In 2010, Prep introduced a new enrichment program called the Ignatian Scholars Program.  The purpose is to further recognize and mentor our incoming Ignatian Scholars (formerly referred to as Presidential Scholars) during their freshman year. These young men, based on their performance on standardized and placement tests as well as their 6th, 7th, and 8th grade grades, have demonstrated superior academic proficiency and have been awarded merit scholarships. There are 60 Ignatian Scholars in the Class of 2015, more than one fifth of the class.  Within their number, 17 are Sheehan Scholars, who have achieved at the highest academic level and are awarded full scholarships.

We hope that as the Ignatian Scholars move through Saint Peter's Prep, the unique experience of a Jesuit education will form them as "Men for Others". In addition to scholarship monies earned, we have developed a program designed to expose this group to four major areas: Spirituality and Service, Cultural/Artistic Events, Alumni Achievers, and Leadership Development. We are confident that this formation will result in each student being intellectually challenged, spiritually motivated, and moved to act and be involved in our community. 

It was with great pride that we noted that seven Ignatian Scholars, pictured above with Mr. Juan Arteaga, Ms. Trish Fitzpatrick, and Mr. Jim DeAngelo, were presented with Magis Awards at the conclusion of their freshman year, in recognition of their school spirit and ability to be fully present to their fellow freshmen.  Pictured in the first row, l. to r., are TJ Ward, Chris Butko, Harsh Patel, and Jake Marciniak.   Magis winners in the top row, l. to r., are Rusty Cain, Kevin Kuhl, and Mike Fernandes.

An Ignatian Scholars Team, consisting of members of the Classes of 2012, 2013, and 2014, has been carefully selected for this school year. Their mission is to mentor the Ignatian Scholars of 2015 and to serve as role models for their development. They are Julian Arena, Austin Armon, Declan Berutti,  Joe Burke, Chris Butko, Jack Byram, Evan Cain, Drew Casey, Matthew Chu, Sean Conheeney, Isiah Cruz, Matt Donofrio, Mike Fernandes, Brian Franconeri, Matt Giardiello, Ethan Gilbert, Alex ill, Conor Golway, Matt Halchak, Matt Jasko, Antony Kamel, James Kellner, John King, Kevin Kuhl, Brandon Lyons, Jake Marciniak, K-Max Mauer, Andrew Mauro, Kevin Mikovits, Ryan McGann, Jack McNulty, Daniel Navarro, CJ Pulmano, Aakash Shah, James Sheehan, Mario Spiniello, Shayron Taylor, Brian Tuhy, Lucas Voli, Mike Walshe, and TJ Ward.  Some of the Team will work on Leadership Development and others will helm and staff the newly-developed Peer Tutoring Program.

Mr. Juan Arteaga, Assistant Dean/English Faculty is the Program Director, Mr. Ben Brenkert, SJ, is the Program Chaplain, and the Program Coordinator is Ms. Trish Fitzpatrick, P’07, Director of Strategic Relationships.

The first event for the Ignatian Scholars will take place on Monday, October 17, 2011 at 7:30am and will be "Breakfast with the President".  Fr. Reiser will meet with the students and discuss his goals for them and their unique position in the school.  Senior members of the Ignatian Scholars team will also be present to meet and greet the freshmen.  This will kick off the year of activities, presentations, trips and lunchtime mentoring sessions.  More information will be conveyed to the Scholars shortly.

Any questions about the program should be directed to Mr. Arteaga at arteagaj@spprep.org or to Ms. Fitzpatrick at fitzpatrickt@spprep.org.