A Legacy of Lessons: Seymour L. Kaplan Scholarship Fund

Taken from an article written by St. Pius X Catholic High School staff

At the height of the Great Depression, a young Seymour L. Kaplan made a difficult choice that would define his life. To support his family during one of the most difficult economic eras in history, Seymour dropped out of high school to work. He provided the financial bedrock his family needed, but he carried a lifelong reverence for the one thing he was forced to leave behind: education.

Today, his great-grandchildren Austin ’16, Julia ’19, and Michael ’22 Schlueter, are ensuring that Seymour’s “unfinished business” becomes a gateway for others. By establishing the Seymour L. Kaplan Scholarship Fund for St. Pius X Catholic High School, they are turning a story of sacrifice into a permanent legacy of opportunity.

Though Seymour’s own formal schooling was cut short, his spirit was defined by a belief in the power of learning. “Funding a scholarship to ensure students in need are able to continue their education encapsulates the spirit of him as a person,” said Michael.

The endowment is designed specifically for students facing circumstances similar to Seymour’s—those who have the talent and the drive, but perhaps lack the financial resources to see it through.

Julia went on to share, “our parents and extended family always taught us that education isn’t just what goes on in the classroom, it’s what you learn in schools and in your community. They taught us the importance of playing to your talents and strengths, and never giving up.”

“Our grandmother still speaks about our great-grandfather’s earnest belief in the value of education,” said Austin. “Seymour had to learn everything on his own and likely deep down wished he could have gone to school like other students of his age.”

For all of Seymour’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren, community matters just as much as the education they received. St. Pius X was more than just a school for the Schlueter siblings, it was a community that shaped their characters.

From the spiritual foundation to the academic rigor (down to the correct formatting of grad school papers), the impact of the school remains a daily presence. “St. Pius X holds a very special place in each of our hearts because of the fullness and richness of the community it fosters. All three of us still talk to friends from St. Pius X on a weekly basis,” said Julia.

Austin, Julia, and Michael shared “we want the recipients to succeed academically, spiritually, and socially. We are hoping this gift allows students to use their God-given talents to become the best version of themselves and put those skills to work to better support the community.”

Give to the Seymour L. Kaplan Endowment Fund

If you would like to learn more about setting up an endowment fund in memory of someone, please contact us.