VOLUME VI
“With your support, I feel like I have a purpose, and once I get older, I also want to be able to give back to the community and people like those who did kind things for me.”
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Foreword
Spring 2022
A Chance That Lasts a Lifetime As I come to the end of my first year at De La Salle, every conversation I have engaged in has had a common thread: the passion our community has for this special place. I am humbled by your stories and honored to lead De La Salle. Like our boys often reflect, it is the opportunity, the chance, to be a part of the De La Salle community which fills me with pride. “You’ve given me a chance…” In the enclosed Book of Gratitude, our sixth edition, you will read our Bishop Cummins Scholars describe their understanding as having been given a chance at a life-transforming educational experience. Their stories illustrate that your investment is seen as their chance for a different, better life and that someone they don’t even know believes in them. Your support of our Bishop Cummins Program gives access to boys who demonstrate potential, yet whose family income precludes them from a school like ours. These letters showcase how you help us provide the tools to succeed, the financial support needed, and the dedication to see a young man through high school. From the exceptional teaching that has sparked new understanding in our students; to the coach who helped a scholar-athlete excel even more; to the campus life programming that has built community and engagement, De La Salle has and will continue to change lives. And we are able to do that because of you. Please accept my personal and our community's sincerest gratitude for your philanthropic spirit to make our Bishop Cummins Program possible. Your ongoing commitment to helping our young men find their passion and purpose makes an immeasurable difference in countless lives. I hope as you read through these letters your smile widens and your heart is full. Thank you for partnering with us in providing the extraordinary gift of a De La Salle education to current and future students and to the more than 10,000 whom we are proud to call alumni. You continue to give our young men a chance, and that chance lasts a lifetime.
David J. Holquin President
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Dear Donor,
My name is Aaron, and I am a junior at De La Salle High School. I am a first-generation student who aspires to complete high school and attend university in order to write my family's history. De La Salle is a nationally renowned school, not just for its academics, but also for its athletics. I believe that attending a school with such a great history has placed me in a strong position to better prepare myself and future generations of my family. For my family and myself, being a part of the Bishop Cummins Scholarship Program has been a true blessing. I was able to attend a school that taught me how to be a man of faith, integrity, and scholarship as a result of the program.
The Bishop Cummins Scholarship Program not only assists me monetarily, but it also provides me with tutoring, food, and financial assistance for extracurricular activities like sports. Being a member of the program has allowed me to meet many other kids who have had similar upbringings to myself. I recall feeling nearly out of place as a freshman since I came from a middle school where no one actually came to De La Salle. In addition, it helped me feel at ease and allowed me to socialize with other students while still completing all of our assignments. As a donor, you have given students like myself the opportunity to grow as individuals and prepared us for a better future. You have aided students from low-income households in receiving a better education and setting themselves up to become scholars. From personal experience being part of De La Salle and the Bishop Cummins Program has been life changing and I am truly thankful for the amount of aid I received. I would like to thank you as a donor for helping out students like myself, as we appreciate how much you have helped us and made our lives better.
Sincerely, Aaron
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Dear Donors,
My name is Adrian and I am currently a Junior at De La Salle High School. I am writing this letter to show my gratitude for your donations to our school. Without your kindness I wouldn’t have been able to get to where I am right now. I came from De La Salle Academy which means I've been getting support from donors since middle school. When I was younger, I didn't understand the importance of the opportunities I had, but now I fully understand that everything I've gotten is from others' major kindnesses.
I appreciate your gift to the school because I have learned so much at my time here at De La Salle and even at De la Salle Academy. Without you, I would not have been able to become the young man I am today. In a public school, I would not have been able to study religion and become closer to God, for that I thank you deeply. I am very appreciative of having the opportunity to be in such a community where everyone cares so much about each other and everyone has a strong relationship together. With your support, I feel like I have a purpose, and once I get older, I also want to be able to give back to the community and people like those who did kind things for me. Lastly, thank you for not only taking care of me, but for all of my friends, family, and peers. You have made life so much easier for all of us.
Best Regards, Adrian
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Gratitude
Dear Friend of De La Salle,
Thank you for everything you have done for the Bishop Cummins Scholarship Program. I am a senior and I’ve been part of the Bishop Cummins Program all four years. I play volleyball at school and I have enjoyed my time here at De La Salle High School. I appreciate everything that you have done for the program because it has allowed me to try new opportunities that I never thought I would’ve had. Attending this school made me a better person and has helped me focus on school. The program has also allowed me to play volleyball and I’ll forever be grateful for that.
I am grateful to attend this school because I know how hard it is to attend this school as not everyone gets in. I’m happy to be part of this school. It has done so much for me because of all the opportunities and benefits it brought. I am thanking you because without you, none of this would have been possible, so I can’t thank you enough. This school has changed my life in a positive way and words can’t express how grateful I am for the opportunity you have given me. Thank you.
Sincerely, Alejandro
“You have given students like myself the opportunity to grow as individuals and prepared us for a better future.” 5
Words of Thanks
Dear Donors,
First and foremost, I would like to express my gratitude for your generosity. My name is Luis, and I am a sophomore. It's challenging for me to explore opportunities to help improve my future as a first-generation Mexican-American. Many challenges are motivated by a desire for a better life, as evidenced by my mother's and my own striving for a better life. However, thanks to generous donations like yours, a path has been paved that would not have been feasible otherwise. As I continue my studies as a sophomore, challenges come and motivation at times seems to wither, but reminding myself of the greatness I want to achieve and how people such as you help me strive for that greatness helps me push through these challenges.
My family and I are truly blessed to have your gratitude. I make the most of this and express it through my mentality when it comes to school and my grades. I want to show everyone that supports me on my journey that they mean something to me, and showing them the success they helped me achieve is my way of doing so. I will continue to strive and achieve my dreams, and your generosity will be there alongside me through this journey.
