Seton-La Salle students named Notre Dame scholars

Connor Hayes was our first ever Mt. Lebanon Junior Commissioner. Congratulations, Connor!

To be considered for the prestigious -- and merit-based -- Hesburgh-Yusko Scholars Program, high school applicants must write 16 essays, submit two recommendation letters, do a phone interview and interview in person at the University of Notre Dame.

Selections are based on four criteria: demonstrated leadership abilities, distinguished academic accomplishment, exemplary moral character and sincere commitment to service.

Of the more than 1,600 applicants worldwide, 25 were selected as scholars and two are from Seton-La Salle Catholic High School in Mt. Lebanon: Connor Hayes and Jake Grefenstette.

As Hesburgh-Yusko Scholars, they will receive $25,000 annually for four years toward the cost of attending the university. Tuition, room and board at Notre Dame cost $55,000 a year.

The seniors also will participate in four, fully funded summer enrichment programs for self-discovery leadership development. This summer, after their high school graduation, they will go on a three-week wilderness trip with activities including rafting and hiking. The site for the program has not yet been announced.

Unrelated to the scholarships, both young men also were named recipients of the St. Timothy Award by the Diocese of Pittsburgh for their outstanding contributions to the church and community.

Connor, 18, is the son of Kevin Hayes and U.S. Magistrate Judge Maureen P. Kelly of Mt. Lebanon, who met as undergraduates at Notre Dame.

"Growing up in a household of two Notre Dame alumni will influence him to know about the school, so it was important to us not to push too hard," Mr. Hayes said.

"It was down to Johns Hopkins, the University of Chicago and Notre Dame," Connor said. "The scholarship basically sealed the deal."

Connor was instrumental in establishing Seton-La Salle's Model United Nations and academic games. He is a member of the National Honor Society and a four-year varsity swimmer.

Jake, 18, is the son of Edward and Megan Grefenstette of Mt. Lebanon, both of whom attended Georgetown University. Jake also was accepted there.

"I tried to be neutral, but it was difficult," Mr. Grefenstette admitted.

But Jake was sold on Notre Dame even before the scholarship was announced.

"I feel like this is home," he told his father as they toured campus, Mr. Grefenstette recalled.

Jake is president of the school's National Honor Society and the Rebels for Life and is a senator with student government. He is a four-year member of the volleyball team.

Neither scholarship winner is committed to a career choice yet, but Connor plans to study political science and Jake plans to study bioethics.

The scholarship program was established in 2009 by Notre Dame alumni Mark and Stacey Yusko and hopes to cultivate leaders in the image of the Rev. Theodore Hesburgh, a former Notre Dame president, educator and renowned social justice advocate.

"It is difficult enough getting into Notre Dame, let alone being able to apply for the scholarship and successfully going through the process," Seton-La Salle principal Lauren Martin said. "It is a tribute to their families and the education they received from the diocese."

For more information: hesburgh-yusko.org.

http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/neighborhoods-south/seton-la-salle-students-named-notre-dame-scholars-632141/