Gesu Gala 2022 - Rooted In Faith, Emerging in Hope

Letter from Our President and CEO

Dear Friends,

Thank you for joining us and for supporting the 2022 Gesu Gala. Tonight, we celebrate our perseverance over these last two years, mindful of the challenges each of us has endured. We acknowledge our blessings and our entire Gesu community: students and families, teachers and staff, and volunteers and friends.

We are delighted to honor our 2022 Spirit Medalists, the Ethel Mae Hocker Foundation and H. Scott Miller, for their dedication and generosity. We recognize Gesu Trustee and parent Tamika Michelle Evans, Ed.D. ’92, recipient of the James F. Higgins ’45 Distinguished Alumni Award, for her leadership and service.

The gala raises funds that are critical to fulfilling Gesu’s mission: providing an innovative education that enables students to transcend all forms of poverty. Our 430 students continue to experience the deep-rooted challenges that accompany poverty and systemic racial injustice. Now, more than ever, we remain steadfast in this mission. Your support helps Gesu plan for our future while continuing to deliver a safe, supportive learning environment.

Gesu remains rooted in faith. And we continue to emerge in hope. We persist in meeting our students where they are, utilizing creative teaching methods and emphasizing wellness. We commend our students, teachers, and staff for the resilience and heart they exhibit daily. You will witness this spirit in tonight’s event.

We hold our community in our prayers for peace, good health, and hope for the days ahead.

With gratitude,

Bryan Carter President and CEO

The Gesu Story

Gesu School was founded in 1873 as a parochial school. In June 1993, it was in jeopardy of closing, but opened three months later as an independent Catholic school governed by an ecumenical board of trustees. Gesu blazed the trail for what a thriving inner-city school looks like and what our students can accomplish. Nearly three decades later, thousands of children have received a quality education, and schools nationwide have adopted Gesu’s model.

Aligned with the Jesuit belief in curapersonalis,“care of the whole person,” Gesu provides a holistic education, nurturing students academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. In the spirit of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Gesu affirms that “every child can learn.” We welcome children of all ability levels, faiths, and ethnicities. In 2020-21, 54% of Gesu families had a household income of less than $30,000. Gesu School qualifies 100% for free/reduced breakfast and lunch programs.

Thanks to generous supporters like you, Gesu offers resources, from remedial support to advanced classes, to help children reach their highest potential. All gala proceeds directly support Gesu’s 430 students.

Order of the Evening

Gesu Gospel Choir

ExpectAMiracle— by Elbertina Clark

Welcome

Gianni W., 8th Grade — Master of Ceremonies

Opening Prayer

Rev. Stephen D. Thorne

Introduction of the 2022 Spirit Medals

Bryan Carter — President & CEO, Gesu School

Presentation of the 2022 Spirit Medals

Ethel Mae Hocker Foundation — Accepted by Kirsten Hocker

H. Scott Miller — Accepted by H. Scott Miller

Gesu Gospel Choir

Tomorrow(BetterYou,BetterMe)— by Siedah Garrett & Quincy Jones

Poetry Reading by Andre’a Rhoads, '18,

2021 Philadelphia Youth Poet Laureate

Introduction by Sr. Ellen Convey, IHM — Principal, Gesu School

IAmOf IfTheseHallsCouldTalk

Presentation of the James F. Higgins, '45 Distinguished Alumni Award

Introduction by Alphonso Evans, Jr. '19

Accepted by Tamika Michelle Evans, Ed.D. '92

“Fill the Sunflower and Support the Students”

Rob Weinstein — Vice President of Development, Gesu School

Alana Lee — Vice Principal, Gesu School

Closing Remarks

Bryan Carter — President & CEO, Gesu School

Dessert Reception

Gesu Spirit Medal

The Gesu Spirit Medal honors individuals who have shown extraordinary commitment to Gesu School through their loyal advocacy and actions and who have made a significant contribution to Gesu School’s success as a model inner-city elementary school.

This year, we are honored to recognize The Ethel Mae Hocker Foundation and H. Scott Miller.

