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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 21, 2015
Cantwell-Sacred Heart of Mary High School
CONTACT: Lizabeth L. Cadwalader
329 N. Garfield Avenue
Montebello, Ca. 90640
(323) 887-2066 Ext. 516
CSHM GOES TO NOTRE DAME AND HARVARD
MONTEBELLO, CA. (May 21, 2015): Congratulations to Cantwell-Sacred Heart of Mary
(CSHM) seniors Cesar Moreno and Balsa Dragovic on being awarded full-ride scholarships to
the University of Notre Dame and Harvard University, respectively. A full-ride scholarship not
only covers tuition and fees, but also books, room and board, supplies, and sometimes even
living expenses. Moreno's scholarship will also cover expenses associated with obtaining a
Master's degree.
The fourth of seven children, Moreno was born and raised in Montebello where he
attended La Merced and St. Benedict Elementary schools before becoming a student at CSHM.
"CSHM is a tradition in my family," he said. "I was offered a scholarship and placement
into the honors program, making the decision to attend very easy for me."
Moreno says his interests in school are "pretty far-ranging."
"I pride myself with a love of learning everything I can get my hands on, with a passion
for math, physics, chemistry, biology, history and politics," he said. "Throughout my high school
years, I have been involved in many things including the Engineering Club, National Honors
Society and the Justice and Peace Club, all of which I am the president of."
Moreno is also treasurer of the Associated Student Body, technical assistant for the
school's drama productions, a track runner and has more than 750 service hours over four
years to his credit.
In his spare time, he enjoys pick-up basketball, watching athletic events, playing video
games and spending time with family and friends. All this while working part-time as a
receptionist in his father's Montebello doctor's office.
The first in his family to attend a college outside of California, Moreno plans to major in
chemical engineering at Notre Dame.
"I selected Notre Dame because it was a good financial, social and academic fit for
me. They offered me an extremely generous financial aid package, making it the ideal place,"
he said. "It is a place to further develop my Catholic faith and refine my talents and skills to help
benefit society as a whole."
Moreno plans on becoming part of the Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE) program at
Notre Dame teaching science and mathematics to students from underprivileged backgrounds.
Balsa Dragovic grew up in Montenegro and Serbia, coming to the United States at the
age of 14. It was decided he would finish high school here, where he would experience
American culture and prepare for the challenges of college life.
"CSHM appealed to my family because of its amazing academics and outstanding staff,"
said Dragovic. "My first day here, everyone made me feel welcome."
A four-year varsity basketball player, Dragovic is also involved with World Youth Club
and Cardinal Representatives. He enjoys exploring new cultures, learning foreign languages,
and creating multi-media design.
This summer, he will be training at the National Basketball Team of Serbia camp for
players under 19.
"I am hoping to make final roster and play in the FIBA U19 World Championship this
summer," he said.
As of now, Dragovic will start his freshman year of college undeclared.
"I am hoping to explore different options at Harvard and find a field that will make me
look at my future job as a passion, rather than work," he said. "I currently speak four languages
and I am hoping to learn at least one more during my time at college."
Dragovic says he always dreamed of attending Harvard.
"Even though basketball was always important, academics remained a number one
priority my entire life," he said. "When Harvard basketball head coach Tommy Amaker recruited
me, I was delighted. Being able to receive the best education in the world, and continue doing
what I love the most, which is playing basketball, made the decision to spend the next four
years of my life in Cambridge very easy."
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