Best Regards, Luis
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Gratitude
Dear Donors,
My name is Brodie and I am a senior. I feel extremely blessed and I want to thank you for everything you do. I want to let you know that nothing you do for me, the Bishop Cummins Scholarship Program and the brotherhood at De La Salle does not go unnoticed. I am truly blessed to be a part of this and with the help of you, it makes it easier. I could truly say that with the work you put into helping the kids in our community is a big plus. The students from this program are blessed to have a free meal, supplies, and transportation to get to school paid for. That itself speaks volumes because I know kids at our high school are not fortunate enough to have this privilege to eat for free. I say this because on the days I do not want my meal, I offer to give up my lunch and give it to someone who does not get a free meal. Throughout my four years of high school, it had been a long journey but I can truly say that with the kind hearts of you donors, WE ARE TRULY BLESSED!
Sincerely, Brodie
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Words of Thanks
Dear, Friends of De La Salle
Hello my name is Caleb and I am a sophomore at De La Salle. The courses I am currently taking are Geometry, Spanish 2, Religion, English, Biology, and Sculpture. These are challenging courses but with the help from all the resources you donate, I am able to be successful in my studies. I am grateful for being able to have the opportunity to be at De La Salle. I also appreciate your donations because we also received clothes, school supplies, lunch and sports equipment. Thank you for your opportunity to be at De La Salle and everything you do for the Bishop Cummins Scholar Program.
Sincelry, Caleb
Dear Friend of De La Salle,
My name is Alexis and I am thankful for your generous gift to our school. I live in a family of four with my Mother, Father, and Brother. I was born in Martinez, CA, and raised in Concord, CA. I attended De La Salle Academy for middle school and I enjoy watching Soccer and Football games. I appreciate your generous gift because it has helped my brothers and I. The school can provide the resources we need to be the best versions of ourselves.
Your generosity makes me feel very grateful because many opportunities have opened up to me that help me. I want to thank you because a lot of your generosity goes without being recognized. Here at De La Salle, we are very grateful because not just one person is helped, everyone benefits. Community is very important not just our school, but also to me. With all that said, Thank you!
Best Regards, Alexis
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Gratitude
Dear Benefactors,
My name is Alex and I wanted to thank you for everything you have done for me and my peers. My experience at De La Salle wouldn’t have been possible without you and I am extremely grateful for it. At De La Salle, I have everything I would want in a school and love the experience I have had so far. I have made so many new memories that will last with me. I have grown as a person with the help of teachers and peers that have made me focus on becoming the best version of myself. It has been a great freshman year so far and I cannot wait for the future. Your generosity has greatly impacted my life and helped my family.
My education at De La Salle is very important to me and I have taken advantage of my opportunities here. I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to have it. I want to go to a good college and be successful in life so I can make my family proud and pay them back for everything that they’ve done for me. De La Salle is the school that will help me achieve the dreams I have of getting into a good college. They want what is best for you, and turn you into a young man of faith, integrity, and scholarship. With these core values that I have learned during this past year, I will learn to achieve my goals, and my education at De La Salle has made me more determined. I want to thank you for making my education possible.
Sincerely, Alex
“Your generosity has impacted my life and helped my family.” 9
Words of Thanks
Dear Friends of De La Salle,
My name is Angelo and I am a Junior attending De La Salle High School under the Bishop Cummins Program. I am 16 and I like to listen to music, play video games, go out on runs, and read books. I appreciate your gift of financial backing to De La Salle High School because it allows me to attend the school even though I come from a less-fortunate family. I appreciate your kindness in granting me an opportunity where many kids in my situation would not have one.
Your kindness and generosity makes me feel lucky – as I have been told many times that there are many kids like me that could have been chosen for the program in my place. I just want to thank you for always contributing to the Bishop Cummins Scholarship Program. You are incredibly generous and I wish you well.
Best Regards, Angelo
Dear Benefactors,
My name is Anthony and I am a senior at De La Salle High School. I played soccer here at De La Salle, one year on the JV team and the other three years I played for varsity. Once on varsity, I knew my talents were showing and it played a huge part in my career. Now that I am going to be graduating, I have made the decision to attend Saint Mary’s College in Moraga next year.
First off, I want to start off by saying thank you. My four years at De La Salle were amazing because of you. What you do for the community and the students is a game changer. I would struggle to have the right resources for classes, but with what you are doing I was able to have the right materials for all my four years here. What you do is amazing and I can not think of a better way to thank you for how much you do for us. You play a major role in our lives, thank you!
Sincerely, Anthony 10
Gratitude
Dear Donors,
First and foremost thank you from the bottom of my heart. You may not realize it, but you have extremely blessed my life. You have given me, as well as plenty of other students, an opportunity to really reach our full potential. With your help, I am able to receive one of the best educations in high school, as well as chase my dreams as a football player.
Although I am only a sophomore, I have noticed a big difference in my personality, my outlook and perspective, as well as the way I present myself. I have so many great mentors, teachers, and adults that I look up to. I feel safe and comfortable here at De La Salle. I also see a big difference in my intellectual abilities compared to my peers back at home. With every step I take towards my future, I feel more and more prepared for any and every challenge I face. I have been able to expand my mind and body in every way possible. I have been able to push through my limits, and It was only possible with the help I received by attending De La Salle.
With that being said, thank you. None of this would be possible without your help. This upcoming year, I will be number 16 on the varsity football team. If you come out to any of the games, I want you to know that I would not be out on that field without the help you have provided me. From me as well as every other student that attends De La Salle, thank you.
Sincerely, Carson
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Words of Thanks
Dear Benefactors of De La Salle,
My name is Ant, and I am a freshman. I want to thank you all for everything you have done for me and this school. I would not have been able to experience everything I have been able to without all of you and I am extremely grateful for it. De La Salle is a dream come true for me. I have loved the experience I have had here so far, and I cannot wait for what the future has in store. Your generosity has greatly impacted me and my family in a positive way.
