Patron Scholarships

• Awarded to an incoming Freshman who is the son, step-son or grandson of a Vianney alumnus.
• 15% of Vianney’s tuition, renewable.
• Must maintain a 2.5 GPA.
• Established by the Vianney Alumni Association, supplemented annually through the Vianney Alumni Golf Tournament and Trivia Night.

To donate to the Vianney Alumni scholarship, become an active Alumni Association member, or check out upcoming Alumni Events, visit the Vianney Alumni Website.

Vianney Alumni Website

• Awarded to a Vianney student.
• $1,000, renewable.
• Established by the Anastasi family in 2021 to honor Marty Anastasi.

Pictured: Marty Anastasi

Marty loved her music of all kinds, and she was a strong proponent for the value of a good education. That is why we chose Vianney.

-Jack Anastasi

• Awarded to a Vianney student.
• $1,000, renewable.
• Must maintain a 3.0 GPA.
• Established by the Bosslet family in 2011 to honor Robert William Bosslet Jr ‘67.

Robert W. Bosslet '67: Senior Picture

Bob, a graduate of Vianney High School and the University of Missouri, primarily practiced law in Illinois, and received many honors throughout his career. Most notably, he was named a Top Illinois Lawyer and served as president of the Missouri/Southern Illinois Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates, the Madison County Bar Association, and the Tri-City Bar Association. Additionally, Bob served on the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association Board of Governors, and was a member of the Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys and the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis.

From serving on the local planning and zoning commission to his many environmental efforts, Bob took an active interest in his community. Further, he lived an active lifestyle, swimming or running several miles every day.

Bob is survived by his devoted wife of 33 years, Alissa, nee Gasparovic; and his children Robert, Elliott, and Anne. Son of Robert Bosslet Sr. and the late Florence Bosslet, nee Bogucki; dear brother of Kenneth Bosslet, Kathleen King, and Timothy Bosslet.

• Awarded to a Vianney student who has lost a parent/legal guardian in the current school year.
• 10% of Vianney’s tuition, non-renewable.
• Granted in school year which the parent/legal guardian died or next school year if death occurs after March 1.
• Established in 2018 by the Buehrle family in honor of Christopher H. Buehrle ‘86.

Chris Buehrle '86 was a man of faith along with being a very friendly, thoughtful and generous person always ready to help others.  He was proud to be a Vianney grad and lived his life as a man of character and accomplishment. 

Chris is survived by his wife, Becky, and 3 children - Amanda, Caleb ’18, and Casey '20.

• Awarded to a rising Sophomore.
• $2,500, renewable.
• Must maintain a 2.5 GPA and be involved in at least one school activity.
• Established in 2005 by the Cella family and Dan McLaughlin '92 in honor of Tom Cella '92.

Pictured: Tom Cella '92

Tom Cella was a 1992 Vianney graduate.  Tom not only loved his time at Vianney High School he embodied what it meant to be a man of character and accomplishment.  Tom was a straight A student while at the same time a leader on and off the field. He was an integral part of Vianney’s State Championship Volleyball team. Winning state three out of the four years, Tom served as setter while also delivering a wicked serve to ace numerous games.  Tom understood the importance of having a good sense of humor keeping his friends and classmates laughing through club work, service and all the moments that make up the Vianney experience. 

Following graduation while at Truman State University, Tom suffered a serious injury and was paralyzed. Tom battled this challenge with amazing courage, an infectious laugh and an inspiring sense of humor. He passed away in 2005 and leaves a lasting hole in the hearts of his family and friends. The Tom Cella Memorial was inspired by his classmate and friend, Dan McLaughlin. The scholarship continues to celebrate Vianney and Tom’s lasting legacy.

• Awarded to rising Sophomore, Junior or Senior who has completed RCIA as a catechumen; 2nd preference awarded to rising Soph, JR or SR RCIA candidate or 3rd preference awarded to a non Catholic rising Junior or Senior recommended by Vianney chaplain.
• $2,500, renewable
• Established in 2023 by the Jon Lark '87 Family 

• Awarded to a Vianney student.
• $5,000, renewable.
• Must maintain a 2.5 GPA and be involved in at least one school activity (incoming freshmen must commit to one school activity their freshman year if awarded this scholarship).
• Established in 2018 by Dennis ‘64 and Patricia Fesler.

