. He was a kind, compassionate soul who loved his family, friends, music, sports, playing his several guitars and composing music among other things. His family will never stop celebrating his life and the gifts he brought to them. They will never stop missing their beautiful Michael.

CRITERIA / REQUIREMENTS

• Demonstrates financial need – FACTS Application Required.
• Freshman, Sophomore, Junior or Senior student
• Recipient can be male or female
• The student must demonstrate a love of athletics, music or extra-curricular activities
• Recipient must make every effort to be a model student at SMCHS
• Designated specifically for students who have lost a parent or a sibling
• Completion of The Michael J. Pellizzon '05 Scholarship application

Michael J. Pellizzon Scholarship Application

The Sarah DeMille Scholarship Award was set up in remembrance of Sarah Ashley DeMille, a SMCHS Class of 2005 Lady Runner. Sarah was killed in an automobile accident at Northern Arizona University while volunteering to accompany a friend driving a fellow student home for the weekend.

CRITERIA/ REQUIREMENTS

• Good standing at SMCHS
• Demonstrate financial need- FACTS application required.
• Must be a member of the Girls Cross Country team or member of the Boys Cross Country team. Joining Freshman will qualify if they are actively participating in preseason Cross Country Team training.
• Recipients of the scholarship award will be chosen based on Sarah’s values and attributes: Passion, Commitment, Sacrifice, Hard Work, Dream and Believe. Exemplifies

the ideal SMCHS Runners: One who encourages others to achieve their personal best
physically, mentally and spiritually.
 Completion of the Sarah DeMille ’05 Memorial Scholarship Application.
 The scholarship recipient will write an acknowledgement letter to the family with a copy
to SM Eagle Foundation Office.

Sarah DeMille '05 Memorial Scholarship Application

Type of Scholarship: Tuition Assistance
Applicants: Class of 2027, 2028, 2029 & 2030
Distribution Amount: $5,000 distributed to one student
Distribution Method: Award will be applied to your tuition payment schedule.

HISTORY

The Smith family is honored to be offered the opportunity to present this scholarship. We have been fortunate to have our two children graduate from SMCHS. SMCHS and the SM Eagle Foundation started this scholarship after Tom Smith, who began working at SMCHS in 1987, became the longest serving SM employee. Tom’s “Can do” spirit and willingness to help anyone on campus is inspirational and treasured by all.

CRITERIA / REQUIREMENTS

• Demonstrates financial need – FACTS Application Required.
• Embrace our faith and live out our charism: Caritas Christi
• Value education and maintain a minimum cumulative academic GPA of 3.0.
• Demonstrate active participation in the SMCHS Performing Arts program.
• Completion of the Can-Do Scholarship Application
• The scholarship recipient will write an acknowledgement letter to the donor with a copy to SM Eagle Foundation

The Tom Smith Can-Do Scholarship Application 

Type of Scholarship: Tuition Assistance
Applicants: Class of 2027, 2028, 2029 & 2030
Distribution Amount: Two scholarships distributed, amount varies based on need
Distribution Method: Award will be applied to your tuition payment schedule.

HISTORY

Having been involved with the Jessie Rees Foundation, the Schumaker family has seen the amazing amount of strength and courage that the cancer patients have as well as their entire family, especially the siblings of the patients. For this reason, they have founded the Schumaker Family Scholarship to assist students and their families who have a sibling on their cancer journey.

CRITERIA / REQUIREMENTS

• Demonstrates financial need – FACTS Application Required.
• Freshman, Sophomore, Junior or Senior student next school year.
• Good academic standing at SMCHS with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Completion of the Schumaker Family Scholarship application form.
• The scholarship recipient will write an acknowledgement letter the Schumaker family 
  with a copy to SM Eagle Foundation.

THE SCHUMAKER FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

Type of Scholarship: Tuition Assistance
Applicants: Class of 2027, 2028, 2029 & 2030
Distribution Amount: $2,500 to be distributed to one student
Distribution Method: Award will be applied to your tuition payment schedule.

HISTORY

David Barquist, father of a class of 2026 student Sophie Barquist, passed away in June of 2024.  He was a mentor to all persons, particularly young associates at his engineering firm.  David was an Urban Planner who loved sharing his knowledge and wisdom.  His daughter Sophie wishes to continue helping others through this scholarship in his memory.

CRITERIA / REQUIREMENTS

• Demonstrates financial need – FACTS Application Required.
• For student of a single parent home.
• Freshman, Sophomore, Junior or Senior student next school year.
• Maintain good academic standing at SMCHS with a minimum GPA of 3.5 GPA.
• Completion of the David Paul Barquist Memorial Scholarship Application.
• The scholarship recipient will write an acknowledgement letter to the donor with a copy to SM Eagle Foundation.

