We are thrilled to announce the recipient of the 2023 IONA PREP Justin's Wings of Hope Scholarship! This prestigious scholarship, made possible by the generous support of our donors, continues to advance the memory of Justin Samela Miceli, a beloved student at Iona Preparatory School. The spirit of Justin lives on as a flame of inspiration for the entire Iona community. Let's dive into the highlights of the event and express our gratitude to all those involved.
A Heartwarming Letter of Thanks:
One of the highlights of the event was the heartfelt letter from Mark E. Hogan, Chief Advancement Officer of Iona Preparatory School. In the letter, Mr. Hogan extended his gratitude and praise to Alicia Samela, the founder of Justin's Wings of Hope Foundation, for endowing the Iona Preparatory community. He acknowledged the significant impact Justin's legacy has had on the students and faculty at Iona Prep, serving as a constant source of inspiration.
Meet Louis Katsihitis:
We are proud to congratulate Louis Katsihitis, the deserving recipient of the 2023 Justin's Wings of Hope Scholarship at Iona Preparatory School. Louis, a rising freshman, exemplifies the qualities that Justin embodied during his time at Iona Prep. In his letter, Mr. Hogan described Louis as a true "Renaissance Man," highlighting his accomplishments both on and off the field.
Louis is not only a talented athlete, excelling in football, basketball, and baseball, but he has also been selected for the prestigious dual STEP/STEM program, showcasing his academic prowess. Moreover, he qualified for the regular STEP Humanities program, emphasizing his well-roundedness. Louis's reserved manners, firm handshake, and genuine presence, reminiscent of Justin's character, have further impressed the Iona Prep community.
Continuing Justin's Legacy:
The selection of Louis as the 2023 scholarship recipient demonstrates the enduring impact of Justin's legacy within the Iona Preparatory community. By recognizing Louis's exceptional talents, both academically and athletically, we honor Justin's memory and inspire other students to strive for excellence.
The Generosity of Our Donors:
None of this would have been possible without the generous contributions of our friends and donors. We are immensely grateful for their unwavering support, which made a $5,000 grant from Justin's Wings of Hope Foundation possible. Your belief in our mission enables us to provide life-changing opportunities to deserving students like Louis.
The 2023 IONA PREP Justin's Wings of Hope Scholarship event was a testament to the enduring impact of Justin Samela-Miceli's spirit and the generosity of our supporters. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Louis Katsihitis, the well-deserving scholarship recipient. Through his achievements, Louis carries forward Justin's legacy, embodying the values and spirit of Iona Preparatory School.
We are grateful for the ongoing support of our donors, whose contributions enable us to make a difference in the lives of promising students. Together, we continue to spread wings of hope and create a brighter future for the next generation.