TCPA student awarded Msgr. Crean Scholarship toward college
April 2, 2024 at 11:51 a.m.
The Holy Name Society awarded its 2024 Rev. Msgr. Crean Scholarship to a Trenton Catholic Preparatory Academy student who exemplifies what it means to serve one’s community.
Luisa Bolonas Vega, a senior in the Hamilton school and parishioner of St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, received the $1,000 award at the Society’s March 17 breakfast. She was chosen among other applicants for her scholastic achievements and stellar involvement in TCPA’s fundraisers and activities, including organizing a Toys for Tots collection.
“She is passionate about serving others and is very involved in community support activities and plans to, after graduation from university, to become more involved with other countries’ welfare issues,” said Wilfredo Serrano, chair of the Scholarship Award Committee, who presented Vega with the award.
TCPA senior Lusia Bolonas Vega thanks the Holy Name Society for being selected to receive the Msgr. Crean Scholarship March 17. Courtesy photo
The award is named after Msgr. Richard T. Crean, who was rector of St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, from 1934 until March 14, 1956, when he and two housekeepers lost their lives in the fire that destroyed the cathedral and adjacent chancery and rectory. Msgr. Crean was spiritual director of the Mercer County Federation of Holy Name Societies from its inception in 1940 until his death.
Other local awards Vega has received include the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service Award and the Columbiettes of St. David the King Parish Award.
Since 1956, the federation has kept the memory of Msgr. Crean’s pastoral work alive through its sponsorship of the annual memorial Mass and breakfast. Proceeds from the breakfast assist in the financing of scholarships to senior Catholic high school students who continue to pursue a higher education.
Application information is sent to all parishes in Mercer County as well as TCPA, Notre Dame High School, Lawrenceville, and Villa Victoria Academy, Ewing. Criteria for selection include scholastic achievement, community service and financial need; eligible applicants can apply through their parish or Catholic high school.
Serrano noted that if additional funds from the breakfast or donors remain beyond the $1,000 scholarship, they are reserved for the following year or possibly a second scholarship.
“We understand the cost of college is very high, and this award will offer just a little help with supplies or books,” he offered.
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The Holy Name Society awarded its 2024 Rev. Msgr. Crean Scholarship to a Trenton Catholic Preparatory Academy student who exemplifies what it means to serve one’s community.
Luisa Bolonas Vega, a senior in the Hamilton school and parishioner of St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, received the $1,000 award at the Society’s March 17 breakfast. She was chosen among other applicants for her scholastic achievements and stellar involvement in TCPA’s fundraisers and activities, including organizing a Toys for Tots collection.
“She is passionate about serving others and is very involved in community support activities and plans to, after graduation from university, to become more involved with other countries’ welfare issues,” said Wilfredo Serrano, chair of the Scholarship Award Committee, who presented Vega with the award.
TCPA senior Lusia Bolonas Vega thanks the Holy Name Society for being selected to receive the Msgr. Crean Scholarship March 17. Courtesy photo
The award is named after Msgr. Richard T. Crean, who was rector of St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, from 1934 until March 14, 1956, when he and two housekeepers lost their lives in the fire that destroyed the cathedral and adjacent chancery and rectory. Msgr. Crean was spiritual director of the Mercer County Federation of Holy Name Societies from its inception in 1940 until his death.
Other local awards Vega has received include the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service Award and the Columbiettes of St. David the King Parish Award.
Since 1956, the federation has kept the memory of Msgr. Crean’s pastoral work alive through its sponsorship of the annual memorial Mass and breakfast. Proceeds from the breakfast assist in the financing of scholarships to senior Catholic high school students who continue to pursue a higher education.
Application information is sent to all parishes in Mercer County as well as TCPA, Notre Dame High School, Lawrenceville, and Villa Victoria Academy, Ewing. Criteria for selection include scholastic achievement, community service and financial need; eligible applicants can apply through their parish or Catholic high school.
Serrano noted that if additional funds from the breakfast or donors remain beyond the $1,000 scholarship, they are reserved for the following year or possibly a second scholarship.
“We understand the cost of college is very high, and this award will offer just a little help with supplies or books,” he offered.
The Church needs quality Catholic journalism now more than ever. Please consider supporting this work by signing up for a SUBSCRIPTION (click HERE) or making a DONATION to The Monitor (click HERE). Thank you for your support.