The David Paul Barquist Memorial Scholarship Application

Applicants: Class of 2027, 2028, 2029 and Freshman Class of 2030 - Legacy Only
Distribution Amount: $5,000 each distributed to two students
Distribution Method: Award will be applied to your tuition payment schedule.

HISTORY
The Grandparents Club was formed in 2015 with its members becoming ambassadors promoting SMCHS. The Grandparents Club of Santa Margarita Catholic High School is very pleased to make a scholarship available to a current SM student. It is an effort to ensure that a deserving student in good standing is not denied the SM experience due to financial need.

CRITERIA / REQUIREMENTS
The following criteria has been established for The Grandparents Club Scholarship:

• Demonstrates financial need – FACTS Application Required.
• Freshman, Sophomore or Junior student next school year.
• Good academic standing at SMCHS.
• Completion of the Grandparents Club Scholarship application.
• Completion of the Teacher Recommendation Form by a current teacher.
• The scholarship recipient will write an acknowledgement letter to the donor with a copy to SM Eagle Foundation.

Grandparents Club Teacher Recommendation Form 

Grandparents Club Scholarship Application

Scholarship Name: The Jack Meehan '04 Memorial Football Scholarship
Type of Scholarship: SMCHS Tuition Assistance Scholarship
Applicants: Class of 2027, 2028 and 2029 Football Player
Distribution Amount: $1,300 to be distributed to one student
Distribution Method: Award will be applied according to your tuition payment schedule

• Demonstrate financial need - FACTS Application Required.
• Senior, Junior or Sophomore next school year.
• SMCHS football player.
• Have a strong desire to remain at SMCHS.
• Maintain a GPA of 3.0 throughout their school year.
• Completion of the Jack Meehan '04 Memorial Football application.
• The scholarship recipient will write an acknowledgement and update letters to the donor with a copy to SM Eagle Foundation.

Jack Meehan '04 Memorial Football Scholarship Application 

• Demonstrate financial need – FACTS Application Required.
• Junior or Senior student next school year, male or female.
• Have a strong desire to remain at SMCHS.
• Love of the ocean is a preferred quality, but not necessary.
• Completion of the Christopher Cvengros application form.
• The scholarship recipient will write an acknowledgement letter to the donor with a copy to SM Eagle Foundation.
   

Christopher Cvengros '98 Memorial Scholarship Application

• Demonstrate financial need – FACTS Application Required.
• Junior or senior student next school year.
• Have a strong desire to remain at SMCHS.
• Demonstrate a love of learning, music, athletics, or value extra-curricular activities.
• Strong consideration will be given to athletes engaged in football programs, but continuing involvement in SMCHS sponsored athletic programs is required.
• Complete the sophomore year at SMCHS maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.0 (C).
• Selected students who continue to maintain a GPA of 2.0 throughout their junior year
  will automatically be renewed to receive the scholarship for their senior year.
• Ideally, new recipients will be selected annually so that four scholarships are awarded each year 
  (two juniors and two seniors).  This criterion may be adjusted slightly from year to year depending on the number of students receiving scholarships.
• Completion of the Bradley Dillahunty application form.
• The scholarship recipient will write an acknowledgement letter to the donor with a copy to SM Eagle Foundation.

Bradley J. Dillahunty '02 Memorial Scholarship Application

Type of Scholarship: SMCHS Tuition Assistance Scholarship
Distribution Amount: $2,500 to be distributed to one student
Applicants: Class of 2027 or 2028

HISTORY
Raymond R. Dunne was our beloved principal from September 2007 through June 2019. Upon retiring as principal, parents, faculty, staff, alumni, alumni parents and friends started the Raymond R. Dunne Scholarship fund in his name. Of his many accomplishments during his time as principal the most vital and his lasting legacy was ensuring the school’s charism of Caritas Christi, the love of Christ. The scholarship recipient will be someone who lives their life with Caritas Christi and demonstrates how they live the core principals, Compassion, Humility, Justice and Goodness and makes each and every day "A great day to be an Eagle.”

CRITERA/REQUIRMENTS
Mr. Dunne has established the following scholarship criteria:

• Demonstrate financial need - FACTS Application required.
• Junior or senior student next school year.
• Good academic standing at SMCHS with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Completion of the Raymond R. Dunne Scholarship application form.
• The scholarship recipient will write an acknowledgement letter to the scholarship committee with a copy to SM Eagle Foundation.

Raymond R. Dune Scholarship Application

• Demonstrate financial need – FACTS application required.
• Junior or senior student next school year.
• Demonstrate a strong work ethic in and out of the classroom.
• Involvement in athletics is a preferred quality, but not necessary.
• Completion of the C.J. Hubbard '01 Memorial Scholarship application.
• The scholarship recipient will write an acknowledgement letter to the donor with a copy to SM Eagle Foundation.

