Smiles were everywhere at the Holy Cross Gymnasium in Latonia on Thursday, April 23 as Bishop John Iffert, Bishop of Covington, and the Alliance for Catholic Urban Education (ACUE) welcomed ACUE donors to their annual Spring luncheon. ACUE provides centralized support for the operations and fiscal management of its consortium of five urban diocesan grade schools: Holy Cross Elementary, Latonia; Holy Trinity, Bellevue; Prince of Peace School, Covington; St. Anthony School, Taylor Mill; and St. Augustine School, Covington.
Each school takes a turn presenting the event and this year’s host was Holy Cross Elementary. Their theme of “What a Wonderful World” was staged with bright yellow tablecloths topped by colorful tulips with personal uplifting messages for each donor. The students’ musical program, introduced by principal, Beth Vieth, and led by music teacher, Lorinda Vennemann, entertained donors while they dined and included songs that complemented the luncheon theme as well as those with spiritual and patriotic significance. Students from kindergarten through fifth grade participated. In addition, a student was placed at each donor table to promote valuable conversations. In this way, donors learned of their impact and students could express their gratitude.
This year’s luncheon program featured two ACUE school graduates, Aubrey Schoettle and Kyndall Ruebusch, current students at Holy Cross District High School. Both shared the value of their ACUE grade school experience where they benefitted from small classrooms that afforded a very individualized learning environment which prepared them well for high school and beyond. The grade schools imparted values that built character, dedication to service, and an appreciation for the world around them through the lens of faith. They are grateful for the opportunities their ACUE schools and donors made available to them.
Appreciation to ACUE donors was further expressed by Diocesan Catholic Schools Superintendent, Kendra McGuire. Mrs. McGuire highlighted how critical donor support is to the mission of the ACUE schools and the diocesan commitment to the urban areas of Northern Kentucky. Last school year, donors furnished over fifty percent of the ACUE budget and the lion’s share of student tuition assistance making a Catholic education affordable for ACUE families. ACUE’s vital mission does not stop at reading, math and science. “Every child who enters our ACUE schools will also be taught about Jesus. They will learn how God created them for a purpose and they are loved in our schools,” said Mrs. McGuire.
Mrs. McGuire’s remarks were followed by those of Bishop Iffert who referenced one of Pope Leo IVX’s first apostolic letters, Drawing New Maps of Hope. Bishop Iffert recited, “whenever access to education remains a privilege, the Church must push open doors and create new pathways. Because, to lose the poor is to lose the very meaning of the school. If the poorest among us do not have access to Catholic education, we lose the meaning of our Catholic School.” “To educate is an act of hope,” he said. “Education is not merely the transmission of content, but an apprenticeship in virtue. It forms citizens capable of serving and believers capable of bearing witness.”
