Posted
October 08, 2026
At yesterday's annual Scholarship Appreciation Luncheon, scholarship supporters heard firsthand from students about the opportunities their generosity makes possible.
Alumni, past parents, grandparents, and friends of the school gathered around the tables with today’s Edsmen. Conversations about classes and activities soon became an exchange of stories: an unforgettable trip, a school tradition still going strong, a silly prank worth retelling. Laughter filled the room as guests and students shared their St. Edward memories.
A common thread emerged in those conversations: teachers who made a difference. With affection and admiration, Edsmen across generations recalled faculty members who challenged them to do more than they thought possible, made a difficult subject click, or recognized a talent they had yet to see in themselves. Some offered advice that stayed with them long after graduation. Others were remembered simply for making time to listen.
That appreciation for teachers carried special meaning for the event’s student speaker, Drew Bell ’27, whose parents are both educators. With four boys to support through high school and college, his parents were concerned about the cost of tuition. The Marilyn and David Palisin ’64 Endowed Scholarship helped make his St. Edward education possible.
As an Edsman, Drew discovered a passion for photography and videography. Now, as an IB Film student, he is working with fellow seniors on a documentary about people experiencing homelessness. Alongside the technical skills of filmmaking, he is learning why people’s stories deserve to be told with care.
“We are learning to build genuine connections with the people we meet, listen to their stories, and work toward creating meaningful change in our community,” Drew said.
The Palisins’ generosity gave him a chance to discover his talents—and learn how to use them for others.
View the full photo gallery from the 2026 Scholarship Appreciation Luncheon.
Opening Doors
More than 140 scholarships, endowed by alumni, parents, grandparents, and friends, help keep a St. Edward education within reach for families from every background. Many honor the memory of a loved one who cherished the school.
“For many families, the question isn’t whether they want a St. Edward education for their son. It’s how they’ll afford it,” said Kim Kuchta, Vice President of Enrollment & Strategy. “We’re so grateful for the people who help make that possible. Their generosity gives families a chance to say, ‘We can do this.’”
For Drew, the luncheon was an opportunity to thank the people who helped make his education possible.
“Thank you for giving me the opportunity to become the best young man I can be,” he said. “I am incredibly grateful to be an Edsman, and I will carry what St. Ed’s has given me wherever my journey takes me.”
Scholarship Opportunities
In addition to named endowed scholarships and need-based financial aid, St. Edward offers several opportunities to reduce the cost of tuition:
Merit Scholarships recognize students with high scores on the High School Placement Test.
Legacy Scholarships support the sons and grandsons of alumni.
Music Scholarships support students who participate in eligible school ensembles.
Holy Cross Scholarships, worth up to $6,000, recognize young men who exemplify Holy Cross values.
Through her work with scholarship donors and recipients, St. Edward Stewardship Coordinator Tracy Patton sees firsthand how supporters’ generosity makes a difference in the lives of students and their families.
“I’m always amazed by how many people care about this school and the young men who come here,” Patton says. “Some are giving back for an experience they had decades ago. Others are honoring someone they love.”
Kuchta encourages every eighth-grade student interested in St. Edward to complete the school’s common Scholarship Application, which allows students to be considered for multiple scholarships through a single form. The scholarship committee reviews applications, and families receive a detailed tuition estimate in December, including any scholarships awarded, to help them make an informed decision.
“It’s wonderful to see how many people in the St. Edward community care about our students and want to give the next generation a chance. We’re grateful for their generosity, and we want families to know this support is here. If your son is interested in St. Edward, fill out the Scholarship Application and let us help you see what’s possible for your family.”
Eighth-grade students interested in joining the St. Edward Class of 2031 must submit their Scholarship Application by November 13, 2026. Click here to learn more about scholarship opportunities and apply.
