Scholarships

List of 13 items.

• Armando S. Rodriguez Memorial Scholarship

  The purpose of the Armando S. Rodriguez Memorial Scholarship is to honor Bishop Ireton alumnus Armando S. Rodriguez (BI ’88). Armando was an accomplished student and wrestler who tackled those pursuits with passion, energy and an infectious smile. More importantly, he was a man of great faith and a loving and devoted son, brother, grandson and friend during his years at Bishop Ireton.
  
  

  Armando was a member of the National Honor Society and captain of the varsity wrestling team. After graduation, he moved to Colorado for college and remained there. Following a successful 20-year telecommunications career, he became a middle school teacher and a youth wrestling and football coach. He followed his passion and influenced the lives of thousands of young people in the community he was so proud to call home. Despite the time and energy he gave to his school students and athletes, he saved his best for his loving wife and amazing son. They were his greatest joy, and he was everything to them.
  
  

  This scholarship is provided through the generosity of Armando’s family, former classmates and teammates, and his many friends to recognize the qualities that enabled Armando to be a success in life – hard work, self-sacrifice, and dedication; a deep love for, and loyalty to, family and friends; an awareness of, and appreciation for, who he was and where he came from; an unwavering faith – all done with a spirit of joy and a smile on his face.  
  
  The scholarship(s) will be awarded annually in the amount of $1,000 for one eligible student. It is open to incoming freshmen and current Ireton students.

• Class of 1975 BI/SMA Scholarship

  The 1975 Bishop Ireton and St. Mary’s Academy graduating classes established this scholarship to support students who are actively involved in the school with great sportsmanship and are leaders in those extracurricular activities that were historically collaborative between BI and SMA before the merger of the two schools in Fall 1990. Concert Band/Wind Ensemble, Chorus/Glee Club, Cheerleading, Swim & Dive, Track & Field, and Theater Arts all thrived due to the combined participation of both student bodies.

   

  Award:

  • Amount: $500 school credit each for one male and one female recipient
  • Purpose: To cover charged expenses related to the student’s participation in the extracurricular activity, which can include team/class travel, team-required BI spirit wear, instruments, equipment or uniforms (beyond school-provided instruments, uniforms and equipment) or fees related to the activity for the upcoming school year.

  Eligibility & Nomination:

  • Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors who participate in Concert Band/Wind Ensemble, Chorus, Theater Arts, Cheerleading, Swim & Dive or Track & Field and are registered for the next school year.
  • Nomination:
    • Students are nominated by their respective activity's director or coach for exceptional performance or through contributions to team spirit, whether on stage, on the sidelines, in the pool or on the track.
    • Nominations must be submitted by May 1st for scholarship disbursement during the following school year.
    • The Student Activities Coordinator, Athletic Director and Advancement Director will collaborate to make the final selection of one male and one female recipient.
  • Application: No application is required.

  Funding:

  This scholarship is made possible by the generous contributions of members and friends of the 1975 Bishop Ireton and St. Mary’s Academy graduating classes.

• The Bishop Ireton Class of 1973 Scholarship Fund

  The Bishop Ireton Class of 1973 Scholarship Fund was established during the Class of 1973’s 50th reunion celebration and honors Ken Stepka, who served as the class agent and shared his great love of BI. This scholarship shall be used to provide support to students at Bishop Ireton High School who need tuition financial assistance to attend the school. Members of the Bishop Ireton Class of 1973 wish to ensure that all talented young men and women have the opportunity to benefit from the rigorous academic standards provided by Bishop Ireton.
  
  

  The scholarship recipient is selected by the Bishop Ireton High School Administration. This is a one-year tuition award that is given in the Spring and is applied to the following school year. There is no application process for the scholarship.

  
  Eligibility requirements include:

  • A current or incoming Bishop Ireton student
  • Demonstrates financial need through the school’s formal financial aid application process

• Father Al Smith and Harry Sober Scholarship

  The Father Al Smith and Harry Sober Scholarship is a needs-based scholarship that provides partial tuition support for a Bishop Ireton student who formally demonstrates financial need and exemplifies merit, effort, sportsmanship, and dedication to the community. Selection is made by the BI Swim and Dive Coach at the end of the season in conjunction with administration. There is no application process.
   
