Matters DEPAUL CRISTO REY
WINTER 2015
Seniors Closing in on 100% College Acceptance Goal Scholarship Offers Already Total $1 Million
DePaul Cristo Rey’s first graduating class is well on its way to meeting the school and Cristo Rey Network goal of 100 percent college acceptance with 75 percent of the Class of 2015 accepted to at least one college. Read more inside on page two.
Rey of Light is April 18
This spring, ahead of DePaul Cristo Rey’s historic first
graduation, will be an event that has played a critical role in making the first graduation take place. The Rey of Light Scholarship Benefit for Students is April 18. Rey of Light will be held in the DPCR Student Center. All proceeds from this dinner auction benefit the school scholarship fund, supporting students who want the private, college-prep education DPCR offers, but whose families could never afford it without the significant financial assistance the scholarship fund provides. As DPCR’s first class prepares to graduate, Rey of Light planners, volunteers and attendees can take great pride in the role they’ve played in these young people’s success. Jane and Dick Yost are the chairs of this year’s event. “I love the mission of the school because I believe education is one of
the most important things you can give a child. We’re giving these families a hand up, not a handout. To be a part of this effort is an honor,” Jane explains. The Yosts are supported by vice chairs Michele and Mike Schuster and a dynamic committee of dedicated volunteers. “Rey of Light is so special because people come to support the school though they have no connection, other than seeing the good that it’s doing. People from all over the city, from all walks of life realize the importance of making this education available to Inside families,” says Jane. Rey of Light will begin at 6:00 p.m. with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction. Guests will have the opportunity to bid on silent auction items via their cell phones.
2 From the President 3 CWSP has 100 Partners 4 Igniters of Change
5 A Perfect Harmony
6 Mayor Visits 7 Teacher Receives Poetry Award
(More on page 2)
1133 Clifton Hills Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45220 | (513) 861-0600 | www.depaulcristorey.org
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Filling a blank page with beautiful poetic images and language.
Exploring human values by young people beginning to form their own values. Recognizing at our inaugural awards event people who have shared tremendous resources and talents with others. Blazing a new trail to college for students and their families who did not imagine such a path. Launching a unique school to enhance the educational landscape of our region for some of its neediest young people. These are examples of the creative energy alive and thriving at DePaul Cristo Rey High School (and you can read more about them throughout this newsletter). In so many creative ways, so many people, both inside and out of DePaul Cristo Rey, continue to help us meet our mission. DPCR Teacher Dr. Manuel Iris, whose poetic gift has brought him international recognition, also serves and advocates for DPCR’s Hispanic students and families. Our Igniters of Change creative and diverse support ranges from helping shape the physical campus to giving hours of volunteer time. The Rey of Light event raises critical funds to make everything else possible. To those whose creative energy is recognized in these stories, I am most grateful. For the many, many others whose gifts – be they time, talent or treasure – allow the creative forces at work here to continue, I am also very grateful. For all of us, this New Year has begun with the anticipation of DPCR’s first graduation. It will be an incredible accomplishment for our students and all those, including you, behind them. Thank you, and may the year ahead be filled with much creative energy in your world, too. In gratitude,
S. Jeanne Bessette, OSF, Ed.D President/CEO
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Seniors Closing in on 100% College Acceptance Goal with More than $1 Million in Scholarship Offers
Members of the Class of 2015, DePaul Cristo Rey’s first
graduating class, are well on their way to meeting the school and Cristo Rey Network goal of 100 percent college acceptance. As of early January, 75 percent of the class has been accepted to at least one college or university. Many have been accepted to multiple schools and they have received scholarship offers valued at more than a million dollars! At DPCR, the drive to college acceptance begins freshman year, and by this past fall had reached a feverish pitch. The Counseling Department held several “college application marathons” to encourage students to complete their applications. Counselors, teachers, staff and outside volunteers all provided help and support to the seniors. DPCR’s historic first graduation will be May 31 at Mount St. Joseph University.
CLASS F 2015 Rey of Light
(From front page)
Following dinner, there will an oral auction with many unique gifts and packages up for bid. Invitations will be mailed in March. Sponsorships are still available and auction items still welcome. Contact Lisa Muething at 513-861-0600 or lisa.muething@depaulcristorey.org for more information on how to support Rey of Light.
UC President Dr. Santa Ono Champions Success of DPCR
Just a week after participating in the White House Summit on College Attainment, University of Cincinnati President Dr. Santa Ono gave a powerful keynote address at DePaul Cristo Rey’s Corporate Work Study Program CEO and Partner Appreciation Breakfast in December.
More than 100 representatives of DPCR’s Corporate Partners and Sponsors provided a captive audience as Dr. Ono shared his insights into education accessibility, building bridges between UC and DPCR, and the importance of having partners who “set up others to win.” UC has been a Corporate Partner since 2012. Several times Dr. Ono commended the Corporate Partners who hire DPCR students. “UC and DPCR share a common belief – our students learn best from doing and we can’t have that without you, our Corporate Partners.” He pointed out that while the students are working to pay their own education costs, “even more important than earnings, is that the CWSP can change the trajectory of a student’s life.” Dr. Ono also encouraged those in the room to be “proud of what has been accomplished here in such a short time with your support. Now let’s be hungry to do more and let’s be champions and spread the success of this school to other businesses.”