Past Honorees

2021 The Hamilton Family Charitable Trust

Stephen & Cheri Ziegler

2020 Rosemary Español, CFM

Saint Joseph's University

2019 Winston J. Churchill

2018 J. Gordon Cooney, Jr., Esq.

Steve Piltch, Ed.D.

2017 James F. Higgins '45

H. Chase Lenfest

2016 Peter G. Gould

Rev. Stephen D. Thorne

2015 Tad Decker

Keith M. Pension

2014 Mrs. Elizabeth R. Moran

Rev. Neil Ver'Schneider, S.J.

2013 Rev. William J. Byron, S.J. Vivienne Lambert Ehret

2012 Robert M. McAlaine

2011 Christine S. Beck

Rev. George W. Bur, S.J.

2010 John J. DiIulio, Jr., Ph.D.

2009 Aline & Al Martinelli

Susan & Bill Shea

2008 Ralph Saul & John J.F. “Jay” Sherrerd, posthumously

2006 Mark Solomon

Gesu Spirit Medal

2022 Honorees

The Ethel Mae Hocker Foundation

Founded in 2005, the Ethel Mae Hocker Foundation is a charitable 501(c)(3) organization that seeks to provide financial support for increased educational opportunities to elementary and high school students.

The Foundation’s guiding principle is premised on the belief that expanded educational opportunities are the cornerstone to success later in life. In partnership with outstanding private educational institutions, scholarship recipients are identified based on factors including financial need, academic success, leadership, and commitment to the community.

The Foundation has partnered with twelve schools to provide scholarships to students across the greater Philadelphia region, New Jersey, California, and South Carolina. Since its inception, the Foundation has proudly assisted approximately 400 students with awards of over $4.5 million in scholarship money. For over ten years, the Foundation has provided scholarship support to Gesu School to ensure that students have access to the highest quality education. Currently, ten Gesu students are Hocker Scholars.

H. Scott Miller, CFA

H. Scott Miller is the Managing Partner and founder of Miller Investment Management. Previously, he was the Founder and Manager of the Private Investor Group of Miller Anderson & Sherrerd. Prior to that, he worked with Goldman, Sachs & Company in its Private Investor and Investment Banking divisions.

Currently, Mr. Miller is a member of the board of directors of three private companies and of the American Swiss Foundation. Previously, he served on the boards of several public companies as well as Episcopal Community Services, the Gesu School Board of Trustees, and the Gesu Institute Board of Directors. Mr. Miller is a CFA charterholder. He earned a BA in Political Economy from Williams College and an MBA in Finance from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

Mr. Miller has managed Gesu School’s investments pro bono for 15 years. His thoughtful leadership, business acumen, and insightful stewardship have preserved Gesu’s financial stability and enable our school to fulfill our mission for years to come.

“At the heart of the Gesu mission is the commitment of every Jesuit school to journey with youth and accompany them in the creation of a hope-filled future.

We see that future in the eyes of our youngest students as they master the basic building blocks for success.

We see it in the formation of character in our middle schoolers as they learn to be young men and women for and with others.

We see it in the academic success of our junior high students and their achievement as they graduate to take their places in the finest schools in the Delaware Valley. ”

- Ed Beckett, Vice President for Mission, Identity, and Inclusion

James F. Higgins ’45

Distinguished Alumni Award

To recognize alumni achievements, Gesu created the James F. Higgins ’45 Distinguished Alumni Award, named for beloved alumnus, 2017 Spirit Medalist, and Trustee James F. Higgins. We look forward to honoring many alumni who embody Jim’s legacy through their success, heart, Gesu pride, and dedication.

Tamika Michelle Evans, Ed.D., a proud product of North Philadelphia, attained her undergraduate degree from Temple University and her Master’s and Doctoral Degrees in Educational Administration and Principal Certification from Gwynedd Mercy University. Raised in a family of educators, Dr. Evans knew from a young age that she was destined to become an educator. Her experience attending Gesu School inspired her to make her impact on North Philadelphia.

For 20 years, Dr. Evans has served as an educator in the School District of Philadelphia, primarily as an administrator at Global Leadership Academy Charter School. Currently, she is the CEO of Global Leadership Academy Southwest, where she is revitalizing an underserved Renaissance School. In 2017, Dr. Evans founded an after-school program based in Brewerytown-North Philadelphia, The Reading Corner Café, which provides children with the joy of reading.

