Scholarship Funds

To be considered for this scholarship, student must be in good academic and CWSP standing!

Dr. Fred Arrigg was born in Lawrence in 1922, the son of Lebanese immigrant parents. He became a well-respected local doctor and led a remarkable life, characterized by decades of dedicated service to patients, generous commitment to the Lawrence community and deep respect for learning and education. Dr. Arrigg and his wife, Emily, established this endowment for the academic benefit of a deserving student at Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School.

This scholarship is awarded to the student each academic year (freshman through senior year) and covers all tuition.  To be considered for this scholarship, student must be in good 
academic standing and either an immigrant or the child of an immigrant!

This scholarship was established in 2018 by Stephen and Maria Blewitt in honor of Thomas M. and Teresa P. Blewitt. Thomas was born in the U.S. to Irish parents, moved to Ireland as an infant and returned to the U.S. as an adult. Teresa was born in Ireland and immigrated to the U.S. as an adult. Thomas was a highly skilled carpenter who rose to become a Principal Housing Inspector in New York City’s Department of Buildings. Teresa stayed at home for approximately 20 years raising their four children. She later returned to work outside the home and was pursuing a college degree before succumbing to illness in 1979. Thomas and Teresa both greatly valued the importance of education and work which they instilled in their children.

To be considered for this scholarship, student should be Catholic or have an appreciation for the Catholic faith and must be in good academic and CWSP standing!

The Catholic Schools Foundation Scholars Program provides scholarships to a select group of students in the Archdiocese of Boston’s Catholic high schools. Students are selected based upon their potential as scholars, active members of their new school community, and their families demonstrated financial need.  Students who are selected also demonstrate a high potential to contribute positively to the school community through academics and/or leadership opportunities and have a goal for post-secondary education.

To be considered for this scholarship, student must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher and must be in good academic standing!

This scholarship was established in memory of Frances McAvoy Chory who graduated from St. Mary High School in 1949. It also honors John G. Chory who graduated from St. Mary Elementary School. John and his wife, Frances, as well as seven of their children, were educated by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur in Lawrence.  This scholarship is established with the hope that the recipient will give serious attention to their academic achievement and participate in the community life of Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School.

  To be considered for this scholarship, student must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher and must be in good academic standing!

This scholarship was established in memory of our great friend and mentor, Peg Downing, who passed away on January 24th, 2020. Peg was a woman of deep commitment, love and support for our students, our faculty, and our staff. Serving as principal in 2013/2014, Peg left a lasting impression on all who met her - we miss her energy, enthusiasm and that amazing smile. We know that Peg will continue to be our loudest cheerleader from her new home.

This scholarship is awarded to the student each academic year (freshman through senior year) and covers all tuition.  To be considered for this scholarship student must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and be in good academic and CWSP standing!

This scholarship is awarded in honor of Dr. Ibrahim El-Hefni, who founded the Technical Training Foundation in 1985. Dr. El-Hefni, an immigrant from Egypt, became a successful electrical engineer, inventor, and business owner. Over the years, he employed hundreds of people from the Lawrence area and became a supporter of location education. Dr. El-Hefni was a firm believer that education and hard work were the keys to success.  This scholarship was established by Dr. El-Hefni’s wife, Wensley, and their daughter, Suzanne Wright. It is awarded for all four years while at NDCR.  Awardees must maintain a 3.0 GPA for their Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior years.  They must also be in good standing in the Corporate Work-Study Program, remain free from any behavioral issues, and participate in the “life of NDCR” through volunteer opportunities.

To be considered for this scholarship, student must be in good academic and CWSP standing!

This scholarship honors Father James Field, the former pastor of Incarnation Parish in Melrose, for his commitment to the Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School mission and his leadership in encouraging his parishioners to share their time and talent with the Notre Dame Cristo Rey community. Scholarships are given each year to students who exemplify the qualities of academic achievement, leadership and courage.

In 2024, Linda Friedland established this scholarship in loving memory of her daughter, Karen Friedland.  Karen’s life was a tapestry of remarkable accomplishments woven with wit, compassion, care and boundless resourcefulness.  Growing up as the daughter of a Foreign Service Officer, she spent her formative years immersed in the diverse cultures of Europe.  Upon returning with her family to their roots near Potomac, MD, Karen pursued her education at Kenyon College in Ohio, graduating with a B.A in English.