DPCR Principal Andrew Farfsing, senior Shaniya Isaac and UC President Dr. Santa Ono. Shaniya had just learned she’s been accepted to UC.
Corporate Work Study Program Grows to 100 Partners Fifth Third Bank has joined the Corporate Work Study Program as the 100th Partner. Fifth Third is among the 14 companies and organizations that have joined the CWSP since October with students now working in their offices. These new Partners are: American Mortgage Service Company Barnes Dennig Bethany House Services BKD CPAs & Advisors Cincy – The Magazine for Business Professionals Cornerstone Insurance & Financial Services, Inc. Fifth Third Bank Healthy Moms & Babes The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County Robert E. Carroll, CPA Schaefer St. Joseph Orphanage Talbert House Ulmer & Berne Applications for next year’s freshman class are at a record high, and that means many more job placements are needed. Please contact CWSP Director Lisa Claytor at 513861-0600 or lisa.claytor@depaulcristorey.org to learn more.
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Igniters of Change Honored for Setting Hearts on Fire for DPCR Four individuals and organizations have been recognized as “Igniters of Change” for helping to set hearts on fire for DePaul Cristo Rey through their exceptional contributions of service and support. During the Igniters of Change celebration held in October, the following were the first to receive this prestigious honor: Tom Neyer, Sr., Champion of the Mission Award; St. Xavier Church, Investor in the Future Award; Good Samaritan TriHealth Hospital, Corporate Partner of Excellence Award; and Judy Mae Vann, Spirit of Service Award.
S. Joan Cook, SC, president of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, with student Imani Vann ‘17 and her mother, Judy Mae Vann, Igniter of Change honoree.
Representing Good Samaritan TriHealth Hospital were (left to right): Darla Olson, Jeanette Altenau, Loretta Allen, and Valarie Boykins.
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Pictured at the event are (left to right): Tom Neyer; Valarie Boykins of Good Samaritan TriHealth Hospital; student speaker Heather Cook ‘17; DPCR President Sister Jeanne Bessette; Rev. Patrick Fairbanks, SJ, of St. Xavier Church; and DPCR parent and volunteer Judy Mae Vann.
Honoree Tom Neyer, Sr. is pictured (third from left) surrounded by his family.
Generous Sponsors Create Perfect Harmony between DPCR and Cincinnati Symphony The generous sponsorship of Vicky and Rick Reynolds
has created a perfect harmony between the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, DePaul Cristo Rey High School and two of its students. Through DPCR’s Corporate Sponsorship program, Vicky and Rick are supporting the work of two students at the CSO. “We always need an extra hand since there is no shortage of work to be done around here,” explains Meghan Berneking, the CSO’s director of communications. “The mission of the CSO is to seek and share inspiration. So it’s right in line with our mission to have a DPCR student receive inspiration from working here, while giving us inspiration in return,” she adds.
pleased that linking two of their passions is directly benefitting Brandon and other students. They say, “There’s a really great synergy in this connection between the CSO, DePaul Cristo Rey and Brandon. The result is truly greater than the value of each part.”
Left to right: Trey Devey, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra president; Vicky Reynolds; Brandon Ford and Rick Reynolds
Senior Brandon Ford, one of the two students working at the CSO, was inspired when he met Vicky and Rick at Music Hall. “I see their success and feel I can actually reach that one day. They are sacrificing for me and DePaul Cristo Rey, and I really appreciate them. They’re perfect examples of how people who give can make a big impact on someone,” he says. Working at the CSO is a perfect fit for Brandon who plays three instruments, belongs to DPCR’s choir and plays drums at his church. Rick is a member of DPCR’s Board of Directors and is a director emeritus of the CSO Board. He and Vicky are
Sponsor + Student + Nonprofit = Triple Win Corporate Sponsorship offers individuals and
companies the opportunity to support DPCR’s Corporate Work Study Program, even if they’re not in a position to directly hire a student. Sponsors fund the work of students at nonprofit organizations as the students’ CWSP placement. The students benefit from working in a professional environment, while the nonprofit gains young, enthusiastic workers. Corporate Sponsors gain both a tax-deduction and the satisfaction of helping two organizations. Sixteen individuals and organizations are sponsoring students this school year. If you’d like to learn more about the Corporate Sponsorship program, contact Abby Held at 513-861-0600 or abby.held@depaulcristorey.org.
Corporate Sponsors Al Neyer Inc. Foundation AMPAC Tom and Eric Anderele Anonymous Foundation Belcan Corporex Susan & David Deye FastPark & Relax General Electric Credit Union Hixson The Inspection Bureau, Inc. Interact for Health Reis Trucking Vicky & Rick Reynolds Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati United Audit Systems, Inc.
