Two local Catholic schools have announced a new scholarship opportunity intended to allow better access to private education. Through an unnamed donor, Saints Peter and Paul School, in Williamsville, and Southtowns Catholic School, in Lake View, will offer a partial scholarship to each of the first ten kindergarteners who qualify financially.

For the past year, the SSPP school board has been preparing a new strategic plan for the school. One major focus going forward will be affordability of a private elementary education. "We believe so strongly in the Saints Peter and Paul mission - a dedication to core values and strong academics for children of all faiths - that we want EVERY child to have a chance to be part of our school," Principal Deborah Lester said in a statement. "Our mission - our school -needs to be available and accessible to as many students as possible."

"Our students strive each day to be Catholic School Scholars," said Southtowns Catholic School Principal Marc Bandelian. "They dedicate themselves in mind, body and spirit.  They desire to learn and grow by serving their family, church, community, nation and world.  The students strive to do their best and hope to make the world a better and more peace filled place,"

Parents interested in this scholarship or submitting applications for kindergarten at Saints Peter & Paul can contact Principal Lester at (716) 632-6146, by email dlester@ssppschool.com or visit the website http://ssppschool.com . For Southtowns Catholic, parents interested in the scholarship can call Principal Marc Bandelian at 627-5011 ex. 218 or email him at mbandelian@sountownscatholic.org or visit the school website:  http://www.southtownscatholic.org