2025 Scholarship Recipients
It is with great pleasure that we present to you the 2025 winners:
Calgary Board of Education
Sophie Yaremko, Ernest Manning High School
During her time at Ernest Manning High School, Sophie has been a member of the Junior Girls Volleyball Team, Junior and Senior Girls Basketball Teams, Cross Country Team, Track and Field Team, Handball Team, and Girls Rugby Team. It is not only impressive that Sophie has been involved in so many athletic programs, but also that she has been a key contributor and leader in each of them. Even more impressive than Sophie’s athletic ability is her leadership. She has a unique talent for bringing out the best in her teammates. She has served as captain on the basketball, handball, and flag football teams and is widely respected by student-athletes across the school. Adding excellence in academics to the mix makes Sophie a great choice for the award.
Ryley Graftaas, James Fowler High School
Ryley has had the opportunity to play on a multitude of the school’s sports teams including Cross Country, Volleyball, Basketball, Badminton, and Track and Field. Outside of non-school sports, he also completed five half-marathons in the last three years. Despite sustaining a season ending injury playing basketball this year, Ryle’s tenacity has allowed him to recover in time for the Track and Field season. An outstanding academic record and a model citizen in both the school and broader community have earned Ryley the privilege of being recognized as a 2025 scholarship winner.
Calgary Catholic School District
Destiny Adesegun, St. Mary’s High School
Destiny is one of two recipients from St. Mary’s High School this year. Throughout her three years, she has consistently demonstrated excellence in academics, athletics, and leadership. Destiny has maintained Honour Roll status each year, achieving an academic average in the 90s, all while balancing a demanding athletic schedule and active involvement in student leadership. In her senior year she captained both the Girls Basketball and Rugby Teams, qualified for the city championships in Track and Field, participated in Cross Country and Swimming. She has been an active member of Student Council for 3 years where she was appointed President in Grade 12.
Nicholas Marra, St. Mary’s High School
Nicholas, also of St. Mary’s, has consistently earned a place on the Honor Roll for all reporting periods. He is an exceptional multi-sport athlete who qualified for Provincials in Golf; captained the Senior Boys’ Volleyball Team for three years; was a key player on the Senior Boys’ Basketball team, helping secure back-to-back City Championships. His athletic versatility is further highlighted in Track and Field, where he qualified for the City Championships in long jump and triple jump. Beyond academic and athletic achievements, Nicholas is an authentic leader and role model in his school and community where he spends countless hours volunteering his time.
Scholarship Award Reception
Please join us to honour this year’s award recipients! If you prefer, you may join us virtually. Everyone is cordially invited to this year’s reception held in honour of the 2025 scholarship recipients:
- Date: Sunday, June 22, 2025
- Time: 7:00 p.m.
- Location: Calgary Winter Club or virtually via Zoom
- Price: $40 per person
Please RSVP no later than June 12 to Lu Scarpino at 403-862-0065 or scarpinolc@shaw.ca to purchase a ticket or receive a link to join the reception.
Scholarship News
- The Father Whelihan Memorial Scholarship Society is pleased to offer four scholarships of $2,500 per recipient towards post-secondary education to Calgary area student athletes.
- The criteria for the award include: academic excellence, athletic achievement, citizenship, leadership and community involvement and need.
- The Society welcomes its newest Executive Committee member, FWMS alumnus Greg Rafter, Bishop Carroll, 2008.
Volunteer Opportunities
The FWMS Executive could use your help! Please consider how you might leverage your areas of interest and expertise to further the objectives of the FWMS Society. There are opportunities in assisting with candidate selections, establishing a mentorship program amongst the alumni, organizing social events, gathering archival information, helping establish a social media presence, managing the affairs of the society (both legal and financial)…the opportunities abound, and the commitment is light! Contact us to express your interest.
View a PDF copy of the newsletter here.