Dr. Evans is a proud alumna and trustee of Gesu School, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, and a mentor for many. She is most proud of being the wife of Alphonso Evans Sr. and the mother of Alphonso Jr. and Jordyn Evans.

Tamika Michelle Evans, Ed.D. ’92

“Every child is taught more than just academics, but life skills that they will need for their future.”

- Lily Bilbao, Pre-K Teacher and ACESJU Fellow

Rooted in Faith, Emerging in Hope

Gesu School instills daily practices that build students’ character and shape their faith. We cultivate hope in every child. At Gesu, we nurture our students and give them the tools to stay hopeful and motivated, even in tough times.

“I am hopeful about studying hard so one day I can be independent and change the world.”

— Demi, Grade 4

“Gesu is hopeful for me because it helps me be smart and learn. I see why my mom and dad choose to send me here.”

— Kaiheem, Grade 3

“I like that at Gesu you can make friends since Kindergarten and have art and music. All these things make me feel hopeful.”

— Aleysha, Grade 5

“I am hopeful for the future because Gesu has made me aware of what is to come and what I need to prepare for.”

— Shayla, Grade 8

The Gesu Gospel Choir

Directed by H.L. Ratliff

Troy Bennefield, Bass Guitarist

Sopranos

Cionni B.

Aleysha B.

Alayna J.G.

Jo’sana C.

Jaiel C.

Morgan C.

Shawna J.

Patyence J.

Ariel M.

Altos

Jordyn E.

Madisyn F.

Destini J.

Tenors

Tyler B.A.

Nathan B.

Daniel D.

A’Jani G.

Kingston J.

Quade J.

Baritones

Elijah D.

Quaseer E.

Grace S.

Madison S.

Ryckai W.

Jael M.

Grace N.

Morgan S.

Symir R.

Andre’a Rhoads '18

Philadelphia Youth Poet Laureate 2021-22

Read an interview with Andre’a and news coverage: gesuschool.org/philapoet.

Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls ’22 Pepperdine University ’26

Gesu's advanced writing courses sparked Andre’a’s love for the written word. Since earning the honor of Philadelphia Youth Poet Laureate in July 2021, she continues to reveal her strong voice through this city-wide platform. Currently, Andre’a is writing Inthe Hive , a book of poetry. She visited Gesu in April to read for National Poetry Month and to inspire students.

“Gesu taught me to believe in myself and that dreams come true when you work hard for them. Gesu is part of the reason I received this achievement because they showed me that nothing is too big for me, and that if I put my mind to it, I can do it.”

Give the gift of a child’s education and receive up to 90% in tax credits!

Pennsylvania allows qualified individuals and businesses to receive tax credits (yes, tax credits, not deductions) for contributions of scholarship aid through the Educational Improvement and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit Programs (EITC & OSTC).

Gesu School relies on EITC and OSTC donations from businesses across the region to help us continue our mission to serve low-income children and families in North Philadelphia. You can help! The impact is enormous.

To learn more, reach out to Rob Weinstein, Vice President of Development at 215-763-9077 or rob.weinstein@gesuschool.org.

Impact a Child’s Life. Become a Sponsor.

Did you know you have the power to help students develop their strengths and succeed? Our Sponsor a Child program enables Gesu to accomplish our mission and inspires children to transcend poverty through holistic education. A tax-deductible contribution not only supports a child’s education, but also opens doors to innovative learning and critical life skills.

How it works:

͛ You, or a group of friends, make an annual gift of $8,000 to cover roughly threequarters of the annual cost of one Gesu child's education.

͛ Gesu typically provides four annual activities for you to meet with your sponsored child. Gesu will resume gatherings when public health guidelines permit. Gesu will also provide opportunities to connect remotely.

͛ Sponsors will receive student updates and letters regularly throughout the school year.

͛ Sponsors are not obligated to meet or interact with your sponsored child if you prefer to watch him or her grow from a distance or anonymously.

͛ Gifts to the Sponsor a Child program are unrestricted gifts.

Why sponsor?

͛ Maximize your impact and develop a meaningful connection with a determined child.

