Affording a Bishop McNamara Education

Moreau Scholarship Program

Bishop McNamara High School proudly sponsors the Moreau Scholarship Program to recognize the leadership and academic achievement of outstanding students. Named in honor of Blessed Father Basil Moreau, C.S.C., Founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross, the Moreau Scholarship Program seeks to recognize the top students who best exemplify the Holy Cross virtues of Being Family, Building Respect, Educating Hearts and Minds, and Bringing Hope. The scholarships are awarded based on the essays submitted by prospective scholars along with the results of the Moreau Scholarship Examination administered by Bishop McNamara High School in January.

The Moreau Scholarship Program offers the top six scholars the following: two full, four-year tuition Moreau Scholarships; two Moreau Holy Cross Scholarships of three-quarters of full tuition; and two Moreau Founders Scholarships of one-half of full tuition. The top two scorers are awarded full tuition scholarships that are good for all four years at Bishop McNamara provided the student maintains their same academic standing and remains in good standing at the school (valued at over $65,000). The third and fourth highest scores are awarded 75% tuition scholarships (valued at over $50,000); the next two high scorers are offered a 50% tuition scholarship (valued at over $32,000).  Each award in the Moreau Scholarship Program is renewable provided that the student maintains continuous enrollment and maintains high standards of conduct and leadership along with his or her high academic standing.

Nominations for the Moreau Scholarship Examination

Students must submit their Moreau Scholarship Application which includes an essay (see below) by December 13th along with the supporting certification from their current principal.  If approved, the student may sit for the Moreau Scholarship Examination scheduled for January 11, 2020.  The criteria include:

1. A letter of intent which indicates an interest in attending Bishop McNamara High School by selecting Bishop McNamara as one of the choices on the Archdiocese of Washington High School Choice Form; signed by student and parent.

2. Represent the top 10% of their eighth grade class.

3. Demonstrate their Christian values in daily life by personal integrity, exemplary conduct and service to others. 

4. Submit a signed certification from the principal indicating that the student is in good standing and is in the top 10% of his/her class.

5. An essay written by the student reflecting on the following writing prompt and quote by Father Basil Moreau C.S.C., Founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross:

“Education is the art of helping young people to completeness; for the Christian, this means education is helping a young person to be more like Christ, the model of all Christians." Bishop McNamara High School is a Catholic secondary school that advances the apostolic mission of the Brothers of Holy Cross. Our practical, experiential, comprehensive liberal arts curriculum applies timeless truths to contemporary life and leads people to wholeness in the image of Christ. What goals do you have for your four years at Bishop McNamara? How do you envision yourself carrying out the mission of the Brothers of Holy Cross as a student at Bishop McNamara? What does it mean to be a “whole” person as described by Father Moreau? (essay limit 1,000 words).

Completed certification forms, essays and completed Moreau Scholarship Applications should be mailed by the student’s parents to insure receipt by the Admissions Office prior to December 13, 2019.

Testing

Moreau nominees sit for a standardized examination in January.  All nominees must have a completed application for admission on file with Bishop McNamara by December 13, 2019.

For the 2020-2021 nominees, the Moreau Scholarship Examination is set for Saturday, January 11, 2020.    

Bishop McNamara High School will not offer make-up dates; if nominees are unable to take the scholarship test on the scheduled date, they forfeit their nomination.

Awarding Moreau Scholarships

The students earn a numerical score on the standardized test. The responses to the writing prompt will be evaluated by members of the Bishop McNamara High School Faculty and Admissions Committee.  The combination of the testing and writing scores will determine the scholarship award recipients.

The President of Bishop McNamara will notify scholarship nominees of their scholarship eligibility along with their notification of acceptance for admission to Bishop McNamara High School.   Scholarship recipients are informed of their individual scholarship amounts at this time. Scholarship recipients must reply to the Admissions Office in writing of scholarship acceptance.  If the Admissions Office does not receive written notification by the registration deadline, the student may forfeit the scholarship. Bishop McNamara High School reserves the right to annually determine the number of scholarships awarded and the criteria upon which these scholarships are given.  All decisions are final.

Questions?  Please contact the Office of Admissions at 301-735-8401 or via email at admissions@bmhs.org. 

Presidential Scholarship Program

Presidential Scholarships are awarded to a select number of students with documented accomplishments, which may include strong academic records, outstanding community service, and a strong record of leadership.  

Awards range in amounts from $1500 to $3000.

Presidential Scholarships are awarded based on the information submitted as a part of the admissions process for incoming students.  

For additional information send all inquiries to admissions@bmhs.org. 

Named in honor of our longtime Principal and President Dr. Marco J. Clark (1997-2020), this scholarship program offers an automatic $2,000 annual tuition discount renewable for all four years for the children of full-time Catholic school educators in the Archdiocese of Washington, Archdiocese of Baltimore or the Archdiocese of Arlington.

Dr. Clark and his wife both felt called to minister and serve in Catholic education. In an effort to support those families who have also committed their lives to serving in this meaningful ministry, Bishop McNamara High School formed this grant program.