  Provided through the generosity of the BI Swim and Dive alumni and friends, the Father Al Smith and Harry Sober Scholarship continues the tradition and love of swim and dive at Bishop Ireton, honoring the faithful service, leadership, and generosity of both Father Al Smith and Harry Sober. Their names symbolize the spirit of commitment, teamwork, and mentorship that have inspired the Bishop Ireton and St. Mary’s Academy alumni community for decades.

  
  Father Al Smith taught biology at Bishop Ireton from 1965 to 1979 and moderated and coached the swim and dive team. Most famously, he led and performed with the student music group, the Bisons. Harry Sober worked at Bishop Ireton in multiple roles, including business manager and facilities director, but he is best remembered as the swim and dive coach from 1971 to 1980. Harry was later named to the Bishop Ireton Athletic Hall of Fame both as a coach and as part of the 1972–73 BI/SMA swim and dive team.

  
  Together, Father Al and Harry shared a passion for teaching, coaching, and fostering a spirit of community. On the pool deck, they embodied Salesian joy, friendship, and collegiality, leading their teams with thoughtful discipline and the motto: “One for All / All for One.” Their approach encouraged every swimmer and diver to give their best in every event, supporting each athlete fully and creating a culture of unity, commitment, and excellence.

• Fracasso Family Scholarship

  Mark and Michele are the parents of three Bishop Ireton graduates, Alexandra '08, Matt '13, and Anna '16. After their youngest child graduated, the Fracasso's set up a scholarship fund called the Fracasso Family Scholarship. This scholarship fund is a need-based scholarship and is awarded annually to a deserving current Bishop Ireton student or students. It helps defray the cost of tuition and makes a Catholic education possible. There is no application process for this scholarship.

• Garwood Whaley Music Scholarship

  The Garwood Whaley Music Scholarship was established in honor of Dr. Garwood Whaley, former faculty member at Bishop Ireton and Conductor Emeritus of the BI Wind Ensemble. 

   

  The Whaley Scholarship is merit-based and chosen by the Band Director. The scholarship is awarded to a member of the Wind Ensemble who possesses musicianship, creativity, enthusiasm, and desire for excellence. There is no application process.

• Major Craig Moon and Marion Moon Memorial Scholarship

  In appreciation for the gift of education in the City of Alexandria, this tuition scholarship is provided through the generosity of Marion Moon, an honored business woman and philanthropist, who passed away on April 1, 2024. She began this scholarship in the name of her son, Major Craig Moon, USAF. Craig was a native of Alexandria, VA, a retired U.S. Air Force fighter pilot and later, became President of Convention Freight Services. He was the Chief, Combat and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Plans, Air National Guard Operational Plans and Execution Division, Air National Guard Readiness Center, Andrews AFB, MD, who earned his commission as a graduate of the University of Maryland ROTC program in 1982 and earned his MBA from Eastern New Mexico University in 1994. He was a command pilot with approximately 2,700 hours in fighter, cargo, and trainer aircraft, and he flew T-37, T-38, T-33, F-111 A/D/E, F-16, A-10 and RC-26B aircraft. Major Moon served as Vice Chairman on the Board of Directors for NetTalon and was a Board of Trustees member-elect of Fork Union Military Academy. Family, golfing, and dancing were his passions. He was a member of the Old Dominion Boat Club and a member of the Messiah United Methodist Church. Craig passed away on March 29, 2009.  
  
  This scholarship is given to a student who qualifies for demonstrated need for financial assistance and who is active in extracurriculars and athletics in Alexandria. There is no application process for this scholarship.

