Religion Department Faculty
Mr. Zachary Zvosecz
Team Leader
Mr. Nazario Pangallo
Mr. Michael Patti
Emily Whalen
Mr. Zachary Zvosecz
Requirements: – Student attended St. Paul’s, Florence, KY
Grade: 8
Must submit a financial aid application through FACTS to be considered
Amount: $1000
Availability: Annual Award – Freshmen year only
Wallace and Diane Whalen believe in the importance of education. Wallace attended St. Paul School and graduated from Covington Catholic before pursuing degrees at the Florida Institute of Technology and Northern Kentucky University. Diane is a graduate of Boone County High School and attended Northern Kentucky University.
They passed this value on to their children: Jared (SHDHS Class of 2000) and Lindsey (SHDHS Class of 2003). Jared graduated from the University of Kentucky School of Engineering, and Lindsey graduated from the University of Kentucky, continuing to the University of Louisville, where she obtained her Master’s degree.
Wallace spent his career in the Printing Ink Industry and served as an Assistant Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 1 from 1987 until 2023. He proudly watched both his son, Jared, and grandson, Bradlee, achieve the Rank of Eagle Scout. In 2021, the three of them hiked to the top of Mount Baldy together at Philmont Scout Ranch.
Diane was involved in the community for many years and ultimately followed in her father’s footsteps, being elected Mayor of Florence, an office she held for 24 years.
They are blessed with four beautiful grandchildren. They range in age from 19 to 3, with the oldest attending WKU, the two in the middle attending middle school, and the youngest in preschool.
To continue giving back to the community, they decided that a scholarship for an incoming freshman from St. Paul school would provide an opportunity for the next graduates of St. Henry District High School.
Requirements:
You must complete the FACTS financial aid application.
Grades: 8, 9, 10, 11
St. Henry District High School (SHDHS) is honored to announce the establishment of the Mark Vogt Legacy Endowed Work-Study Fund, a tribute to the life and impact of Mark Vogt, Class of 1971. Thanks to a generous endowment from a dedicated donor, this fund will allow students to work at SHDHS to help pay for their tuition, ensuring a Catholic education remains accessible to families who embrace the values of hard work and commitment.
Mark’s life was defined by dedication, service, and compassion. A standout athlete at SHDHS, he earned a spot on the varsity basketball team as a freshman and achieved multiple holes-in-one on the golf course—his passion for sports continued at Thomas More College, where he furthered his athletic career.
After college, Mark became Kentucky’s youngest Property Valuation Administrator, overseeing the state’s third-largest county. His leadership extended statewide as president of the Property Valuation Administrators Association, where he served for over thirty years with integrity and dedication. Yet, beyond his professional success, Mark was known for his kindness and generosity—always looking out for friends, quietly helping those in need, and offering support without seeking recognition.
The Mark Vogt Legacy Endowed Work-Study Fund reflects his values of hard work, service, and a commitment to others. This program will give students valuable work experience while helping make their education more affordable. Contributions to the fund are welcome throughout the year, ensuring its continued impact on future SHDHS students.
The Susan Lynn Scholarship was established in memory of Susan Lynn (Russo) Klein, a member of the Class of 1975 who attended St. Henry District High School, and is a one-time award for a graduating senior.
This scholarship honors students who have demonstrated perseverance and strength in overcoming life-changing challenges or tragedies and who remain committed to pursuing their goals and ambitions.
Applicants must submit an essay describing how they have shown resilience in the face of adversity and how they plan to continue striving toward their future aspirations.
Award Amount: $2,000
Presented: At the Baccalaureate Mass
Eligibility: Current Senior
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:
The Sara Meineke Memorial ScholarshipThe Sara Meineke Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of Sara Meineke and is to be awarded annually to a current SHDHS freshman, sophomore, or junior. As a student and athlete, Sara was a driven and determined individual. She was an excellent team player, and as a friend and family member, she always made a point to be there and support her friends and teammates. This award will be given based on a written essay submitted by the student. This essay should include examples of a student’s overall kindness and support of others, participation in extracurricular activities, and a specific time where the student demonstrated inclusivity/support to a peer, which will also be taken into consideration by the family.
