Prince of Peace Catholic School graduate James Segars received the 2023 Patrick Francis Werszner award on May 17, 2023 at the school’s graduation Mass. He is the son of Geoffrey and Margaret Segars of Hoover. 

The $1,000 scholarship to John Carroll Catholic High School is awarded annually to a parish eighth grade student going to John Carroll and it is renewable for $500 for three years as long as certain criteria are met. Present for the award presentation were Veronica and John Werszner, siblings of scholarship namesake Patrick. Also present was Principal Connie Angstadt. “I know in my heart that James will always hold true to his Catholic faith and honor the legacy of Patrick Francis Werszner’s commitment to his faith, family, and friends," Angstadt said. "James embraces his faith, has a love of learning and a deep respect for everyone he meets,” she added. 

As a student at Prince of Peace Catholic School, Segars received the Prince of Peace Award in seventh grade and the Academic Citizenship Award for life science. He participated in John Carroll’s middle school track program where he received the positive attitude award. Segars also served as an altar server, reader, and guitarist for school Masses. 

The Prince of Peace Knights of Columbus established this scholarship eight years ago to honor Werszner who passed away at the age of 19. He was a 2010 graduate of Prince of Peace Catholic School and a 2014 graduate of John Carroll Catholic High School. At the time of his death, he was a student at UAB, a member of the Knights of Columbus, and a parishioner at St. Stephen the Martyr and Prince of Peace. 

We wish Segars good luck in high school as he carries on the legacy of service, strong character, and faith as embodied by the scholarship namesake.