IWA scholarship donors, recipients honored

Incarnate Word Academy Foundation hosted its ninth annual Scholarship Recognition Luncheon for more than 150 appreciative students, generous contributors and Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament (IWBS). The event provides an opportunity for scholarship recipients to meet the contributors of their scholarships.

Sister Michelle Marie Kuntscher, IWA Foundation President and IWBS Superior General, was the featured speaker.  In addition, scholarship recipients, senior Julia Baker and James Matl—who delivered a speech on behalf of his brother, senior Matthew Matl, shared how their scholarships enriched their educational experience.

“Without the support of the scholarship donors and benefactors, I know that I would never have been able to receive the many blessings and opportunities that an IWA education has given me,” Matl, an honors student, Eagle Scout, altar server and National Merit Scholar Finalist said.  “Scholarship donors have given my peers and me a priceless gift, and we will forever be grateful for it.”

The Academy recognized the permanent status of several scholarships.  Sister Martha O’Gara, IWBS, was honored with a special oversized-check presentation to celebrate the permanency of the scholarship in her name. Incarnate Word Academy President Charles D. Imbergamo presented the check on behalf of the Academy.

“This year, we wish to make another very public witness to partnership with the sisters and with you who assist the foundation with your support,” Imbergamo said.  “Because of our fundraising efforts through our advancement office, and another successful gala benefit, we choose to bring to completion the scholarship begun last year in honor of Sister Martha O’Gara’s 60 years of service to Jesus, the Incarnate Word as a sister of the IWBS.”

Joe B. Metz received the Pearl Award and was inducted into the Precious Stones Supporting the Mission Scholarship Recognition Society for his gift of $10,000 to the IWA Foundation for the Joseph M. “Jody” Metz Scholarship, in memory of his son.

Other scholarships reaching permanent status include the Paul and Marie Chilen Scholarship from Richard and Mary Ann Davis; the V. J. and Mary Lou Pesek Scholarship from Don and Cil Pesek and V. J. Pesek; and the Frank and Mary Beth Snapka Schonhoeft Scholarship from Mary Beth Snapka Schonhoeft.

For the 2011-2012 school year, 40 percent of IWA middle and high school students received a scholarship or a tuition award. These scholarships help the school recruit and retain a talented and diverse student body.