Dennis J. Fesler '64: Senior Picture

Dennis John died at his home on February 22, 2019 at the age of 72, after a year-long battle with cancer. Patricia (Pat) Ann died at her home surrounded by her loved ones on July 3, 2022 at the age of 75, after an unexpected and brief battle with advanced pancreatic cancer. Dennis and Pat were happily married for 51 years.

They leave behind their four children, Scott (Holly), Craig (Renee), Mark (Ellen), Tricia (Jim), and fourteen grandchildren. They spent their lives honoring God, Family, and will be dearly missed by many.

• Awarded to relatives of professed Marianists who attend Vianney
• Percentage based on need, renewable
• Established by the Society of Mary. Father Frische was the first president of Chaminade College Preparatory in St. Louis.

• Awarded to an incoming Freshman.
• $2,650, renewable.
• Must maintain a 2.5 GPA.
• Established in 2011 by Kathleen’s husband, Robert A. Gau.

• Awarded to a Vianney student.
• Percentage based on need, renewable.
• Must maintain a 3.0 GPA, good conduct and good reputation among faculty and community.
• Established by family and friends of Jack Glaser ’74, a long-time Vianney teacher and administrator who died in 2004.  

• Awarded to a rising Sophomore.
• $2,000, renewable.
• Must maintain a 2.5 GPA and make an impact through service to his community.
• Established in 2017 by the Grant family in honor of their son and brother, Brett Grant ’85. Brett was a man of faith who believed in giving back to his community.

• $1,500 renewable scholarship to a student involved in Campus Ministry
• Established in 2023 by the Grillo Family

• Awarded to a Vianney student.
• $2,000, non-renewable. 
• Must have a 2.0 GPA, good conduct, and be involved in at least one school activity.
• Established by the Gruender family in 2007 in honor of Brian Gruender '08.

Brian S. "B" Gruender

Cherished son of Steven and Michelle Gruender; dearest brother of Lauren M. Gruender; dear grandson of the late Richard J. and Patricia Gruender. He was the beloved only grandson of Carolyn and Joseph Robbins. He was a dear nephew and cousin and was a loyal and trustworthy friend.
Brian knew no strangers. Brian was an active member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, and would have been a Junior in the fall of 2006 at St. John Vianney High School, Kirkwood, MO. He had a zest for life and a passion for living.

• Awarded to an incoming freshman
• $2,000 renewable
• Must be involved in at least one school sport.
• Established in 2023 by the Guilfoy family in honor of Hunter.

Hunter W. Guilfoy passed away on December 14th, 2022 in a tragic car accident on his way to school. He was born on Febuary 20th, 2005 in St. Louis, Missouri. Beloved son of Joseph & Jill Guilfoy, brother of Vianney Alum Jordan Guilfoy '18.

Hunter was a passionate young man with many hobbies including working on trucks, playing/teaching football, being with family, and spending time with all of his friends.

• $2,000 renewable scholarship
• Established by Vianney in 2021

Coach Don Heeb, long-time Vianney Athletic Director, Head Football Coach, teacher, and mentor to generations of Griffins, passed away November 10, following a battle with dementia. The 85-year-old coach is survived by wife Billie, daughter Robyn (husband Jaime and children Mikayla and Justin) and son Chris '84 (wife Kathy and children Dylan '15, Holly, Chase, and Preston).

• Awarded to an incoming Freshman.
• $2,500, renewable.
• Must have a 2.5 GPA and be involved in at least one school activity.
• Established in 2020 in honor of Michael Loyet '77.

Mr. Mike Loyet '77 served as the President of St. John Vianney High School for 13 years. In his 37 years as a Catholic Marianist educator Mike had a positive impact on thousands of students and the entire Vianney community.

