Utah Catholic Schools Celebrate Service during Catholic Schools Week

by Sister Genevra Rolf, CSC

SALT LAKE CITY — The buzz in Washington predicts that today’s youth will be dubbed "Generation ‘S’ for Service" under the new administration ideals. Utah Catholic schools are delighted. Their "Generation ‘S’" of students spans more than 130 years.

The theme for National Catholic Schools Week, held January 25-31, is coincidentally themed "Celebrating Service". National studies demonstrate that young people who go to Catholic schools are more philanthropic and volunteer more because service is part of the curriculum. This year, the 16 Utah Catholic schools will conduct service projects that will raise funds for systemic change through non-profit organizations around the world.

Students have elected to support Invisible Children in Northern Uganda, Heifer International projects in Africa and South America, and The Road Home in Salt Lake City.

Each school conducted fund raising efforts during Catholic Schools Week in addition to other celebrations. Last year, their efforts raised $38,295 during Catholic Schools Week. Currently Catholic schools operate in 16 locations along the Wasatch front from Ogden to Draper and in Tooele. More than 5,700 students are served in Pre-K through 12th grade. The minority population enrolled is 30 percent of the student body, and 25 percent are non-Catholic.

Fulfilling a mission to educate students of all socio-economic backgrounds, some form of tuition assistance is given to more than 30 percent of the students who attend Catholic schools. Despite a demographic make-up that might deem a student body at risk of failing, local Catholic high schools boast a near 100 percent graduation rate. Last year more than 95 percent of the seniors who graduated from St. Joseph, Judge Memorial and Juan Diego Catholic High Schools were enrolled in hundreds of colleges and universities, and earned $14+ million in renewable scholarships.

Catholic School students volunteer an estimated 142,000 hours each year conducting food drives, working in local charities, visiting the elderly, and other projects that lend a hand to those in need.

In addition to charitable fund raising and prayer services, other Catholic Schools Week activities will include:

• Open Houses where prospective students, their families, and the community can learn about Catholic schools.

• Appreciation luncheons for faculty, staff, volunteers, and grandparents

• Student Appreciation/Recognition Day projects, including International students

Catholic schools in Utah are accredited by the Western Catholic Educational Association (WCEA) and the Northwest Association of Accredited Schools. (NAAS).

For a listing of schools and links to their websites, visit www.utahcatholicschools.org