Saint Patrick Student Awarded the Dr. Lawrence G. Dotolo Scholarship
Wolfhound student-athlete, Bridget Tan, was recently awarded the Dr. Lawrence G. Dotolo Scholarship during the Tidewater Catholic Basketball League championship game on March 11!
The Dotolo Award is presented to an eighth grade basketball player who exemplifies the traits of good sportsmanship and team play. It is an award that emphasizes school spirit, community service, and high academic achievement. In addition to a plaque, student awardees receive a $1,000 scholarship.
Bridget’s passion for basketball and positive attitude are enviable. Basketball is Bridget’s primary athletic focus and she gives it her all every time she is out on the court. In addition, she embraces opportunities to mentor and influence her teammates. One of Bridget’s coaches says, “You can always hear Bridget giving teammates praise for good passes and recognizing hustle and team play.”
Bridget has used basketball as a tool to realize social change as well. Two years ago, Bridget combined her love of basketball with her desire to help migrant farmers on the Eastern Shore. She came up with the idea to hold a charity basketball game—“Playing with a Purpose”—to raise funds for migrant farmers to obtain their US citizenship. She coordinated meetings, spoke to the student body, and encouraged participation in the event. Under her leadership, this event has raised over $3,000 over the course of two years—enough to cover citizenship costs for about three individuals.
She is also deeply connected to her faith community, serving as an altar server at her church, Saint Gregory the Great, every Sunday. During the summer, Bridget has served as a teen leader for Vacation Bible School. In addition, she serves her school community as a member of Legati, representing the student body at school events, and as a Celtic Council Officer-at-Large, planning school events with her peers.
On the court, Bridget has grown in the Physical Life, viewing athletics as another opportunity to create friendships and strengthen relationships. During the summer, she participates in UNC’s Basketball Camp. This gives her an opportunity to get to know girls from local schools, seeing beyond their roles as athletes.
