The Knights of Columbus John J Cempré Council No. 6328 and their Ladies Auxiliary of Precious Blood Church in Culpeper awarded scholarships to Melanie Castro-Martinez and Nalanie Becker.
The scholarship program exemplifies the Knights’ commitment to outstanding individuals in their pursuit of fostering faith, service and academic excellence. The Knights’ scholarship awarded Castro-Martinez $1,500, and the Ladies Auxiliary’s scholarship awarded Becker $1,000.
The John J Cempré Scholarship, established in 1972, is a service and academic achievement scholarship aimed at recognizing and encouraging students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievements, leadership qualities, and a strong commitment to faith and community service. Through this program, the Knights and the Ladies Auxiliary seek to contribute to the development of future leaders and professionals who will make meaningful contributions to society.
These remarkable individuals were chosen from a pool of highly qualified applicants based on their outstanding academic records, extracurricular activities, and commitment to making a positive impact at Precious Blood and in the Culpeper community.
Castro-Martinez and Becker both volunteered in choir, altar serving and lectoring. They have also mentored younger parishioners through vacation Bible school, CCD and the children’s Nativity play. They both participated multiple times in the weeklong diocesan WorkCamp, serving families in need throughout the diocese with home repairs. They both continue to make a positive impact on their church and community while maintaining impressive academic success.
Castro-Martinez will attend the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, majoring in computer science. She hopes to work for the FBI. Becker will continue her studies in the pre-BSN program while working as a certified nursing assistant at Germanna Community College in Locust Grove. She hopes to join the U.S. Navy as a nurse after her BSN.
“It is a privilege to watch Melanie and Nalanie grow into the fine human beings they are and to be able to help with their future endeavors as incredible examples of faith and service in years to come,” said Debbie Quetsch, president of the Ladies Auxiliary. “They have been such a fine example to other youth and younger ones to come. They are key to promoting hard work and faith and making this world a better place. We are proud to have made the investment in them.”
