CELEBRATING PRIDE IN CATHOLIC EDUCATION

Several local Catholic schools have seen an increase in enrollment and fund-raising efforts in recent years, and administrators say there definitely is reason for celebration during Catholic Schools Week.

Parochial elementary and high schools in Cape Girardeau and Jackson kicked off a week-long tribute Sunday to Catholic schools, students and faculty in honor of Catholic Schools Week, which runs through Friday.

"(Catholic education) is very family-based," said Carol Strattman, principal of St. Mary's Cathedral School in Cape Girardeau. "We teach to the whole child. We strive for the physical and emotional, as well as the spiritual and moral aspects of the child." Strattman said these qualities have strengthened Catholic education and are what makes it special.

Notre Dame High School and K-8 Immaculate Conception of Jackson have seen enrollment increases in recent years that mirror a national trend toward higher enrollment. Notre Dame has a current enrollment of 350 students, and Immaculate Conception has an enrollment of 240 students. Both schools are sponsoring fund-raising activities to meet the increased need these higher enrollments create.

Sister Mary Ann Fischer, Notre Dame principal, said the school has been holding a capital drive since last summer to raise funds needed for a new facility. She said the new building will help meet the needs of increased enrollment. So far, she said, the drive has raised $4 million of the $5 million target.

Immaculate Conception principal Tracy Holland said there is a cap to her school's enrollment, but current increases also have required more fund-raising efforts.

"Our enrollment seems to grow every year," she said. "Most of our classes man out at 30 students and we can't accept any more, but we do have waiting lists."

Holland said the school has received approximately $15,000 worth of donations this year with the help of a "dream book" released at the beginning of the school year. Computer supplies and monetary donations have come to the school, she said, and she is hoping for even more donations in the future.

"We're trying to get a computer lab, and we would like 15 computers if not more," Holland said. She said a committee has been formed to make recommendations on the exact needs of the computer lab, which the school hopes to open in August.

Part of the national celebration of Catholic Schools Week includes the selection of a National Catholic Educational Association Distinguished Graduate Award by schools. This award recognizes elementary school graduates of at least 15 years who have made achievements that reflect the characteristics of Catholic education.

St. Mary's 1997 honoree was Sister Jo Donna Grimes, a 1946 graduate who is currently the principal of Queen of All Saints Parish Grade School in Oakville, Mo. Grimes was recognized for her dedication to education and her excellent administrative abilities.

"Sister Jo Donna has dedicated her entire adult life to the education of other people's children, instilling in them a love of Jesus Christ and demonstrating a willingness to serve Him in all ways," Joyce Westrich wrote in her recommendation. "Sister Jo Donna has shown a lifelong commitment to the Catholic Church through her religious vocation."

Immaculate Conception honored Steve Beussink for his continued service to the school. Holland said Beussink was recognized because he continues to provide equipment, labor and financial support to the school.

"He gives time and time again, always donating cabinets and desks, and making things for our classrooms," said Holland. "He believes in Catholic education."

The national theme of the week is "Catholic Schools: Schools to Believe In." A number of activities involving grandparents, parents, students and teachers are scheduled to help develop school pride.