Karen’s professional journey was marked by excellence.  She honed her talent as a grant writer, raising millions of dollars for a variety of nonprofits – including NDCR!  Throughout her life, Karen cultivated a deep passion for poetry, blossoming into a published author in her early 50s with two collections: “Places That are Gone,” and “Tales from the Teacup Palace” – a nod to the endearing nickname she and her husband, Rich, bestowed upon their meticulously curated 1930s home. In April 2024, after bravely fighting ovarian cancer for over two years, Karen succumbed to the disease, leaving behind a void felt by many.  Yet, through this scholarship, her radiant spirit continues to soar.  Grounded in principles of peace, nature, art, beauty, ethical values, humor and kindness, Karen’s legacy remains an indelible imprint on the lives she touched.  As this scholarship nurtures future graduates, Karen’s essence lives on, guiding and inspiring those fortunate enough to benefit from its embrace.

To be considered for this scholarship, student must be in good academic and CWSP standing!

This scholarship has been established by Mary Ellen and William Obreiter in honor of Mary Ellen’s mother, Ellen.  Ellen’s dedication to educational opportunities for deserving students has been a hallmark throughout her life.  Through this scholarship, Mary Ellen and William want to recognize a hard-working student.

To be considered for this scholarship, student must be in good academic and CWSP standing and be interested in pursuing the health care field!

This scholarship was established by the late James Gordon in honor of his wife, Rita Fitzgibbons Gordon, a 1955 graduate of St. Mary High School, and a dedicated Registered Nurse. Rita was a scholarship recipient and was always appreciative of the opportunity afforded to her 
in her pursuit of a nursing career. In fulfillment of Rita’s wish, this endowed fund provides a scholarship to assist deserving students in their own pursuit of a profession in the health care field.

To be considered for this scholarship, student must be in good academic and CWSP standing!

 
This scholarship was established by Heidi Hartung, a strong supporter of our school’s mission and model, and this scholarship is awarded to a student who has demonstrated his/her commitment to be successful at Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School.

To be considered for this scholarship, student must be a senior with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and be in good academic and CWSP standing!

John ("Jack") Higgins was born in Lawrence and held a lifelong belief that all citizens from Greater Lawrence might prosper if allowed the opportunity.  Both Jack and Nancy Higgins respected the value of education, persistence toward a goal and Catholic values.  They respected teamwork, intellectual curiosity and empathy toward others.  This scholarship was established to honor John and Nancy Higgins.  It is awarded to a student who represents the values respected by John and Nancy Higgins.

To be considered for this scholarship, student must be in good academic and CWSP standing!

Monsignor Daniel Keleher, Ph.D, V.F. was born in 1859, on a farm in North Andover, where his father, James, worked for the Stevens family.  As a boy he tended cows, taking them across the Merrimack River to graze in Methuen.  He graduated from Villanova University and entered the seminary at St. Mary’s in Baltimore and was ordained in 1883.   He served in many parishes throughout Massachusetts and became a professor at St. John’s Seminary in Brighton. In 1909, he was named pastor of St. Peters in Lowell where he celebrated his 50th ordination anniversary. In 1922, he was appointed Dean of the clergy of Middlesex County, and head of Keith Academy and Keith Hall in Lowell. In 1934, he was appointed a domestic prelate by the Cardinal, with the title of Right Reverend Monsignor.  This scholarship is in loving memory of Daniel by his grandniece, Dr. Mary Alice O’Dowd, a Lawrence native, as a tribute to his transforming work in education.

To be considered for this scholarship, student must be in good academic and CWSP standing!

This scholarship is endowed by Dr. Mary Alice O’Dowd, a Lawrence native, in memory of James and Mary, who both sacrificed greatly to ensure their children received a good education. James and Mary Lane Keleher were both born in County Cork, Ireland; James in 1817 and Mary in 1821.  In 1849, they emigrated to the U.S. with their three young children.  The six-week trip was a difficult journey for anyone, but their youngest, Mary, died during the voyage and was buried at sea.  Living in mill housing in North Andover, James worked on the Stevens farm as he and Mary raised their seven children.  Living in mill housing meant their children would start working by their teen years. To ensure their children would stay in school to have a better life, James and Mary moved to Lawrence and opened a grocery store.  Their children grew and did well in life, with one becoming a Mill executive and member of the school board, another becoming an inventor, another a schoolteacher, one a policeman and one becoming a priest.

