When Donna Lazzari was looking find a special way to honor the memory of her parents, George and Margaret Van Horn, she recalled how important the parish of St. Anthony, Hamilton, had been to her family.  It did not take her long to decide upon a fitting tribute to her parents; Lazzari knew she wanted to invest in Catholic education.

She said, “I think that a Catholic education is by far the choice in regards to educational standards. There is academic excellence and an overall sense of comfort that parents receive knowing that their children are receiving social and moral values as well.”

Lazzari, who resides with her husband Craig in both New Hope, Pa., and Houston, Texas, contacted the diocesan Office of Catholic Education and expressed interest in providing scholarship monies for The Foundation for Student Achievement.

As stated on their website, The Foundation for Student Achievement, which was established in 2007 by the diocesan Office of Catholic Education, is “dedicated to providing the means for an exceptional Catholic education for children from families in financial need, inspiring children to realize their potential through education and development of the mind, body and spirit.”  

One of the primary functions of the foundation is to provide tuition assistance to students from families experiencing financial constraints.

Two students in the Lower School in Trenton Catholic Academy, Hamilton, are the recipients of Lazzari’s generosity to the Foundation for Student Achievement and have received academic scholarships in memory of her beloved parents.

On April 15, Lazzari visited the school to present a check for her donations to Anne Reap, Lower School director, and Sister of St. Joseph Dorothy Payne, president of Trenton Catholic Academy.  JoAnn Tier, diocesan superintendent of Catholic Schools, and Bethany Gregg, associate director for development and director, Foundation for Student Achievement, were also present to meet the Lazzari and Van Horn families and thank them for their dedication and commitment to Catholic education. 

“It’s a great school to invest in,” Tier said warmly, as she was introduced to Lazzari and her family.

Lazzari was also accompanied by her brother and sisters, alumni of the Upper School under its original name, St. Anthony High School, who welcomed the opportunity to visit their alma mater.  They took a nostalgic look at memorabilia from the school that this year is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its founding by Msgr. Michael McCorristin.

As she guided the visitors to the school’s Alumni Chapel, Sister Dorothy provided the rich history of the school and made note of one of her favorite sayings located on a canvas painting in the chapel, “The Dream Continues.”

“I take that very personally and to heart,” she told the Lazzari and Van Horn families. “It is our responsibility here at TCA to continue Msgr. McCorristin’s dream.”

The Foundation for Student Achievement is tax-exempt under section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions are eligible for the maximum allowable Federal tax deduction.

Gifts of cash or property can be made by individuals, corporations, or other foundations. Individuals interested in giving gifts through wills, trusts and securities, or as a memorial or tribute, should contact Stephen Nicholl, director of development, 609-403-7128 or Bethany Gregg, 609-403-7146.