Officials from Marian Catholic High School announced that the $50,000 fundraising goal to endow the John P. “Jack” ’51 and Jane Malarkey Scholarship Fund has been met, thanks to the overwhelming generosity of alumni, family and friends — and the commitment of an anonymous alumnus who matched all gifts up to $25,000.

The fund, established in memory of the late Malarkey, and his wife, Jane, will now be permanently endowed, ensuring that future generations of Marian students will benefit from the values and legacy Malarkey embodied throughout his lifetime of service to the school.

“We are humbled and grateful to everyone who contributed to make this happen,” said David Bielen, chairman of Marian’s board of directors. “Jack was the heart of Marian for decades, and this scholarship ensures that his passion for Catholic education lives on. It’s a powerful reminder of what we can do when the Marian family comes together.”

Malarkey, affectionately known as “Mr. Marian,” was a pillar of the Marian community for over six decades as a teacher, coach, principal and ever-faithful volunteer. He was a guiding presence for students, faculty and alumni alike, remembered for his humility, grace, and steadfast devotion to the school and its mission.

The newly endowed scholarship will support deserving students, with a focus on making a Marian Catholic education accessible to children and grandchildren of alumni — just as Malarkey would have wanted.

The Malarkey family has expressed their deep gratitude to the school and to all who honored his legacy with their gifts.

Donations can still be made to grow the scholarship fund at https://boostmyschool.com/mariancatholichs-malarkey-scholarship-fund. They can also be mailed to Marian Catholic High School, Attn: Advancement Office, 166 Marian Ave., Tamaqua, PA 18252.

This is now the fourth endowed scholarship fund that has been established at Marian in the last year. Others were the Linda Neunlist Mann Scholarship Fund; the Larry ’44 and Ann Kilroy ’49 Furey Scholarship Fund; and the Robert C. and Connie ’44 Marzen Scholarship Fund.

For more information, contact Dr. Erin Marek, the school’s director of advancement, at emarek@mariancatholichs.org or 570- 467-3335.