On February 22nd, 2025, Luke Nettune won the Hal Tehan Scholar Award, a $10,000 scholarship for a junior enrolled in a Catholic high school in Dallas that goes towards his/her senior year.

Meet Luke Nettune

I had the opportunity to speak with Luke Nettune about himself as well as how he won the Hal Tehan Scholar Award.

Family & Hobbies

Luke comes from a family of five with a younger brother and sister. As Harry Potter fans, Luke’s family named their cats Ginny and Freddie and their dog Georgie. Luke enjoys playing tennis, chess, and most of all, he enjoys serving his community. He especially enjoys helping children with special needs. Among the many service projects Luke volunteers in, he teaches tennis to children with special needs, an opportunity that allows him to combine his love for tennis with his passion for service.

“I really love to help special needs children and to serve them, it’s always been something I’ve been really interested in…I’ve had a cousin who has special needs.”

Experience at Jesuit

At Jesuit, Luke is an active member of the community and is involved in many different organizations around the school. Luke plays on the varsity Jesuit tennis team, serves as the chess club’s president and also assists with ambassadors. He also helps run different events that help students to grow in their faith. These include the freshman retreat as well as the junior cross mass.

Faith

Luke talked about how this was one of his favorite verses from The Bible:

“Beloved, do not be surprised that a trial by fire is occurring among you, as if something strange were happening to you. But rejoice to the extent that you share in the sufferings oF christ, so that when his glory is revealed you may also rejoice exultantly.”

– 1 Peter 4:12-13

Throughout his life, Luke’s parents have been influential and supportive of his faith life. During the pandemic, Luke had trouble understanding why everything was happening the way it was until he had an eye-opening experience.

“I actually felt the most peace during a hail Mary one night…I was praying and then i just felt some sort of calmness come over me.”

Hal Tehan Award

While applying for the award, Mr. Lingel assisted Luke throughout the process. He was surprised to find out that he won the Hal Tehan Award after walking into Mr. Earsing’s office thinking he might have done something wrong. In regard to what other Jesuit students can do to be successful as well, Luke had this to say:

“Rely on the lord for all things.”

Luke’s desire to serve and put others first is a fundamental part of what it means to be a Jesuit student. His winning the Hal Tehan Scholar Award demonstrates how if you have the ability to help people in a meaningful way, others will notice.

Bible verse quoted from The New American Bible Revised Edition

Thank you to Luke Nettune for his time as well as the Catholic Foundation for their coverage of the award.

Jesuit Junior Luke Nettune Named 2025 Hal Tehan Scholar Award Recipient