From my very first days in Daytona Beach, I recognized that the family we call Father Lopez Catholic High School is indeed a very special, caring and loving family. We have many wonderful students who are surrounded by positive adult role models, both at home and at school. We take pride in the varied accomplishments and achievements of our students, and we are honored to help prepare them for the next leg of life's journey.   

Today, I am pleased to share with you another example of just how thoughtful and generous members of our school family can be. Just a few days ago, a scholarship opportunity was established for our graduating seniors. It is quite special and somewhat unique.  

When our current seniors were finishing their freshman year of high school, a legendary Lopez educator was announcing his retirement. Bill Hunter, a long-time English instructor, was putting his final touches on 28 years of service to the Lopez community. During his tenure, Mr. Hunter was a positive influence on the lives of hundreds of students. His popularity is evident whenever and wherever Lopez alumni gather.

The family of James and Mary LaTorre Greenlees also recognized that Bill had a positive and enormous impact on many of his students.  This included their son, Russell Greenlees '05, and Mary's brother and current Lopez parent, Joe LaTorre '81. In gratitude for the gift that Bill was for so many of his students, they have established The William J. Hunter Scholarship.

The Greenlees see the goodness of a Bill Hunter continuing today at Father Lopez. Our current educators and support staff, much like Bill, are a blessing for us as they teach, assist and guide our students. With that in mind, I am particularly pleased with how the family chose to make this a two-part award.

When you click here to read more about the scholarship announcement, you will note that this award recognizes not only a graduating senior, but also a Lopez faculty or staff member. The scholarship provides a $1,000 grant for a Lopez senior to be used for college AND a $1,000 award to a Lopez faculty or staff member who had a positive and enormous impact on the student.

The donors recognized that Bill Hunter made a difference in the lives of his students. Through the structure of this award, they also recognize that current Lopez faculty and staff members also make a difference in the lives of today's students. Through their generosity, the legend of Bill Hunter and the Lopez tradition of positively impacting students will continue.

The Florida income-based scholarship program, "Step Up For Students", is now accepting applications for new families. One significant change that may benefit eligible Lopez families was the removal of the prior-year public school attendance requirement. (Previously, students entering the program in grades 6-12 must have attended a Florida public school the year prior. That is no longer the case. Students attending a nonpublic school this year-including Father Lopez-are now eligible to apply.)

Click here to find out more about the program and to see if you might qualify. Please remember that scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. The sooner you apply and submit documents, the more likely you will be awarded a scholarship for the upcoming school year.

The "Step Up For Students" scholarship award for this year totaled as much as $5,272 per child. It is projected to increase for next year.

Wonderful things happen every day at Father Lopez. Our students excel in the classrooms and on the playing fields, as well as in the arena of helping others close to home and around the world. None of this happens without your generous help and support. For this, we are most grateful.

We invite you to consider making a gift to The Lopez Fund to support the mission of our school. All gifts are appreciated. No gift is ever too small. For your convenience, you may click here to make an online donation. If you prefer, you may mail a check directly to: The Lopez Fund, Father Lopez Catholic High School, 3918 LPGA Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32124.