GLOUCESTER CITY — Last Sunday, March 25, Gloucester Catholic High School here held the first Dr. David T. Coghlan Scholarship Mass and Communion breakfast. The event remembered Coghlan, a South Jersey Catholic educator who died in October 2005, and honored area students’ scholastic achievements.
Presented at the event was the first Dr. David T. Coghlan Young Catholic Leader Award, a $1,000 scholarship given to an eighth grade student who will attend a Catholic high school in the Diocese of Camden.
The award went to Gabrielle Elena Camacho of St. Joseph Pro-Cathedral in Camden, who will attend Camden Catholic High School, Cherry Hill, in the fall. As president of the Builder’s Club, she helped organize efforts to raise money for a St. Joseph Pro-Cathedral family who lost their home to a fire. She has also raised money for childhood cancer research, and has collected food for the parish food pantry.
Frances C. Montgomery, principal of the school, said, “Gabrielle Camacho will uphold the beliefs of Dr. Coghlan. She exemplifies what it means to use her talents to improve her school, church and community. (Her) continuing efforts will enable her to fulfill Dr. Coghlan’s vision for the future of Catholic education and its graduates.”
The keynote speaker was Jesuit Father Philip Boroughs, vice president for mission and ministry at Georgetown University. Former principal Msgr. Harry J. Jordan gave the blessing, and radio personality Andy Kortman emceed.
For 33 years, Coghlan served in the educational ministry of the diocese. He spent 17 years at Gloucester Catholic High School; was the superintendent of schools in the diocese, the first lay person to hold that position; and was president of Paul VI High School, Haddon Township.
The 2007 Dr. David T. Coghlan Young Leaders:
Michelle Allen, Assumption, Pomona; Christopher Alongi, St. Matthew , West Deptford; John Bartnikowski, Annunciation, Bellmawr; Umberto Joseph Bifulco, St. Mary, Vineland; Joseph Bottino, St. Lawrence, Lindenwold; Kristine Campbell, St. Peter, Merchantville; Meghan Carr, Assumption, Atco; Melinda Catalana, Immaculate Conception, Bridgeton; Jonathan Garbini, St. Catherine of Siena, Clayton; Stephanie Gentile, St. Vincent de Paul, Mays Landing.
Also, Mary Gettings, St. Teresa, Runnemede; Katie Gibbons, Blessed Sacrament, Margate; Mary (Molly) Given, St. James, Ventnor; Thomas Hoban, St. John, Collingswood; Timothy Kain, St. Mary, Gloucester; Jason Krobatsch, St. Ann, Wildwood; Asia Kulakowski, St. Agnes, Blackwood; Emily Lenguadoro, Queen of Heaven, Cherry Hill; Olivia Lynch, St. Mary, Williamstown; John MacAuley, St. Rose of Lima, Haddon Heights.
Also, Kyle McGinnis, Most Holy Redeemer, Westville Grove; Laura McGroarty, St. Luke, Stratford; Shaun Moran, St. Francis of Assisi, Vineland; Nicolette Morreale, St. Jude, Blackwood; Carlos Negron, St. Mary Magdalen, Millville; Graham Neville, Our Lady Star of the Sea, Cape May; Christina Oleszewski, Sacred Heart, Vineland; Caitlin Osman, Holy Saviour, Westmont; Nathan Otto, St. Nicholas School, Egg Harbor; Christopher Panico, St. Francis de Sales, Barrington.
Also, Amanda Pegues, St. Patrick, Woodbury; Taylor Purvis, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Berlin; Meghan Rice, Christ the King, Haddonfield; Erika Simpkins, Our Lady of Grace-Holy Rosary, Somerdale; Margaret Smith, St. Peter Celestine, Cherry Hill; Caitlyn Stulpin, Bishop Guilfoyle, Carneys Point; Tracy Venella, St. Bridget, Glassboro; Morgan Wheaton, St. Raymond, Villas; Colleen Wills, St. Margaret, Woodbury; Ashley Wooton, Notre Dame, Newfield; and Joseph Zied, St. Stephen, Pennsauken.