CCHS Senior Jessica Rodacay Receives Full Scholarship to Attend Seton Hill University

WHEELING — Amidst tears of joy shed by family and friends, Jessica Rodacay, a senior at Wheeling Central Catholic, was recently surprised with a full scholarship award to attend Seton Hill University in Greensburg, Pa.

“Is it for real?” Jessica asked as she walked into Central’s library and was greeted by Seton Hill Admissions Counselor Ashley Josay, Jessica’s parents, siblings, aunt and family friends. After congratulatory hugs and kisses, Josay officially presented Jessica with a check for $104,000, the full four-year tuition to attend Seton Hill.

“Jessica is the first scholarship recipient from a West Virginia high school,” Josay said. “She will be a wonderful addition to our incoming freshmen class.”

Seton Hill University, recognized three times by Entrepreneur magazine as one of the nation’s Top 100 Entrepreneurial Universities and named one of the Best Mid-Atlantic Colleges by The Princeton Review, awards eight freshmen scholarships, two from each of the school’s major divisions. Jessica’s scholarship was awarded by Seton Hill’s Social Sciences Division.

To qualify for a Seton Hill scholarship, Josay said seniors must have a combined SAT score of over 1300 for math and verbal and a GPA of more than 3.7. The school selects 10 finalists from among the applications; chosen finalists must then submit an additional letter of recommendation and write an essay as to why they are worthy of the scholarship. A group of panelists votes on the scholarship winners.

Jessica said her aunt, Barb Coulson, a Seton Hill alumna, first introduced her to the Catholic liberal arts college campus located 35 miles east of Pittsburgh. “What attracted me most to Seton Hill was the intimacy of the school, it reminded me a lot of Central,” said Jessica. “This scholarship means so much to me…it’s wonderful because it really helps my family and takes the stress off.”

Jessica says what she will miss most about Central upon her graduation are her friends and teachers, especially Mrs. Toland and Mr. Volpe. “Central has really prepared me for college,” she said. “I’m way ahead because of my college prep work and because of the college classes I’ve taken at Northern.” She plans to study either Psychology or English at Seton Hill and would like to attend graduate school before pursuing a career that combines her love of children and writing.

“We are so very happy for Jessica and her wonderful family,” said Joe Viglietta, CCHS principal. “Jessica is a very bright, good-hearted young lady who will excel at Seton Hill and beyond.”

With a foundation dating back to the 19th century, a faith-based education stands as the hallmark of Wheeling Central Catholic High School. Located in the heart of The Friendly City, Wheeling Central is proud of its 420-member student body and their outstanding academic, athletic, and community service achievements. One of seven Catholic High Schools in West Virginia, Wheeling Central is where championship lives begin.