FAIRFIELD, CT — Notre Dame Prep of Sacred Heart University has received a $1 million gift from the SG Schimenti Foundation Inc. to establish a permanent scholarship fund for incoming students, school officials announced.
The donation, the second-largest gift in the school's history, will establish the SG Schimenti Endowed Scholarship Fund. The foundation is a nonprofit organization that supports education by providing financial assistance to students.
"The foundation is truly excited to support Notre Dame Prep, and feels that its affiliation with Sacred Heart University will excel its educational program and make it a leading high school in Connecticut," said Gian Angiolillo, vice president and director of the SG Schimenti Foundation.
Chris Cipriano, Notre Dame Prep's head of school, said the donation reflects increased support for the school.
"People recognize the trajectory of this high school and they are putting their support behind our mission," Cipriano said.
"The foundation is making an investment in our community and recognizing our good work," he added.
The endowed fund is intended to provide multiple scholarships over time. Each year, one incoming freshman who demonstrates financial need, qualifies for the Notre Dame Distinguished Scholar program and maintained a grade point average of at least 3.5 in middle school will receive a scholarship covering 50 percent of tuition.
The scholarship will continue throughout the student's enrollment at Notre Dame Prep, provided the recipient remains in good academic standing.
The donation followed a connection between the foundation and the family of Notre Dame Prep junior Janiyah Louis, 16, of Stratford.
Louis' father, Jonel Louis, previously worked for SG Schimenti and told the foundation about his daughter's experiences at the school. According to the announcement, that relationship led to the foundation's decision to make the donation.
Janiyah Louis and her parents attended a recent ceremony recognizing the gift. She described her experience at Notre Dame Prep as one involving hard work and opportunities, and said students and teachers have been welcoming.
Her mother, Angie Louis, spoke about the importance of financial assistance for families seeking educational opportunities.
"A scholarship means the world, it means everything," Angie Louis said. "Education is the best thing you can give a child, and we've been very happy to be a part of Notre Dame."
The donation comes as Notre Dame Prep reports a 12 percent increase in enrollment over the past two years, following its acquisition by Sacred Heart University. The school currently enrolls more than 560 students.
School officials attribute part of that growth to the university affiliation, which provides Notre Dame Prep students with opportunities to work with Sacred Heart faculty and students, explore college-level coursework and participate in mentorship programs.
Students also have access to educational trips to Sacred Heart's campus in Dingle, Ireland, and other university resources.
Sacred Heart University President John J. Petillo said the endowment will provide financial assistance to future students.
"By creating a permanently endowed scholarship, the SG Schimenti Foundation is investing not only in students today, but also in generations to come," Petillo said. "We are deeply grateful for its confidence in Notre Dame Prep."
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