Born in the United States, Brother Cajetan had a bright Irish light in his eyes and a noticeable Irish Brogue. He was only about 5’5” and had a somewhat crippled right hand. Thinking back to decades ago when many of you began your schooling at La Salle Academy on Second Street and Second Avenue, it is clear that whatever social, political, literary, mathematical, historical, Catholic and pedagogical convictions you may have can be traced back to a loyal band of Lasallian Brothers, and quite possibly personified by a man like Brother Cajetan. These Christian Brothers taught rigorous, demanding and solid education that was not then found in the secular domain of New York City Schools. Brother Cajetan played an important role in many lives, which is why we established The Brother Cajetan Memorial Scholarship to pay homage to him and the many lives he touched during his 25 years at La Salle Academy. This scholarship will be awarded to students whose families encounter unforeseen difficulties that affect their ability to pay their son’s tuition.
Read Donald Costello ’50’s memories of Brother Cajetan here
Br. Thomas joined La Salle Academy in the 2018-2019 school year. He served the school as President for four years until his retirement in June of 2023. He provided a steady hand at the helm during the COVID-19 pandemic, all while working to better the school’s position within the community and the student experience. This scholarship was established in 2023
Established in 1997 by Michael Ambrosino ’62 in memory of his parents Margaret and Philip Ambrosino. Full and partial scholarships are awarded.
In memory of Coach Buckley and in honor of Coach Aberer, we are starting the Buckley-Aberer Scholarship that will be awarded to financially disadvantaged students with superior academic achievement and a proven record of leadership. These future Brothers Boys should also possess the same ideals and values these gentlemen instilled in all of their athletes. For many of us, one or both of these men had a profound impact on our lives on and off the court. The Buckley-Aberer Scholarship reminds us how fortunate we were to spend our formative high school years under their guidance. We can’t think of a better way to recognize their long, successful careers. La Salle has provided us a way to say “thank you” to Coach.
Established in memory of Michael Carroll from the class of 1980, who was a fireman who lost his life on 9/11.
Established in 1998 by Michael Claffey ’50 in memory of his mother Margaret M. Claffey. The Claffey Family Scholarship is awarded to a financially disadvantaged student who has a strong interest in the humanities. Partial scholarships are available.
Established in 2017, the Monsignor Neil A. Connolly Scholarship was named in memory of Monsignor Neil A. Connolly, pastor of St. Mary’s parish on Grand Street in Lower Manhattan for nearly three decades. An advocate for the poor and underserved in his community and one of the first recipients of the Buen Pastor Award of the National Association of Hispanic Priests, Monsignor Connolly’s legacy will live on through this scholarship. The Monsignor Neil A. Connolly Scholarship will be a partial scholarship awarded to high-achieving student from the Grant Street Housing Complex. He should have a strong will for community service. Upon receiving this scholarship, the student must maintain a B-average for the four years of high school.
This scholarship has been established in memory of alumnus William F. DeSpagna from the class of 1946 by his family and La Salle Academy.
In 2008, James Detura ’74 established an endowment fund to assist La Salle Academy in its mission to provide a Lasallian Catholic education to current and future students by providing tuition assistance. Students qualify for scholarships based on their grammar school performance and other testing requirements. Students must maintain grades to keep a scholarship or other form of financial aid.
In memory of Deputy Chief Raymond Downey ’55, the head of emergency services in New York City who died in the World Trade Center on 9/11/01.
This scholarship was established in 2009 in memory of William Duane from the class of 1953 by his son, Bill Duane.
The Raymond T. Griffin ’53 Scholarship will be awarded to a rising 9th grade student from Good Shepherd School (620 Isham Street, NYC) who will be attending La Salle Academy.
This scholarship was launched in 2015 in memory of Edward F. Kelly Õ58 by his brother William Kelly ’59 and daughter Megyn Kelly, former anchor of Fox News Channel’s the Kelly Files.
Established in 2019, The William Kissane ’40 Scholarship will be awarded to a student from the Holy Cross Church on West 42nd Street.
La Salle Academy proudly honored Mr. Valentine A. Lehr ’58 with a scholarship in his name in May 2017. One of La Salle’s most dedicated alumni of his generation, Mr. Lehr spent an extraordinary eight years in his role as Chairman and many more years as a member of the Board of Trustees. Under his conscientious and principles leadership as Chair, La Salle was put on firm financial footing once again. This scholarship will help give this generation of Brothers’ Boys the opportunities to become men of character, faith and integrity like Mr. Lehr.
Established in 2015 in honor of La Salle’s first President, Brother Carl Malacalza FSC. This scholarship will be awarded to financially disadvantaged students with superior academic achievement and a proven record of leadership. These scholarship recipients will possess the same ideals and values that Brother Carl Malacalza, FSC, instilled in all of his students.
Established in 2017, the James W. Prendergast ’48 Scholarship Fund was named in memory of Jim Prendergast for his unwavering service to his alma mater. After passing on January 13, 2017, Jim left behind a legacy at La Salle that will never be forgotten, providing extraordinary guidance and expertise as an active member of the La Salle Development team until the day of his passing. This scholarship will be awarded to financially disadvantaged students with superior academic achievement and a proven record of leadership. These scholarship recipients will possess the same ideals and values that Jim Prendergast held as a dedicated member of the La Salle Academy community.
Established in 1999 by siblings George Scharpf ’58 and Marguerite DiSepio in memory of their brother, Ernest Scharpf ’59. Later renamed in memory of Ernest and George, after George’s passing in 2019.
This scholarship was originally established as the Kathleen Scarry Memorial Scholarship in memory of Kathleen, the sister of alumni John Scarry ’52 and William Scarry ’59.
The origins of this scholarship began in 2000 when Mary and Tom Siegler ’52 established the John G. Siegler Scholarship Fund at La Salle to honor the memory of Tom’s brother, an alumnus of La Salle from the class of 1950.
This scholarship was established in memory of George Wan from the class of 1983 by his brother Allen Wan, also an alumnus of La Salle from the class of 1984.
Limited spots available for the 2023-2024 school year. Apply today!