͛ Support a Gesu education that emphasizes academic excellence, character formation, religious faith, and leadership.

͛ Help students access life-changing education and reach their fullest potential.

͛ When you choose to sponsor a student at Gesu, you can change a child’s life.

For more information, contact the Gesu Development Office at 215-763-9077 or development@gesuschool.org

“

Gesu provides hope and opportunity for our students so that at every crossroads, they are continually reminded that they are destined for greatness. Gesu’s classrooms are filled with an immeasurable reassurance that our students are children of God and that they can achieve anything that they can dream. Gesu is the place where those dreams become the foundation for lifelong success and where our children will always be welcomed home.”

- Maria Pardini, Director of Graduate Support

Thank you to the members of our incredible 2022 Gala Committee for making this year’s event a success!

2022 Gala Committee

Molly Belmont

Kimberly Brennan

Jim Higgins '45

Nyree Lyons '95

Maria Pardini

Keith Pension

Mary Ryder

Robert Weinstein

“What gives me hope is seeing my students grow. Watching them approach topics they were once unsure about with confidence and an eagerness to learn more makes me enormously proud of them. It gives me hope for all they will continue to achieve.”

- Sarah Keffer, 2nd Grade Teacher

Board of Trustees

Gesu School is governed by a diverse, ecumenical board of trustees, a group of talented individuals united by their passion for creating a safe haven of learning for our children in North Philadelphia.

Steven S. Piltch, Ed.D., Chair

Katherine H. Hovde, ViceChair

Honorary Donna Bullock

Rev. George W. Bur, S.J.

Andrew Cavacos

Ellen Churchill

John J. Curry

Sherri Darden

Thomas A. Decker, Esq.

John J. DiIulio, Jr., Ph.D., AdvisoryBoardMember

Rosemary Español, CFM

Tamika Evans '92

Peter G. Gould, Ph.D.

Frances Gray

Eve J. Higginbotham SM, MD, ML

Marie T. McCormick, Ph.D., ViceChair

Keith M. Pension, Secretary

Gerard J. Davies, Treasurer

Bryan H. Carter, PresidentandCEO

Winston J. Churchill, Esq. (ChairmanEmeritus)

James F. Higgins ’45

David Hilton II

David Hilton III (JuniorBoardPresident)

Rev. Daniel R.J. Joyce, S.J.

Karen Lucey

Nyree S. Lyons, MSN, RN, MS, CMSRN ’95

Susan P. Manix

Robert M. McAlaine

Byron A. McCook, Ed.D.

Allan C. Murphy

Louis R. Pichini, Esq. Greg Rigdon

Sr. Stephen Anne Roderiguez, IHM

Eilise Rouse

Erin Rodgers Schmidt, Esq.

Angela Schwartz

Susan Martinelli Shea

Daryl J. Shore ’94

Mark Solomon

Rasheed Stewart '04

Sr. Mary Ellen Tennity, IHM

Rev. Stephen D. Thorne

Larry Wells, MD

Management Team

Bryan H. Carter, PresidentandCEO

Sr. Ellen Convey, IHM, Principal

Alana D. Lee, VicePrincipal

Robert S. Weinstein, VicePresidentof Development

Ed Beckett, VicePresidentforMission, Identity,andInclusion

Carolynn Thompson, ChiefFinancialOfficer

Dontae Leaf ‘06, DeanofStudents

Maria Pardini, DirectorofGraduateSupport

Mark Smith, DirectorofFacilities

Rev. Raymond J. Donaldson, S.J., Chaplain

Gesu Gala Sponsors

PREMIER EVENT SPONSOR

James and Agnes Kim Foundation

PRESENTING SPONSOR

Connelly Foundation

MISSION SPONSORS

Craig & Jean Burns

Peter Gould & Robin Potter

Hamilton Family Charitable Trust

James F. ’45 & Donna M. Higgins

Ethel Mae Hocker Foundation

Miller Investment Management

Susan Martinelli Shea

SPONSOR A CHILD

Sarah & John Wildemore

SCHOLAR SPONSOR

Allan & Pat Murphy

EDUCATORS CIRCLE

Cozen O’Connor

Barbara & Scott Renninger

INNOVATION SPONSORS

Global Leadership Academy

Kate Hovde & Ken Kulak

Bob Peck

The Solomon Family

Vault Communications, Inc.

