Marian Catholic High School recently held its fourth annual Distinguished Alumnus and Hall of Fame Celebration in the John P. Malarkey ’51 Gymnasium.

More than 220 alumni, parents, grandparents, faculty, staff and friends gathered for the event, making for the largest attendance in the history of the celebration.

Guests arrived from Florida, Texas, Massachusetts, Virginia, Connecticut and across Pennsylvania for an evening that showcased the deep pride and enduring spirit of the Marian family.

“There was an incredible sense of pride, gratitude and love for Marian throughout the evening,” said the Rev. Robert Finlan, principal of Marian Catholic High School.

The evening honored distinguished alumni and Hall of Fame inductees whose achievements and service reflect the values and traditions of the school.

Recipients of the Distinguished Alumnus Award were John P. Lavelle Jr., Esq. ‘81, and Sophie A. Kozuch Cuthbertson, Esq. ‘91. Hall of Fame Inductees were Joseph and Mary Dvorak and family; Jack and Anne Mulderick Cannon and family; Janet Bonenberger; Joe Svetik; the Very Rev. Msgr. Daniel J. Yenushosky; Ann Witcofsky Guth; Susan M. Yacapsin McGorry and John Huber.

During the event, Lavelle announced the establishment of an endowed scholarship in honor of his parents, Marianne Lavelle and the Honorable John Lavelle. The scholarship will benefit an incoming Marian Catholic freshman from Carbon County and will provide opportunities for future generations of Marian students.

In another significant announcement, an endowed scholarship in honor of longtime Marian educator Jack Huber and his wife Marcella was funded during the evening through gifts from attendees, aided by a generous anonymous $25,000 matching gift from a Marian alumnus who credited Huber as a major influence during his years at Marian. The scholarship will be awarded annually to an incoming freshman from the Jim Thorpe area. George Demetriades and former Marian faculty member Jonathan Warke were instrumental in originating this scholarship fund idea.

The celebration also raised more than $100,000 to benefit the school’s scholarship and capital improvement funds, which will directly support Marian’s mission of providing a faith-based, college preparatory education while continuing to enhance opportunities and facilities for current and future students.

Finlan thanked all who helped make the evening a success.

“Events like this remind us that Marian is far more than a school — it is a family,” he said. “The generosity and enthusiasm shown by our alumni and friends ensures that Marian Catholic will continue to thrive for generations to come.”

Plans are already underway for next year’s celebration. The fifth annual Distinguished Alumnus and Hall of Fame Celebration will be held on May 1 in the gymnasium.

For more information about supporting the school, contact the Advancement Office at 570-467-3335 or visit MarianCatholicHS.org.