Spring 2026 Scholarship Opportunities

The Betty Grimes Memorial Scholarship was established in 2013 in loving memory of Elizabeth Conerty Grimes, a McAuley alumna from the class of 1963. The scholarship award is given to a graduating senior to be used at the college or university of her choice. Scholarship funds will be forwarded directly to the designated college or university.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. The applicant must have a current minimum G.P.A. of 2.5 and be in good standing behaviorally and financially.
2. The applicant’s family must have demonstrated financial need as determined by the submission of the 2025-2026 Blackbaud financial aid application.
3. The applicant will be expected to enroll in a two year or four year fully accredited college or university in the fall of 2026.
4. The applicant must submit a brief essay using the prompt below. Essays must be 500 words or less. Please do not put your name or any identifying information in your essay.

Essay Prompt: Please describe at least one time in your life when you have succeeded in spite of obstacles in your path. What factors do you believe contributed to your achievement? How has this experience influenced your career and/or personal goals?

Candace (Cain ‘86) and Nicholas Mizaur understand the challenges that can arise when families have great stress caused by paralyzing unforeseen circumstances and hardship. Their generous hearts and deep compassion lead them to financially support families in need and at the same time, provide light and hope in such a dark time.

This non-renewable scholarship is open to all levels and will be awarded to two families at $1,000 each who have been experiencing financial hardship and difficult times.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. The applicant must have filled out the Blackbaud financial aid application for the '25-'26 school year.
2. The applicant must have experienced unforeseen hardship.
3. The applicant must submit a brief essay using the prompt below. Essays must be 400-500 words or less. Please do not put your name or any identifying information in your essay.

Essay Prompt: Please share a hardship or unforeseen circumstance in your life. How would receiving a scholarship to Mother McAuley provide light and hope to you and your family?

Born in France in 1937, Danielle Lange survived early life in a World War II war zone and eventually became a U.S. citizen. An accomplished teacher for over 50 years, she found her most loved position as a French teacher at Mother McAuley for nearly 30 years. She believed in empowering the young women of Mother McAuley to be compassionate global citizens.

The family and friends of Mme. Danielle Lange, a dedicated wife and mother, have established the Danielle Lange French Scholarship as a tribute to her love of the French language and culture and her commitment to education.

This $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to two (2) French students.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. The applicant must must be a rising senior, who plans to take 4 years of French.

2. The applicant must be an active member of the McAuley National French Honor Society.

3. The applicant must be in good standing academically and behaviorally.

4. The applicant must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Essay Prompt: How has your coursework in French affected your view of the world? How will these educational experiences prepare you for your future career and life choices?

.

The Diana L. Morrissey Eden Scholarship was established in memory of Diana “Dee” Morrissey Eden, a member of the class of 1977. Dee cared deeply about assisting those with learning obstacles, so to truly honor her commitment to helping others, this $1,000 tuition scholarship will be awarded to five (5) students who participate in the Learning Resource Program. The scholarship is open to students of all levels.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. The applicant must be participating in the McAuley Learning Resource Program.
2. The applicant must submit a brief essay using the prompt below. Essays must be 300 words. Please do not put your name or any identifying information in your essay.

Essay Prompt: How has the Learning Resource Program taught you to be an advocate for yourself and to take responsibility for your own participation in learning?

The Eileen O’Brien Scholarship was established in 2016 in honor of Eileen O’Brien, who was instrumental in starting the swimming, diving and water polo program at Mother McAuley. When her daughter, already a talented competitive swimmer, entered McAuley as a freshman in 1980, these programs didn't exist. However, due to her perseverance and pioneering spirit, they were introduced during the 1982-1983 school year. Eileen O'Brien is a trailblazer, dedicated mother, athletic supporter and grandmother of a current Mighty Mac athlete who believes in the importance of competition and teamwork. It is because of these qualities that McAuley enjoys robust, award-winning swimming, diving and water polo programs. Her desire to provide opportunities for her daughter and future women has impacted generations of students who have found their community in these programs.

This $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to one member of the swimming, diving and/or water polo team for tuition assistance.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. The applicant must have a current minimum G.P.A. of 2.5, and be in good standing behaviorally and financially.
2. The applicant must be an active participant in the Mother McAuley swimming/diving or water polo program.
3. The applicant must submit a brief essay using the prompt below. Essays must be 250 words or less. Please do not put your name or any identifying information in your essay.

Essay Prompt: Please describe how being a member of the Mother McAuley swimming/diving or water polo program has impacted your life. Also, cite examples how you will honor and exemplify Mrs. O’Brien’s perseverance and “pioneering spirit” in your own life.

The Mother McAuley Father’s Club will dedicate $1,000 for a scholarship to four (4) selected students (one from each grade level) to support the advancement of their education. The scholarship is intended to be used towards furthering the student’s educational goals.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Student must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
2. Student must be in good standing at Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School.
3. Father/Guardian must be a dues paying member of the Mother McAuley Father’s Club by November 2025 and must attend four (4) events and or meetings.
4. Student must submit a brief essay using the prompt below. Essays must be 300-350 words. Please do not put your name or any identifying information in your essay.

