Adopt-A-Mustang
The Adopt-A-Mustang fund was established to ensure that students of all economic and educational backgrounds have access to a high quality, faith-based college preparatory education. Since its doors opened in January 1963, Immaculate High School has helped open opportunities to generations of families in the great Danbury area through its budgeted scholarships, tuition assistance programs, and gifts from local businesses and individuals.
Students who have been able to attend Immaculate thanks to a financial sponsor are truly appreciative of the support and the ability to have their dreams come true. They recognize the sacrifice that their parents make; they appreciate the kindness of those who believe in them and they seek to do their best in an effort to make their financial supporters and their parents proud.
This program relies solely on the philanthropic community to provide assistance to a growing number of very deserving students whose families are in financial need as a result of authentic hardship. The Adopt-A-Mustang Fund is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Any donations to the Adopt-A-Mustang Fund is tax deductible.
Need-Based Scholarships
Robert Gerwein, Sr. Scholarship
The Robert Gerwien, Sr. Scholarship bears the name of its benefactor who served IHS for over 30 years as teacher, coach and principal. The Gerwien family created this need-based scholarship that has been generously supported by his family, IHS alumni, faculty, and friends to express their admiration and respect for him. This scholarship funds tuition for students who would not be able to attend IHS without scholarship assistance. The award is valued at $1,500 for one year and is directly applied to tuition. The Robert Gerwien, Sr. Scholarship is a need-based scholarship available to deposited students. Students must apply for this award annually.
Msgr. Robert E. Weiss Legacy Scholarship
The Msgr. Robert E. Weiss Scholarship is awarded to a rising Grade 9 student who is enrolled to attend Immaculate High School. Candidates for this award must reflect the passion and dedication to living one’s faith as well as serving their Church community. Msgr. Weiss’ lifetime commitments include a dedication and passion for Catholic school education. For more than twenty-five years his ministry has included ensuring the success of Immaculate High School so that its students receive the exemplary faith-based education necessary to become successful servant leaders of Christ. This a four-year award of $1,000 per year.
Start a Need-Based
Scholarship
A gift of a need-based scholarship in the student financial aid program is a wonderful opportunity to honor or memorialize a family member or friend and leave a permanent legacy. Over 50 percent of our students receive financial aid each year and the need exceeds the funds available. For more information on starting a need-based scholarship please contact:
Erin Calamari
Director of Advancement
ecalamari@myimmaculatehs.org
203-744-1510 ext. 159
Memorial and Tribute
A memorial or tribute gift is a meaningful way to convey sympathy to the bereaved, memorialize a loved one, commemorate a special occasion or honor a person’s life and accomplishments. Your gift to Immaculate High School made in honor or memory of this special person ensures a legacy that extends far into the future by making a difference today in the lives of our students.
There are three ways to make your gift:
- To make your gift online here.
- Call the Advancement Office at 203-744-1510 ext. 159
- Mail a check made out to Immaculate High School c/o Advancement Office. On the memo line put “in memory of” or “in honor of” and the person’s name.
Immaculate High School
c/o Advancement Office
73 Southern Blvd.
Danbury, CT 06810
For more information about memorial options, please contact Erin Calamari, Director of Advancement at ecalamari@myimmaculatehs.org.
Benjamin Bisbano
The Benjamin Bisbano Scholarship Fund was established in 2002 following the sudden death of Benjamin, a 1990 Immaculate High School alumni, at the age of twenty-nine. A group of Ben's close friends from IHS organized the first Benjamin Bisbano Golf Open (BGO) that same year as a way to honor his memory by raising funds for a scholarship.
The BGO ran successfully for fifteen years with the final fundraising event/tournament held in September of 2016. Although successful for all fifteen years, far exceeding the life expectancy of most memorial golf tournaments, the Bisbano family decided to end the event on a high note. "Our family is humbled that through the caring and continued support from so many, we can be assured that for years to come many young men and women will continue to benefit financially and spiritually from the financial support derived from Ben's legacy. Keeping his memory alive through the fund has brought light into our lives when darkness loomed so heavily."
Thank you for donating to this most worthwhile fund in memory of Ben and in support of the IHS students of today and tomorrow.
Liam Devine Scholarship
The Liam Devine Memorial Scholarship Award, is given in memory of Liam Devine, who was a member of the 2020 graduating class of Immaculate High School. The award is given to a student who is planning a career in the Arts (particularly Graphic Design), Journalism, or Forensics.
The Rebecca Draper-Townsend Moral Compass Scholarship Award
Rebecca Draper-Townsend, a graduate from the Class of 2015, passed away in a tragic accident on July 2, 2015. She was the founder of the IHS She’s The First Chapter, one of the first high school chapters in the country. Rebecca donated many hours to spread the word about She’s The First and raise funds to make a significant difference in the lives of so many young women. The Rebecca Draper-Townsend Moral Compass Scholarship Award is presented to a junior who has demonstrated growth in academic achievement, has an ambitious vision to set challenging personal and academic goals, is compassionate and kind to others as well as denotes a mature understanding of the greater community and global humanitarian needs.
Nancy K. Dolan Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is given in memory of Mrs. Nancy Kellogg Dolan, the first and, to date, only female Chairperson of the Immaculate High School Advisory Board. Her passion for the education of IHS students is credited with, among other things, helping to develop a strong performing arts program and advance the school’s college preparatory program. Mrs. Dolan’s lifetime volunteer experience was extensive. Her generous contribution of time, talent and treasure has left a lasting impression in the greater Danbury community and the Diocese of Bridgeport.
