Annual Report
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ANN UAL REPORT For fiscal year July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015 Thank you for making our mission possible Berks Catholic High School is centered on the four pillars of God, Family, Academics, and Fun. As a vibrant Christ-centered community, the Administration, Faculty, and Staff are dedicated to providing a challenging academic environment for a diverse population of young Our Mission men and women. Through Christian principles, rooted in the Catholic tradition, we strive to positively impact our students spiritually, intellectually, socially, physically, and emotionally, so they can live productive lives of service in this world and attain eternal life. Members of the Class of 2015 are filled with mixed emotions on graduation night. Administration: Tony Balistrere , M.Ed., Principal Alice Einolf , M.Ed., Assistant Principal of Studies and Curriculum Our Leadership Bill Hess , M.Ed., Assistant Principal of Discipline and Athletics Fr. Eugene Ritz , Chaplain Betsy Woytovich , Director of Development Josh Ditsky , M.Ed., Director of Career and College Counseling Sue Kase , M.Ed., Director of Counseling and Campus Ministry Nicole Smith , Director of Admissions 1 In our fourth year we completed and began to implement our strategic plan in the areas of Catholic identity, academic excellence, finance, enrollment, development and facilities. We spent a great deal of time working toward the launch of our Excellence Faith Future Capital Campaign in response to our surging enrollment growth to ensure human formation and academic success of our Saints long into the future. Our goal for the campaign is 9 million dollars, and to date we have 5 million dollars pledged and received. Over the next three years, the campaign requires each of us to look into our heart, as those who have gone before us, to realize that, to a great extent, it is through Berks Catholic High School that our Saint’s faith blossoms and grows, our Church gains strength, it ensures future leaders and solidifies the future of Catholic education. The proposed three story Learning Center will consist of a cafeteria expansion on the lower level, two classrooms and a Learning Commons on the first floor and six classrooms on the second floor. In addition a balcony is proposed for the auditorium to allow for over 1000 seats, and the main stadium will get a new track and artificial turf. The Excellence Faith Future Campaign will position Berks Catholic for growth and success long into the future The class of 2015 contained students discerning the priesthood and religious life; 97% of them have continued their education in college and collectively were offered over 10 million dollars in academic scholarships. Some of the Class of 2015 have entered the military, technical schools, and are exploring gap years involving service. Our students have grown spiritually by attending Mass as a community, performed thousands of hours of service, attended retreats and are discerning what vocation the Lord is calling them toward. We appreciate your patience in the publication of the 2014-15 Annual Report. O’Connell and Company recently completed our first full audit covering the 2014-2015 school year, and as a result we received an unqualified favorable opinion. I am convinced that your investment in Berks Catholic High School produces young men and women who will be catalysts for good wherever they live. I thank you for being a believer and a partner in our mission. Your prayers, financial support and encouragement make the success of our mission a reality. God Bless you and your family and Go Saints! Sincerely, Tony Balistrere Principal 2 Mr. Gregg Shemanski, Chairman Mr. Patrick Dolan Mr. Jack Horrigan Mr. Vincent Naso, Jr. Mr. Steve Snyder Mr. Kevin Martin, Vice-President Mr. Michael Ehlerman Mr. Matthew Lloyd Dr. Natalie Parisi Mr. Dave Weber Mrs. Paula Barrett, Treasurer Mr. Robert Firely Mr. Jack Mancuso Mr. John Post Mrs. Kathy Nevel, Secretary Mrs. Kathleen Herbein Msgr. John McCann Mr. Doug Smith School Motto Advanced Placement Clubs & Activities Unum in Christo Number of courses offered: 25 Aevidum “One in Christ” 195 A.P. Exams were taken in 2015 Art Club 25 A.P. Scholars Auditorium Aides BIG (Believers in God) Club School Colors Book Club Black and Gold Dual credit through Alvernia University Dual enrollment with Penn State Broadway Show Business Club Partnership with Reading Hospital Principal Campus Ministry Aides Tony Balistrere, M.Ed. School of Health Sciences Chorus/Band Engineering Club Asst. Principals Financial Aid Forensics Alice Einolf, M.Ed. 50% of students Bill Hess, M.Ed. French Club Gaming Club Numbers are based on financial aid awarded Garden Club Enrollment* in 2014-15. Geocaching Club 760 students (48.4% male – Harry Potter Club 51.6% female) Athletics HOPE Peer Listening Club Minority – 33.5% (255) Baseball Non-Catholic – 18.8% (143) Marquee Club National Honor Society Numbers based on 