O’Malley Scholarship Recipients Meet Their Donors
September 11, 2018 | Foundations in Education | Media Mentions News
While every scholarship recipient appreciates the donor that helps make their academic experience possible, it is unlikely that they get to meet the people who fund their scholarships. On September 11, six students from Trinity Catholic High School in Stamford and their families had the unique opportunity to personally meet and converse with their scholarship donors, Mary Alice and Thomas O’Malley.
Mr. and Mrs. O’Malley committed $500,000 to Foundations in Education over five years to establish a scholarship at Trinity Catholic High School for children of firefighters and police officers in Greenwich or Stamford and nurses of Greenwich or Stamford Hospital. This scholarship covers 80% of their tuition.
“It means so much to me that they appreciate first responders like my father,” said freshman Morgan Vossler, whose father is a Stamford police officer.
The evening was particularly symbolic as 9/11 will always be remembered as a day to honor first responders.
Thomas O’Malley offered the scholars some advice; the same guidance he gave his own children and grandchildren. He warned them of the many evils in their midst. He urged them not to follow the example of poor decision-making peers; but instead be leaders. He challenged them to find what stirs their passion and pursue their dream.
“I took away wise insights from Mr. O’Malley, of which I promise to apply in my time at Trinity Catholic and beyond,” remarked sophomore Megan DeLallo.
Students sat captivated as Mr. O’Malley recounted how he grew from modest means. He shared with them his own passions and something he would do if he were President.
Mr. O’Malley went on to say, “I have traveled to just about every country there is and there is no better place to live than the United States. If I were President, I would mandate that every student at the age of 18 devote one year to service. Every citizen should give back whether it is military service, volunteering in public works, or any type of community service.”
“I am honored to be an O’Malley scholar. My fellow scholars and I are a part of somethinggreat,” remarked DeLallo.
The O’Malleys suggested the students “also thank the Most Reverend Frank J. Caggiano for being the compelling advocate for Catholic education that he is.”
Bishop Caggiano created Foundations in Education in order to create a long-term strategy to stabilize and improve Diocese of Bridgeport Catholic schools and provide a path for their sustained growth.