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Totes-ISOTONER Believes in Helping Students Succeed “Several people here have thanked me for bringing the DePaul Cristo Rey students to the company. They’ve only been working here a few months, and I’m universally hearing positive feedback about this program,” says Donna Deye, executive vice president and CFO of the Totes-ISOTONER Corporation, which joined the Corporate Work Study Program this school year. Senior Jasmine Wade works Thursdays in the company’s Marketing Wholesale and Design Department, and has been inspired by the creative environment. “I’m a visual learner so everything is colorful and stands out to me; I really like the work environment. It has helped me realize I need to explore visual arts for my career; I’m considering pursuing graphic design,” she says. Creative Director Carla Elwert has been so impressed with Jasmine, she’s given her a task that will really stand out on her resume. “Jasmine is designing an umbrella for teenagers that we hope to produce and have available in our spring 2016 line,” explains Carla. Jasmine is one of a four-student team at Totes. Others work in Finance, Operations and IT. “We’ve had employees willing to mentor students from the beginning, and they remain
very enthusiastic. We believe we’re giving these students another tool in their arsenal to succeed in the future. With DPCR, we’re helping them realize their full potential through their work experience,” says Donna.
For Jasmine this job is not only a “cool experience,” she sees it as an important addition to her resume. “I’ve had four different work study positions. I’m really glad I had all of these experiences which have helped me find what I like to do and shown me a lot about the real world. I’ve learned to take work seriously and to be professional at all times,” Jasmine says.
Mayor Speaks to “Future City Leaders” in his First DPCR Visit “I’m looking at the future leaders of this city,” is how Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley addressed DPCR students in his first visit to the school. Mayor Cranley’s speech to students was part of the September Founders Day Celebration which began with an all-school Mass to mark the upcoming feast day of St. Vincent de Paul, namesake of the school. While speaking to the students, Mayor Cranley stressed how important education is to break the cycle of poverty and joblessness in the city and society as a whole. The Mayor commended the students for their participation in the Corporate Work Study Program, “You are already learning and seeing the dignity that comes with work. DePaul Cristo Rey is modeled on this and your work will lead to great satisfaction in your life.”
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Mayor Cranley is pictured (center) with DPCR students.
Before taking questions from students, Mayor Cranley concluded his remarks by encouraging the students. “I’m going to bet on your futures. You’re going to college; you can achieve your dreams. Believe in yourself and start dreaming!”
Teacher Receives Mexican National Poetry Award Manuel Iris, Ph.D., DePaul Cristo Rey teacher and coordinator of Hispanic outreach, has become one of the youngest poets ever to win the Rudolfo Figueroa Poetry Award. This national honor is awarded by the government of the state of Chiapas, Mexico, to poets from the south of Mexico and Guatemala.
and British literature, as well as serving as an advocate and translator for DPCR’s Hispanic families.
Dr. Iris received the 2014 award in Chiapas in October for his poetry collection, “Los Disfraces del Fuego,” or “The Disguises of Fire.” It included a monetary award and publication of the poetry collection, his third published volume of poetry. Dr. Iris joined the DPCR faculty in 2013; this year he’s teaching both world
Humanities Seminar Aims to Inspire Students to Change the World “It’s my hope that we will send our graduates to college having been introduced to the wider world; they will have developed opinions so when they get to college, they can contribute in meaningful ways,” explains Religion Teacher/ Campus Minister Jessica Ebert as she describes one of her goals for DPCR’s Humanities Seminar. Mrs. Ebert led a team of DPCR teachers last school year in creating the seminar and piloting it during the second half of the year. Based on that success, it is now a yearlong collaboration tying together what students learn in religion, history, English, art, Spanish, and performing arts. All sophomores, juniors and seniors have chosen a contemporary issue and through research, a written paper, and a creative response will tie it to one of the seven themes of Catholic social teaching.
passion for it. People are being sold and it’s so hidden. Not enough is being done about it and I want to see what can be done to stop it,” she explains. The yearlong Humanities Seminar will culminate in late spring with a daylong symposium including a keynote speaker and a science fair-like presentation of students’ creative projects. As a capstone project, seniors will also lead breakout sessions through their religion classes on their research topics.
Another seminar goal is to inspire students to use their gifts to change the world. Her initial research into the topic of human trafficking is having that effect on sophomore Asha Truitt. “I’ve been interested in human rights, but as I started learning more about human trafficking, I found I have a
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DPCR Faculty and Staff Embody St. Vincent’s Spirit of Service In the spirit of service of the school namesake, St. Vincent de Paul, all DePaul Cristo Rey faculty and staff spent a professional in-service day serving at eight nonprofit organizations around Greater Cincinnati. On the October service day, faculty and staff efforts ranged from helping to prepare a newsletter mailing at Working in Neighborhoods, to decorating Halloween pumpkins with residents of St. Joseph Home, to cleaning and yard work at Bethany House, St. Vincent de Paul and Tender Mercies. The other agencies served were City Gospel Mission, Freestore FoodBank, and Our Daily Bread.
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