Saint John Vianney High School is proud to announce the creation of The Ricky Vesce Scholarship, named for 2001 alumnus and former Lancer wrestling and football coach, Ricky Vesce, who passed away suddenly and tragically in a car accident in 2013. The needs-based scholarship was established in consultation with Ricky’s parents, Richard and Debra Vesce, and sister, Danielle Smurlo-Vesce and is intended to honor Ricky’s legacy as “one of the most dedicated and resilient athletes and coaches to wear the Black and Gold.” It will be awarded to a student who shares the same winning personality, drive, and involvement that Rickey exhibited while a student at SJV.

An outstanding Lancer football player and wrestler, Ricky Vesce continued his football career at William Paterson University. After graduating, Ricky returned to his beloved SJV where he coached both sports. A former player once described Ricky’s coaching style as “full of passion and energy. He was a gentleman who genuinely cared about others, and had tremendous pride in SJV.”

Saint John Vianney High School is a Catholic, coeducational, college preparatory high school located in Monmouth County, NJ, serving more than 850 students in grades nine through 12. For more than 50 years, SJV has been preparing students for success in college and in life, combining rigorous academics, award winning arts, and championship athletics with an emphasis on the shared values of Knowledge, Commitment and Involvement. To learn more about SJV, visit our website at www.sjvhs.org. or contact the office of Enrollment Management at 732-739-0800.