My education and athletic career at De La Salle is very important to me and I want to thank you for giving me an opportunity to have it. I want to go to a college for athletics, and without you all I would not have this opportunity. I want to be successful in life and make my family proud. I also want to make my parents' sacrifices worthwhile, including driving from Sacramento to bring me to school everyday. I feel De La Salle is the best place for me to succeed and get into a good college. They want what is best for you and will help to turn you into a Man of Faith, Integrity, and Scholarship. I am eternally grateful and will forever remember the chance I have been given.
Sincerely, Ant
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Gratitude
Dear Friend of De La Salle,
My name is Cristofer and I am here to thank you for what you have done. I’m a freshman at De La Salle and I went to De La Salle Academy. I appreciate your gift to the school and the opportunity to attend De La Salle. This allows me to get a better education and higher chances of going to a college of my choice.
De La Salle also offers a lot of other classes that other schools may not like Religion, Marching Band, Jazz Band, Weight Training, tons of clubs, AP classes, and much more. Personally, I am in Marching and Jazz Band. I love everything about football games, concerts, meeting new people, and instruments, having fun and just learning new things. My mom forced me to go and at first, I didn’t want to but I liked it and I found tons of new friends and great people.
Your gifts make me feel great and they help me succeed as a student. I feel appreciative of what I have. I like to look at my life and realize how blessed I am to have this opportunity. I want to thank you because your gift helps me and many others have a good education. Without this gift, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.
Best Regards, Cristofer
“De La Salle is the school that will help me achieve the dreams I have of getting into a good college.” 13
Words of Thanks
Dear Benefactors,
De La Salle is a place where for the past year and a half I was taught the values of hard work, determination, and learning. Not only did I learn these values, but I had a chance to learn these values with my classmates, who differ from each other in terms of origins and backgrounds. This “melting pot” of different individuals has also helped me learn about the importance of respecting others.
Hard work is something that De La Salle wants to see from all their students. This is done by challenging students with difficult coursework and also encouraging them to try something new. I also challenged myself with rigorous, advanced courses for Biology and Geometry. I am glad to have done so, because I learned that hard work is something that I will have to deliver if I want to succeed in life. Determination was also important to get through the school year. Even though I wanted to quit and take a break, I forced myself to power through my homework and tests to perform well in school. I also grew to appreciate the importance of learning. In order to be a successful and well informed student and overall person, I will need to become a lifelong learner. Lifelong learning is something valued at De La Salle, and it is something that is encouraged by all students to adopt. Tutors are available to help students if they are struggling with homework and tests, the library is open until five to allow students to access resources that are conducive for better grades. De La Salle is also a sort of melting pot, where students from varying backgrounds are in the same classrooms, allowing students to learn about each other and to learn to respect each other regardless of race and gender.
De La Salle has been helpful in allowing me to deliver good grades, helping me learn the values of hard work, determination, and learning, and has also allowed me to interact with people with different backgrounds. All this would not be possible without you, and for that I am deeply grateful.
Sincerely, Diego
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Gratitude
Dear Friend of De La Salle,
My name is Diego, I am a freshman and the oldest in my family. I am also a first generation college bound student. In middle school, I went to De La Salle Academy, because my parents wanted me to go to De La Salle High School. At the time, I didn’t want to go to a private, all-boys school, but then I realized that going there would mean that I had a chance to go to the high school, which was way better than the school I would have gone to, Ygnacio Valley. Even though De La Salle is known for its sports, it is not my interest, but I take advantage of the other opportunities here, like robotics. I have learned a lot from robotics and had a lot of fun. I wouldn't have the same experiences if I went to another school.
Having the opportunity to go to a school like this means a lot to me. In less than a year, I have seen why so many parents want their kids in this school. All the teachers in this school want you to actually learn the topic and don’t just teach to get paid. The community is nice and welcoming. And I feel like I am part of a greater community. I also wanted to go into this school because it is a Catholic school and my family is Catholic so they wanted me to go to a Catholic school.
Sincerely, Diego
“I like to look at my life and realize how blessed I am to have this opportunity.” 15
Words of Thanks
Dear Benefactors,
Thank you. I mean this as sincerely as it can be said. I am thankful to God for people like you, who strive not only to be the best person you can be, but also helping and inspiring others to be the best they can be too. You give us money without knowing us and you trust us to take this opportunity and use it in hope that we have a chance to succeed in life. People like you who contribute make this world better every day. You perfectly exemplify some of the core principles of a Lasallian, which are: enter to learn, leave to serve. You are a role model that I strive to be one day.
You have no idea the great impact that your charity makes on me and my classmates. Without your help I couldn’t even dream of being a part of the De La Salle community or have the opportunities or the level of education that I am receiving today. You are the ones who make me a better person and remind me that despite what I may be going through, I am blessed to have the support of not only my family and friends, but also of amazing people like you who do things for the good of others. Your charity makes my dreams of becoming successful and making my family proud seem more possible everyday. I am and will always be grateful to you despite that I may not know you personally, I am really thankful to you and I hope that all this goodness that you are spreading to the world comes back to you in the best way possible.
Thank you.
Sincerely, Eduardo
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Gratitude
Dear Donors,
First and foremost I would like to thank you for the opportunity that you have helped give me to even be able to go to De La Salle. My name is Ever and my cousin and brother went here before me, and so it runs in the family to go to De La Salle. However, to be completely honest, I was not excited nor wanted to go here when I first started here. I didn’t have any friends other than two people I knew prior to De La Salle, and I felt like an outcast and loner. I hated the Learning Center at first. But in retrospect, I was pretty naive and cynical. Now I love coming to the Learning Center so I can get my work done on time and I've gotten many friends now, some by accident.
