John L. Blanda Scholarship Fund

About the Scholarship:  John L. Blanda was a father, husband, member of the Catholic community, and businessman who died, tragically,  in a small aircraft crash in 1997  in Haines, Alaska at the age of 52. His family immigrated here in the early 1900's from a small farming village in Sicily to pursue the American dream.  His father was employed by an insulation factory for over 50 years in the New Orleans area. In 1971, John desired more opportunity for his family and started a corporation by selling shares of stock to his family and friends. By 1987, that construction company grew to have an international presence and was named one of the top 100 in the New Orleans area. 

Mr. Blanda was passionate about business and entrepreneurship and believed that hard work and ingenuity could change the trajectory of one's life. He was passionate about teaching others how to improve their situation in life and shared his gifts, knowledge and experience freely.  He also believed in giving back to others the blessings that God bestowed upon his family. 

After his death, his family carried on in the family business and continues to preserve his legacy of faith and growth by giving to others what John gave to his family. In his memory, the family has a dedicated pew in the Adoration Chapel at Christ the King in Daphne. It is inscribed with Romans 8:28- "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose".

Amount of Award: The John L. Blanda Scholarship provides up to a half tuition scholarship for one year to a deserving student at St. Michael. 

Qualifications: The scholarship seeks to support a student at St. Michael who is in good academic standing with financial need.  It also desires to support a student who possesses a keen interest in business, trades and entrepreneurialship--traits of Mr. Blanda, for whom the scholarship is named. 

Application Deadline: Students must apply for financial aid through the schools regular process by March 31,  the last day for priority aid. All students who meet the criteria above will then be automatically considered for the Blanda Scholarship. There is no need to "apply." . 

Contributions to the John L. Blanda Fund:  Donors wishing to add to the corpus of the Scholarship Fund are encouraged to do so, helping the scholarship expand the number of future recipients.  You may write a check and send to “John L. Blanda Scholarship Fund, c/o St. Michael Catholic High School, 11732 St. Michael Way, Fairhope, AL 36532," or donate by credit card, by gift of stock, or by making a monthly pledge.   An acknowledgment of the gift will be sent to his family.