4 minute read
Celebrating Our Scholarships
AE
ACADEMIC
EXCELLENCE
NICOLE Celebrating Our Scholarships Looking to contribute and leave a legacy? Bishop McNamara continues to actively seek
scholarship opportunities for our Mustangs and their families. Read below to learn about some of our newest scholarships and the legacies they’re building, and how you can help!
The Anthony J. Conto Fine Arts Endowed Scholarship The Anthony J. Conto Fine Arts Endowed Scholarship
Bishop McNamara proudly presents The Anthony J. Conto Fine Arts Endowed Scholarship! This newly-premiered scholarship honors Mr. Conto’s 21 years of service and dedication to BMHS. Mr. Conto recently moved on to serve as Executive Director of the Maryland Music Educators Association. Below are a few of Mr. Conto’s contributions during his leadership: • Founding the Fine Arts Diploma
Endorsement Program (FADE) • Establishing our Tri-M Music
Honors Society • Doubling enrollment and ensemble offerings within our instrumental music program, including the expansion to a string orchestra program • Developing the Fine Arts Department to be one of the most wellrounded, robust Fine Arts programs within a college-preparatory environment here in the D.C. metropolitan area Once this scholarship reaches its goal of $25,000, it will go on to benefit a returning Fine Arts Diploma Endorsement (FADE) student for the remainder of their time at Bishop McNamara.
Sister David Ann Niski, OSF
Endowed Scholarship
Graduates of La Reine High School will easily recognize the name of Sister David Ann Niski. Currently the Executive Director for the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Foundation, Sister David Ann previously served as a teacher and disciplinarian at La Reine High School.
Sister David Ann has remained involved with Bishop McNamara, recently serving as a member of our Board of Directors and Advancement Committee (2019-2022), and her service to our school has been immeasurable. She has frequently found opportunities for our students to intern with organizations like NASA, which has helped to increase interest in STEM and its possibilities for our Mustangs. Most recently, she contributed her personal gifts and memories of La Reine High School to ensure the new La Reine Science & Innovation Center will serve every student, fulfill the mission of the Brothers of Holy Cross, and always remain inclusive of the La Reine High School alumni.
This scholarship, currently funded at $25,000, will contribute 4% of its value annually, in perpetuity, to a young woman exemplifying her spirit and living out the values of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters. Her vision for our young women will live on, forever, in this award here at Bishop McNamara.
The Walter C. Webb Memorial
Endowed Scholarship
Earlier this year, Bishop McNamara was honored to announce the development of the Walter C. Webb, Sr. Endowed Scholarship.
Mr. Webb was the first African American teacher at BMHS, and a brilliant instructor and leader of the math department. He taught from 1970 until the mid-1980's, and proclaimed that teaching math was one of his greatest passions. His wife Alice always says that “my husband is the best math teacher anywhere". Additionally, both of his sons (Walter Jr. '88 and Joseph '96) graduated from Bishop McNamara.
Mr. Webb was a humble and wise soul who mentored many coworkers. He was a math tutor who was well known for helping students prepare for the SAT. Often his clients would call him late at night with math questions and he would always immediately answer the phone and assist them. Walter was loved by everyone who met him, and he had many nicknames over the years. He received the name “Coach” while at Virginia Union playing in a “pick-up” basketball game. His sons called him “Boss Man,” and one of his greatest joys was becoming a grandfather and having his twin grandsons call him “Grand Boss.”
The Walter C. Webb, Sr. Endowed Scholarship was created by alumni and Mr. Webb's family.
The Unforgettable Spirit
Randell Duncan Memorial Scholarship
The Randell Duncan Memorial Scholarship Award was established after the Bishop McNamara High School Class of 2000 was compelled by the desire to recognize and celebrate their fallen brother, Randell Duncan, a unique man of character.
Despite the unfortunate circumstances of his death, Randell’s positive, creative, and selflessly giving spirit continues to live on and inspire everyone who was touched by his life. Therefore, a scholarship fund was created to ensure the continued support and financial backing to individuals encapsulating all of the qualities that define an “Unforgettable Spirit”.
This summer, the class of 2000 came together to formally celebrate their twentieth reunion and continue to fundraise for the Randell Duncan Memorial Scholarship Award, so that it can live in perpetuity in memory of their beloved classmate.