I am a sophomore and I really love music, art, and movies and I thought I was the only person who could ever be such a nerd about those things. But throughout the campus sorting through people essentially, I found people who are just like me which was so weird to me at first. Considering how I was not able to experience my first year at De La Salle on campus, was a pretty big downer. I would have loved it if I could experience it during my freshman year. That was a little glimpse of me and I would like to close with a quote I really enjoy about doing your own thing with your life. Jay-Z once said “I saw a fork in the road and went straight” I know that's not super inspirational like the story of the good samaritan, but I believe that's what I strive for and De La Salle is helping me with that. Thank you for everything you do for De La Salle, the Bishop Cummins Program, and for me.
Sincerely, Ever
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Words of Thanks
Dear Friend of De La Salle,
My name is Carlo, I am a freshman and I have three siblings. My older brother is also attending De La Salle. I believe that I do have challenges as does everyone else, but I am able to get through them because of my hard work. Although I do not think that it is only my hard work, I think it is also the help of my family motivating me and giving me positive feedback.
That being said, I want to thank you for the help that you have given me to succeed. Without the help of you I would not be able to be here today. I think that education is very important because it leads you to get ahead in a sense that you are able to not only fully comprehend the big things, but show how the little things still matter. The education you have helped me get is helping me be the best man that I can be.
Best Regard, Carlo
Dear Donors,
I personally want to thank you for donating your hard-earned money and time for our education at De La Salle. I am a kind, smart, joyful person and I love doing sports. Your donations have given me and others opportunities for excellent education and a better chance at making it into college. This school has a high percentage of students making it into college because of De La Salle's reputation. Your donations gave me this education and I go to a great school and could be the first in my family to go to college. Your donation makes me feel very good about myself because I feel special that you care about my education. The donations make me feel worthy, and that I’m doing something good. Your donations not only make me feel worthy, others feel worthy too and we all thank you for your donations. I want to thank you because I have a great education, a better chance at college, and for the time you spent on me and others.
Sincerely, Marcelous 18
Gratitude
Dear Donors,
Thank you. Thank you for the continued support that you have granted us. Thank you for your generous contributions to the Bishop Cummin Scholarship Program, which allowed my peers and me to explore Lasallian education in an authentic, complete manner. Thank you for the great gift you have provided my classmates and me. Thank you for the educational opportunity you have generously given to us. Well and truly, thank you.
My life is a story of chance and opportunity, and you continue the writing with your charitable contributions to the Bishop Cummins Scholarship Program. Being able to attend De La Salle High School has been nothing but a great joy and privilege. However, this would not be possible without this scholarship program. I know full well my entrance into high school would not have gone as swimmingly without the support provided by the then coordinator, Mr. MacArthur. Without anyone to turn to, Mr. MacArthur served as my mentor for the first two years of my high school career. He would provide me with advice, information, motivation, and wisdom, all of which proved invaluable during my freshman and sophomore years. Mr. Martinez, the new coordinator, continues this spirit, allowing me to fully take advantage of being provided a Lasallian education.
Sincerely, Isaac
“I learned that hard work is something that I will have to deliver if I want to succeed in life.” 19
Words of Thanks
Dear Donors,
I feel it is critical that I convey my appreciation for the work you do. I want to express my gratitude for everything you do for me and the Bishop Cummins Scholarship Program. I feel really privileged to be a part of this, and it has been made much easier with your help. I can honestly say that the work you do to help our community's youngsters is a great plus. Bishop Cummins Scholars are lucky to receive a free lunch every day. That in itself says a lot, because I know that not many of our high school kids are that fortunate to be able to eat for free. This is what I'm saying Dear Donors, I volunteer to give up my lunch on days when I don't want it and give it to someone who does not receive a free meal. It has been a tough path for me over my four years of high school, but I can genuinely say that we are incredibly blessed because of the generous hearts of you contributors!
Sincerely, Javon
Dear Donors,
Thank you so much for your generous donations to our school. My name is Jason and I am a senior at De La Salle High School. I have played football my four years at De La Salle. Thank you for funding our experience throughout the entire four years of my high school career. In addition, thank you as well as supplying me with school supplies to help me be successful. I am so grateful for you financially supporting me throughout my four years here at De La Salle High School. I wish I could thank you in person for all of the help you have given me.
Sincerely, Jason
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Gratitude
Dear Friends of De La Salle,
My name is Johnathan and I personally want to give my thanks for the blessing you gave me. I am in the class of 2024, a sophomore at De La Salle High School. I grew up with a low income family usually having ten plus people in my household. It was hard to keep my head up because I had no idea what my future was going to bring me. I learned a lot growing up, about this life we live in, and how I cannot take things for granted, that everything is a blessing. The opportunity to attend a school like De La Salle means the world to me because I would never have thought I’d be in a school that can help me and my future like De La Salle. De La Salle is a school that puts forth their best effort to make sure their students are successful with help from resources like the Learning Center. To care for their students and help us become the best we can be as a person.
I would like to thank you for changing my life, giving me this blessing to be the best version of myself. To be honest, I don’t know where I would be without your' help to attend this school. This gift makes me feel loved and cared for, helps me appreciate every moment I have here. Thank you for opening my eyes and giving me an opportunity to pursue my dreams and careers and help me strive to be in the best position in life. I would like to thank all donors for this blessing to be a man of faith, scholarship, and integrity.
Sincerely, Johnathan
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Words of Thanks
Dear Donors,
My name is Jonah. I’m an average 15-year-old Samoan and Filipino kid and come from a less wealthy family, and this program has helped me a lot. I appreciate your kindness and this gift to come to De La Salle because without this program, I would not be able to play sports or even be a student at this school. This program has helped me better my work on and off the field. With this program, I am able to have paper and pencils to better my understanding and better my knowledge. Without this program, I would be in Daly City right now in a horrible public school that is unsafe and not nearly as beneficial as De La Salle, going nowhere.
