ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky. – Saint James Catholic School (SJS) has awarded the first ever Amy Alicna Tuition Scholarship to Alaena Adams, a fourth grader at SJS, the school announced.

“SJS has been monumental to us,” said Judith Tiede, Alaena’s grandmother. “This scholarship means finances will be easier to handle this school year.” Alaena lost her mother at a young age and Tiede, her maternal grandmother, has been her mother and guardian ever since.

The Amy Alicna Scholarship Fund was established by SJS parents Brian and Lindsey Alicna in 2019 to honor Brian’s sister. The siblings were SJS students when Amy passed away in 1986 as a sixth grader.

“We’re thrilled to award the first Amy Alicna Scholarship to such a well-deserving student,” Lindsey said. “We established the scholarship to help provide a Catholic education to someone who may not otherwise have the opportunity, and offering this support to Alaena means a great deal to our family.”

Tiede, whose daughter also went to Catholic school, is impressed with SJS’ tradition of excellence and faith-based education.

“SJS gives students the freedom to address their faith,” she said. “They’re held to higher academic standards, and Alaena feels that everyone has a vested interested in seeing her succeed. We are very blessed to be a part of the Saint James family.”

For more information on the Amy Alicna Scholarship Fund, contact Jennifer Moran at 270-765-7011, ext. 247 or jmoran@stjames-etown.org.