How does a school turn more than a century of faith, perseverance, and community into a legacy of excellence?

The answer can be found in the story of a school where tradition meets purpose and faith fuels every achievement.

The Catholic Education Foundation (CEF) is proud to announce that Our Lady of Unity Catholic School in Kansas City, Kansas, has been named the 2025 Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann CEF School of Excellence.

Rooted in faith, community, and a deep belief in the power of Catholic education, Our Lady of Unity’s story is one of perseverance and purpose. Formed in 2007 through the union of St. John the Evangelist and Sacred Heart parishes, the school traces its beginnings to 1912, when two Benedictine sisters opened their classroom doors to just 45 students. More than a century later, that same spirit of faith and unity continues to shape every lesson, prayer, and act of service within the school community.

“Walking through the halls of Our Lady of Unity, you feel what makes Catholic education so special,” said Vincent Anch, CEF Executive Director. “It’s in the joy of the students, the devotion of the teachers, and the steadfast belief that faith and knowledge go hand in hand. This school’s legacy of unity—past and present—reflects everything the School of Excellence Award stands for.”

Now in its 21st year, the Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann School of Excellence Award is given annually by CEF to a K–8 Catholic school in northeast Kansas supported through its traditional scholarship program. Schools are evaluated across five key criteria:

• Joyfully Catholic
• Diligently Achieving
• Intentionally Self-Giving
• Prudently Managed
• Forwardly Thinking

"We are truly honored to be recognized as a School of Excellence.
Our students, teachers, and staff have worked tirelessly to strengthen our programs and foster growth both spiritually and academically. We work hard to invite Jesus into all of our classrooms and we see the beautiful ways everyone continues to grow in their relationship with Jesus."
- Cally Dahlstrom, principal of Our Lady of Unity Catholic School

With 189 students and counting, Our Lady of Unity continues to flourish, guided by a shared mission to nurture minds, hearts, and souls.

This year’s finalists were Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic School in Topeka and St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Catholic School in Garnett, each recognized for their strong commitment to faith-filled education.

Founded in 1997, the Catholic Education Foundation has provided access to exceptional K–12 Catholic education for families across the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. For the 2025–26 school year, CEF will award over $5.6 million in scholarships, supporting more than 2,000 students throughout the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.

Our Lady of Unity will be honored at Gaudeamus, CEF’s annual benefit gala, on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at the Overland Park Convention Center. Gaudeamus—Latin for “let us rejoice”—celebrates the gift of Catholic education and the generous donors who make it possible for children to learn, grow, and thrive in faith.

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