2014-15 enrollments Basketball* Bowling* Peer Listeners/HOPE Project Impact 19:1 Cheerleading Faculty/Student Ratio: Cross Country* Pro-Life Club Field Hockey Relay for Life Team 2015 Graduates Football Rock Climbing Total – 178 Golf* Sacristan Club 97% attending 2 or 4 year colleges Lacrosse* Saint Ambassadors Soccer* Silver Lining Club The class of 2015 received $10.8 million Softball Ski Club in scholarships. Tennis* Spanish Club Track & Field* Step Club Student Government Faculty and Administration: 48 Volleyball* 100% hold a Bachelor’s degree Yearbook Wrestling, Swimming*, Water Polo* Students can present their own club 60% hold a Master’s degree and Diving* are available through a co- or beyond to the administration if there is op with Reading High School. enough interest and a moderator. Average faculty teaching * Denotes boys and girls experience: 19.4 years 3 The following are a few examples of how Berks Catholic students and faculty are living and exemplifying the four pillars of GOD, FAMILY, ACADEMICS, and FUN in the school and greater communities. • RELAY FOR LIFE: Berks Catholic participated GOD in the annual Cancer Awareness/ Relay for Life • KAIROS: This three-day, overnight retreat is Fundraiser. Approximately 40 students, faculty, held twice a year and has been described by administrators and family members supported the retreatants as life-changing. Berks Catholic team by walking, purchasing lumi- • SENIOR RETREAT: Seniors attended Mass and naries, and participating in the second annual breakfast followed by a show at Sight and Sound Volleying for a Cure tournament fundraiser. Theater. This year’s team surpassed their goal by raising over $3,000 towards the fight against cancer. • MASS: Students have the opportunity to attend daily Mass in the chapel. We celebrate Mass and • JOHN PAUL II FUN DAY: As part of the other liturgies with the entire student body at least ongoing partnership with the John Paul II Special two times a month. Learning Center, Berks Catholic Seniors planned the events for the day. Over sixty Berks Catholic students greeted the John Paul II students as they de- FAMILY scended from their school bus. After the students met their buddies for the day, they posed for pictures, • SANTA’S HELPERS: The National Honor Society ran three-legged races, designed picture frames for wrapped and delivered over $2,200 worth of toys their buddy pictures, completed an obstacle course, and gifts to 34 families in need. They also donated and most importantly, took turns at dunking the baby supplies to Catholic Charities and $400 in Berks Catholic seniors at the dunk tanks. After the Redner’s gift cards to the Kennedy House. field events were completed, the JP II students en joyed a picnic lunch with their buddies. It never fails; this day is filled with fun and powered by lots of love! • ACROSS THE COUNTY ALL YEAR LONG: Throughout the year, Berks Catholic students perform acts of service including cleaning and beautification efforts, volunteering at a summer camp, tutoring underprivileged children, serving in soup kitchens and shelters, raising money, and collecting coats, shoes and food for those in need. • MISSION TRIP TO WEST VIRGINIA: For the third consecutive year, 6 students chaperoned by two faculty members participated in a life-changing Habi- tat for Humanity mission trip to West Virginia where they helped build an addition to a house and served the homeless. Class participation is critical in theology classes at BC. 4 • FACULTY SERVICE: Over 50 BC faculty and staff • PERFORMING ARTS - VOCAL: The Berks participated in an active shooter drill to provide im Catholic chorus performed for the Reading Royals, portant and necessary training for local emergency sang for two senior groups, sang carols at St. personnel on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Joseph’s Regional Health Network, and performed • SAVING LIVES: Members of the Pro-Live Club at the Daniel Torres Hispanic Center. They also sponsored a blood drive, and, as a school, saved 99 lives! performed annual Advent Vespers at Sacred Heart Church and dedicated the annual Spring Music • MARCH FOR LIFE :Ninety Berks Catholic Revue to the music of Billy Joel. Berks Catholic students put their faith in action and headed to also hosted the 41st Annual Diocesan Music Fest Washington DC to join the March for Life on the with performances from 115 students from seven anniversary of the 1973 U.S Supreme Court decision diocesan high schools. to legalize abortion. • 1 student was selected for National Chorus, 2 students participated in Regional Chorus and 1 in Regional Orchestra ACADEMICS • PERFORMING ARTS - THEATRE: By any • DECA BUSINESS COMPETITION: Four measure, the 2015 production of Bye Bye Birdie teen students placed 1st, 2nd, or 3rd. And in team was a huge success! The entire cast and crew did events, BC received 1st place in Business Law and an outstanding job. Ethics and Buying and Merchandising and 2nd place Hospitality Services and Financial Analyses.