HFCA student receives 4-year merit scholarship to St. Viator

At first glance, Holy Family Catholic Academy eighth-grade student Grace Garcia may not fit the definition of a conventional leader: She's not firstborn, does not command or seek attention, and is quick to freely hand out smiles and compliments to others.

But she is a leader and an inspiration to the more than 500 students at the school in Inverness.

Grace is what many refer to as a quiet leader.

"Grace models the attributes of a quiet leader by always seeking to learn, listening to others, balancing alternatives in her approach to problem-solving, and genuinely exhibiting gratitude and humility," said Anne Pacion, HFCA middle school teacher,

HFCA recently announced that Grace scored over 97% on the Catholic High School entrance exam, placing her in the top 5% of incoming freshmen at St. Viator High School and qualifying her for a four-year merit scholarship.

Maggie Haskins, assistant director of Enrollment at St. Viator High School, presented Grace with the scholar award saying, "This award recognizes Grace for her dedication to her studies and congratulates her on this outstanding accomplishment. We are thrilled to have Grace as a member of the Class of 2027."

HFCA Principal Kate O'Brien adds, "We are so proud of Grace's achievements. She is the third HFCA student in the past three years to earn a merit scholarship from an area Catholic high school. She, along with so many of our graduates and current students, is truly an inspiration to our younger students."

HFCA deliberately works on building community between older and younger students, believing that working together to support social justice issues and each other's learning strengthens the entire school.

Using mix-grade buddy neighborhoods, bonds are created that foster leadership in the older students and boost confidence and a feeling of belonging in the younger students.

Grace's kindergarten buddies, Coco Hills and Jordan Fudacz, were beaming with pride at the announcement and stood out as her biggest cheerleaders.

Likewise, fifth-grader Cora O'Keefe said, "I was very happy for Grace. She made me think that I might be able to earn a scholarship just like her."

The importance of building community within HFCA was magnified coming out of the COVID restrictions.

"Establishing a community of shared values and respect is vital to establishing an optimal learning environment in our classrooms and throughout the academy," O'Brien said. "Our students inspire others through their accomplishments, as well as their everyday actions."

• Submit 'Your News' at www.dailyherald.com/share.