Father Edward Albert Hughes, for whom this parish scholarship is named, was the Founding Pastor of this parish. He was ordained in 1945 and served in Prince George’s County parishes until he was appointed to the new Saint Matthias the Apostle Church in 1960. He presided over the establishment of the church and school in 1960-61.
The scholarship fund was established in 2005 to enable parish students with demonstrated financial need to attend the Academy of Saint Matthias the Apostle or an accredited Catholic high school in the Archdiocese of Washington. Funds are derived from donations to the church’s “Every Penny Counts Box,” regular contributions through the offertory, and memorial donations.
Any family registered at Saint Matthias parish may apply for this assistance on behalf of their child(ren). Applications are available in April of each year, and awards are made by the end of May for the following school year. Financial documentation is required, and all information provided is confidential. Recommendations are made by the Parish Finance Council; final decisions are approved by the Pastor. Awards are directed to the school, and if a student does not attend as planned, scholarship funds may be redirected to another parish student.