The Officer Donald J. Hassiak, Jr. Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is in honor of the late Officer Donald J. Hassiak, Jr., an alumnus of Immaculate High School Class of 1987. Funds for this scholarship are raised via the annual Turkey Trot event on Thanksgiving morning at Tarrywile Park in Danbury.
The Turkey Trot was originated in 2007 by Coach Brian Hayes and the Immaculate High School Cross Country team. A scholarship fund to honor Donald J. Hassiak '87, a 16-year veteran of the Danbury Police Department was established. Hassiak was killed by a drunk driver in a tragic hit and run car accident when reporting to duty on June 3, 2010. With the consent of the Hassiak family, Hayes, also a Danbury Police Officer, agreed to have the proceeds of the Turkey Trot support the Donald J. Hassiak Scholarship Fund.
Kerri Ann Holbrook Memorial Fund
Kerri Holbrook was a graduate of the class of 2010. While at Immaculate, Kerri appeared on stage in many productions. She was an exemplary cast member contributing far more than her beauty and talent. Kerri was a model of patience, discipline & effort in each role she played and encouraged her castmates to do the same. This kind of dedication is rare, and she did all of this while waging a personal war against cancer. Kerri had an infectious joy about her and lived her life with humor, courage, compassion and kindness. The Kerri Holbrook Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior with high academic standards who embodies that same spirit of devotion and support for the production and sense of fun. The recipient of this scholarship possesses the same genuine kindness, respect for others and an inner light that enriches the lives of those fortunate enough to know them.
Michelle Ann Kayal Scholarship Humanitarian Award
The Michelle Kayal Humanitarian Award, given in memory of Michelle Kayal, an Immaculate High School alumna of the Class of ‘89, is presented to members of the graduating class who have achieved academic excellence and are planning to enter a health-related field. Michelle Kayal had a zest for life and displayed warmth, leadership, and determination.
Gerard Le Blanc Memorial Scholarship
The Gerard Le Blanc Memorial Scholarship is a need-based scholarship available to deposited incoming freshman students at Immaculate High School. The award is valued at $2,500 for one year and is directly applied to tuition for freshman year only. The Gerard Le Blanc Memorial Scholarship was established by the Le Blanc family. The Le Blanc children: Kerry ’81, Robert ’84, Clare ’88 and Jill (Maher) Le Blanc ’85 graduated from Immaculate High School. Mr. Le Blanc was an engineer who played a key role in the development of the guidance systems for the Hubble Space Telescope and numerous other engineering projects. The Le Blanc Family created this need-based scholarship to fund school tuition for students who would not be able to attend Immaculate High School without financial aid.
Gregory and Patricia LiVolsi Scholarship
The Gregory K. and Patricia A. LiVolsi Memorial Scholarships are given by the LiVolsi Family to members of the graduating class who have demonstrated their commitment to Immaculate High School both in the classroom and in athletics.
Mark McGetrick Scholarship
In memory of their son, IHS alumnus, Class of 1972, the McGetrick family established the Mark McGetrick Scholarship. The letters of Mark’s name define the overall criteria for the award: Merit + Ambition + Reliability + Kindness. The McGetrick Scholarship is a need-based scholarship awarded to an incoming freshman.
Arthur Tuccio, Jr. “Just Do Your Best” Scholarship
Arthur Tuccio, Jr. "Just Do Your Best" Scholarship is given in memory of Arthur Tuccio, Jr., who graduated from Immaculate High School in 1982. Mr. Tuccio met his wife, Susan, a 1984 graduate, at IHS. Art was a lifelong Ridgefield resident. Upon graduation, he took over his family business to build homes in Ridgefield, Brookfield, and the surrounding area. Mr. Tuccio was a dedicated father to his three sons, Andrew, Alex and Hunter and lived by the values he was taught at Immaculate. Art passed away in 2012 of lung cancer. His sons were gifted with his last words "Just Do Your Best" which his family live by. This scholarship is awarded to a student that exemplifies their motto "Just Do Your Best" by always excelling in school and extracurricular activities.
Derek Schmeucker Memorial Fund
Derek Schmuecker was a graduate of the class of 2008. While at Immaculate, Derek appeared on stage in many productions. He was always ready with a smile and a kind word for his castmates and close friends. He lit up the stage when he was in a number and was a joy to work with. Derek always brought his great energy and humor to rehearsals. He was a very talented athlete who enjoyed lacrosse, rugby, skiing and surfing. He loved to travel and made several cross country trips. Derek had a special joy for life. He always showed concern for everyone he met. He spent a great deal of his time volunteering to work with the less fortunate including the Dorothy Day House and Bike for Bread. Derek was a very compassionate young man and always made time for his family, friends, and anyone in need of a friend. The Derek Schmuecker Scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior with high academic standards who is passionate about the arts and is both hardworking and dedicated. This individual also displays kindness, genuine concern and compassion for others.
Candace Lee Williams Memorial Scholarship
The Candace Lee Williams Memorial Scholarship is given in memory of Candace Williams, a graduate of the Class of 1999 who lost her life on September 11 when her plane crashed into the World Trade Center. It is awarded to a junior who has demonstrated character & service to school and community and who is actively involved in school activities and promotes school spirit.
Donation Form
Required
How can we help you?
We welcome you to contact the Advancement Office if you would like to setup a memorial or scholarship fund.
Erin Calamari, Director of Advancement
(203) 744-1510 x159
ecalamari@myimmaculatehs.org