Two Cathedral High School seniors, Maddy Kanter and Marian Ferro De La Vega, have been awarded the 2025 Holy Cross Brothers Scholarships, a prestigious honor recognizing their academic achievements, leadership, and commitment to service. The scholarship provides full tuition to Holy Cross College, an opportunity that both students describe as life-changing.
”When I found out I received the scholarship, I was in complete shock,” Kantner recalled. “I honestly couldn’t believe it was happening.”
For Kantner, the moment was made even more special by the presence of her best friend and a mentor who have supported her throughout high school. Initially uncertain about how her interview had gone, she quickly realized that others saw something in her that she had not fully recognized in herself.
The Holy Cross Brothers Scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to service qualities that both Kantner and Ferro De La Vega exemplify. Kantner attributes her success to her dedication to her studies, her passion for giving back to the community, and her perseverance through challenges.
”Balancing academics, extracurricular, and personal commitments was not always easy.” She admitted. “But over time, I developed strategies to mange my time efficiently and stay on top of my work while still being involved in the things I love.”
Beyond academics, Kantner has also faced personal challenges, particularly with self-doubt and the pressure to succeed. However, she credits her support system, family, teachers, and friends as well as her faith for helping her push through difficult moments.
For both scholarship recipients, Cathedral of High School has played a significant role in shaping who they are today. From dedicated teachers to transformative experiences like retreats, their time at Cathedral has instilled in them strong values of faith, leadership, and compassion.
Ferro De La Vega, another accomplished senior at Cathedral, has also been recognized for her academic and extracurricular achievements. Her leadership and commitment to service made her a deserving recipient of the scholarship, which will allow her to continue making a positive impact at Holy Cross College.
As they look ahead to their college years, both Kantner and Ferro De La Vega are eager to take advantage of the opportunities before them. Kantner, in particular, is excited about forming meaningful connections in a close knit academic community.
”I don’t want to feel like just a number in a large crowd.” Kantner said. “I want to be part of a community where people know and support each other.”
For younger students hoping to follow in their footsteps, Kantner offers simple but powerful advice: “Work hard, be kind, and never stop believing in yourself. Even when things don’t go as expected, trust that everything will fall into place.”
