This year, thanks to the generosity of several of our parish's leading ministries and organizations, the Faith Formation Office will be offering the following awards to help our graduating high school seniors pay for colelge expenses.

To apply: Submit an application (available from the Faith Formation Office or on this page). See descriptions of each award below for more information and specific eligibility requirements.

The value of each award will depend on the amount donated by our parish ministries and organizations. If you would like to contribute funds, please contact Jared at jcunio@stmarktampa.org.

The application deadline for all awards is 11:59 PM on Monday, April 30th, 2018.

Diakonos is the Greek word for "service". This award recognizes a graduating senior for his/her outstanding witness to the faith through service to the parish and community. Applications will be considered on the following criteria:

Mass Attendance: Because this award is based on the strength of one's Christian witness, a history of consistent weekly Sunday Mass attendance is a basic requirement.
Service: A successful applicant will have a record of excellent service both to St. Mark and the wider community. This is demonstrated based on an informal resume that includes all service activities at least from 10th-12th grade as well as a Letter of Recommendation from Parish Staff, a Community Leader, or someone else who has firsthand experience of the applicant's commitment to service.
Required GPA: 3.00
Please submit high school transcript along with your completed application.

St. Thomas Aquinas is the patron saint of universities and Catholic school students. This award recognizes a graduating senior for her/his outstanding witness to the faith through fruitful use of the student's academic talents. Applications will be considered on the following criteria:

Mass Attendance: Because this award is based on the strength of one's Christian witness, a history of consistent weekly Sunday Mass attendance is a basic requirement.
Academic Achievement: Not only GPA, but also test scores and completion of a rigorous college preparation curriculum will be considered. High academic achievement is also demonstrated based on a Letter of Recommendation from a Teacher, Guidance Counselor, or School Administrator who can testify to the applicant's current and future academic success.
Extracurricular Involvement/Service: A successful applicant will be involved in a variety of other activities at his/her school, particularly Honor Societies, and will also be an active member of our parish. This is demonstrated based on an informal resume that includes information about school and parish activities at least from 10th-12th grade.
Required GPA: 3.25
Please submit high school transcript along with your completed application.

St. Jean-Baptiste de La Salle founded the religious congregation known in the United States as the "Christian Brothers". He was an education reformer and a pioneer in modern Catholic education. He focused on providing quality education for the poor and disadvantaged. In the spirit of de La Salle, this award will be given to a deserving student based on financial need. Applications will be considered based on the following criteria:

Mass Attendance: Because this award is to be given to an applicant who demonstrates a strong Christian witness, a history of consistent weekly Sunday Mass attendance is a basic requirement.
Financial Need: The main purpose of this award is to provide assistance to a deserving student with demonstrated financial need. Applicants are asked to provide a letter from a parent/legal guardian, or someone else who can describe the financial need and explain how this award will make a difference in paying for educational expenses.
Extracurricular Involvement/Service: A successful applicant will be involved in a variety of other activities at his/her school, particularly Honor Societies, and will also be an active member of our parish. This is demonstrated based on an informal resume that includes information about school and parish activities at least from 10th-12th grade.
Required GPA: 2.75
Please submit high school transcript along with your completed application.