Amount: $1000 towards SHDHS tuition
Eligibility: Current St. Henry District High School student (freshman, sophomore, or junior)
Availability: Annually
Charlotte Ruehl Flynn Memorial ScholarshipThe Charlotte Ruehl Flynn Memorial Scholarship seeks to recognize a St. Henry District High School student who exemplifies Mrs. Flynn’s deep love for, and devotion to, St. Henry, education, and their community. Based on a review of applicants, one $500 scholarship for tuition assistance will be awarded to a student in appreciation of a high school career supporting Mrs. Flynn’s values and anticipating a future embodying the same.
Amount: $500 towards SHDHS tuition
Eligibility: Incoming or Current St. Henry District High School Student who 1) attended St. Henry Grade School and 2) lives in the Erlanger / Elsmere area.
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
Requirements: Must be a student-athlete at SHDHS
Grades: 9, 10, 11
The Dan Shea Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of Dan Shea and will be awarded annually to a current SHDHS student-athlete. Dan was a devoted family man with a big heart who felt the need to give to others. Dan had a passion for sports. He coached youth baseball, high school baseball, and golf at SHDHS. He loved watching his children play sports at SHDHS, with his sons competing in baseball and basketball while his daughters participated in volleyball, basketball, and track. Mr Shea was also well known amongst students as SHDHS’s favorite substitute teacher.
The average amount awarded annually is $1,000
Requirements: Essay, Resume
Grades: 8, 9, 10, 11
This scholarship was established in memory of Nick Wilde, Class of ‘10. This award assists a student at SHDHS who has a real passion for something, whether it be a club, sport, service, academics, or other activity, is a focused competitor, and has a financial need to attend SHDHS. Recipients can be incoming freshmen through current juniors and will be selected with the assistance of the Wilde family and the SHDHS men’s soccer coaching staff.
The average amount awarded annually is $1,000
Requirements: Essay
Grade: 8
This scholarship was established in memory of Beth Wendling, Class of 2008, who died on January 12, 2005 during her freshman year from complications following surgery. This financial aid award is based on financial need and other criteria such as community service and faith leadership.
The average amount awarded annually is $1,000
Requirements: Essay
Grades: 9, 10, 11
This scholarship was established in memory of Bill Tobergte by his children and is awarded bi-annually to a current SHDHS freshman, sophomore, or junior. The award is given based on a student’s written essay, Christian behavior, extracurricular participation, and grade point average.
The average amount awarded bi-annually is $1,000
Grades: 9, 10, 11
This scholarship was established by Mr. and Mrs. Rouse to promote the value of Catholic education and honor the life-long friendships they made while in high school. Students are selected based on financial need and academic effort.
The average amount awarded annually is $1,000 to five (5) recipients (total of $5,000)
Grades: 8, 9, 10, 11
This scholarship was established in memory of Jim Paul ’75, by his wife, Patricia, and brother, Terry. Jim was killed in the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center Towers in New York City on the 9/11/01. It is awarded to a student from Elsmere, where Jim grew up. The award is given based on financial need.
The average amount awarded annually is $1,000
Requirements: Essay
Grade: 11
This scholarship was established by family members of June Kohorst Kroger, a 1943 graduate of St. Henry, to honor Mrs. Kroger’s love of all things St. Henry. Current juniors are invited to apply for this scholarship and must submit an essay describing how they, like Mrs. Kroger, have worked to exemplify our five pillars of success during their years at SHDHS.
The average amount awarded annually is $1,000
This endowed scholarship was established by Mr. and Mrs. John and Joyce (Ruehl) ’51 Berning in 2006 to protect the future of Catholic education and assist the SHDHS families.
The average amount awarded annually is $1,000
