Camden Catholic is honored to announce a new alumni scholarship: The Francis J. McArdle, Jr. Scholarship, in honor of the 1966 alumnus who was a veteran of the Vietnam War and a Bronze Star recipient. The scholarship of $1,000 per year, for four years, will be awarded to a current senior at Camden Catholic's Veterans Day assembly on Monday, November 11, 2024. Mr. McArdle's family and friends will award an additional scholarship each year to a current student in his memory.
Known to his family as “Franny”, he was born in Philadelphia, the oldest of three children. "Fran was a happy boy who loved to read, listen to music, and follow sports. He was a good student who went on to attend Notre Dame after graduating from Camden Catholic. Fran completed his freshman year, then opted to become a part-time student at Le Moyne College in Syracuse, NY. Unfortunately, the timing was bad. He was drafted into the U.S. Army and assigned to the 1st Air Calvary," shared his family.
Fran began his training at Fort Benning in July 1968 when the war in Vietnam was in full bloom. He finished his training at Fort Benning and was asked to stay on to help in the office because of his competence and typing skills. He declined their request and said he wanted to stay with his guys. Fran served his tour of duty in Vietnam, received a Bronze Star, and an honorable discharge in 1970. However, he paid an extraordinary price for his service. As a disabled veteran, Fran struggled to forget and forgive the horrors of war. His life was never the same.
Though a very private person, he was always ready to help others. For many years he was an usher in his local church. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans of New Jersey and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6650 in Ocean City, NJ. Fran always wanted to travel, and in 1992 he moved to Portland, Oregon. He was 44 years old when he passed away in February, 1993.
This year, Fran's classmates and fellow veterans came to the CCHS Administration asking for a way to honor their friend as they strongly believe that he lived out CCHS core values of Honor, Faith, and Loyalty in a profound way.
"I am grateful for the dedication of Fran's friends who first brought the story of Mr. McArdle's life to my attention," shared Camden Catholic President Rory Sweeney. "We look forward to ensuring Fran's story of friendship and sacrifice continues to live on and positively impact current and future generations of Camden Catholic students."
The Francis J. McArdle Scholarship of $1,000 to a current CCHS student who is a child of a veteran or active duty military will be awarded annually and renewable each year for each recipient.