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Annual Harvest Fund / General Fund
This fund will provide vital, flexible-use resources and discretionary income that allow Kolbe Cathedral to sustain its educational mission with an excellent faculty and proper facilities and programs that allow students to achieve at their highest level. The proceeds from the Annual Harvest Fund, which runs from November through June, goes primarily to much-needed student tuition assistance and facility maintenance (the main school building was built in the 1960’s).
Maximilian Kolbe Scholarship
Established in 2021 by John & Cindy Sites, the Maximilian Kolbe Scholarship Fund is Kolbe Cathedral’s largest source of need-based, student financial aid. It is named in honor of our school’s namesake, a Polish priest who was also a missionary, teacher and publisher. A staunch anti-Nazi, he was imprisoned at Auschwitz where he died in 1941 after volunteering his own life to save another prisoner. He was canonized as a saint by Pope John Paul II in 1982. Over the next five years, it will award up to 12 full tuitions annually to students based on merit, a strong work ethic and an appreciation for the Kolbe Cathedral experience. Additional support is needed to increase the fund and ensure its longevity.
Bridge To Success Internship Program
Launched at the start of the ’23-’24 school year, Kolbe Cathedral’s Bridge to Success Internship Program serves as a unique bridge between academic learning and professional hands-on experience. For many of our students, the boundaries of their dreams are limited to only what they’ve seen in their own neighborhoods. Through strong partnerships with corporate and organization mentors and a commitment to student development, this internship program has provided meaningful, real-world and eye-opening exposure to students while meeting the operational needs of its partner organizations. Since launch, 106 students have successfully interned one day per school week at 51 different corporations/organizations across the wide spectrum of healthcare, law, manufacturing, higher education, hospitality/travel, finance, real estate/construction and the nonprofit sectors primarily in the Greenwich to New Haven corridor.
Carolyn Vermont ’78 Fund
Carolyn “Dawn” Vermont, 65, of Bridgeport, CT passed away on February 18, 2026. A proud alumna of Kolbe Cathedral High School, Class of 1978, she devoted her life and career to serving others. She graduated from Fairfield University and, in addition to serving on Kolbe Cathedral’s Board of Governors, she worked in a range of community-focused roles, from serving as a case manager at the CT Department of Social Services to later becoming the CEO of Habitat for Humanity Coastal Fairfield County. Carolyn was also an ardent volunteer, who generously supported many organizations dedicated to uplifting communities and creating opportunities and hope for countless individuals and families. In that spirit, her family has established the Carolyn Vermont Fund to provide discretionary need-based tuition assistance to students at Kolbe Cathedral through its Annual Harvest Fund. Donations may be made online or via checks made payable to “Kolbe Cathedral” and sent to Kolbe Cathedral Prep, 33 Calhoun Place, Bridgeport, CT 06604, Attn: Development/Carolyn Vermont Fund
Leah Rondon Fund
Leah was a happy, vivacious six-year-old whose life was cut tragically short in a car accident on August 20, 2015. She was an avid athlete, playing soccer, basketball, and softball. She was also a strong student who loved to read and play with friends at recess. Leah’s parents started 2 funds to keep her spirit alive. The Leah Rondon Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a graduating female student at Kolbe Cathedral High School where Leah’s father Henry is an administrator. The Leah Rondon Fund is housed at the Valley Community Foundation and is designed to benefit Ansonia, CT youth.
Denise S. Drzal Memorial Scholarship
In honor of Denise Drzal, a 1976 graduate of Cathedral Girls High School. This scholarship will be awarded to a female student who, like Denise, exemplifies the Christian characteristics of love and compassion for people, animals, and all living things. “Denise Drzal was an earth angel who went to be with the Lord on December 15th, 2023. She was a person of great faith, inclusivity, and compassion, Like Job, she never lost her faith even though a debilitating illness. The trials she faced only made her stronger and grew her relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She held everything that she owned in an open hand and would selflessly give to all in need. Her compassion for life extended to all people and all living creatures great and small without exception.”
Reunion Class Fund
Every year, alumni from certain graduating classes will celebrate their 10th, 20th, 30th, 40th and 50th reunions. Such milestones are great reminders of the impact that the Kolbe Cathedral experience and its community had on their lives. Giving back to the students of today, while celebrating your class anniversaries, is a very impactful and meaningful way to “pay it forward”.
Donate Today!
Be a part of changing a deserving child’s life.
Contact Rick Ryan at: rryan@kolbecaths.org
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