Youngstown, OH October 16,2025-The Cardinal Mooney Merit Scholar program continues to open doors for its top performing students, recently it organized two educational visits to Duquesne and Carnegie Mellon University. The trips are part of the school’s mission to help students explore different college environments and better understand their future opportunities.
The Cardinal Mooney Merit scholarship recognizes students who show exceptional academic achievement,leadership,and service. Students receive up to $4,500 per year in tuition assistance and are encouraged to engage in activities, such as college tours to prepare them for higher education.
At Duquesne University, scholars explored campus life and toured facilities. Students spoke with current students about adjusting to college academics and campus life.
Junior Andrew reflected on how the experience motivated him, “The Merit Scholar program really helps us see what college is like beyond just what websites say,” Bushey said. “Visting places like Duquesne shows me what kind of place I want to be part of.”
The group also toured Carnegie Mellon University, learning about its innovative programs in engineering, technology, and design. The visit included a student led campus tour and time to speak with faculty.
Senior Dimitri Zoumis shared how the experience impacted him, “This program gives us chances we wouldn’t normally have, Zoumis explained. “ Seeing different colleges like Carnegie Mellon helps me understand what I’m looking for in a school and what kind of goals I should set.”
Many of the students said that the visits were not only informative but also exciting.
Senior Abigail Markey expressed how much she enjoyed the experience, saying “I really enjoyed getting to see both campuses. It was inspiring to see the life and opportunities each university offers. Trips like this make me even more excited about my future and the possibilities ahead.”
Through experiences like the college visits, Cardinal Mooney’s Merit Scholar program continues to provide impactful opportunities to better students’ futures. The school’s commitment to helping students explore their options is shaping a generation of driven, college read students prepared for success.
Picture of students with s former Cardinal Mooney student that now attend’s The University of Duquesne