Dear Friends of Catholic Schools,

Nearly 12 or so years ago, it was often discouraging to attend the meetings of principals in our under-resourced schools. They worked so hard to make good things happen in their schools, yet their stories of the struggles to do this were heartbreaking. There seemed to be so many obstacles, and as soon as they conquered one, another one surfaced. Leaky roofs, faulty boilers, and plumbing problems often were the least of the problems. The real heartaches were the families who desperately wanted a Catholic education for their children but who would tearfully tell the principals they could no longer afford it. Moms and Dads who had each worked two jobs, rode buses to work, and skipped meals – all sacrifices they willingly made to achieve their dreams for their children but could no longer do for various reasons. Most often the reasons were out of the parents’ control – transportation was no longer available, hours were cut, health issues arose, rent increased. The stories of these families were shared at principal meetings with the hope that someone could help. More often than not, no help was forthcoming.

Then the Catholic Education Foundation (cef) was formed. It started small, providing small amounts of money for many types of school needs, and has evolved into what it is does today – focusing exclusively on providing scholarships for families who otherwise would have no means to send their children to Catholic schools.

To say that the cef transformed these under-resourced schools would be an understatement. Now when the principals meet, they share stories of achievement and accomplishment. They tell of families who shed tears of joy and gratitude when told that there is a way their children can attend their schools. They tell of students who write simple notes like, “Dear Mrs. _________, I love my new school! Thank you for letting me come here.” They tell of students who work hard and give their best effort to contribute to the school community so that one day they can be in the position of helping another family achieve their dreams.

It may sound trite, but dreams do come true in Catholic schools. By all measures, students excel academically, and they not only learn the Catholic faith, but also they come to know and love Jesus Christ. Because of this, their futures are bright – now and eternally!

Yes, these days principals’ meetings resonate with joy and hope – thanks to cef, and to you for being a part of the good news of Catholic schools.

¡Vaya con Dios!

Kathleen A. O’Hara, Ph.D. Superintendent of Schools