Decades of generosity
WINSTON-SALEM — Over the course of 21 years, an anonymous couple has given $1 million to the Piedmont Triad Scholarship Fund, making a Catholic education possible for more than 800 students at St. Leo and Our Lady of Mercy Catholic schools in Winston-Salem.
For the fiscal year 2023-2024, the fund will provide $50,000 in need-based scholarships ranging from $500 to $2,000 per student in eligible single-parent and minority families. Families are awarded the scholarships in early May of each year.
For two decades, the donors’ generosity has made a world of difference to area families seeking a Catholic education for their children, who have in turn enriched the school communities, the principals of both schools noted.
“We have been blessed with the presence of students who may not have been able to attend our school if it hadn’t been for this scholarship fund,” said St. Joseph Sister Geri Rogers, principal of Our Lady of Mercy School. “I’ve seen such tremendous blessings and accomplishments in the lives of the families who have been awarded the scholarship over the years. Our school family would not be the same without them, and it’s all thanks to the generous hearts of these anonymous donors.”
School leaders also noted the lasting impact such gifts make as the students go out into the world and use their education to benefit others.
“We are humbled by the generosity of the donors who have given so freely of their resources for more than 20 years to make a Catholic education possible for families in the Winston-Salem area,” said Gary Callus, principal of St. Leo School. “The good this fund has done and will do in the lives of these families will reach far into the future, and we are immensely grateful.”
Jim Kelley, development director for the Diocese of Charlotte, added,“We are having more individuals and couples make transformative gifts, either to capital projects, estate gifts or through significant gifts over a period of years like this couple has done. These particular gifts have changed the lives of these students as they learn to grow in knowledge and holiness and prepare themselves for lifelong service in their communities.”
Dr. Greg Monroe, superintendent of Catholic schools, agreed.
“Through the grace of the Piedmont Triad Scholarship Fund, the doors of St. Leo and Our Lady of Mercy Catholic schools swing wide open for families in need. We gratefully acknowledge our generous donors who are not merely funding education but investing in the creation of saintly scholars,” he said. “Their contributions are planting seeds of knowledge, virtue, service and ambition that blossom into our students’ lifelong journeys, empowering them to change the world for the better.”
— Annie Ferguson
Learn more
Interested in making transformative gifts like this one, whether it’s for a school, parish or other diocesan organization? Contact Jim Kelley, diocesan director of development, at 704-608-0359 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
SALISBURY — Sacred Heart School in Salisbury celebrated the grand opening of the school’s new Master Garden space and honored Earth Day on April 29.
Activities included animal encounters, guest speakers, seed planting and arts and crafts.
The garden was envisioned by Liz Edwards and was made possible by an Education Foundation Grant. Jim Brincefield and Shane McCormick, who worked on the garden, cut the ribbon. Father John Eckert blessed the new special space.
Students enjoyed some creatures, including delightful alpacas, adorable goats and even some majestic bearded dragons. The animals were provided by Coach Epps, Zootastic and Rowan Wild.
Students also planted sunflowers and learned about the shrinking land and the importance of taking care of our planet. And to make things even sweeter, students learned about honeybees and how crucial they are to our environment. Students made a craft that they can display proudly in their homes as a reminder to always be mindful of our impact on Earth.
— Photos provided