Eligible students must be admitted to Bishop McNamara, are expected to maintain a 3.0 grade point average throughout their high school years, uphold the highest standards of Christian leadership, and remain in good standing in the school.

At least one parent must be a full-time member of the faculty or staff of a Catholic school in the aforementioned regions or work in their central offices to maintain eligibility for this program.  

For additional information send all inquiries to admissions@bmhs.org. 

A verification form must be submitted by parent. Go to Employment Verification for Catholic School Educators

The Washington Metropolitan area is home to two of the world's most important air bases,  Joint Base Andrews and Joint Base Bolling, located in Prince George’s County and Southeast Washington DC respectively.  As well, located less than ten miles from Bishop McNamara High School is the Pentagon and several other military agencies of our federal government. Our service and gratitude for these heroes begins right here in our community. 

In an effort to support the families of active duty military men and women in the Washington Metropolitan area, Bishop McNamara High School offers tuition discounts for the children of all active duty military families. Students must be accepted and enrolled at Bishop McNamara High School and remain in good standing in order to receive this tuition discount. To be eligible for this tuition discount, at least one parent/guardian must be a full-time, active member of one of the five branches of the armed forces--Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard.  The parent/guardian also must be able to document valid proof as an active duty military personnel. 

For additional information send all inquiries to admissions@bmhs.org. 

EMPLOYMENT VERIFICATION FORM for The Military Family Scholarship for the Children of Active Duty Members of the United States Armed Forces.

Carol Welteroth Marvin Memorial Scholarship

The Carol Welteroth Marvin Memorial Scholarship is provided by the Marvin family, in memory and honor of Mrs. Carol Welteroth Marvin, a distinguished educator and exemplary school administrator.  The Scholarship is presented annually to an 8th grade student who has been accepted into Bishop McNamara High School and into the St. Joseph’s Program. The student has by their personal witness, academic integrity and faith in action enriched their church, school and community.

For additional information send all inquiries to admissions@bmhs.org. 

The Carol W. Marvin Principal's Scholarship is provided by the Marvin family, in memory and honor of Mrs. Carol Welteroth Marvin, a distinguished educator and exemplary school administrator.  The Scholarship is presented annually to an 8th grade student who has been accepted into Bishop McNamara High School and enrolled in the St. Joseph’s Program with first preference given to a student who has matriculated from St. John the Evangelist School in Clinton, Maryland. The student has by their personal witness, academic integrity and faith in action enriched their church, school and community.

For additional information send all inquiries to admissions@bmhs.org. 

Fine Arts Scholarships

WHO?

Scholarships are awarded to applying 9th grade BMHS applicants. Scholarships are not available for transfer students.

WHAT?

BMHS offers several Fine Arts Scholarships sponsored by The Fine Arts Department. Scholarships are available in Music, Dance, Theatre, and Visual Arts and range in amounts averaging $500 to $1000+ per year in either 2 or 4-year increments.

WHEN?

Scholarship information is made available at the BMHS Annual Open House, after which the information is available on the BMHS website. Auditions and portfolio dates range from early January to early February.

WHERE?

All Auditions occur here at Bishop McNamara High School.

WHY?

To recognize and reward the wonderful achievements of our talented applicants.

HOW?

The scholarships are awarded to students based on ability. The audition/application process is different for each art form.
 

• Classical Dance Scholarships - All Genres - Group Auditions
• African Music & Dance Scholarships - Individual Auditions
• Choir Scholarships - Individual Auditions
• Band & Orchestra Scholarships - Individual Auditions
• Guitar/Piano/Drum Set - Individual Auditions
• Theatre Scholarships - All Theatre Experiences - Group Auditions
• Visual Arts Scholarships - Drawing and Additional Art Forms - Art Portfolio Submission

Scholarships and the Admissions Process

Students interested in Fine Arts Scholarships must submit a Bishop McNamara Admissions Application by December 15, 2019.  An audition for any scholarship does not positively or negatively effect the student's consideration for admittance to Bishop McNamara High School. Scholarship results will be announced in Admissions Office decision packets sent the end of February.

For more information, go to Fine Arts Scholarships

Carolyn Oberman Memorial Scholarship

The Carolyn Oberman Memorial Scholarship is a $1,000 scholarship awarded to a Bishop McNamara student who exemplifies Christian spirit, while striving for academic excellence (student must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.6).

The award shall be selected by the President, Admission Director with final selection by the Principal.  For more information about scholarships or financial aid contact the Admissions Office at Admissions@bmhs.org or the Business Office at BusOfc@bmhs.org.

Students whose parents graduated from either La Reine High School or Bishop McNamara High School are eligible to receive a one-time $500 Legacy Scholarship.

Students must list the parental name and year of graduation on the application. The Legacy Scholarship will be applied to the tuition of accepted and registered students.

For additional information send all inquiries to admissions@bmhs.org. 

The Keith L. Miller '89 Scholarship

This scholarship was created by Mr and Mrs Alfred Miller  to honor their son Keith, who played varsity football while attending BMHS. Keith was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2007.  The scholarship is awarded to an incoming Freshman football player who exemplified mental strength, passion, skill and dedication.  Contact varsity football coach for more information.