This gift you have bestowed upon me has made me feel nothing less than blissful and grateful that I have people supporting and believing in me to succeed further than high school. I wanted to thank you and write this letter because before I came to this school I didn’t know who I wanted to be, or where I really fit in. After coming to this school, with the help of this program, I know where I belong with the help of Mr. Martinez, Mr. Norfolk, and most importantly you. With your support, my friends and I are able to be better and have the opportunity to get an education. But with this opportunity, it leads to more opportunities and a better life and helps not only my possibilities go further but also helps my parents in the long run.
Best Regards, Jonah
“I am thankful to God for people like you.” 22
Gratitude
Dear Friend of De La Salle:
Hello, my name is Jose and I would like to thank you for the contributions that you have made to De La Salle High School. I’m currently a freshman at De La Salle, and the experience that I’ve had here in the past few months has been like no other experience I’ve ever had. Just to introduce myself a little more, I play sports here like football and rugby. I’d just like to say thank you for your contributions because if you hadn’t contributed to De La Salle, then I probably wouldn’t have been able to have the chance to be a part of this brotherhood.
This school has changed me for the better. If I saw myself from a year ago, then I probably wouldn’t recognize the kid that had yet to walk through the gate to De La Salle. I have made many friends here who I didn’t even think I’d be friends with. The teachers are incredible as well as they always help me in whatever way they can. The Learning Center has been a significant help to me as well, especially in helping me finish my homework on time. This school has changed me for the better, and it was only possible through all of your help that I was able to strive here. I hope to keep coming to this school and excelling in all my work so that I can honor your contribution.
Sinclery, José
“I wish I could thank you in person for all of the help you have given me.” 23
Words of Thanks
Dear Friend of De La Salle:
I am a student who is very appreciative of the gift to go to school and for the opportunity to go to De La Salle. I am in 11th grade and I came from a public middle school who did not have the best teachings. Coming here my freshman year was really hard but after a while with dedication and hard work, I’ve gotten better and am planning to be better in my studies. Being here gave me a lot of joy with teachers, meeting new friends, and seeing different approaches to many things. I play varsity soccer and if it wasn’t for the opportunity I would not have the chance to win NCS and be a part of an amazing program. I got to travel a lot and play for a great soccer team.
This gift makes me feel happy and very grateful. I am truly happy to be a part of this school. I would prefer this school over any other school no matter what. Once I graduate next year, I will never forget the joyful memories and rough times being here. Many people did not believe that I would come here, but you helped me to prove them wrong. Thank you for helping me achieve a dream that got turned into a reality.
Sincerely, Leo
Dear Friend of De La Salle,
My name is Malik, I have played football for three years here and basketball for one. I am doing pretty well in school and I plan on applying to colleges next fall. I really like Texas Tech. I really appreciate your gift to me, you are truly helping change my life. It is interesting to think that you can impact someone’s life without ever meeting them, but you have done just that. I would like to thank you for giving me the opportunity to attend an amazing school like De La Salle. I have received a much better education here than I would be able to elsewhere. This school and your support together will allow me to go to a college of my choice that I like.
Best Regards, Malik
24
Gratitude
Dear Friend of De La Salle,
I’ve been a part of De La Salle High School for three years now and I don’t know how I might’ve been able to make it to senior year without the Bishop Cummins Scholarship Program. As a junior, I have taken up many leadership positions like president of De La Salle’s Horizon club, SCORE and OnBoard! Leadership. I’d have to say that I am especially proud of being a member of Company, which is De La Salle’s theater program. At the end of the day when I’m exhausted from being a welcoming face and presence in school, I always have my Company family to fall back on for support, a community to relieve my struggles to. I also love the faculty and teachers at De La Salle. They’re always willing to go the extra mile, answer questions asked because they care with a guiding hand. The food is pretty good too, but I probably should stick to their salads otherwise my acne problems will continue to make their presence known.
For all these reasons I am grateful that you have decided to fund our school. Allowing kids less financially fortunate to afford to attend De La Salle and receive the same experience as our peers. I want to thank you because these past three years of my life wouldn’t be possible without your help. Personally, I’ve struggled with keeping grades up and staying on the right track. With the guidance from the De La Salle faculty and Bishop Cummins advisors, I have been able to keep grades up and where I want them. Being able to attend De La Salle has shown me that I will always have the support many kids never thought they needed.
Best Regard, Kadin
25
Words of Thanks
Dear Donors,
I just wanted to say thank you for being here from the bottom of my heart. Without you, I would not be at De La Salle High School. I went to this school because of my brother and he was part of the Bishop Cummins Scholarship Program as well. He was the class of 2021 and he was grateful that the donors were there to help him. Everyone here at the Bishop Cummins Scholarship Program is grateful for your contribution.
The gifts that you have provided us have made me happy. For example, providing dress shoes for dress up day to attend mass and other items that are very expensive. Since there are some items that I can not afford, your generosity helps me focus on my education. I am thankful not just for the donors, but the program as well because they help us so much to make sure we have everything that we need. One thing I like about this is the free food we get during lunch. Thank you so much for being here at De La Salle. We appreciate you for the hard work and the years you have been providing.
Sincerely, Mario
Dear Donors,
My name is Marley and I am a sophomore at De La Salle High School. I play football and rugby. I could not be more thankful for the funding of my education and sports equipment. I am so blessed to be a student athlete at De La Salle. I appreciate the funded books, school supplies, transportation and the free lunch. Without your help I would not be able to have the same opportunities or be set up for the possibilities of success. Thank you for everything you have done for me and my Bishop Cummins Scholarship Program brothers. We appreciate you dearly.
