SHDHS CRUNews

Robert Jacob Rebitski Memorial Scholarship

In Loving Memory of Robert Jacob Rebitski, SHDHS Class of 2016

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” — John 15:13

This scholarship honors the memory of Robert Rebitski, a 26-year-old SHDHS graduate who was wicked smart and lived with quiet strength, selfless love, and a deep appreciation for the everyday. He found joy in the ordinary and wasn’t afraid to be a little ornery—in the best way. He had an infectious smile and giggle.

Robert brought humor, grit, and determination to everything he did—especially when it came to caring for others. He would lay down his life for his brother or sister and lived out his Catholic faith through humility, service, and devotion to family. He thought outside the box—not just in business, where he boldly purchased and ran his father’s legacy company—but also in how he loved, solved problems, and made others feel seen and valued through his quiet acts of kindness. He earned the Boy Scouts’ highest honor of Eagle Scout and stayed true to the Scout Oath.

This scholarship reminds us that while Crusaders may come from different paths, we are united in our mission to serve, lead, and love well.

Eligibility:

• Open to current SHDHS freshmen, sophomores, and juniors (grades 9–11)
• Demonstrates financial need (a completed FACTS application must be on file)
• Embodies Robert’s values: joy in the ordinary, kindness, service, quiet strength, and a little good-natured mischief

Mary Evelyn Klingenberg Scholarship

Grades: 12

Requirements: Essay
Grade: 12- A student who would like to pursue a career in education
The average awarded scholarship is $1,000

The Mary Evelyn Klingenberg Scholarship was established to honor Ms. Klingenberg’s dedication to teaching after 25 years at SHDHS. After the scholarship was established, she continued to teach for 20 more years. Ms. Klingenberg taught math for 45 years at St. Henry District High School. She is a beloved teacher who encouraged others to enjoy the joy of learning and reap the rewards of a career in education.

Essay criteria

Q. What can I contribute to teaching, and what do I expect teaching to give to me? This essay question will give the scholarship committee a deeper understanding of your passion for education and your potential impact as a future educator.

This essay question will give the scholarship committee a deeper understanding of your passion for education and your potential impact as a future educator.

When writing the essay, please do not put your name on it.

Paul and Mary Hemmer Scholarship

Grades: 8, 9, 10, 11

Paul and Mary Hemmer knew the importance of education, especially Catholic education. They both attended Saint Benedict Grade School in Covington where they met in the 1st grade. Both received scholarships to Catholic high schools, Paul to Saint Xavier High School and Mary to Villa Madonna Academy. Their Catholic education provided them with a strong foundation that helped them to become successful and upstanding members of their community and church.

After earning a degree in civil engineering from UC, Paul worked for his father’s construction company, helping it to expand to a real estate development company. He then went on to help found Paul Hemmer Companies. In addition to running a thriving business, Paul was involved in civic, religious, and educational causes. He had leadership positions in many local organizations, including Thomas More University, University of Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky University, Chamber of Commerce, and United Way. Mary went on to nursing school and became a nurse at Saint Elizabeth Hospital. She was a Eucharistic minister, school volunteer, and a member of various prayer groups and religious organizations such as Legatus.

Paul and Mary passed on their love of education to their eight children, providing them with a Catholic grade school and high school education. All of their children are college graduates, many with advanced degrees. Wanting to share their belief in the value of education, Paul and Mary have extended their generosity to the community, contributing money and setting up scholarships to many local Catholic schools, including Saint Henry District School.

The average amount awarded annually is $1,000