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The Foundation of a Future Leader — Faith, Law, and the Power of Catholic Education

Rebekah Stovell’s educational journey is rooted in faith, confidence, and a growing passion for the law, one that began with the support of a Catholic Schools Foundation (CSF) scholarship.

Rebekah attended St. Agatha School in Milton before graduating from Fontbonne Academy in 2019. She first learned about CSF through a teacher in eighth grade and began receiving scholarship support in high school, which made it possible for her to continue her Catholic education.

“I learned about the CSF scholarship through a teacher in eighth grade, and it truly changed the path I was able to take in high school,” Rebekah shared.

After graduating from Fontbonne, Rebekah enrolled at Salve Regina University, where she spent three years pursuing her undergraduate studies. Like many students, her college experience was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, requiring her to adapt to virtual learning and an uncertain academic environment.

“Being in college during the pandemic was something no one was prepared for,” she said. “Learning virtually was challenging, and it definitely impacted my college experience.”

During this time, Rebekah took a step back from school and began working at a nonprofit organization, where she spent three years gaining professional experience. While she valued the mission-driven work, she realized it wasn’t her long-term goal.

“I loved the nonprofit world, but I knew it wasn’t where I wanted to stay long term,” she explained.

Always drawn to the legal field, Rebekah decided to explore that interest more seriously. In 2024, she completed a Paralegal Certificate program at Boston University and began working as a paralegal later that year. The experience has solidified her desire to attend law school.

“I wanted to see what working in law was really like,” Rebekah said. “Once I started going to court, sitting in on cases, and meeting attorneys and judges, I knew this was what I wanted to do.”

Rebekah is now planning to attend law school, with interests in estate planning and real estate law, as well as sports law, art management, and contract law. She hopes to stay local and build a career in the community she knows best.

Rebekah credits her CSF scholarship with shaping her confidence both personally and professionally. Attending an all-girls school at Fontbonne gave her a strong foundation that continues to guide her today.

“Fontbonne taught me to be a woman of courage,” she shared. “It gave me the confidence to speak up, take risks, and believe that I have a place wherever I go.”

Scholarship support also made it possible for Rebekah to take part in enriching experiences beyond the classroom, including choir, theater, school trips, and CSF-sponsored opportunities—experiences that helped shape who she is today.

“Because of CSF, I was able to do so much more than just go to school,” she said. “I could participate in activities, travel with my choir, and have experiences I wouldn’t have had otherwise.”

Today, Rebekah remains deeply grateful for CSF donors and the role they played in her journey. She continues to give back through volunteer work at Jubilee Christian Church and looks forward to staying involved as an alumna.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the donors who made my education possible,” Rebekah shared. “Their generosity didn’t just help me in the classroom—it shaped who I am.”

Her advice to current scholarship recipients reflects that same gratitude and sense of responsibility.

“Be grateful and make the most of every opportunity. Not everyone gets this opportunity,” she said. “Make the most of it, get involved, and when you’re able, give back however you can—whether that’s with your time, talent, or resources.”

Rebekah’s story is a powerful reminder of how access to Catholic education builds confidence, opens doors, and empowers students to pursue meaningful, purpose-driven careers.

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