Montini Catholic High School, on behalf of the
Karl Weiger Family, announces the 10th annual Johnathan Weiger "Johnny Always Wins" Memorial Scholarship recipient,
Viktoria Baran, from the Bronco Class of 2027. Viktoria is from Westchester and is a graduate of Divine Providence School.
Each year, members of Montini's incoming freshman class are invited to submit an essay in order to be considered for the scholarship. The Weiger Family selects a student displaying high moral character, a deep commitment to their faith, and achieving academic excellence at the grade school level, to receive the scholarship.
Johnny Weiger joined Montini's school community for the 2011-12 school year as a member of the Class of 2015. He was also a member of Montini's football team with aspirations to continue his football career at Notre Dame. During Johnny's freshman year, he was diagnosed with leukemia. After undergoing chemotherapy, radiation and a bone marrow transplant, his leukemia was cured. As Johnny was preparing for his sophomore year, however, he was hospitalized with a rare blood disorder commonly referred to as TTP, which can be caused by a bone marrow transplant. He passed away on November 4, 2012 due to complications from the TTP. "Throughout his battle with leukemia and TTP, Johnny displayed the spirit of a champion," said Presiden Kevin Beirne. "He always showed great courage, fight and a deep commitment to his faith."
Viktoria will receive a scholarship of $1,000 per year during her four years at Montini Catholic.
Eighth grade students planning to attend Montini Catholic next fall are invited to submit an application for the 2024 Johnny Weiger Memorial Scholarship. The application can be found on the school's website at: www.montini.org/tuitionassistance . Deadline for the 2024-25 school year is October 30, 2024.
The legacy of Johnny Weiger is celebrated every year at Montini Catholic's annual Charity Football Game. This year's game - which commemorated the 11th anniversary of the first game, was held at John L. Duffy Memorial Stadium on Friday,September 15th. Fans attending were encouraged to wear orange to spread awareness for those battling leukemia. T-shirts and other items were sold-out with proceeds going to the scholarship fund.
The Weiger Family also founded a non-profit organization, JAW Foundation (Johnny Always Wins Foundation), to support Pediatric Adolescent Leukemia Support (PALS). JAW volunteers devote their time to raising funds for families with children undergoing treatment for leukemia in the hopes of easing their financial burden.
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