CNBNews

Gloucester Catholic is Pleased to Announce the Establishment

of the Michael Patrick Traficante Scholars Program!

Gene and Janice Traficante and their entire family are truly grateful to give back to the current generation of Ram students in memory of Senior Airman Michael Patrick Traficante, United States Air Force (USAF) airman who passed away at age 31 unexpectedly on May 29, 2023.

The Traficante Family and Gloucester Catholic have announced the establishment of the Michael Patrick Traficante Scholars Program, which will provide scholarships to two GCHS students for each of their four years starting with the 2024-2025 school year and concluding in the 2027-2028 school year. 

Michael was born an identical twin on December 20, 1991, at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. Michael and his twin brother Chris Traficante graduated from Gloucester Catholic High School in 2010, and each were proud of their Italian cultural heritage and their years spent as Ram students. 

During his school years, Michael participated in a wide variety of clubs, activities, and events, including Cub Scouts, Rocket Club, Chess Club, Drama Club in plays and musicals, Chorus with Honors, Civil Air Patrol, Track & Field, football, and Christian Club.

After high school, Michael attended Camden County College and received his Associate's Degree in Communications in 2013. He was a hard worker who balanced various jobs through his high school and his college years. Michael then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in October 2014 and completed his basic training at Lackland AFB, San Antonio, TX. Upon graduation he served at Aviano Air Base, Italy; Moody Air force Base, Georgia; and most recently, Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, TX, arriving in August 2021. At Dyess Air Force Base, he was a member of the Air Force 7th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron known as the Scorpions. 

Michael married his wife Melaney on July 18, 2022, and was a joy to his family and friends, always wanting to help and serve. He was dependable in his job, was strong in his Christian faith, and loved being around people. Michael also provided the gift of life as an organ donor to 5 individuals, one being a Veteran.

"Michael loved Gloucester Catholic High School," said his parents, Gene and Janice Traficante. "He was loving, caring and giving.  His experiences while attending Gloucester Catholic provided him with a stellar education combined with morals and values. Our hope, through this scholarship, is that others may benefit as Michael did and as Michael would want."

Gloucester Catholic is so grateful to have committed alumni like the Traficante Family who are willing to give back to the school to allow a GC education  become a reality for so many of our families!