Hello everyone!!

The Perseverance Scholarship was created by Rosalia Bianchi (EBHS Special Education Guidance Counselor), to honor students who have a learning disability and have managed to achieve success despite this obstacle. We renamed the scholarship in 2016 to honor the memory of my brother James Joseph Celona, Jr., a 1988 graduate of East Boston High School.

Jimmy had persevered through an unexpected heart condition that ultimately put him in a position where he needed a heart transplant in the prime of his life. He persevered through this devastating setback and enjoyed 5 more years with his son, three beautiful daughters, family, and friends before his life here ended. We are raising money in his name to award special education students with the heart to push through the academic and social-emotional difficulties that challenged them throughout their high school years. We hope to recognize students who are not always at the top of the class, but who have worked hard to do well in school, despite the hardships they face; these students are determined to accomplish their goals by committing to go to college, vocational school, or a job training program.

This scholarship has already been awarded to over 35 graduates and has helped a few more throughout the school year when extreme obstacles or circumstances have come to our attention, such as housing and food insecurity issues. We have paid for uniform shirts, permits, and license fees for students living in extreme poverty. We have also given multiple supermarket gift cards to students so they can contribute to feeding their families.

Please consider donating what you can to the James Joseph Celona, Jr. Perseverance Scholarship to continue to help us help them.

The recipients will receive their award at the East Boston High School Academic Awards Banquet, witnessed proudly by their loved ones.

Thank you for your consideration, Michelle & Lia