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For the first time in the history of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia there is a new scholarship earmarked for African American high school students who live in the city. The new Monsignor John Mitchell Memorial Scholarship was announced earlier this year. The 2008-2009 "Mitchell Scholars" are Tiana Drummond, Marquis Hudson, Tyron Stinson, and Wallace Weaver.
A black-tie banquet is planned to honor these scholars and to increase the resources of this fund. With keynote speaker the Most Rev. Wilton D. Gregory, Archbishop of Atlanta, and guest speaker, Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, the gala will be held at the City Line Hilton in Philadelphia on Sunday, Nov. 2 from 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $120 for the reception and dinner program.
Besides the student awardees, four adults will be recognized either for their support of Catholic education or for serving as positive role models who have benefited from a Catholic education. In addition, NBC10 news anchor John Blunt will serve as master of ceremonies. Among the scheduled entertainment is the local youth ensemble, Divine Jazz, who will perform during the opening reception.
Very early this year the Rev. Stephen D. Thorne, executive director of the Office for Black Catholics, pulled together a fundraising banquet committee. They began to pool their talents to plan this special event that would increase the fund even before the official announcement. Their goal is to ensure that the resources stretch as far as possible allowing them to give as many additional scholarships as possible in the coming years.
"The purpose of this event is to first just celebrate outstanding black students in our community," said Thorne. "It's really a celebration of being African American and Catholic, even though first and foremost we will be increasing the money to support Catholic young people in education. Along with (showcasing) the blessings of a Catholic education, we will be recognizing some of the leaders in our community."
Thorne pointed out that the secondary school scholarship recipients were carefully selected. First, a call was made to all the high schools in the Philadelphia area by encouraging students who were African American, Catholic, exhibited academic excellence, and had a financial need to apply. The Office for Black Catholics received 30 applications. After careful deliberation the first four "Mitchell Scholars" were chosen.
During this inaugural year of the scholarship each student will receive a tuition assistance award of $2,000. Since parochial tuition in the Philadelphia area is still competitive, this will take care of "about 40 percent" of the cost of attending most Catholic schools in the area, according to Thorne.
"As we increase the fund through the money we raise at the banquet we hope to add two more scholarships next year," said Thorne. "Obviously the more support we get the more scholarships we can award. In future years we may be able to increase the level of support as well."
This year's scholars represent some of the best and brightest Catholic pupils. Among them is one senior, two juniors and one freshman. All exhibited a philanthropic spirit and participated in extracurricular activities besides having stellar academic records. For example, Weaver volunteered in the Appalachians, while Hudson served as a volunteer tutor. Drummond sings in her parish choir, dances, and plays musical instruments.
"We are just excited that these young people will be able to meet the only African American archbishop and other role models at the banquet," said Thorne. "Obviously Archbishop Gregory has gained much notoriety when he was president of the Catholic Bishops Conference. He's even been recognized in the secular press in publications like Ebony and Jet. He converted to Catholicism as a direct result of receiving a Catholic education. It's just a blessing to have him at this event."
It was March of this year that Cardinal Rigali announced that the Philadelphia Archdiocese had received a bequest to fund a scholarship in honor of Msgr. Mitchell. The monsignor had served as priest of the archdioceses from 1939 to 1981. During that time, he was pastor of St. Ignatius of Loyola and St. Francis de Sales parishes in West Philadelphia.
There Msgr. Mitchell was known for his faithful ministry to African American Catholics. Thus, the fund was established to support African American high school students in the archdiocese who are Catholic and African American, with academic ability and came from low to moderate income households.
Those who are unable to attend the Nov. 2 banquet can still support the fund by becoming a sponsor, placing an ad in the souvenir book, or by making a direct monetary contribution. To obtain tickets for the fundraiser or to make a donation contact the Office for Black Catholics in Philadelphia at 215-587-3634.
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