This scholarship is sponsored Passports to College, Inc., and by the KEO Memorial Scholarship Fund. The Scholarship is established in memory of Kevin Eugene O’Neil an honor student, National Merit Scholar, and recipient of a Morehouse College Presidential Scholarship in 2003. Kevin was active in academic clubs, as well as, a member of his high school swim, soccer and football teams.

The scholarship is coordinated by his mom, Mrs. Robin O’Neil, Co-founder of Passports to College, Inc. The mission of PTC is to collaborate with and successfully connect students, parents, schools and communities to college. This Scholarship honors the life and legacy of Kevin Eugene O’Neil. All male students are eligible to apply for the scholarship by writing an essay on the subject below keeping this theme in mind: 

"Harriet Tubman said, God set the North Star in the heavens.  This symbol served to guide Harriet in her work to forge a path for those seeking freedom. What is the North Star that Guides You?
 
a.  Explain in detail at least 3 symbols that have served as a beacon of light in your life up to this point;
b.  With every representation that you mention, tell how this symbol has motivated you to be a better person and to help others.

CRITERION:   Eligible students must complete the cover letter and submit their essay addressing the prompt at Passports to College/KEO Scholarship.  The 500-750 word essay must be typewritten on 8 by 11 ½ inch paper with one-inch margins on all sides. The font may be 12 point Times Roman, Cambria or Calibri. Please provide your word count on cover page. Entries must be submitted online via email to the Passports to College, Inc. Scholarship Committee at mreoneil@passportstocollege.org no later than 11:59pm on Friday, April 3, 2020.

Submissions will be judged on style, content, grammar and originality, and the required word count. Judges will look for clear, concise writing that is articulate, logically organized and well-supported. Entries that are incomplete, incomprehensible, handwritten or less than 500 words will be disqualified for consideration.

The winning Essay must demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the Essay subject. In the event that there is an insufficient number of qualified entries or if the judges determine in their sole discretion there are no entries or too few entries that meet the quality standards established to award the scholarship, the sponsor reserves the right not to award the Scholarship.

The winner will be announced at the Mother-Son Brunch and awarded no less than a $1,000 Scholarship. The winner must attend the Brunch. If the Scholarship is awarded to a senior student it must be used toward tuition and/or expenses related to his college education. If awarded to a 9th, 10th or 11th grade student, the Scholarship must be applied toward the student’s tuition for the 2019-20 school terms at BMHS. The Scholarship will be distributed on July 28th {Kevin’s Birthday} or upon enrollment at the applicable college or university.

All students who submit a completed application will be eligible to receive a Certificate of Participation.

If you have questions, please contact Ms. La-Toya Barnes via email: motherson@bmhs.org.

DC Knights of Columbus Charities

Council, or visit charities.dcknights.org.

DC Knights of Columbus Charities Scholarship Application

The Frederick M. Gossman Memorial High School Scholarship

Designed to assist members of the Knights of Columbus holding membership in councils within the jurisdiction of Maryland in paying tuition for their sons and daughters at accredited Catholic High Schools; two grants of $1,500.00 per year for up to four years, and one additional grant of $1,500.00 per year for up to four years, funded by the Maryland Knights of Columbus Insurance Advisors, will be awarded. Awards will be made on the basis of academic excellence, personal qualifications, and financial need. The children of deceased member are also eligible, provided the member was in good standing at the time of death. Application period is from October 1 to February 1. All applications must be received by the Knights of Columbus Scholarship Committee no later than February 1. For scholarship information or applications go to the Knights of Columbus Website or write to:

Maryland State Council
Knights of Columbus Scholarship Committee
c/o Phil Asplen
2525 Pot Spring Rd, L-503
Timonium, MD 21093

The William J. O'Brien, Jr. Memorial Catholic High School Scholarship

Three grants of $1,500.00 per year for up to four years will be awarded. Eligibility for a grant under this program is open to Catholic Students who are residents of the State of Maryland, and to children and grandchildren of a member of a Knights of Columbus council within the jurisdiction of Maryland. Applications must have been officially accepted at or must be students at accredited Catholic High Schools. Application will be judged on academic excellence, personal qualifications, and financial need. Application period is from October 1 to February 1. All applications must be received by the Knights of Columbus Scholarship Committee no later than February 1. For scholarship information or applications go to the Knights of Columbus Website or write to

Maryland State Council
Knights of Columbus Scholarship Committee
c/o Phil Asplen
2525 Pot Spring Rd, L-503
Timonium, MD 21093

Knights of Columbus Scholarship Special Note:

Be advised that there is also a scholarship program administered by the Supreme Council of the Knights of Columbus. For information and application, go to their website at Maryland State Council Knights of Columbus. Children of K of C members of Maryland Councils are eligible to apply to both the Gossman and O'Brien Scholarships above. Grandchildren of members and children of non-members are eligible for the O'Brien scholarship only.

For additional information send all inquiries to admissions@bmhs.org.