February 8, 2019 A Bold Vision This year’s celebration of Catholic Schools Week has been one of the most memorable yet – not only because of the polar vortex and the number of snow/cold days. Today during the annual pep rally for all Everest Collegiate High School & Academy students which marks the conclusion of Catholic Schools Week celebrations, a special announcement was made to the students. Everest is pleased to once again have been recognized as a Catholic Education Honor Roll School. This recognition celebrates and confirms our identity as an authentic Catholic school of distinction, not only preparing students to fulfill their missions but also to support our local church in this new initiative. Everest was first awarded this recognition in 2012 when the award was overseen by the Acton Institute and entitled the Nation’s Top 50 Catholic High Schools. Everest received the award for the second time in 2014 as a School of Excellence, with the recognition now being managed by the Cardinal Newman Society. Everest has now earned this honor for its third time, receiving distinction as part of the Cardinal Newman Society’s Catholic Education Honor Roll. Another event also took place during our extended CSW celebrations. Tuesday, January 26 was a snow day – one of many snow days in a recently string of winter weather events. Thankfully, by the afternoon the roads were clear enough for several administrators from Everest to head to Sacred Heart Major Seminary for a gathering with Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron. There, along with about 150 other school leaders, they learned about the Archbishop’s bold, new vision for Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Detroit. “Unleashing Our Catholic Schools: A Strategic Vision for the Future of the Archdiocese of Detroit” is this new vision. The four-prolonged plan will help ensure that Catholic schools are proudly Catholic, academically excellent, accessible to all, and sustainable for the future. Everest Collegiate High School & Academy is pleased to be a part of this vision for our archdiocese. The Catholic Education Honor Roll recognition confirms Everest’s commitment to be a part of this vision that is a part of the evangelization plan of our archdiocese and beyond. There are many organizations that evaluate academic excellence but only the Cardinal Newman Society appraises Catholic identity and academic excellence. Being part of CEHR affirms we are who we say we are. I am grateful for the leadership of Greg Reichert, Sue Ender, Fr. Thomas Salazar, LC, Jill Swallow, and Fr. Brian Hoelzen, LC, and the dedication of our highly qualified faculty and staff that allow us to fulfill our mission every day in a culture that is in need of our integrally formed students. Click here for the complete press release with the CEHR announcement. All families and staff are invited to a special holy hour of thanksgiving for God’s blessings on Everest on Wednesday, February 20, from 5:30-6:30 P.M. in the high school chapel. May God continuing blessing Everest, Catholic education, and the Archdiocese of Detroit. Sincerely yours in Christ, Michael J. Nalepa |