A Legacy of Music and Gratitude
The Abaria Family Establishes Endowed Scholarship at Valley Catholic Music School
Music has long been at the heart of the Abaria family’s story. Alexander and Fely Abaria, along with their sons Alexander ’00, Andrew ’01, and Dominic ’04, each found in Valley Catholic School a place where music offered structure, inspiration, and a sense of belonging.
Now, the family has created the Abaria Family Endowed Scholarship Fund to honor that experience and the two educators who helped shape it: Sister Juliana Monti, SSMO and Sister John Therese Miller, SSMO.
“My brothers and I learned discipline, focus, and commitment through music,” said Andrew Abaria ’01. “It gave us stability during our after-school hours while our parents were working. It also provided an outlet for us to express ideas and emotions — something I didn’t realize was so important until I became an adult.”
Guided by Mentors Who Made a Lasting Impression
Andrew fondly recalls Sisters Juliana and John Therese as formative influences in both his musical training and his character development.
“They weren’t just great teachers,” he said. “They were role models who taught us good manners and how to be respectful and kind. They showed genuine interest in our lives as students and as people, and we always knew they were cheering for us.”
He also remembers how their presence brought warmth and reassurance to every performance.
“I can still see Sr. John Therese at the conductor’s podium with her bright smile, and Sr. Juliana gleefully playing piano for the choir,” he said. “During those nerve-wracking recitals, their calming presence made all the difference.”
Building Confidence Beyond the Classroom
When Andrew left for college in Los Angeles, the values instilled at Valley Catholic became a foundation for his life as a creative professional.
“Valley Catholic instilled in me a sense of confidence that I still carry with me,” he said. “That confidence helped me weather rejection and uncertainty in the entertainment industry. When you hear so many ‘no’s,’ sometimes the only thing you have left is your own belief in yourself.”
Andrew’s career has taken many turns, all of which have led him to a full-time career in acting — mostly working in commercials and commercial modeling. His credits include national campaigns for Amazon Back to School, Experian, Paramount+, the NFL, and more.
Honoring the Past, Investing in the Future
The Abaria Family Endowed Scholarship will be awarded annually to a qualifying Valley Catholic Music School student who demonstrates both skill and dedication through an application and audition process. For the Abarias, the scholarship represents both a thank you and a legacy.
“Great teachers and mentors are usually found at the beginning of any success story,” Andrew said. “We wanted Sr. Juliana and Sr. John Therese to see the fruits of their labor. To see the lasting difference they have had, and will continue to have, on future generations of musicians.”
Looking ahead, Andrew hopes the scholarship helps nurture the next generation of artists.
“I hope it adds momentum to the growing visibility and reach of the Valley Catholic Music School,” he said. “It feels good to help build a foundation for something that was so meaningful in my own development.”
Words of Encouragement from Andrew Abaria ’01
“Most creative people go through a non-linear path when committing to a life of artistry. My own journey took me from music and songwriting to business school and yoga, and now to acting.
“I was never the kid at Valley Catholic who wanted to be an actor, but I’ve discovered that acting really fits my natural skill set. It’s been a wild ride, and I’m truly enjoying the process.”
My advice to future scholarship recipients is this: always follow your passions, trust your instincts, and enjoy the adventure and unexpected surprises that the universe has in store for you when you devote your life to expression, honesty, and art.”
About the Scholarship
The Abaria Family Endowed Scholarship Fund honors the legacy of Sr. Juliana Monti, SSMO, and Sr. John Therese Miller, SSMO. It will support Valley Catholic Music School students who demonstrate musical skill, commitment, and creativity through an annual application and audition process.
To learn more about Andrew and his creative work, visit andrewabaria.com.