To be considered for this scholarship, student must be in good academic and CWSP standing!

This scholarship was established in 2019 by Mary Landergan through The John J. McDonnell Margaret T. O'Brien Foundation in honor of her late father, Walter L. Landergan, Jr. Walter spent part of his childhood in Lawrence, and he never lost touch with his roots.  He graduated from Phillips Andover Academy and graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a major in physics at Harvard University, all on academic scholarship.  He went on to earn his law degree from Harvard Law School.  Walter spent his entire 65-year career at Rich, May P.C., a Boston-based law firm.  He generously supported Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School’s mission to provide a college-preparatory education and corporate work-study opportunities to the students of Lawrence for many years through The John McDonnell Margaret T. O’Brien Foundation.

To be considered for this scholarship, student must be a rising senior, hardworking and in good academic and CWSP standing!

This scholarship was established anonymously by an alumna of the Class of 1956 of Saint Mary High School. The scholarship memorializes Sister Mary Anne Laughlin, a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur who dedicated her life to education and believed in the basic goodness of all people. This scholarship is presented to a rising senior who exhibits hard work and 
determination in academics.

To be considered for this scholarship, student must be in good academic and CWSP standing!

This scholarship was established in 2019 by Steven and Elizabeth Lindsay, long-time dedicated benefactors of Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School. As a graduate of the former St. Mary High School, Elizabeth always remembered her Lawrence roots and the exceptional education provided by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. Majoring in business, Elizabeth was considerably influenced by our school’s CWSP and its impact on the college-preparatory education provided to the school’s students.

Established in 2025, this scholarship honors the accomplished and remarkable life of Ona Magee.  Born in the mid-1930s in Somerville, MA to parents who had recently emigrated from Ireland, Ona began life with hope and optimism.  Captivated by the wonders of education herself, in high school, Ona overcame a tremendous health challenge.  She contracted tuberculosis in 1950 and was quarantined for a year (very commonly done in the early 1950s for people suffering with TB). As education was so important to her, even from home, Ona kept up with her academic studies. After the year and thankful for a full recovery, Ona returned to her same class and went on to graduate, though she kept the lessons and love of her own education as a quest for her four children, 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.  An avid baseball fan, Ona never missed a Red Sox game and enjoyed discussing all players and their stats with family and friends.  Over the years, Ona attended countless ball games of her own children and grandchildren to cheer them on to victory!  Extending loving generosity and kindness to all, Ona was an avid traveler and particularly enjoyed the idyllic respites of Maine.  As a woman of faith, this scholarship has been established to recognize and honor Ona’s life, and the importance of educational opportunities to the children of immigrants.  

This scholarship honors the remarkable life and legacy of Mary-Helen McMahon, a beloved individual cherished by husband, Kevin, who established this scholarship along with Mary-Helen’s sister, Susana McNeff.  Born in Plainfield, NJ, Mary-Helen’s journey soon led her to Massachusetts, where she spent her formative years in Weston, excelling academically and becoming a member of the National Honor Society during high school.  Pursuing her passion for languages, she embarked on an enriching academic journey at Middlebury College and broadened her horizons by studying abroad in Paris, France, and Madrid, Spain, culminating in her earning a B.A. in both languages. 

Transitioning to the corporate world, Mary-Helen embarked on a fulfilling career in NYC.  Subsequently, she and Kevin embraced San Francisco as their new home.  There, she carved a niche for herself establishing an International Benefits Consulting practice for her company, enabling collaborations with emerging tech firms.  Beyond her professional achievements, Mary-Helen’s adventurous spirit thrived as she and Kevin explored 32 countries across five continents during their 42-year marriage, nurturing a love for travel that they shared with their son from a young age.  Their escapades included unforgettable experiences like swimming with sea turtles in the Galapagos Islands, trekking through Machu Picchu, holding a baby Koala Bear in the Australian Outback, and uncovering the hidden passages of Versailles on a private tour.  However, Mary-Helen’s most profound role was that of a nurturing mother and community advocate.  Following the birth of their son, she transitioned to prioritizing motherhood, immersing herself in various community initiatives which included raising tens of thousands of dollars for their local schools and town library.   

