The 2025-2026 Online Scholarship Application is now open! 

Click HERE to access the application. The application will close promptly at 4pm Wednesday, January 15, 2025.

Each year, through the kindness of our generous donors, Memorial offers a number of scholarships to qualified incoming freshmen and returning students. Please note scholarship availability is subject to change. 

Scholarship online applications open each year on December 1st and close January 15th (dates may be adjusted to accommodate weekends and holidays).

General Qualifications:

Applicants for scholarships must:

• Be enrolled or have completed the online admissions application at San Joaquin Memorial High School. **If you are a currently enrolled Holy Cross Junior High 8th grader, NO online admissions application is necessary.**
• Parents must submit a FACTS Financial Aid online form by the due date of the scholarships (if applicable). Questions regarding FACTS Financial Aid? Contact Lisa Jones in the SJM Finance Department at [email protected].
• Maintain a 2.0 or better GPA (depending on the individual scholarship criteria) and citizenship eligibility.
• Applicants may only apply for a maximum of 5 scholarships.
• Click below to fill out the online application for the category of scholarships for which you wish to apply.
• All scholarship recipients are required to write a thank you note in the Fall of their scholarship year. 

Timeline:
 Scholarship applications must be submitted on the San Joaquin Memorial High School website by 4:00 pm, January 15, 2025. NO EXCEPTIONS.

Questions regarding SJM scholarships can be directed to [email protected] (the scholarship coordinator office hours are Monday-Thursday 9:00am-3:30pm).

Available to All Students

Zilda Pamplona Duarte De Sousa Endowed Scholarship – One (1) $500 scholarship will be awarded to a financially deserving student who is of Portuguese descent (father or mother’s side). Write a brief essay on what your heritage means to you and how it makes you unique. Creativity is encouraged!  (Parents must submit FACTS Financial Aid application.)

James Ivory Memorial Scholarship - Seven (7) $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to financially deserving students who are practicing Catholics of high moral character, in good academic standing (3.5 GPA or higher), and are involved in the team sports of softball, soccer, basketball, or golf. Previous recipients of this scholarship and rising Juniors and Seniors will have priority. Write a brief essay on any sports you are involved in, what it means to you to be a team player on and off the field, and what you do for your church and/or the community. Recipients will be given priority consideration for yearly renewal. (Parents must submit FACTS Financial Aid application.)

Leslie Roberts Memorial Scholarship – One (1) $500 scholarship will be awarded to a financially deserving student who has a GPA of 2.0 or better.  Write a brief essay on what you do to make others feel welcome.  (Parents must submit FACTS Financial Aid application.)

Maria Trevino Scholarship – One (1) $500 scholarship will be awarded to a financially deserving student who has a GPA of 3.2 or better.  Write a brief essay on what your future plans are for college and how you plan to use your degree to better your community.  (Parents must submit FACTS Financial Aid application.)

Catholic Charities Scholarship – One (1) $4,000 scholarship will be awarded to a student who is a practicing Catholic with a proven track record of volunteerism throughout the community and at Catholic Charities.  Student must also possess a GPA of 3.0 or better.  Write a brief essay describing the extent of your volunteer activities involvement with Catholic Charities and what it means to you personally to give back to your community.

Lauren C. Benov Scholarship – One (1) $1,100 scholarship will be awarded to a financially deserving student of high moral Christian character and in good academic standing. Write a brief essay describing yourself and one worthy accomplishment. (Parents must submit FACTS Financial Aid application.)

Lourdes Scholarship in Memory of John Marie and Helen Marie Thez - Six (6) $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to financially deserving Juniors with a GPA of 2.0 or better, having high Christian moral character, and participating in charitable activities.  Write a brief essay describing yourself and the extent of your charitable activities.  (Parents must submit FACTS Financial Aid application.)

San Joaquin Memorial High School Athletic Boosters Club Scholarship
The Booster Club will fund four (4), $1000 annual scholarships, to deserving students that meet the criteria described below. 

• Booster Club Scholarships are available to all domestic students. 
• Parents do not have to submit a FACTS application to qualify. 
• Scholarships will be awarded to student-athletes with a minimum GPA of 2.5 or better, who are active in at least one sport and one school organization.
• The student will write a brief essay about what it means to be an SJM Panther athlete and how he or she will make a positive impact within the SJM community. 
• A minimum of two, Booster Club Scholarships, will be awarded to student-athletes who have entered SJM from a parochial school.

