Marian Announces the Nikki Miller Hackenberg Walters ’90 Scholarship for Female Student Leaders

Marian Catholic High School is proud to announce the establishment of the Nikki Miller Hackenberg Walters ’90 Scholarship, a new annual scholarship that will provide $10,000 in tuition assistance each year to deserving female students who exemplify leadership, community service, and academic achievement.

The scholarship has been created through the generosity of Marian alumna Nikki Miller Hackenberg Walters, Class of 1990 who grew up in Lake Hauto, who has committed to funding the award annually for the foreseeable future, ensuring that future generations of young women will have greater access to a Marian Catholic education.

A member of Marian's Class of 1990, Walters was a standout student-athlete who played on Marian Catholic's inaugural girls volleyball team during the fall of 1989. Following graduation, she attended Lehigh University and later returned to her alma mater to serve as head coach of the Marian Fillies volleyball program, continuing her commitment to the school and its students.

The scholarship honors the legacy of Nikki's parents, Dr. Richard Miller and Janice Miller, whose lives were marked by generosity, faith, and a deep commitment to education and community.

Recipients of the Nikki Miller Hackenberg Walters ’90 Scholarship will be selected based on demonstrated excellence in leadership, service to others, and academic performance—qualities that have defined Walters' own lifelong connection to Marian Catholic.

"I am incredibly grateful for the education, friendships, and values I received at Marian," said Walters. "Marian helped shape who I am today, both personally and professionally. Establishing this scholarship is my way of giving back to a school that gave so much to me. My hope is that it will help young women pursue their dreams, develop their God-given talents, and embrace opportunities for leadership and service while experiencing the transformative power of a Marian Catholic education."

Father Robert Finlan ’86 CBHS, Principal of Marian Catholic High School, expressed his gratitude for Walters' extraordinary commitment.  "We are deeply grateful to Nikki for her generosity and unwavering dedication to Marian Catholic High School," said Fr. Finlan. "This scholarship reflects Nikki's love for her alma mater and her desire to invest in the next generation of Marian students. The Nikki Miller Hackenberg Walters Scholarship will make a Marian Catholic education more accessible to qualified young women while encouraging the leadership, scholarship, and service that are at the heart of our mission."

Dr. Erin Marek, Director of Advancement noted that the scholarship represents the powerful impact alumni can have on future students.  "Nikki's gift is a wonderful example of the lasting bond our alumni share with Marian. Her generosity will open doors for deserving students for many years to come and stands as a testament to the enduring values of faith, service, and community that define the Marian experience."

The first Nikki Miller Hackenberg Walters ’90 Scholarship will be awarded to qualifying female students beginning with the upcoming academic year.

For more information about scholarship opportunities or ways to support Marian Catholic High School, please contact Dr. Erin Marek in the Advancement Office at Marian Catholic High School at (570) 467-3335 or emarek@mariancatholichs.org

About Marian Catholic High School

Marian Catholic High School provides a faith-based, college preparatory education rooted in the traditions of the Roman Catholic Church. Guided by the values of faith, service, and academic excellence, Marian prepares students to lead lives of purpose and integrity in a rapidly changing world.