Essay Prompt: How has attending Mother McAuley given you a lifetime advantage to help succeed in the future?

The Mary Clare Lynch Memorial Scholarship was established in 2014 in loving memory of Mary Clare, a McAuley alumna from the class of 1982 and a former faculty member. McAuley was a special place for Mary Clare Lynch. As an alumna, Mary Clare was influenced by her time as a spirited student. As a faculty member, she made a difference to the students who worked with her through her compassion and dedication. This memorial scholarship will allow Mary Clare’s impact to continue for our young women by providing financial assistance and the opportunity to experience McAuley. Her family and friends are proud to honor Mary Clare’s memory and support women at McAuley through this scholarship.

Students must be nominated by a faculty/staff member or student peer to receive this $1,000 scholarship. To nominate a student, please ensure the student meets the criteria below, fill out this application, and complete an essay answering the following prompt. Essays should not exceed 250 words. Please do not put your name or the student’s name or any identifying information in your essay.

Essay Prompt: Please describe how this student has demonstrated a selfless and loving commitment to others. Can you cite specific examples or explain how your interaction with the student has been an enriching experience?

Nominated students must meet the following criteria:

1. The nominated student must be a sophomore or junior.
2. The student must have a current minimum G.P.A. of 2.5, and be in good standing behaviorally and financially.
3. The student’s character exhibits a caring and giving nature toward others, especially those who might need assistance, friendship or counsel.
4. The student is a person who believes in being service orientated, is willing to participate in projects that the school offers which have an outreach goal attributed to them. OR, she actively engages in service that is connected to specific family needs; service that may not be specifically connected to the school. She serves her family and community frequently and faithfully.
5. The student serves humbly, not calling attention to herself, and often working “behind the scenes.” She serves with joy and enthusiasm.
6. This person demonstrates faith in a God who lives within her, loves her and invites her to extend her love to others in her every day relationships.
7. This young woman has a zest for life and a zest for learning which gives her the desire to attend Mother McAuley High School.

“These are but a few of the attributes which identified Mary Clare Lynch as a teacher, student and friend.”

The Sheffieck Family Scholarship was established to support first year students at Mother McAuley. This $3,000 will be awarded to two (2) freshmen.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. The applicant must be a current freshman at Mother McAuley.
2. The applicant must have at least one parent or guardian who is a member of the Mother's Club or Father's Club (as evidenced by payment of membership dues or the application for membership).
3. The applicant must demonstrate financial need through the submission of the 2025-2026 Blackbaud financial aid application.
4. The applicant must participate in at least one extra-curricular activity.
5. The applicant must be in good standing.
6. The applicant must submit an essay using the prompt below. Essays must be 300-500 words. Please do not put your name or any identifying information in your essay.

Essay Prompt: What have you learned through your participation in extra-curriculars at Mother McAuley that makes you a good candidate for this scholarship?

The $1,000 tuition scholarship is given annually to four (4) students, one per grade level, of Mother McAuley. The scholarship is named for Sister Corinne Raven, a Sister of Mercy, who served as McAuley principal from 1987-1997 and as a curriculum director from 1978-1987, while also teaching an English class. The focus of this scholarship is service in the tradition of Catherine McAuley, the foundress of the Sisters of Mercy. The recipients of this scholarship are individuals who make the world a better place in which to live.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. The applicant’s mother or guardian must be a current member of the Mother’s Club, with dues paid on/before the day of the November meeting and must have attended three (3) meetings and volunteer at three (3) events for the 2025-2026 school year.
2. The applicant must have a minimum cumulative G.P.A. of 2.5 or higher.
3. The applicant must be in good standing at Mother McAuley.
4. The applicant must submit a brief essay using the prompt below. Essays must be 300-350 words. Please do not put your name or any identifying information in your essay.

Essay Prompt: Catherine McAuley did not wait for permission to lead. She saw a need and responded. Describe a need you see in your school or community today. How can young women be formed and empowered as leaders ready to respond to that need with courage, compassion and leadership?

Susan Morrissey was a 1986 graduate of Mother McAuley. Susan’s commitment to live out her Christian life led her to take a leadership role as an officer in McAuley’s premier service group, Action/Reaction. She organized her fellow students to seek creative ways to address needs and serve others. In 1997, Susan died suddenly as a result of a car accident. Susan’s family has established The Susan Morrissey Memorial Award for Service in Susan’s memory to encourage young women to step outside of themselves and make a difference by serving the needs of their school, church, and community.

This $750 scholarship will be awarded to a current freshman student.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. The applicant must be a current freshman student.
2. The applicant must have achieved a B average (minimum of 3.0 G.P.A.) in their first semester of high school.
3. The applicant must demonstrate financial need as shown through the 2025-2026 Blackbaud Financial Aid application.
4. The applicant must answer all of the following questions. Answers should be numbered 1-4. Please do not put your name or any identifying information in your answer.

Prompts:

1. Why do you think service to others is important?
2. What need did you recognize, what plan did you develop to address that need, and what specific steps did you take to actualize the plan?
3. How has your understanding of service changed/developed during your first year at McAuley? How does your understanding connect with the value Catherine McAuley placed on service?
4. How will you continue to make service to others matter at Mother McAuley High School?