Tom and Angie Medina Memorial Scholarship: One (1) $2,500.00 scholarship to be given to an incoming 9th or current 9th, 10th or 11th grader at SJM. Criteria: 3.0 minimum GPA, Bilingual preferred, supports SJM’s ministry (service to others, Campus Ministry) and actively participates in one of the following: sports, music or the arts. Essay Question: “Please discuss your personal achievements, academic performance, involvement in your school and community, commitment to service, and any relevant hardships or challenges you have overcome. Describe how you anticipate our SJM education (and bilingual proficiency, if applicable) will enhance your skills and abilities, and how those improvements will support your aspirations and career objectives.”

Michelle Monge Memorial Scholarship: One (1) $500.00 scholarship to be given to a financially deserving student. Essay Question: “Describe yourself and one worthy accomplishment.”  (Parents must submit FACTS Financial Aid application.)

Dr. William M. and Patricia J. Schiff and Joseph Maxwell Schiff Endowed Scholarship - One (1) $500 scholarship for a financially deserving student who can identify purpose along with social and career goals, unrelated to sports, and has a GPA of 3.2 or better. Write a brief essay on what you will be doing in 5 years.  (Parents must submit FACTS Financial Aid application.)

Class of ’64 Endowed Scholarship – One (1) $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a financially deserving incoming freshman student, with a priority on helping students and families who have suffered a recent financial hardship.  Write a brief essay describing in detail a recent financial hardship that could jeopardize your ability to attend San Joaquin Memorial High School.  (Parents must submit FACTS Financial Aid application.)

D. Paul Fansler S.J.M. Service and Leadership Scholarship – This scholarship is for an incoming freshman. The Fansler Foundation determines the amount of the scholarship. Parental financial need will be taken into consideration.  The student selected must meet the following criteria: (1) must be a registered parishioner within the Diocese of Fresno; (2) must verify a minimum 3.2 GPA for 7^thand 8^th grade years; and (3) must continue active service and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 at Memorial.  This scholarship is renewable for the 4 years a student remains at Memorial provided grades are promptly submitted to the Fansler Foundation.  Applications are available through the Fansler Foundation at (559) 432-0544 and at http://fanslerfoundation.com/S.J.M.Scholarship-i-8-8.html.  The deadline to submit your application is March 15 of each year.  Application must be submitted to the Fansler Foundation, not Memorial.

Evelyn Massetti Memorial Scholarship – One (1) $500 scholarship will be awarded to a student from St. Joachim School in Madera who has earned at least a 3.0 GPA.  This is a renewable 4-year award provided the GPA requirement is maintained.  Applications for this award may be picked up by contacting the Financial Administrator/Principal at St. Joachim School.

Leadership Scholarship – One (1) $2,000 scholarship will be awarded to a financially deserving student who displays proven leadership abilities and has a minimum GPA of 3.0.  Describe what you have done in your school and community that demonstrates your leadership ability and what you plan to do in the future to continue taking on leadership roles.  The award will be renewable for the 4 years the student remains at Memorial, provided:  (1) the GPA of 3.0 is maintained; and (2) the service hour commitment is completed. (Parents must submit FACTS Financial Aid application.)

Msgr. E. James Petersen Honorary Endowed Scholarship – Three (3) $750 scholarships will be awarded to financially deserving students from St. Anthony’s School in Fresno. Applications for this award may be picked up in the Holy Cross Junior High School office. 

Nicholas Kauls Memorial Scholarship - Nicholas Steven Kauls, SJM alum, passed away June 28, 2018. He was loved by everyone he met for his unforgettable character and his passion for living life to the fullest. Intermittent opening dates.
Award: $2000 ($500 per year over 4 years) / This is NOT an annual award. This scholarship opens up once every four years, it carries the student through their SJM time and then once the current recipient graduates a new recipient is selected for the next four years. / Applicant Criteria: For an incoming Freshman SJM boys soccer player who maintains a GPA of 2.5 throughout the school year. This scholarship application will reopen December 2025 for the 2026-27 school year. 

St. Helen’s Catholic Education High School Scholarship – Scholarships are awarded to financially deserving incoming freshmen from St. Helen’s School in Fresno.  Applications for this award may be picked up in the Holy Cross Junior High School office. 

SJM Alumni Scholarship - One (1) $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a financially deserving returning junior or senior student with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better. In a brief essay explain the following: What does your SJM education mean to you? Describe your favorite SJM moment,  and how has your SJM education prepared you for your future aspirations? (Parents must submit FACTS Financial Aid application). Not available for the 2025-26 school year.

