Archbishop’s Scholar Program Made Marian Possible for Tala Alkhaleel '27

When Tala Alkhaleel ’27 first visited Marian in eighth grade, attending a Catholic high school wasn’t part of her plan. Having attended public school throughout her education, Tala was nervous about the idea of entering a new environment where she wasn’t sure she would fit in. But during her visit to Marian, she noticed something that stood out: the sense of connection among the students and the welcoming community she encountered throughout the school.

By the end of the visit, Tala could see herself at Marian. There was just one question: Would attending be possible? The answer came through the Archbishop’s Scholar Program.

Receiving the scholarship gave Tala the opportunity to become part of the Marian community while also reminding her that others believed in her potential.

“Knowing that motivated me to put my best effort forward,” Tala shared.

But the true impact of the scholarship, Tala said, became clear only after she became a Marian Girl.

As she grew more comfortable at Marian, Tala began saying “yes” to opportunities that pushed her outside of her comfort zone. She became a student ambassador, welcoming prospective families and helping them experience the same sense of community that had stood out to her during her first visit. She also served as president of the Young Medicine Club, allowing her to explore her passion for health care, and became a big sister to freshmen, helping younger students feel supported as they began their own Marian journeys.

Through each experience, Tala discovered that getting involved was about more than building her own résumé. It was about learning how to serve others. Her Marian experience also deepened her Catholic faith. Being surrounded by teachers and students who live out their faith each day inspired Tala to strengthen her own relationship with God and allow her faith to shape the way she lives and supports others.

“Being surrounded by teachers and students who live out their faith every day has inspired me to deepen my own,” she said.

Looking back on her four years at Marian, Tala recognizes just how much she has grown.

“I have learned how to lead, how to serve, how to listen, and how to grow. But most important, I have found myself.”

Tala shared her story at the annual Archbishop’s Dinner for Education, where she expressed her gratitude to her parents, friends, teachers, the Marian community and, especially, the donors who make the Archbishop’s Scholar Program possible.

She emphasized that their generosity has meant far more than financial assistance.

“Your gift is more than financial support. It opens doors to growth, hope, and possibility. And for me, that possibility was Marian.”

Today, Tala looks toward a future in health care, carrying with her the skills, confidence, faith and sense of service she developed during her time at Marian. Her story is one example of the lasting impact that an opportunity can have on a young woman’s life. Through the Archbishop’s Scholar Program, donors are helping students access a Catholic education while giving them the opportunity to discover their strengths, develop their talents, grow in faith and become leaders who will serve others.

For Tala, that opportunity began with a scholarship. And it became so much more. We are grateful for the donors who make opportunities like Tala’s possible and invest in the future of Catholic education!