Sincelry, Marley
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Gratitude
Dear Benefactors,
My name is Kevin and I am a senior. I want to thank you for giving me the chance to be at De La Salle. Without De La Salle, I believe I would not be a member of this brotherhood. My freshman year I was still an ignorant kid that truly did not understand the quote from the Academy, “Enter to Learn, Leave to Serve”. I was selfish at first because I believed that I went to school for myself. But after going through high school, it made me realize that I had to make a change. My goal is to be a nurse to help and make a change. De La Salle has taught me a lot of life lessons. I learned to be a more caring person and learn great skills that will help me in my future. I love to be part of this brotherhood and the relationships I have established over my four years. I would recommend De La Salle to anyone because it’s something everyone loves with its community being a family. The Bishop Cummins Scholarship Program has helped me get through my four years of high school. If it was not for this program, I do not know where I would be. Thank you for everything and blessings.
Sincelry, Kevin
Dear Donors,
I wanted to write a thank you letter to show gratitude for your generosity given to the school and my brothers in the Bishop Cummins Scholarship Program. Many lower-income students such as myself are grateful because of your generosity. You allowed us to enroll in a school that we previously could not afford. I have been given the optimal environment and financial support to excel. Thanks to your donations, you have helped me and many other students realize a part of our dreams and aspirations. Including the gifts you have provided such as clothing, lunches, school supplies, and sports equipment. For the entire Bishop Cummins community, the students and I thank you, truly.
Best regards, Darell
27
Words of Thanks
Dear Donors,
My name is Kevin and I am a junior, almost a senior, who has been at De La Salle long enough to truly realize what the donations allow me to do. I can't tell you how much all of us at De La Salle appreciate your contribution to our school. Thanks to your donation we'll be able to have a better education, livelihood, and experiences. More people than ever need the support and the help that you so generously provide. De La Salle is outstanding and has helped my morals, spirit, and faith grow, thanks to you. Without the donations that are given to the Bishop Cummins Scholarship Program, I would not be able to attend this prestigious school and my life would be completely different. I am able to take good AP courses for college courses, currently I am taking AP Spanish and AP United States History, I am able to be on Varsity Cross Country and Track Team, and excel with the outstanding sports programs here. We even made it to both State meets, and I am able to have caring teachers who really pay attention to the students and what they are doing. I can't stress it enough that without you and your generosity none of this could have happened.
You are amazing people who have allowed me to be college ready through De La Salle, and though I was at a disadvantage when I applied to high schools, you have given me an advantage in life, something that I do not get often. I cannot thank you enough for what you have done for my life and how you have been able to inspire me.
Sincerely, Kevin
“Thank you for changing my life, giving me this blessings to be the best version of myself.” 28
Gratitude
Dear Friends of De La Salle,
My name is Michael and I am a sophomore. I would love to express my indebtedness for everything you have given me. Without your deeds, my education at De La Salle would not exist and I would be in another school with worse grades. I have everything I could desire in a school at De La Salle, and I am enjoying my time here so far. What you are doing is what I aspire to do. The fact that I am at this school in itself is already crazy and I wouldn't have done it without you. My education at De La Salle is extremely important to me, and I want to express my gratitude to you for providing me with this opportunity.
When I first entered the school, I was on Zoom. I remember not knowing anybody when we were online and it was really difficult to get motivated about school. However, today I am so happy and blessed to be back on campus and I really enjoy being a Spartan. My effort is noticed with the effort you put in to give me this chance and for that, I thank you.
Sincerely, Michael
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Words of Thanks
Dear Benefactors of De La Salle,
My name is Samuel and I am a freshman at De La Salle. I wanted to thank you for everything you have done for classmates and me. My experience at De La Salle would not have been a thing without your generosity and I am eternally grateful for it. At De La Salle, I have everything I would want in a school and love the experience I have had so far. It has been a great freshman year so far and I can not wait to continue my years here. Your generosity has greatly changed my life and helped positively shape my life.
My education at De La Salle is very important to me and I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to have it. I want to go to a good college and be successful in life so I can make my family proud and pay them back for everything that they’ve done for me. De La Salle is a great school that helps you get into a good college and make sure you become successful. I am very grateful for this opportunity and will cherish it forever.
Sincerely, Samuel
“You have helped me and many other students realize a part of our dreams and aspirations.” 30
Gratitude
Dear Benefactors,
I am one of the many kids that you sponsored for four years. I have been part of the Bishop Cummins Scholarship Program my four years at De La Salle. I spent countless hours and afternoons in the Learning Center working to maintain passing grades. In those four years, there were a lot of ups and downs, but I learned to overcome those obstacles and face them. By facing those challenges it made me stronger. I began to learn more about how to problem solve and the basics of Algebra 1, 2, and Geometry. I also made a lot of friends and met a lot of cool people. Without the help of these friends and the support of those cool people, I honestly don't think I would be where I am today.
Not only did you fund my education, but you also helped by providing me with free lunches and field trips. For four years I was able to eat lunch at school, which made it easier for my parents financially. It made things easier for me and I got to enjoy some really good food. I also was fortunate enough to go on a week trip to Washington. I got to see our nation's capital and monuments. The trip was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I will never forget. I am truly grateful and in debt to all the people that support me along the way.
Sincerely, Vincent
“Thanks to generous donations like yours, a path has been paved.” 31
Words of Thanks
Dear Donors,
My name is Omar and I am a freshman here at De La Salle. I want to thank you all for the things you provided for me and other students here at De La Salle because you’ve given me the happiness and enjoyment, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be here. My time at De La Salle is going really well and I enjoy being here because of the campus, people at De La Salle, and the education is fantastic here. I enjoy being a student of De La Salle and being a part of the community. This freshman year has been so good and I can’t wait to see what the future brings for me.
