Danita Crawford (Mentor) and
Ciera Reynolds (Scholar)

Ciera, our first scholar, was selected as a McNamee Scholar from Saint Malachy School in 2009. Ciera attends Merion Mercy Academy. She will be a Senior in the coming school year. She did well academically in her Junior year and plans on attending college where she will major in fashion design. This Spring, Ciera and her mentor made a college visit to the Fashion Institute of New York and will be visiting other colleges during the Fall.

Danita Crawford, Ciera’s mentor, has a MS degree from the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia. She currently works as a Project Director/Professor for the University of Pheonix.

“It has also really been a blessing to be the first to receive the scholarship. I am grateful because it helped me attend Merion Mercy Academy. It has made Merion Mercy affordable. My whole family has benefited from this scholarship.”

Danielle is from Saint Malachy School and was selected as a McNamee Scholar in 2010. She is now a student at Hallahan High School and will be a Junior this year. Danielle is active in cheerleading at Hallahan and currently serves as summer camp counselor Danielle is interested in attending a four year higher education institution as she aspires to be an Elementary School teacher.

Latia Hayes, Danielle’s mentor, has a B.S. in Business Management from Virginia State University and currently works for Northwestern Human Services as a TSS Worker/Case Manager. Being a mentor for Danielle has been a great experience and a pleasure. She is a proactive young lady who takes initiative, is very motivated and devoted to her responsibilities.

“I would highly recommend this program to my peers because not only is it really nice having someone there to talk to and go places; but in having a relationship with my mentor I have been able to discover what interests me most and how I can build on those interests and abilities in a career that best suits me. Even when it is rough in school or life, it’s insightful to have someone to help and guide me in the right direction.”

Michael graduated from Saint Malachy School and was selected as a McNamee Scholar in 2010. He now attends Mercy Vocational High School and will be a Junior this year.

Steve Parke graduated from Saint Michael’s College with a BS degree in Computer Science. He currently is an Account Executive with SAP.

“The program has been a great addition to my life. It gave me an extra boost. Also it’s a good way to meet nice people and take my learning to new heights. I would like to thank you guys for your support and time.”

Raven graduated from Saint Malachy School and was selected as a McNamee Scholars in June, 2011. She is attending Merion Mercy Academy where she will be a Sophomore this year. Raven took a SAT prep course this past summer and hopes to join the dance team at school. She also is in an after school program to help with homework 3 days a week.

Erin McGuigan has a BS degree in Elementary Education from West Chester University and a MS degree in Organizational Leadership from Cabrini College. She has previous experience working with children in a YMCA after school program and student teaching in an elementary school.

Matthew graduated from LaSalle Academy and was selected as a McNamee Scholar in June 2011. He is attending Saint Joseph’s Prep and will be a Junior in the fall. This summer, Matthew had a job working with the maintenance staff at the Prep, along with completing his summer algebra course. In addition, he is interested in joining stage crew at St. Joe's this year. Matthew wants to pursue a career in the social sciences where he can be a help to other people.

Matthew Schwartz, Matthew’s mentor, graduated from Saint Joe’s Prep and is working on his Master’s degree in Music at Temple University. He currently is the Music teacher at Saint Joe’s Prep

Dantee Mason is an A-B student from Saint Malachy School who will be attending Bishop McDevitt High School. While in high school, Dantae plans on participating in football, track & field and basketball. He also plans on taking some college courses at Bishop McDevitt in preparation for majoring in business education in college.

Charles Gress, Dantae’s mentor, is currently a Junior at the University of Pennsylvania majoring in Operations Management. Charles will be studying in London during the 2012 Fall semester. In his absence, Ed McNichol will fill in as Dantae’s mentor

Cayla Cook is an A student from LaSalle Academy and will be attending Little Flower High School where she plans on participating in basketball and the newspaper club. Cayla is number one in her class and has a perfect attendance and lateness record. She plans on attending college and hopes to become an author.

Jacquelyn Buechele, Cayla’s mentor, graduated from Bloomsburg University with a BS degree in Secondary Education and is currently enrolled at Saint Joseph’s University pursuing a MS degree in Instructional Technology. She currently is a Regional Recruitment Manager for the University of Alabama.

Katera Smalls is an A student from Hope Partnership for Education who will be attending Cristo Rey High School, an independent Jesuit college preparatory high school. Katera is rated number one in her class by her principal. She Is interested in music, singing and dance. Katera plans on attending Temple University to major in Art & Music.

Christina D’Emma, Katera’s mentor, has a BA degree in English and a M.Ed degree from Rosemont College a well as a MA degree in English from Villanova Universiry She currently is on the faculty of Cristo Rey as the English teacher.