James J. Celona Perseverance Scholarship Award

Hello everyone!!

In 2009, 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 hope to raise money again this year and need your help to award special ed students that had the heart to push through their academic and social-emotional difficulties that challenged their reserve and came out the other side better for it. It is our 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. Please donate what you can to the James Joseph Celona, Jr. Perseverance Scholarship. 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