2026 Taft Scholarship
We are proud to announce that the 2026 Taft Memorial Scholarship has been awarded to Bishop Eustace Prep Class of 2026 graduate Yariel Mendez in honor of Rob.
Yariel is a first-generation college student from Pennsauken. During his time at Bishop Eustace, he distinguished himself through his academic commitment, leadership, service to others, and involvement in the school community. His classmates elected him Student Body President, a reflection of the respect he earned from his peers and his commitment to making the Eustace community stronger.
Yariel also emerged as a leader in Bishop Eustace’s service program, approaching service not simply as an obligation, but as an opportunity to give back and encourage others to do the same. He was also a dedicated student-athlete, playing football for four years and competing as a thrower on the track and field team for three years.
This fall, Yariel will attend Stevens Institute of Technology, where he plans to major in Computer Science. We are incredibly proud to support him and excited to see what comes next.
Taft Memorial Scholarship recipients are selected for embodying qualities that remind us of Rob and the things we loved and admired most about him: his pride in Eustace, loyalty to friends, love of sports and play, and the way he brought energy and personality to the communities around him. In Yariel, we also see that same spirit of showing up for others, contributing to the community around you, and leading by example. We could not be more pleased to recognize him as this year’s recipient.
Bishop Eustace Prep’s Director for Institutional Advancement Kat Burke-Esposito with 2026 Taft Scholarship recipient Yariel Mendez
Bishop Eustace Prep’s Rector, Brother James Beamesderfer, S.A.C., with 2026 Taft Scholarship recipient Yariel Mendez
The Taft Memorial Scholarship continues to be possible because of the generosity of so many friends, family members, classmates, and supporters who have helped us honor Rob’s memory in this lasting way. Thank you for your continued love, generosity, and support. We are deeply grateful that, together, we can help exceptional Eustace graduates like Yariel take their next step.
