Scholarship Opportunities
John Bortle Thomason
7/27/23 - 7/27/23
John Bortle Thomason is a treasured gift from God. Defying the odds, he was born in the early
morning of July 27 2023. For three precious hours John fought the good fight and soon finished
his short race. After baptism and anointing, John opened his eyes a final time, gazing first at his
loving mother, and then at his caring father...then closed his eyes and passed peacefully from the cradle of his parents; arms, carried by Angels, to the waiting arms of Jesus.
Dr. Amanda Bortle Thomason and her husband, Mr. Russell Thomason, have established the “For John” Scholarship at Saint Joseph Catholic Parish School to honor their son and to provide a student with a faith-filled Catholic education. Amanda, an alumna of Saint Joseph Catholic Parish School, wanted John’s name to live on and for him to be remembered through the “For John” Scholarship.
This scholarship was established to honor the life and legacy of Diva Lucchesi Maisto.
Born on December 5, 1926, in Limano, a mountaintop village in Tuscany, Italy, Diva lived 98 years filled with hard work, faith, and dedication. As a teenager, she endured the challenges of World War II and bravely left her beloved hometown at age 19, immigrating to the United States through Ellis Island. She built a new life in Atlanta, where she met her husband, Angelo Vincent Maisto, with whom she shared 70 years of marriage.
Diva’s passion for fashion and tailoring became her lifelong career, from custom work at Davison’s in Atlanta to Abraham & Strauss in New York, later Macy’s. Beyond her career, she was deeply devoted to her Catholic faith, beginning each day in prayer, and was known for her warmth, hospitality, and love of Italian cooking. After retiring in Athens, Georgia, she continued to share her talents through private alterations, home-cooked meals, and joyful gatherings with family and friends.
Diva will be remembered for her devotion to family, her artistry in fashion, her strong work ethic, and her Italian zest for life. She is survived by her daughter, Marisa Maisto Grant (Jake); her grandchildren, Jake Jr. and Andrew (Elise); and her great-granddaughter.
Every student in good academic standing in Kindergarten through 6th grade is eligible to apply for this scholarship. Applicants must answer all questions in paragraph format on the scholarship application, and awards will be determined by the Admissions Committee.
The Georgia Promise Scholarship expands access to educational opportunities by helping families cover tuition costs. Through this program, more students are able to receive the benefits of a Catholic education at St. Joseph, where faith, academics, and character formation come together.