My education is very important to me because it is giving me knowledge and help for my classes and to succeed more in life each day. The community here at De La Salle is very nice and I’ve made so many friends here at De La Salle. I socialized more with people in person since COVID. The gift of being here at De La Salle gives me all the happiness and knowledge I need for my future. I really thank you for the opportunity to be here and just covering everything for us and I hope you keep supporting it for me and the other students.
Best Regards, Omar Dear Friends,
Hello, my name is Timothy and I am a Junior at De La Salle High School. I was born and raised in Vallejo, but I currently live in Fairfield. It is about forty minutes away from the school, so I have to wake up very early to make it on time everyday. It is difficult, but it's worth it! I love coming to school everyday to learn and see my friends five days out of the week. De La Salle teaches me to be a man of faith, integrity and scholarship.
I am so thankful for giving me the opportunity to be part of this brotherhood and great education. These words only demonstrate a fraction of my gratitude. My brothers and I appreciate your financial support and dedication to our education.
Sincerely, Timothy 32
Gratitude
Dear Donors,
I am a senior at De La Salle High School, I have been at this school for all four years. In my freshman year I did not make it on the soccer team but I became the soccer manager. Coming to De La Salle was the best decision I have ever made. If it was not for my education at De La Salle I would not be going to college, nevertheless; I am proud to say that I am going to be the first one in my family to attend college in the fall.
Thank you for supporting me throughout my high school career. I appreciate all that you do for me because without you I would not be able to come to this school and go on to college. I am grateful to have the opportunity to stay after school and use the Learning Center to finish my homework and get help from tutors. I am also grateful that you have taught me to use all the resources that I have and not take anything for granted.
Sincerely, Oscar
Dear Donors,
My name is Ramon, I am a Sophomore in De La Salle High School. Being at De La Salle has made me realize what a great opportunity I have been given. De La Salle High School has a quality education that I am so grateful for. The faculty and staff make this possible by making sure their students get the support and mentorship. The Learning Center is a space that is dedicated to helping students succeed academically. They have tutors and quiet spaces that help students learn and prepare for assessments.
I am so blessed to be part of this brotherhood. De La Salle is a safe place where disrespect to other students is not tolerated. De La Salle also values the mental health of its students. They make physical education a requirement, encouraging students to try different activities that they probably would not have done beforehand. As a result, I am so grateful for this opportunity and do not take anything for granted. Thank you for your generosity and support of my education.
Sincerely, Ramon 33
Words of Thanks
Dear Family of De La Salle,
My name is Reggie and I am a freshman. I wanted to thank you for everything you have donated for my brothers and me. My experience at De La Salle would not have been possible without your generous donation. At De La Salle, I have everything I would want in a school and love the experience I have had so far. It has been a great freshman year and I can not wait for the future. Your generosity has greatly changed and shaped my life.
A quality education at De La Salle is very important to my family and me. I want to go to a college and be successful in life so I can provide for my family and pay it forward to the next generation of Spartans. De La Salle is an amazing school that I know will help me get into a good college and make sure I become successful. De La Salle High School has changed me into a young man of faith, integrity, and scholarship. I am very grateful for this opportunity and will cherish it forever.
Sincerely, Reggie
34
Gratitude
Dear Donors,
I want to thank you for what you all have done for me over these past years and giving me the opportunity to experience this amazing brotherhood. I am really happy that this opportunity was given to me and it has truly turned me into the person I am today and for that, I am very grateful. I had the opportunity to play soccer here and it was an amazing experience getting to know even more people that had a common interest and working together to achieve our goals. This amazing experience is life changing and I hope more students get the opportunity to have an experience like mine and work towards a better future for themselves.
De La Salle creates a special bond between students like no other school does. I am proud to call every single one of my classmates my brother because they have earned it and it creates a better experience for everyone. I am thankful that the experience also gave me a more striving mentality to want more from myself and to push my classmates to do their best. Throughout my years here at De La Salle, I got to know many teachers and they only want the best for me and they are there to help you whenever and whatever you need and all you have to do is ask. I am extremely grateful that all you put your trust in us and that motivates me even more because I know that if someone has trust in me to achieve my goals that I should too and put in the work in order to get to where I want to get to. Thank you all for the experience that all of you have given me.
Sincerely, Sergio
“Thank you for your generosity and support of my education.” 35
Words of Thanks
Dear Donors of De La Salle,
Hello, my name is Santino and I am a junior at De La Salle. I appreciate the gift you give me because it provides me with things I use on a daily basis to benefit me. Lunch is important to me because if I don't eat lunch I'll end up starving for the rest of the school day. I am also grateful for the opportunity to come to De La Salle and learn about the brotherhood here and to make new friendships with others. This gift makes me feel good about myself and my future.
I want to thank you personally because many students do not have this great opportunity, however I am fortunate I am one of those students. If it was not for your generous donations, I would not have been able to come to De La Salle. I am also thankful for the opportunity because I will be the first one in my family to attend college. Everything I have learned at De La Salle will help me achieve my goals.
Best Regards, Santino
Dear Donors,
I would like to write this letter out to you so I can thank you for helping fund my education. Currently I am a Junior in the Bishop Cummins Program. I live in Martinez, CA with my family who always do their best to support me. As of now I have been focusing and doing well in my studies and am also a varsity Cross Country athlete. I am very grateful for all the support from everyone in order to allow me to succeed.
With your aid, me and my friends who are also in the Bishop Cummins Program were given a chance to go to a great school like De La Salle. Your support gives me the same chance to have a good high school education and experience as everybody else. I am very thankful for this opportunity you all have given me and will continue to be.
