Fr. Marrapese Scholarship
MinistriesFr. Marrapese was a beloved pastor who helped build the community and preserve Italian heritage in Columbus's Italian Village.
He founded the Columbus Italian Festival, serving as its pastor for the festivals held at the Ohio State Fairgrounds from 1980-1990.
His legacy is honored through the ongoing annual Fr. Marrapese Scholarship for high school students of Italian descent and the Marrapese Gala. Marrapese Hall at the church's cultural center is also named in his honor.
Mille Grazie! Thank you to everyone that helped make the Fr. Marrapese Scholarship celebration a wonderful experience for all. Thank you to Msgr. Frank Lane, the parish staff, and the scholarship committee for all of their help and support.
Fr. Casto Marrapese Scholarship Information and Forms
Please be aware that a scholarship is available for high school students of Italian heritage.
The student should complete the first form.
Download Fr. Marrapese Application Form 2025
Please have your school complete the second form.
Download Recommendation Form 2025
Applications must be turned into our Office by April 1st at 2:00 p.m.
If you are mailing the application
Father Casto Marrapese Scholarship Committee
St. John the Baptist Italian Catholic Church
168 Lincoln Street; Columbus, OH 43215
If you are delivering the application
The Italian Cultural Center Office
168 E. Lincoln; Columbus, OH 43215
If you have questions please call at 614-294-5319.
2025 Scholarship Winners
Congratulations to the winners of the Father Casto Marrapese Scholarship and DeNardo Scholarship. The winners received their certificates at Mass last Sunday, celebrated by Fr. Zachery Feldker at Sacred Heart Church.
(From left to right) The DeNardo Scholarship went to Frank James Johnson, and the winners of the Fr. Marrapese Scholarships went to Cecilia Rose McCreary, Joseph Paul D’Alberto, Ashton Lewis Huffman, Vincent Anthony Mampieri, and (Isabella Rose Brader not present).
2024 Scholarship Winners
Congratulations to the 2024 Marrapese Scholarship and the Denardo Scholarship recipients who received their awards on Sunday, June 23, 2024, at the Mass of Celebration by Msgr. Frank Lane.
Back row – Msgr. Frank Lane
Front row – Sophia Elena Stabile, Charles Andrew Schneider, Cailin Brigid Mascarin, Ashley Marie Hamad, Isabella Grace Carfagna and Jamie Lee Bishop.
The Denardo Scholarship Recipient – Not present – Max Gerard Melaragno
Fr. Marrapese Scholarship – Not pictured – John Jude Kraker
2023 Scholarship Winners
Congratulations to the 2023 Marrapese Scholarship and The Quaranto Family recipients who received their awards on Sunday, June 25, 2023, at the Mass of celebration by Bishop Earl Fernandes and Fr. Andrew Kozminski, SAC.
Back row – Reverend Bishop Earl Fernandes and Fr. Andrew Kozminski, SAC.
Front row – Thomas James Emhuff, Giovanna Noelle Frisone, Ava Marie Fultz, Siena Rebecca Marchio, Domenic Robert Melaragno, Giovanni Christopher Puckett and Michael Anthony Piccininni.
The Quaranto Family recipient – Gino Mariano Solazzo
Not pictured – Nathaniel James Kistner, Luca Michael Mampieri, and Gino Mariano Solazzo.
To view more pictures of the scholarship ceremony, go to http://pishphoto.com/church/stjohnscholarship-6-25-2023/index.htm. or Larry Pishitelli www.pishphoto.com