Naperville teen receives Montini Catholic's John L. Duffy Memorial Scholarship

Montini Catholic junior Colleen Considine is the recipient of the 2023 John L. Duffy Memorial Scholarship.

The scholarship was established just last year by Mr. Stephen McParltan, step brother of former Montini Catholic student, John L. Duffy. John was a member of Montini's inaugural Class of 1970 and the school's first athletic manager. Montini's John L. Duffy Memorial Stadium was named after John in 1968.

The scholarship was established to honor and commemorate John's life and experience and specifically supports a current Montini Catholic student who has served or is serving as a manager of one of the Bronco athletic teams. Colleen serves as the manager of the varsity girls basketball team.

John L. Duffy made Bronco history at a young age - becoming the school's first athletic manager. He will forever hold a special place in the hearts of Bronco fans. He was diagnosed with leukemia midway through his eighth grade year.

And although he suited up and began living out his dream on the Bronco team, his physical limitations put him at risk. A few weeks into the season, Coach Jim Kavanaugh appointed John as "Montini's first ever athletic manager."

John L. died of leukemia near the end of his sophomore year on April 3, 1968. That fall, Coach Kavanaugh requested that the new stadium be named in honor of John, pointing out John's commitment and loyalty to his team and school along with his unselfish and non-complaining spirit, even in the midst of intense, physical, bone marrow pain.

Colleen received her award during Montini Catholic's Founder's Day ceremony on Friday, May 19.