THE CAMBRIA FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP

The Cambria Family Scholarship, established in 2020, funds tuition for a deserving Upper School student(s) who promotes diversity at the school — with diversity defined broadly to include race, ethnic background and immigration status, socio-economic factors, religion, and other circumstances. The family believes that everyone deserves an education and environment akin to that which Oak Knoll offers, and that the student body and school community as a whole are enriched by its diversity.

John Cambria with daughters Catie ’02, Jeannie ’05 and Luci ’08

Valerie Iris, daughter of Jeannie Cambria ’05 Barbara Jean and Jude Francis, children of Catie Cambria ’02

John Cambria notes why the scholarship was established:

In October of 1997, my wife and the mother of Catie, Jeannie and Luci, passed away from metastatic breast cancer. Although I knew very well that the day was coming, being a single father with three young daughters aged 13, 10 and 7, was daunting. My principal fear and concerns were that my motherless children would be challenged in their ability to flourish, to succeed, and to adjust in their lives to our new harsh reality. They had thrived in their grammar school which was a community of mutually supporting folks. As Catie was about to start high school, I was focused on making sure that she would be nurtured as well as educated. It soon became clear that OKS was our best choice. The rest, as the saying goes, is history. Catie, Jeannie and Luci all went on to be sheltered, fostered, and driven by the excellence and love that are the hallmarks of OKS. I cannot overstate the relief and gratitude I felt as my girls went through their high school years and then onto first rate colleges (Princeton and Northwestern). They are now young adults and Catie has blessed me with two wonderful grandchildren. I am immensely proud of the three of them, not just because of their responsibility and success as members of society, but because of the people they have become and the values they will inculcate in their own children. They have blessed me with three wonderful grandchildren. I know that their mother has been smiling with equal satisfaction. I made a vow to myself long ago that I would find a way to thank OKS, and this Scholarship is our way of doing just that.

The generosity of the Cambria family allows Oak Knoll to fulfill its Catholic mission, and ensure that Oak Knoll remains a vibrant learning environment.

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S. Hackensack, NJ Permit No. 79