Marian Catholic High School Announces New Endowed Scholarship Following Surprise Gift at Hall of Fame Celebration

Marian Catholic High School is proud to announce the establishment of a new endowed scholarship, revealed as a surprise highlight during the Distinguished Alumnus and Hall of Fame Celebration held Saturday evening (May 2) in the John P. Malarkey ’51 Gymnasium.

John P. Lavelle, Jr., Esq. ’81, a partner at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP and recipient of the 2026 Distinguished Alumnus Award, announced during his acceptance remarks that the Lavelle family is establishing an endowed scholarship in honor of his parents, the Honorable John P. Lavelle and Marianne S. Lavelle, Esq. The scholarship will support an incoming Marian student from Carbon County beginning with the 2026–2027 academic year.

Lavelle, a lifelong advocate for Catholic education and a dedicated member of Marian’s Board of Directors, shared that the scholarship reflects both his family’s gratitude to Marian and his parents’ unwavering commitment to faith-based education.

“Marian was and continues to be a very special place to me,” said Lavelle. “The care, support, and encouragement I received there shaped not only my education, but who I became as a person. This scholarship is a way for our family to honor my parents, whose belief in Catholic education made it possible for me and my siblings to attend Marian, and to help ensure that future students have the same opportunity to grow in faith, knowledge, and purpose.”

Lavelle grew up in Lehighton and is part of a proud Marian family, with three siblings (Marianne ’77 and Jacqueline ’84, and brother James ’87) also graduating from the school. He has remained deeply engaged with Marian, currently serving on the Board of Directors and chairing its Nominating and Governance Committee.

Marian Principal Father Robert Finlan ’86 reflected on the significance of the moment and the generosity behind it:  “The Lavelle family gift is both inspiring and transformative,” said Father Finlan. “It speaks to the lasting impact Marian has on its students and the deep gratitude our alumni feel for their formation here. This endowed scholarship will open doors for students and families seeking a Marian education, and it stands as a powerful testament to faith in action.”

Dr. Erin Marek, Director of Advancement, emphasized the growing momentum behind Marian’s endowment efforts:  “This marks the eighth endowed scholarship established at Marian in just the past 18 months,” said Dr. Marek. “The Lavelle family’s leadership and generosity continue to build meaningful opportunities for our students while strengthening Marian’s future. Endowed scholarships are critical to ensuring access and sustainability for generations to come.”

Endowed scholarships at Marian Catholic High School are designed to provide financial assistance to students in perpetuity. Each fund is invested, with a portion of the annual earnings awarded as scholarships while the principal remains intact, allowing the fund to grow over time. A minimum of $50,000 is required to establish an endowed scholarship, with flexible giving options available.

Since its founding in 1954, Marian Catholic High School has graduated more than 8,000 students and continues to carry forward a proud legacy of faith, academic excellence, and community.

Learn More To learn more about establishing an endowed scholarship at Marian Catholic High School, please contact:Father Robert Finlan ’86 CBHS at (570) 467-3335 or rfinlan@mariancatholichs.comDr. Erin Marek, Director of Advancement, at (570) 467-3335 or emarek@mariancatholichs.com

Since opening its doors in 1954, Marian Catholic High School has graduated more than 8,000 students, now living in all 50 states and abroad. The school proudly honors the legacies of its predecessor institutions—Saint Ann’s High School (Lansford), Saint Mary’s High School (Coaldale), Saint Jerome’s High School (Tamaqua), and Mauch Chunk Catholic High School (Jim Thorpe).

Today, that legacy of faith, learning, and community extends to the alumni of Bishop Hafey High School and Cardinal Brennan High School. While those school buildings may no longer be open, their spirit and values endure through Marian’s ongoing mission. All graduates from these institutions are warmly welcomed as part of the Marian family.

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.