• $2,500, renewable.
• Established in 2022 by the Gau Family.

Jen was a dedicated mother first and foremost. She is survived by her three children, who were her entire world: James, Andrew, and Samantha. She embraced every moment she had with them and devoted her life to caring for them, including countless trips to practices, games and competitions. Jen’s love and affection for James, Andrew and Samantha is immeasurable, unconditional and eternal, as is her devotion to God.

She loved deeply. She was always willing to help whenever a need arose. Jen’s servant heart, which she inherited from her mother, led her to volunteer often, primarily at Queen of All Saints Parish, where she led school fundraisers and worked with the activities association.

Dear daughter of Bob and the late Kathy Gau; dear sister of Jeannine (Bob) Sinak, Colleen (Tim) Tierney, Rich (Julie) Gau, Marueen (Tim) Heidenry, Suzanne (Rob) Moore, Jeff Gau, Tom (Elisabeth) Gau, Carolyn (Todd) Guidry and Mike (Nicole) Gau; beloved aunt, godmother, niece, cousin and friend to many.

• $1,500, non-renewable.

Under the guidance of the Brothers of Mary, McBride opened in 1925. During its 47 years, McBride rose to become a landmark and a milestone in education. For a variety of reasons, the school closed in 1971.

McBride Alumni Club provides a scholarship to one Vianney student in memory of Archbishop Edward T. O'Meara, the fourth Archbishop of Indianapolis and 1939 McBride alum in appreciation of the value of a Marianist education.

• Awarded to 1 student recipient of the Marianist Award selected by the Vianney Faculty & Staff.
• $2,500, non-renewable.
• The Marianist Award winners have distinguished themselves by achieving the highest ratings from the Vianney Administration, Faculty, and Staff.
• Students become eligible for the Marianist Award/Sam Oldani '13 scholarship in their sophomore year and above.
• Established by John Oldani in 2022 in recognition of Sam Oldani '13, who won the Marianist Award as a sophomore.

Pictured Above: John & Sam Oldani '13

During his time at Vianney, Sam was involved in the following:

Football 1,2,3,4, Basketball 1, 2, Baseball 1, Special Olympics, Marianist Award Winner, Marianist Heritage, Student Council, Campus Ministry, Open
House, Ambassador, NHS.

• Awarded to a rising Sophomore.
• $2,500, renewable.
• Must have a 2.5 GPA and be involved in at least one school activity.
• Established in 2012 by his family in honor of Clayton Pfeiffer, ‘11
• Applicants must submit one letter of recommendation from a teacher, staff member or coach at St. John Vianney High School.  

• Awarded to a Vianney student.
• $1,500, renewable.
• Must demonstrate academic progress.
• Established by the Ringwald family in 2005 to honor Daniel Ringwald '87.

• Awarded to a Vianney student.
• $2,000, renewable.
• Must maintain a 2.5 GPA.
• Established through the generosity of Pat ‘68 and Peggy Sly.

• Awarded to an incoming Freshman.
• $2,500, renewable.
• Must maintain a 2.5 GPA.
• Established in 2020 by the Thompson family in honor of Nikita Thompson '14.

Nikita Thompson passed away on December 21, 2018. He was born on August 5, 1995 in Vladivostok Russia. Beloved son of Nancy H. Thompson of St Louis, MO.
Attended Cathedral Basilica School, 2014 graduate of Vianney High School, 2017 graduate of Westminster College, Fulton, MO.

During his time at Vianney, Nakita was involved in the following:

Wrestling 1, Esports, Chess, Service Club, Open House, Football 2, Fall Drama, Auction Volunteer, FBLA, Lettermen’s Club, Order of the Griffin Award, Spring
Drama, Winter Drama, Link Crew, Ambassador, Special Olympics.

• Awarded to a rising Sophomore, Junior, or Senior. 
• $1000, renewable.
• Must maintain a 2.5 GPA and is involved in at least one school activity.
• Established in 2009 by his family and friends in honor of Tom Valenti ‘79.