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Amanda Bodner Receives the Julie Funtal Scholarship Grant
By Paul Chasko

Graduating seniors from local high schools who are part of the St. Francis family were honored during a Baccalaureate Mass at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Finleyville on Sunday, June 7.

Graduating seniors from the St. Francis of Assisi Church family are (l to r): Ethan Defide, Amanda Bodner, Chloe Seiler, Cassandra Lewis, and Kirstin Amann.

Mrs. Mary Jane Jurofcik introduced each graduate and spoke briefly on their high school experience and about their plans for the future. She also presented each of the students with a gift from the parish. All of the graduates are planning on post-high school education. Father Robert Boyle was assisted at Mass by Deacon Vic Satter, and both expressed their congratulations to each of the graduates.

Each year, one graduating senior from the St. Francis Parish is selected on the basis of academic achievement and service to the church and community to receive the Julie Funtal Scholarship Grant. The grant is a monetary award for post-high school education given by the Columbiettes and Knights of Columbus of St. Francis Church in memory of past Columbiette President Julie Funtal. At the Baccalaureate Mass, this year's winner was announced to be Amanda Bodner. A check was presented to Amanda, which will be used to assist with her college expenses at La Roche College. Amanda graduated from Hilllcrest Christian Academy with highest honors.

Over the years, the young men and women from the St Francis family, graduating from various local high schools, have been outstanding students, well-prepared for post high schooling and life in general. This year's graduates continue that tradition. These mini bios are noteworthy.

Kirsten Amann:
Kirsten graduated from Ringgold High School and is a member of the National Honor Society. She graduated with high honors. She was awarded the Independence Merit Award from Robert Morris College, where she will be majoring in accounting.

Amanda Bodner, recipient of the Julie Funtal Scholarship Grant, is flanked by Gretchen and Mitch Wagner, representing the Columbiettes and the Knights of Columbus.

Amanda Bodner:
Amanda graduated from Hillcrest Christian Academy with highest honors. She was team captain of the girls' volleyball team, led the team to the division championship and was designated as an All-Star Player. She's testing for Master Black Belt this fall as a Third-degree Black Belt. She was awarded the highest La Roche Merit Scholarship, the Kaleidoscope Scholarship for mission work and a renewable National science Foundation Scholarship. She was recruited by La Roche for college volleyball and will be studying biochemistry. Amanda has plans to attend the women's National Volleyball Championships in Europe in 2017.

Ethan Defide:
Ethan graduated from Ringgold High School in the top third of his class. He played basketball on the JV and varsity squads. Fishing is one of his hobbies, but his main interest is in computers. He intends to begin formal computer studies at the Pittsburgh Technical Institute School of Information Technology. His immediate aim is an associate degree, but he is leaving the door open for further study in an area of specialization.

Cassandra Lewis:
Cassie graduated from Ringgold High School with high honors. She was an All-Section Volleyball player. In academics, she earned the President's Education Award and was a member of the National Honor Society. She was awarded the Ralph Young Scholarship. She plans to study occupational therapy at the University of Pittsburgh (Johnstown).

Chloe Seiler:
Chloe graduated from Ringgold High School with honors and is a member of the National Honor Society. She played on the JV and varsity volleyball squads and was named an All-Section Player. She was also a Relay for Life captain. Chloe plans to study elementary education at the University of Pittsburgh and expects to play volleyball for Pitt.

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