Two fifth graders at Kids Unlimited Academy are poised to attend St. Mary’s School on full scholarships.

Jionnie Casillas and Valentina Mejia-Medina toured St. Mary’s Medford campus in March with their families and received an official welcome to the Crusaders community. A private school, St. Mary’s enrolls grades 5-12.

Jionnie and Valentina were selected through a competitive application process among outgoing KUA fifth graders for their academic excellence, leadership and personal character, which define the KUA/St. Mary’s Scholars program, said St. Mary’s Director of Advancement Bethany Brown. The scholarship program, instituted in 2019, has served 12 KUA students and is the only direct collaboration of its kind between St. Mary’s and another school.

Valentina has a passion for science and dreams of becoming a marine biologist. Acting with Royal Kids Theatre, Valentina played Charlie Bucket in KUA’s May production of “Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka Jr.” She participates in soccer, basketball, Ballet Folklórico and jiu-jitsu.

“She shines both on and off stage, always striving to do her best in everything she does from school, theater, sports and Ballet Folklórico,” said BriAnna Johnson, KUA music and theater teacher. “Next year when she attends St. Mary’s, I know Valentina will excel in every opportunity she is given. ”

Also an RKT actor, Jionnie played Candy Man in KUA’s spring musical and has worked as a server for KUA dinner theater productions. A student-athlete dedicated to soccer, Jionnie exhibits a strong work ethic and positive attitude, setting him apart as a leader among his peers, said Brown. Demonstrating resilience, he enters St. Mary’s with clear college aspirations, she said.

“Jio has grown so much from a shy, quiet student to someone who isn’t afraid to face their fears and push themselves to grow and try new things,” said Johnson. “I know St. Mary’s will be the perfect environment for him to succeed.”

Each student received a Crusaders sweatshirt and other St. Mary’s gear, along with congratulations from school staff. Recipients of the scholarship receive full tuition including all academic fees, sports fees, textbooks, daily lunch and a Google Chromebook.

The partnership between St. Mary’s and KUA began more than a decade ago when St. Mary’s students volunteered to read to and mentor at-risk KUA students. Because of this unique relationship, supporters of both schools came together to completely fund scholarships for two qualified KUA alumni to attend St. Mary’s through middle school and high school.

KUA leadership identifies promising fifth grade students and encourages them to apply for the St. Mary’s scholarship. St. Mary’s reviews applications and selects students with high academic aspirations who will enhance its community and benefit from its education.

Representatives of both schools say that a St. Mary’s education would be unattainable for recipient students without the generosity of donors funding this scholarship.