Veritable, LP

IMPACT SPONSORS

Christine & Leif Beck

James & Diane Brecker

Robert & Benjamin Bynum

The Carter Family

Andy & Karen Cavacos

John & Jennifer Curry

Rard & Judy Davies

Jack & Tammy Dodds

Glenmede

Kevin & Jennifer Kolmer

Liguori Academy

Malvern Preparatory School

Marie & Pat McCormick / Insyte Partners

Merion Mercy Academy

Steve Piltch & Sunny Greenberg

Eilise & Bill Rouse

Kathleen & Frank Seidman

Saint Joseph’s Preparatory School

Saint Joseph's University

The Shipley School

Valley Forge Military Academy

Dr. Lawrence Wells & Dr. Bernadette Wheeler

Ollie L. Young

Roy J. Zuckerberg Family Foundation

PATRONS

Harold Anderson

Ed Beckett

Amy Brenner

Geraldine Geckle

Susan Manix & Glenn Gundersen

David & Anne Hilton

Byron McCook

St. Mary Interparochial School

Lula M. Wheeler

DIGITAL PROGRAM BOOK UNDERWRITING

Chuck & Carol Walsh

The Hamilton Family Charitable Trust proudly supports Gesu School and the life-changing education it provides to so many children.

We congratulate this year’s Spirit Medalists, the Ethel Mae Hocker Foundation and H. Scott Miller. Keep up the great work!

The Gesu School continues to inspire, motivate, and change the lives of so many children. GESU IS LOVE and GESU WORKS! To the faculty and staff, we continue to be proud of all that you do for the children of Gesu. Thank you!

Congratulations to the Hocker Family and Scott Miller.

Susan Martinelli Shea

THE POGO FAMILY FOUNDATION PROUDLY SUPPORTS GESU

SCHOOL.

You too can transform a child’s life through Gesu’s Sponsor a Child program. Help children in need receive a top-notch education.

THE POGO FAMILY FOUNDATION

Peter Gould – Robin Potter – Alexandra Gould

Gesu School is truly #1! We proud to support the children of Gesu and the 2021 Gala

Craig and Jean Burns

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FANTASTIC GESU CLASS 2022 AND TO THE FANTASTIC TEACHERS THAT HAVE HELPED THEM ON THEIR JOURNEY!

Allan & Pat Murphy

We proudly continue our support of the Gesu School.

Congratulations to the Ethel Mae Hocker Foundation and H. Scott Miller for receiving this year’s Spirit Medal. Also congratulations to Tamika Evans, Ed.D. ’92, Distinguished Alumni Award winner, for her dedication to Gesu and its students.

“If we give our children sound self-love, they will be able to deal with whatever life puts before them.” Bell Hooks

We are proud to support the great work being done at Gesu year after year. Congratulations!

Barbara & Scott Renninger

We proudly support Gesu School and offers warm congratulations to Scott Miller for his dedication and generous spirit.

Congratulations to Bryan, Sister Ellen and the entire Gesu Team for another successful year. You give our students hope! The Solomon Family

education

well-being. John and Jennifer Curry

Thank you to the faculty and staff at Gesu for all their hard work supporting the students this year.

Best wishes to the Gesu Class of 2022.

Ollie Young

Congratulations, Scott!

Chris

& Leif Beck

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boundless

our dear friends

Gesu Works, Now More Than Ever!

We honor the students, faculty, staff, and leadership of Gesu. You are each making the world a better place. With our deepest respect and thanks, Jack

and Tammy Dodds

Eilise and Bill Rouse

Liguori Academy �ends love to

With gratitude, we thank to Bryan Carter, Sister Ellen, and all the adults who make Gesu run on a daily basis. It is the children of Gesu who tell the School’s story, which is a truly wonderful story.

Congrats one and all!

Steve Piltch & Sunny Greenberg

Community on the occasion of the Gala! Wishing all of God's grace and blessings to the Gesu School's students, families, faculty, staff and friends!