C.J. Hubbard '01 Memorial Scholarship Application

• Demonstrate financial need – FACTS Application Required.
• Junior or Senior next school year.
• GPA of 3.0 or above and exhibit strong character.
• Have an interest in the sciences or engineering (potentially as a future college major or career).
• Completion of the Richard Hunsaker Scholarship application.

The scholarship recipient will write an acknowledgement letter to the donor with a copy to SM Eagle Foundation.

Richard Hunsaker Scholarship Application

• Demonstrates financial need - FACTS Application Required.       
• Junior of Senior student next school year.
• Maintain good academic standing at SMCHS with a minimum GPA of 2.5 GPA and excellent citizenship.
• Completion of the Invictus Maneo Scholarship Application. 
• The scholarship recipient will write an acknowledgement letter to the donor
  with a copy to SM Eagle Foundation

Invictus Maneo Scholarship Application

Distribution Amount: $2,500 distributed to one student
Applicants: Class of 2027 or 2028

HISTORY
Mr. Nicholas Kraus (1982-2014) embodied everything good about a teacher at SMCHS. Trying to describe his impact on the community is like trying to describe a symphonic masterpiece to someone who has never heard it. His students felt a strong connection, and the SMCHS community loved and admired him. Mr. Kraus was a phenomenal musician, a master teacher, and his work ethic was paramount. Above all, Mr. Kraus was extremely humble. His selfless and kind attitude was evident in every aspect of his professional and personal life.

Mr. Kraus taught in the Performing Arts Department from 2010-2014. During that time, Mr. Kraus taught various courses in music, performed regularly on campus in productions and concerts, and volunteered his time and expertise to assist with the Eagle Regiment Marching Band.

CRITERA/REQUIRMENTS
In the desire to recognize talented SMCHS students with demonstrated financial need, the friends and family of Nicholas David Kraus, and the Performing Arts Department of SMCHS established the following scholarship criteria:

• Demonstrates financial need - FACTS Application required.
• Junior or senior next school year.
• The recipient must be enrolled in the instrumental music program and a desire to pursue music in college.
• Recipient must make every effort to be a model student at SMCHS, showing humility, selflessness, kindness, and a willingness to volunteer.
• Additional consideration may be given to those who have lost a parent or family member.
• Completion of the Nicholas David Kraus Memorial Scholarship Application Form.
• The scholarship recipient will write an acknowledgement letter to the donor
  with a copy to SM Eagle Foundation

Nicholas David Kraus Memorial Scholarship Application

Distribution Amount: $1000 to be distributed to one student
Distribution Method: Award will be applied according to your tuition payment schedule

HISTORY
This scholarship is for an SMCHS student in the football program. Ted Prenovost loved his family and the game of football. He played through high school and at UC Davis and went on to become an attorney and owner at the Law Firm of Prenovost, Normandin, Bergh & Dawe, APC. Ted was a big fan of SMCHS football who attended every game and volunteered of his time to the program. Ted’s infectious heart, smile and laugh touched all those he came in contact with. Ted cheered on every player making each feel as though they were as special as the next

CRITERIA / REQUIREMENTS
In the desire to recognize an SMCHS students the Ted Prenovost Good Guy Scholarship was created with the following criteria:

• Junior or Senior next school year.
• Member of the SMCHS Football Team.
• The student must demonstrate a love of football and SMCHS.
• Recipient must make every effort to be a model student at SMCHS.
• Completion of the Ted Prenovost Good Guy Scholarship Application.
• The scholarship recipient will write an acknowledgement letter to the donor with a copy to SM Eagle Foundation.

TED PRENOVOST SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

• Demonstrate financial need - FACTS Application required.
• Junior or senior student next school year.
• Good academic standing at SMCHS with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Demonstrated engagement in a variety of extra-curricular activities at SMCHS.
• Completion of the Redwitz Family Scholarship application form.
• The scholarship recipient will write an acknowledgement letter to the donor
  with a copy to SM Eagle Foundation.

Redwitz Family Scholarship Application

• Demonstrate financial need - FACTS Application required.
• Junior or Senior next school year.
• 3.0 GPA and demonstrate strong work ethic in and out of the classroom.
• Has an interest in pursuing a service oriented career.
• Is a model of kindness and service to others and has exceeded the normal SMCHS service hour requirement in their community.
• Recipient must make every effort to be a model student at SMCHS.
• Completion of the Ryan David Zalta scholarship application.
• The scholarship recipient will write an acknowledgement letter to the donor with a copy to SM Eagle Foundation.

Ryan David Zalta '92 Scholarship Application

• Demonstrate financial need - FACTS Application required.
• Junior or Senior next school year.
• Maintain good academic standing at SMCHS with a minimum GPA of 2.5 GPA and excellent citizenship.
• Completion of the LuzAnna Malec Memorial Scholarship Application.
• The scholarship recipient will write an acknowledgement letter to the donor with a copy to SM Eagle Foundation.