Sincerely, Jaydan
36
Gratitude
Dear De La Salle Friends,
I am a freshman at De La Salle, I am grateful for the opportunities given to me through Bishop Cummins Scholar Program and the blessings it has brought to my family. I was born in Walnut Creek prematurely with lung problems but raised in Antioch, California. I am a first-generation Mexican American and my parents took great lengths to get to this country and raise a family here. In my free time, I work with my father doing landscaping, play guitar, ride dirtbikes, and work out. I appreciate the scholarship given to me and the quality education. This gift makes me feel accomplished as if I had made it in life. Nevertheless, this would not be possible if it was not for your generous gift to my education.
The Bishop Cummins Scholarship Program has helped me learn to appreciate education and realized that higher education is important. The teachers here offer help that I've never received from any other school I've attended. The faculty and staff are dedicated and work hard to help them succeed throughout their years at De La Salle. I wish the best for all and hope that the Bishop Cummins Scholarship Program will continue as long as you make it possible for students like me.
Sincerely, Angel
“De La Salle has changed me into a young man of faith, integrity, and scholarship.” 37
Words of Thanks
Dear Donors,
Hi, my name is Antonio and I am a junior. I live in Antioch and I've lived there for the last 12 years. I attended De La Salle Academy from 5th-8th grade and have been so grateful since the day I started there for the opportunities I've been given. I played Rugby this year and have played football and baseball here at De La Salle in my previous years. I am beyond grateful for the daily blessings and opportunities I am able to be a part of at De La Salle, and I wouldn't be here without you and your support. For that, I am beyond grateful and thankful. The opportunity to go to De La Salle has allowed me to meet new people, make amazing friends, and learn more than I ever could've anywhere else.
Best Regards, Antonio
Dear Donors,
I would like to thank you for all you have done. Your actions and donations do not go unnoticed. Due to your generosity, I am able to attend this one-of-a-kind school. It's truly a blessing to attend this school. My name is Rael, I am a sophomore and first-generation Mexican-American. I have a passion for sports and my education, both of these loves of mine being made possible here through your gratitude. Your donations give me the grand opportunity to express myself through these passions. When I need something I’m not afraid to ask because I know there will always be someone to help, thanks to people like you.
My family and I are eternally grateful for your philanthropic acts. I am working to do the most with this opportunity given to me. I am planning to graduate from this school. With no regrets, I have been involved with many different activities in school. Then attend a 4-year college and graduate with a degree. Soon after that I will get a good-paying job with that degree. With that money, God willingly I can gives back to my community and give someone the same opportunity given to me. Finally, I want to give back to my family who sacrificed to put me through this school.
Sincerely, Rael 38
Gratitude
Dear Donors,
I believe it is imperative that I express my gratitude for what you do. I want to assure you that all you do for me and the Bishop Cummins community is appreciated. I am extremely fortunate to be a part of this, and with your aid, it is made much simpler. I can honestly say that what you do to assist the children in our community is a huge plus. Every day at lunch, students in the Bishop Cummins Program are fortunate to get a free meal. That in itself says a lot, because I know that not many students at our high school are that lucky to be able to eat for free. I volunteer to give up my lunch on days when I do not want it and give it to someone who does not receive a free meal. It has been a tough path for me over my four years of high school, but I can genuinely say that we are incredibly blessed because of the generous hearts of you contributors!
Sincerely, Zeke
Dear Donors,
Thank you for all the opportunities you have given me because you have decided to donate your own money for my education. I’m a junior that's part of the Bishop Cummins Scholarship Program. I live in Pittsburg and take BART every single day to make it to school and back home. At the moment I’m focused on my school studies and being an athlete in Cross Country and Distance Track and Field. I enjoy the gift of being able to attend De La Salle High School due to the amount of financial aid I receive from the donations you give.
This gift that I have received from so many of you has changed my life in many ways. If I never had the opportunity to attend this school I would have never shown any interest in running, but now running has become a huge part of my mental and physical health and life. I wish to continue to college and most of all continue running races. I can’t thank you enough for how much this scholarship has shaped me into the person that I am today.
Best Regards, Erwin 39
Words of Thanks
Dear Donor,
My name is Jeremiah and I am a freshman at De La Salle High School. The thing you should know about me is that I like playing sports and doing other activities. The sports I am involved in right now are boxing and basketball, which are sports that help me feel part of the brotherhood. I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of Bishop’s Cummings Scholar Program because not that many students have this opportunity. I have learned new things while attending De La Salle during my freshman year and made some new friends. This school was a good opportunity for me to become social and try new activities at De La Salle that I have never done before. This experience has helped me grow as a person and has helped me be more responsible in taking care of my grades and taking care of myself.
I am happy to be at De La Salle because it was my first choice. Coming to De La Salle is an honor because I am able to show my talents and gifts to this community. I really want to thank you for this scholarship because without it, I would not be here. I would also like to thank Mr. Martinez and Mr. Norfolk for taking care of the Learning Center and making sure that everyone works hard and gets the help they need to be successful.
Sincerely, Jeremiah
“I am thankful for the opportunity because I will be the first one in my family to attend college.” 40
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About the School Seal Symbolism and Meaning
The school seal is an important part of the identity of De La Salle High School. The symbols used to make up the seal have particular meanings that reflect the values and purpose of the school. In the center of the seal is the Chi Rho (Kye Row). This is the Greek abbreviation of the title “Christ.” The first two letters of the word Christos or “Christ” are “Chi” and “Rho,” represented in the Greek alphabet as a capital “X” and “P.” The fleur-de-lis, with “lis” meaning lily in French, reminds us of our French origins with Saint John Baptist de La Salle. The lamp is a symbol of knowledge, reminding us of our primary purpose as a school—education. The section of broken chain represents freedom—freedom from ignorance. The chain surrounding the seal signifies strength and unity. “Les Hommes de Foi” is French for “Men of Faith.” The school was founded in 1965.
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VOLUME VI
De La Salle High School 1130 Winton Drive • Concord, CA 94518 • (925) 288-8100 • www.dlshs.org