Judge Memorial Catholic High School is pleased to announce that a scholarship has been established in honor of Michael Anthony Smallwood Starks, a Judge Alumnus of the Class of 2008, and a student at Utah State University at the time of his death. The scholarship was established by his parents, George and Jane, and siblings, Kelly, George, Jason, Megan and Mary.

The intent of the scholarship is to honor a student who lives by the Michael Starks Creed of Friendship. Specifically, the student selected will demonstrate honesty, courage, and love by respecting themselves and others for both their differences and similarities. The student will celebrate all people, their individual needs, and their personal well-being in pursuit of a greater good, and in times of greatest need, will put others’ safety and the value of human life before his/her own fears. Simply put, the recipient of the scholarship will be a person who is honest, courageous, loves others, and is a true friend.

In creating the scholarship, Michael’s father, George, said, “in many ways, Michael always wanted to be a leader through his own self-identity, something he had far too little time to develop. Still, perhaps he can provide leadership that he was possibly destined for through the most tragic of events.”

The Michael Starks Memorial Scholarship is awarded each year in the late spring to a deserving Judge Memorial rising junior and/or rising senior to assist with tuition costs for that student’s junior and/or senior year. The judge faculty and administration will consider the character, integrity, and financial needs of qualified students in selecting a recipient.

SCHOLARSHIP AWARD: Multiple awards of $500.00 each will be applied to individual students. The awards are managed by the Judge MemorialAdvancement Office and Finance Office, where applications will be made available to interested students. Please be reminded that for those making contributions to Michaels' scholarship, contributions continue to be tax deductible, providing such contributions are made directly to JMHS in the name of the Michael A. Starks Memorial Scholarship.

APPLICATION DUE DATE: March, 15

The Michael A. Starks Memorial Scholarship Application Essay

Please include with your application a one-page essay reflecting on what the message below means to you and how you incorporate the ideals into your interactions with those around you.

 

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Letters from Scholarship Recipients

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Starks and Family,

I’m very proud to be the recipient of such a beautiful award. I have had many people congratulate me. I can see in their eyes that they are impressed by this recognition. It means a lot to be named for the Michael Starks Scholarship. I want to thank you all for working hard to set it up. I will definitely do my best to live up to the award.

I am sending a photo from the State track meet. I’m the one on the left with my hand on my forehead. I like the picture because it shows us walking to the start of the race, and I like the cross on our jerseys. No one else has those. I ran a personal best on my split of this race. I will run all of my races next year, not just in track, for Michael. I have a feeling he will help me.

Thank you again, Starks Family for allowing me an opportunity to be great. I will stay in touch with you and let you know how school is going.

Sincerely,
Jackie Sliwinski
 

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Dear Starks Family,

Thank you so much for the opportunity of receiving the scholarship in honor of your son Michael; this is a huge opportunity and blessing from your family. My family has worked hard to put me through school at Judge Memorial. My mom works long hour days and comes home to take care of my family, my dad was recently working two jobs, and I would help take care of my brothers when they were working. I’ve tried to be a good student and make myself a better person, but I never felt I got recognized at Judge until this scholarship, I was shocked and very blessed to have been chosen. Thank you so much for the scholarship and making me feel like my hard work is paying off at Judge Memorial and I’m more than just another student. Your son Michael was a great person from what I’ve heard, and that I have some very big footsteps to fill. I will work harder everyday to represent your son and try my best to follow his creed of friendship. Thank you for making a mark on my life that will always be remembered. May God bless you.

Sincerely,
Orlando R. Avila
 

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As Michael’s family, we are so very pleased and honored that Jackie and Orlando have chosen to accept this award. Such fine young people bring hope and glory to the ranks of young Utah Catholics in living their faith and reaffirming their commitment and dedication to one other.

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”

- John 15:12