LuzAnna Malec Memorial Scholarship Application

• Graduating senior.
• California Scholarship Federation (CSF) Life Member.
• A letter of recommendation from a current SMCHS teacher.
• Completion of the California Scholarship Federation (CSF) application form.
• The scholarship recipient will write an acknowledgement letter to the CSF Advisory Committee with a copy to the SM Eagle Foundation.

CSF Scholarship Application

• One scholarship given to a candidate that demonstrates financial need.
• One scholarship given to a candidate-open to all.
• Graduating senior.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Completion of the Eagle Alumni Association Scholarship application.
• The scholarship recipient will write an acknowledgement letter to the Eagle Alumni Committee
  with a copy to SM Eagle Foundation

Eagle Alumni Scholarship Application

Criteria/Requirements

• Female senior student
• Member of the SMCHS soccer, track, swim or water polo team.
• Good academic standing at SMCHS with a minimum GPA of 3.5.
• Recipient must make every effort to be a model student at SMCHS.
• Completion of the Jeff Loftus Generosity Scholarship Application.
• The scholarship recipient will write an acknowledgement letter to the donor with a copy to SM Eagle Foundation.

Jeff Loftus Generosity Scholarship Application

• Demonstrate financial need and/or demonstrate merit based on Model UN participation.
• Graduating senior, male or female.
• Students should be in excellent disciplinary standing with SMCHS.
• Good academic standing at SMCHS, with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Four-year member of the Model United Nations program.
• Enrolled or planning to enroll in a two or four-year college or vocational training program within one year of graduation.
• Submit a 300-500 word essay that describes why the student should be selected for the scholarship focusing on what the Model United Nations program has meant to them. This essay should also explain involvement with MUN impact efforts and with the SOCOMUN conference.
• Completion of the Model United Nations application form.
• The scholarship recipient will write an acknowledgement letter to the MUN Advisor with a copy to SM Eagle Foundation.

Model United Nations Alumni Scholarship Application

•  The essay must address and answer the question, “How has your mother (or a mother figure) impacted   your individual and spiritual growth?”          
•  Candidate must be a graduating senior who plans on attending college in Fall 2026.
•  Must provide one teacher recommendation letter.
•  Must have a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Mother's Club Scholarship Application

• Demonstrate financial need and/or demonstrate merit based on Model UN participation.
• Graduating senior, male or female.
• Students should be in excellent disciplinary standing with SMCHS.
• Good academic standing at SMCHS, with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Four-year member of the Model United Nations program.
• Enrolled or planning to enroll in a two or four-year college or vocational training program within one year of graduation.
• Submit a 300-500 word essay that describes why the student should be selected for the scholarship focusing on what the Model United Nations program has meant to them. This essay should also explain involvement with MUN impact efforts and with the SOCOMUN conference.
• Completion of the Model United Nations application form.
• The scholarship recipient will write an acknowledgement letter to the MUN Advisor with a copy to SM Eagle Foundation.

Richard Voelkel Memorial Scholarship Application

Distribution Amount: $2,000 to be distributed to one graduating senior
Distribution Method: The scholarship money will be directly paid in the form of a tuition/fee payment to the recipient’s college of choice. No direct cash award will be given to the recipient.

HISTORY

London Hudson graduated from SMCHS in 2024. He transferred to SMCHS for his senior year. He was an accomplished baseball player and enjoyed peer ministry as he especially liked going to the Catholic grade schools to act as role model for them emphasizing Christian leadership. London also demonstrated an incredible amount of school spirit including making the spirit stick and leading the student section in cheers during many football and basketball games. His contagious high-spiritedness was particularly notable as he had overcome challenges that could have dampened his enthusiasm for school and his faith in God.

London suffered a series of injuries his freshman year that kept him out of sports and attending school for several months. He found both making up his class work and getting back to the same playing level in baseball challenging and sometimes discouraging as it was very hard work. He also missed having the summer off between grades as he had to make up several months of class work over the summer. But he found that his determination, faith in God and belief in the Catholic Church kept him motivated. London received the Sacrament of Confirmation during this time and was sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit. London looked forward to attending weekly mass to set the spiritual tone for each week which helped him overcome his challenges that summer.  He successfully caught up on his class work and went on to commit to play baseball at St. Lawrence University.

CRITERIA/ REQUIREMENTS 

• Demonstrate financial need - FACTS Application Required
• Senior Class of 2026
• Good academic standing at SMCHS with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Completion of the London Hudson ’24 Determination through Faith Application.

• If chosen, the scholarship recipient will write an acknowledgement letter to the scholarship committee with a copy to SM Eagle Foundation.

London Hudson '24 Determination through Faith Scholarship Application