Elk County Catholic School System is pleased to announce that the A.J. and Sigismunda Palumbo Charitable Trust has again issued a substantial grant to ECCSS to support financial aid and tuition support.
“The Palumbo Trust continues to be a major supporter of Catholic education in our region,” said ECCSS President Sam MacDonald. “This grant will make Catholic education possible for hundreds of families in Elk, Cameron, and McKean counties. We are very fortunate that the Palumbo Trust has been such a consistent supporter of our schools.”
According to ECCSS Advancement Director Franchesca Herzing, the support comes at a very important time for Catholic education. “Many Catholic schools across the country are struggling,” Herzing said. “The pandemic put enormous pressure on school finances and enrollment in many areas. Fortunately, all of our schools have seen growth for three years running. This is only possible because of the generosity of supporters like the Palumbo Charitable Trust, who make it possible for our schools to remain strong and viable.”
“Mr. Palumbo and his family placed a strong emphasis on supporting local agencies in our region,” Herzing added, “in particular those with ties to education and the Catholic Church. Mr. and Mrs. John Kowach work with Trustees to continue building on that legacy. It’s an honor for our school family to be a part of that process. We pride ourselves on being open to families from all social and economic backgrounds. The Palumbo Trust makes it possible for us to keep tuition well below the national average for Catholic schools, and to provide aid for families who need it.”
ECCSS President Sam MacDonald and Advancement Director Franchesca Herzing, shown second and third from right, were joined by A.J. and Sigismunda Palumbo Charitable Trust Trustees Robert Ordiway, vice-chairman, Mary Rae Kowach, Palumbo Foundation administrative assistant, John W. Kowach, trustee and executive director and JoAnne Ryan, secretary.
Photo by Amy Cherry with The Daily Press
