About the Scholarship

The Maximus Derba Scholarship Fund was established to honor the memory of Maximus Derba, who passed away from neuroblastoma on March 6th, 2017, just after his 9th birthday.

Each year, an 8th grade student from St. Andrew Catholic School receives a monetary scholarship to assist with continuing their education at Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Max's name. The scholarship is awarded to students who wish to honor and represent Max's legacy.

The Maximus Derba Scholarship is more than financial assistance. When you receive this scholarship you have the honor and responsibility to attend classes and participate in all the things Max didn't get to. It's a reminder not to take anything for granted!

Scholarship Criteria

Scholarship recipients are selected based on the following criteria:

• Deep Connection to the School Community
  Must have attended the school since Pre-K or early elementary years, reflecting a strong and lasting connection.
• Kindness, Inclusion, and Compassion
  Demonstrates a genuine kindness toward others and consistently makes people feel included, valued, and supported.
• Love for Life and Learning
  Shows curiosity, creativity, and enthusiasm for learning, hobbies, or personal interests—whether academic, artistic, or recreational.
• Financial Need
  This scholarship is intended to provide meaningful support to a student and family who would benefit from financial assistance.
• Joyful Spirit and Positive Energy
  Brings light to others through humor, positivity, or simply being someone others enjoy being around.
• Love for Family and Others
  Demonstrates care, loyalty, and protectiveness toward family, friends, or community.
• Appreciation for Nature, Play, or Simple Joys
  Enjoys time outdoors, animals, play, or meaningful everyday experiences.
• Resilience and Inner Strength
  Faces challenges with courage, perseverance, or a positive attitude.

The student or student(s) must fall into at last 5 of these categories to be a recipient.