Facing a formidable fight with breast cancer in 2003, she endured two years of rigorous treatment with unwavering determination.  Emerging from this ordeal with resilience, she reinvented herself by becoming a certified nutrition coach and strength trainer while also dedicating her time to the Bay Area Breast Connection where she counseled women for two decades on how to cope, survive and thrive despite breast cancer.  In early 2023, with her own cancer having metastasized, Mary-Helen died in April of 2024.  

A voracious reader, her love for literature was limitless, and she also found solace and joy in gardening.  Throughout her life, Mary-Helen embodied grace, courage, and boundless generosity, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her.  This scholarship celebrates Mary-Helen’s enduring spirit by providing support to deserving students who embody her values of educational excellence, resilience, compassion, and a thirst for knowledge, ensuring that her legacy continues to inspire future generations.  

To be considered for this scholarship, student must be a senior and in good academic and CWSP standing!

This scholarship was established in memory of the father of a former Dean of Students, Robert McCarty. The award is presented to a deserving rising senior who exhibits qualities of leadership, hard work and perseverance at Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School.

To be considered for this scholarship, student must be an incoming freshmen and maintain
good academic and CWSP standing!

This scholarship award was established by Cynthia Mohr, a native of Lawrence, who is very involved in the activities of local community organizations. Ms. Mohr is deeply committed to the people of Lawrence and to the educational values of Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School. This scholarship is presented to a student who values education and community, a student who is determined to be successful and strives to give back to the Lawrence community in the future.

To be considered for this scholarship, student must be a member of the National Honor Society and be in good academic and CWSP standing!

This scholarship was established in memory of Sister Margaret Mary, a beloved faculty member, dedicated teacher and a gifted mentor to her students. Sr. Margaret Mary, through her generosity of spirit, embodied the mission and vision of Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School. A trained librarian, she had the vision to create a state-of-the-art library that supported each student’s goal to achieve a college education. She took great pride in her role as faculty adviser of the St. Julie Billiart National Honor Society and the Student Council.

This scholarship was established in 2018 by William and Mary Ellen Obreiter and is awarded to a student who has demonstrated his/her commitment to be successful at Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School.

To be considered for this scholarship, student must be in good academic and CWSP standing!

James T. O’Dowd was born to Irish immigrant parents in Lawrence in 1877.  James became a teacher in Lawrence, and met his wife, Sarah Hurley, while teaching Sunday School at St. Patrick’s Church.  He then opened his own business as a plumber and was elected in 1916 as a State Representative, serving at the State House in Boston.  He died of the flu during the Spanish Flu Epidemic of 1918, leaving Sarah to raise their three young children. Sarah went to work to support her family and to ensure they received a good education.  All three graduated from college, including Boston College, Emmanuel College, St. Anselm’s College. This scholarship is being established by Dr. Mary Alice O’Dowd, a Lawrence native, in honor of her grandparents – also Lawrence natives - who believed in the transforming power of education.

To be considered for this scholarship, student must be a female in good academic and CWSP standing!

This scholarship was established by a group of Saint Mary High School alumnae who are members of the Class of 1966. The award is presented to a female student who shows pride in Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School and in the traditions of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.

This scholarship was established by Lisa and Murray Smith and is awarded to a student who has demonstrated his/her commitment to be successful at Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School.

To be considered for this scholarship, student must be in good academic and CWSP standing!

This scholarship was created by the Base Communities Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. This fund provides Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School emergency support for students and families in financial need.

To be considered for this scholarship, student must be in good academic and CWSP standing! 

Established by Dr. Mary Alice O’Dowd, a Lawrence native, this scholarship honors the memory of her grandparents, both Lawrence natives, and believers in the power of education. Augusta Keleher Sullivan and her husband, Michael J. Sullivan were both born in Lawrence; Augusta, in 1867, and Michael, in 1864. Augusta’s parents, James and Mary Lane Keleher emigrated from County Cork Ireland, as did Michael’s parents, William and Mary Hyde Sullivan.  Augusta graduated from St. Mary High School and Michael from Lawrence High School.  She taught school before their marriage then was busy raising their nine children, while Michael worked as an upholsterer before opening his own furniture store, Sullivan’s Furniture, on Essex Street, which was a successful business for more than 80 years.  Michael served on the Lawrence School board and taught night school for working adults.  He was a member of the Chamber of Commerce and ran for Mayor of Lawrence in 1912, though lost the election.