Ursuline's Upper School Principal Jeffrey Danilak addresses this year's scholarship recipients and their families. (Jarek Rutz/Delaware LIVE News)

Ursuline celebrates achievements of 38 scholarship winners 

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Education

Ursuline's Upper School Principal Jeffrey Danilak addresses this year's scholarship recipients and their families. (Jarek Rutz/Delaware LIVE News)

Ursuline’s Upper School Principal Jeffrey Danilak addresses this year’s scholarship recipients and their families. (Jarek Rutz/Delaware LIVE News)

Dozens of prospective Ursuline Academy students gathered with their families Sunday for a recognition ceremony celebrating their scholarships to the private all-girls Catholic school.

Nearly all of the private schools hold similar ceremonies, both to honor students who earned the scholarships but also to convince those who may have several offers to pick their school. 

“This ceremony allows us to celebrate them and their hard work,” said Lisa Clody, director of enrollment management at Ursuline.

“The group that is here may not actually be Ursuline students next year, but we encourage them to come because we’re recognizing and rewarding them for their accomplishments and we want them to come and be a part of our community.”

Scholarships are awarded to students who will be in ninth-grade for the 2023-24 academic year. 

The amount at Ursuline is based on their score on the school entrance exam, which is taken in November. 

The incoming freshman class is typically about 60 girls, said Clody, director of enrollment management at Ursuline. Most receive some sort of scholarship.

Clody said Ursuline typically gives out about 40 scholarships per year to students entering its Upper School.

Ursuline awarded 38 Sunday. 

Scholarships range from $3,000 to $18,000, but Clody said the average scholarship is about $9,000. The tuition discount renews every year.

Tuition is $26,865 per year for Upper School students. 

The most prestigious award is the Lister Family Scholarship. A student that earns this will have a year of free tuition, a free laptop and uniform, and then an all-expense paid global trip that they can use at any time in their four years.

Emory Kirkham, this year’s Lister Scholar, said she’s 100% locked into Ursuline after receiving  the award. 

“​​I’m really excited for all of the opportunities that I didn’t get to have at other schools,” she said. “And today really showed me the places I can go after Ursuline.”

Ella Persoleo, who’s been at Ursuline since kindergarten, said the attention and recognition Ursuline gives to its students is why she plans on continuing her education at the Upper School in the fall. 

“The main thing that makes me want to stay is the teachers,” she said. “They really pay attention to each person individually. I’ve been able to build great relationships with all my teachers, and they make me feel so comfortable and welcome and it’s really such a good community.”

Seeing her work appreciated and celebrated during Sunday’s ceremony, Persoleo said, convinced her to stay.

Clare Louden, who attends Cab Calloway School of the Arts, said Sunday’s ceremony helped leapfrog Ursuline to her top choice for next year. 

“It really excites me to see how they make you feel good at this school, and they really take their time to acknowledge their students,” she said. 

She was looking for a school where she felt like part of a community and sisterhood, and said she may have found her match with Ursuline.

Share this Post