• Mark Fracasso Scholarship

  Mark Fracasso was a sophomore at Bishop Ireton when he died in a tragic accident in 2008. After his death, his parents, Mark and Michele Fracasso, setup a scholarship fund in his name. Mark was dedicated to music as a trumpet player when he was accepted into the prestigious Wind Ensemble as a sophomore. Each year, on Mark's birthday (September 24th) the school has a dress-out day and all funds raised go to support the Mark Fracasso Scholarship Fund. The Wind Ensemble plays during drop off that morning in his honor. Every year, a deserving student from the Wind Ensemble is awarded a scholarship through the selection of the Wind Ensemble Band Director. This scholarship is based on the following minimum criteria:
  
  

  1. The student has completed their freshman and sophomore years at Bishop Ireton and will be enrolled in the Band program for the next year.
  2. They have participated in Ireton Band class and activities.
  3. They have demonstrated merit and effort as confirmed by the Bishop Ireton Wind Ensemble Director.

  
  There is no application for this scholarship.

• Robert Pollard Scholarship

  “Big Bob” Pollard was a gentle giant. During his junior and senior years, he led the basketball team to winning seasons, which included the State Catholic Championship in 1984 and 1985. He was a dominating presence on the floor and led the team in scoring and rebounding. After graduation, Bob received a scholarship to play basketball at the University of the District of Columbia. It was there that Bob’s life ended tragically while playing the sport that he loved due to an undetected medical condition. The Robert Pollard Scholarship was established in his name to support underprivileged students. To be eligible for this tuition scholarship, students must demonstrate the following:
  
  

  • Participate in multiple sports at Bishop Ireton
  • Be a rising sophomore, junior or senior
  • Be active in community service through school or church
  • Demonstrate financial need and completed financial aid application through FACTS
  • Maintain a grade point average of 2.5 or above

  
  There is no application for this scholarship.

• Ronald L. Umbeck Scholarship

  The Ronald L. Umbeck Scholarship honors former Bishop Ireton teacher Ron Umbeck. Mr. Umbeck taught mathematics at Bishop Ireton for more than 50 years and had a member of every graduating class from 1968-2020 in one of his sections.  He was dedicated to his subject and came almost every morning to sit by the math support center and assist students and staff as needed - even after his retirement. He moderated the It’s Academic team for more than 50 years (the longest serving coach on the TV show), and won the show’s Sophie Altman Coach of the Year award in 2019. Ron was also an avid trumpet player; he was a member of several local bands and spent his weekends teaching music to Catholic elementary and middle school students whose schools did not have music programs.

   

  This merit tuition scholarship celebrates the memory of Ron Umbeck. Eligible students will have an appreciation for the study of mathematics, with additional preference given to students who are engaged in the arts at Bishop Ireton.

   

  Eligibility:
  
  

  1. Rising senior who has attended Bishop Ireton for 3 years
  2. Student has maintained an overall grade point average of 3.75 by the end of 1st semester junior year
  3. Student has demonstrated merit and effort in his/her studies as identified by the Bishop Ireton Mathematics Department, with assistance from the Fine Arts Department, and confirmed by the Administration.

  
  There is no application for this scholarship.

• Sean O'Malley Scholarship

  The purpose of the Sean Michael O’Malley Memorial Scholarship is to honor former Bishop Ireton student Sean Michael O’Malley (’85-’86). Sean was a fierce competitor who participated in both the football and wrestling programs at Bishop Ireton. Sean's family and friends created this scholarship to honor Sean by providing a scholarship to a male student who exhibits Sean’s inspirational motivation, compassion, desire to help others succeed, athletic ability, and generosity. Additionally, the scholarship recognizes the importance of community service and encourages those active in supporting their community. The scholarship will be need based and will provide tuition support for a current male Bishop Ireton student who demonstrates financial need. The scholarship is provided through the generosity of Sean’s family, former classmates and teammates, his clients, and his many friends and fans to recognize the qualities which enabled him to move from a “walk-on” to an ALL-SEC defensive lineman and member of the ALL-SEC Academic Team and put his passion into successful practice as he created a world-renowned fitness company - Cardio Coach.

   

  The scholarship is be awarded to one or more eligible current students towards Bishop Ireton tuition. It is open to male students who will have completed at least one year at Bishop Ireton and have participated in the football and/or the wrestling programs.