Margaret Schimandle Cole and Curtis A. Cole Scholarship – One (1) $500 scholarship will be awarded to a financially deserving returning Junior with a GPA of 2.0 or better based on interest in the study of theology and religion, service to the community and personal spirituality.  Write a brief essay on how the study of theology and religion has contributed to your overall educational development.  (Parents must submit FACTS Financial Aid application.)

Leonard T. DeFendis Memorial Football Scholarship – Two (2) $3,500 scholarships will be awarded to financially deserving students with a cumulative 2.5 GPA . Must be a current SJM football player and have a strong desire to remain at SJM. Describe the following:  How have you demonstrated a love for learning and your appreciation for San Joaquin Memorial, your passion for football, and what helped you decide to apply for the Leonard T. Defendis Memorial Scholarship.  (Parents must submit FACTS Financial Aid application.)

Sheila Farren Scholarship – Two (2) $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to returning students with a GPA of 2.5 or better and who are active in at least two school activities.  Both activities can be of the same category, i.e., two clubs, two sports or one of each.  Write a brief essay in response to Sheila Farren’s statement from the Baccalaureate Mass, June 1999: “Life is not about how often you win the big prize or what your greatest accomplishment is, life is about how you behave along the way.”  Your response should include a discussion about what you want to contribute to the world and how Memorial is preparing you for that challenge.

Dr. Bill and Jeanette Frye Scholarship – Two (2) $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to a returning student who excels in the Sciences, is involved in athletics and has a GPA of 3.2 or better.  Describe your involvement at Memorial, including some impactful experiences that will shape your journey after high school and why.

Kelly Grady Scholarship – Two (2) $1,500 scholarships will be awarded to a financially deserving female student of high moral Christian character in good academic standing.  Describe why you like Memorial and one worthy accomplishment.  (Parents must submit FACTS Financial Aid application.) Not available for the 2025-2026 school year.

John and Florence Loughney Memorial Scholarship - One (1) $500 scholarship will be awarded to a returning sophomore, junior, or senior who maintains a minimum 3.0 GPA and is the child or stepchild of a member of the law enforcement community. Describe what you value in a catholic education. Discuss the impact your parent's career has made on your life. What are your goals for the next academic school year and how this award will help you achieve them. Please indicate the law enforcement agency your parent works for. 

John L. Saccheri Scholarship – Four (4) $1,100 scholarships will be awarded to financially deserving students with a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA who demonstrate involvement in co-curricular programs.  Describe the co-curricular programs you have participated in and the extent of your involvement at Memorial.  (Parents must submit FACTS Financial Aid application.)

San Joaquin Memorial High School Guild Scholarship – One (1) $500 scholarship will be awarded to a student of high moral Christian character with a minimum 2.0 GPA and who has a parent that is a member of the San Joaquin Memorial Guild.  Describe why you like Memorial.

St. Pat’s Golf Scholarship – Two (2) $1,500 scholarships will be awarded to returning student-athletes with a GPA of 3.0 or better.  The lessons we take from the obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to future success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure in athletics. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

Brother Raphael-Philip Thez Scholarship – Five (5) $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to financially deserving students with a GPA of 2.0 or better, having high Christian moral character and participating in charitable activities.  Describe what makes you appreciate the values, education and opportunities Memorial provides and how you will share those gifts with our community and contribute to the mission of Memorial.  (Parents must submit FACTS Financial Aid application.)

Bob Wagner ’55 Endowed – One (1) $500 scholarship to a financially deserving junior or senior multi-sport athlete with a GPA of 2.5 or better. Write a brief essay on: How sports has influenced your actions, on and off the field? (Parents must submit FACTS Financial Aid application.)

Inez Zuniga Scholarship – One (1) $750 scholarship will be awarded to a financially deserving student with a cumulative 3.0 GPA who is involved in at least one co-curricular activity.  Describe why you like Memorial and one worthy accomplishment.  (Parents must submit FACTS Financial Aid application.)

Karen Sanchez Memorial Scholarship- One (1) $750 scholarship will be granted to a
financially deserving rising Senior who is in good academic standing. This scholarship was established in loving memory of Karen Sanchez, a senior at Memorial, who was killed in an accident in May 1991, just before graduating from SJM. Write a brief essay describing yourself and some accomplishment you are proud of that was achieved during your years enrolled at SJM. (Parents must submit FACTS Financial Aid application.) Must be a current SJM Junior to apply.