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Donovan Memorial Scholarships

The Donovan (Knauss, Burke, Davis) Family would like the two $1,000 scholarships to be given annually, in perpetuity, to two different members of Chester County Skating Club (CCSC). The recipients must graduate from high school to officially be awarded the scholarship, though academic achievement will not be considered in awarding the scholarships. The scholarships can be used towards tuition, books, or lodging to a 4-year school/university, vocational college or apprenticeship program.

The Donovan Family

Application Process

To apply, the candidate should submit a short letter explaining what CCSC has meant to them (less than a page), along with a recommendation letter from their coach to the Board. The Board, with input from the Donovan (Knauss, Burke, Davis) Family, will pick the two recipients. The scholarships will be awarded at the end of the winter season. Submissions can be given directly to Joe DiPierro in person or via email.

John Q. Donovan Scholarship

The John Q. Donovan Scholarship is awarded to an individual that demonstrates tremendous loyalty and leadership.  To honor John's commitment to hockey and his decades of coaching at CCSC, the scholarship is for a member of the program that shows up to all practices, always goes the extra mile and is a loyal, hardworking teammate.

Qualifications:

  • Awarded to a current member of CCSC, who has been a member for at least 3 years

  • Can be Hockey or Figure Skating, Male or Female

  • The recipient should be seen as a leader, loyal, hardworking skater

  • Someone who stays after/before practice and always goes the extra mile

  • Must graduate High School

  • Can be used towards tuition, books, or lodging to a 4-year school/university, vocational college or apprenticeship program

Billy Donovan Scholarship

The Billy Donovan Scholarship is awarded to an individual that exudes a pure love of the game and is an amazing teammate. Billy, #22, was known for his ability to make anyone smile and his joyful, playful personality.  This scholarship is for a player or skater that is the soul of their program and brings a bright, cheerful spirit to the ice. 

Qualifications:

  • Awarded to a current member of CCSC, who has been a member for at least 3 years

  • Can be Hockey or Figure Skating, Male or Female

  • The recipient should be seen as an excellent teammate and friend, the person that everyone turns to

  • A player/skater that is the life of the team and brings joy to games and practices

  • Must graduate High School

  • Can be used towards tuition, books, or lodging to a 4-year school/university, vocational college or apprenticeship program

Billy Donovan Scholarship Recipients

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2023–2024
Caleb Harrison

Caleb Harrison was awarded the Billy Donovan Scholarship for exuding a pure love of the game and for being an amazing teammate. He was recognized for his ability to bring a bright, cheerful spirit to the ice.

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2022–2023
Joey DiPierro

As an award for an individual who exudes a pure love of the game and is an amazing teammate, we can think of no one more deserving than Joey DiPierro!  As the heart and soul of our team, we can think of no one better to honor Billy, #22.  Joey was the captain of our team last year. During the off season he was the leader of his peers and was instrumental in recruiting and getting the core group back together to ensure we had a team.  Joey is fun, happy, and positive – honestly, all the time. He is undeniably our leader on and off the ice, at and away from the rink.

Make a Donation

The Donovan Family Foundation is a 501 C3 and contributions are tax deductible. 

John Q. Donovan Scholarship Recipients

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2023–2024
Hayden Gaffney

Hayden Gaffney was awarded the John Q. Donovan Scholarship for his loyalty and leadership in his skating career. He was recognized for his commitment to practice, always going the extra mile, and for being a loyal, hardworking teammate.

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2022–2023
Hunter Thompson 

Hunter was a strong leader on the team and always did what was asked, never complained, and embraced every opportunity to do his best.  Each applicant was a “glue kid”- a kid you need to hold a team together. Hunter was the type of player who contributed quietly, consistently, and without fail. He attended every practice, did whatever was asked of him, and never flinched.

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