   

  To be eligible for this scholarship, students must demonstrate the following:
  
  

  • A current student at Bishop Ireton.
  • Participates in community service activities either in the local community, through school or through their parish – above and beyond school requirements.
  • Demonstrates financial need and have completed the financial aid application through FACTS.
  • Demonstrates a passion for health and wellness.
  • Maintains a 2.5 or above grade point average.

  
  To apply, please submit an electronic letter detailing student name, qualifications, reason for seeking this scholarship and include “Sean O’Malley Scholarship” in the subject line to scholarships@bishopireton.org.

   

  Applications must be received by February 1^st for the upcoming tuition scholarship year.

• Vivian C. Spendley Scholarship

  The Vivian C. Spendley Scholarship was created in honor of Vivian Spendley, a 2023 graduate of Bishop Ireton, who tragically passed away from a brain aneurysm while in her freshman year at Penn State at the age of 19.
  
  

  Vivian was a kind and thoughtful friend and a curious, smart and intentional student. She was always generous with her time and words and knew how to make others feel special. She was a great writer, mentor, a believer in great performances, and a lover of all types of music, theater, art, books and pop culture. Vivian was a talented actress in the Bishop Ireton Theater Arts program and was well revered among her castmates and teachers. Some of her most memorable roles were the Countess Andrenyi in ‘Murder on the Orient Express’, the Dowager Empress in the Cappie nominated ‘Anastasia’ and Penny in ‘You Can’t Take It With You’. 
  
  

  This merit tuition scholarship celebrates the spirit and memory of “Vivi” Spendley and will be awarded to a student that exhibits excellence in the theater arts program not just through their performances, but by being an individual that is also willing to work behind the scenes to help make each show better with little attention and fanfare. The scholarship recipient is selected at the end of the school year by the theater staff in consultation with school administration. This is a one-year tuition award that is applied to the following school year.
  
  

  Eligibility requirements include:

  • A current Bishop Ireton underclassmen student (9th-11th grade)
  • Maintains a 3.0 or higher GPA
  • Is active in Bishop Ireton Theater program, exhibits a passion for theater arts and understands the power of a great performance
  • Is known for strength of character and as a friend that champions and supports others while making his/her own impact on the arts

• Westrom Family Scholarship

  The Westrom Family Scholarship was established to honor the service and sacrifice of military families while supporting educational opportunities for deserving students. Created by Al and Judy Westrom and daughters Heather (’94), Megan, (’96) and Shannon (’97), this scholarship is designed to assist students from military families who aspire to attend this exceptional Catholic institution that meant so much to their family. 

  
  

  The scholarship aims to provide financial assistance to students who demonstrate strong academic achievement, leadership potential, and a commitment to their community, reflecting the core values of both the Westrom family and Bishop Ireton. The scholarship is a way to alleviate some of the financial burdens for military families, allowing their children to experience the rigorous academics, spiritual growth, and vibrant community life that Bishop Ireton offers.

  
  

  As a family with fond memories of Bishop Ireton, the Westroms are passionate about giving back to the school that played such an integral role in their daughters' educational journeys. They recognize the unique challenges faced by military families, particularly the frequent relocations and transitions that can disrupt a student’s academic and social life. 

  
  

  The scholarship serves as both a tribute to military service and a commitment to nurturing excellence, faith, and leadership in the next generation.

  
  

  1. This Scholarship is given to an incoming freshman or current Bishop Ireton student who is registered for the following school year, qualifies for financial assistance and whose parent(s)/guardian(s) are active-duty military. There is no application process for this scholarship.
  2. This scholarship is a one-year tuition award (non-renewable), awarded annually by the school to a deserving Bishop Ireton student, helping to defray the cost of tuition to make Catholic education possible.
  3. This non-renewable tuition scholarship will be awarded in the amount of $5,000 towards the student’s tuition account for the following school year.
  4. To be eligible for selection, a student must demonstrate the following:
     1. A registered Bishop Ireton student
     2. Active-duty military parent or guardian
     3. A maintained grade point average of 3.0 or above