A typical day for Dana, a junior at Hudson Catholic High School, includes being a Peer Minister at her school, attending a Student Council meeting, participating in community service projects for the LaSallian Youth Group and preparing for the next theater production at the school. Dana, who receives a partial-tuition scholarship from The Scholarship Fund for Inner-City Children (SFIC), follows in the footsteps of her big sister Nicole, a graduate of Hudson Catholic, previous SFIC scholarship recipient and currently a communication major at Pace University.
Dana and her family have been through a few challenges. Mr. Picinich was in a truck accident that left him disabled and Mrs. Picinich was unable to work while taking care of her 94 year father. During Hurricane Sandy their home suffered extensive damage and due to financial hardships, the Picinichs’ were not sure if they would be able to send Dana back to Catholic school. “God always provides and with the help from The Scholarship Fund for Inner-City Children and their scholarship, Dana was able to go to Hudson Catholic. The donors of SFIC are making a huge difference in the lives of so many children and through their help, these children are able to receive the education they deserve.” stated Mrs. Picinich.
According to Mrs. Picinich, Dana’s mom, “Faith is very important to me. I believe that by attending a Catholic school that faith is encouraged and strengthened. Catholic school has assisted my children in so many ways, both spiritually and academically.
Spiritually because they have given our children a personal relationship with God, and at the same time the academics that they need. Without the assistance from SFIC, we would not be able to give our children the Catholic education they received.”
As for Nicole, “If you are able to help even one child receive a strong academic education with a lasting Catholic value by supporting SFIC, then it is worth it. I know that I would never trade my Catholic education for anything in the world. It has prepared me for college and beyond.”
“I would like to tell the donors how thankful I am for their help”, says Dana. “Because of them, children like myself are able to receive a good Catholic education. I hope to be successful and one day do the same as they do.” Dana plans on pursuing a career in Dermatology at college.
