The Catholic Schools Foundation GO Program

CSF's Guaranteeing Opportunities (GO) Program

The CSF Scholar/Guarenteeing Opportunities (GO) Program will provide 15 CSF Scholar awards to financially in-need students graduating in 2019 from CSF Sponsored Elementary Schools. One student at each CSF Sponsored Elementary School will be selected by his or her current school leader to receive this award equaling $7,000 per year per student for tuition assistance at a Catholic high school in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston beginning in the 2019-2020 school year.

CSF Sponsored Elementary Schools CSF Scholar Criteria A CSF Scholar is a student who… 1. East Boston Central Catholic School, East Boston • will have his or her life impacted significantly by a 2. Immaculate Conception School, Revere Catholic education, with strong preference for a 3. Lawrence Catholic Academy, Lawrence student matriculating from a Catholic grade school, 4. OLPH Mission Grammar School, Roxbury • is motivated to succeed academically and to 5. Sacred Heart School, Lynn serve his or her community, 6. Sacred Heart School, Roslindale • is unable to attend a Catholic school without 7. Saint Catherine of Genoa School, Somerville financial assistance, 8. Saint Columbkille Partnership School, Brighton • has demonstrated financial need and 9. Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy, Columbia Campus demonstrates that need each year through FACTS, 10. Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy, Lower Mills Campus • has an average total family income similar to that 11. Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy, Neponset Campus of the CSF scholar profile, 12. Saint Patrick School, Roxbury • receives an award that significantly contributes to 13. Saint Pius V School, Lynn the family’s financial obligation, 14. Saint Rose School, Chelsea • Signs a release of information form through their 15. Trinity Catholic Academy, Brockton school for CSF.

What to Expect with your Sponsorship When you sponsor a student through Opportunities for Engagement CSF’s GO Program, you will… • Opportunity to visit student • Receive regular correspondence through the school for a meeting from the student you sponsor, including 2 • Opportunity to host industry letters per year with updates on academic tours for your sponsored students and personal success, involvement in • Opportunity to engage in a activities, etc mentorship relationship with student • A Christmas card personalized by including resume review, recommendation the student you sponsor with a small gift letters, career insight and advice, etc from the school to thank you

CSFBOSTON.ORG The Catholic Schools Foundation GO Program

CSF's Guaranteeing Opportunities (GO) Program Continued

How to make a difference...

Read through the attached sheet carefully and look for a student who you think you could make the most impact on. Additionally, CSF is happy to match you with a student.

While we hope you'll decide to make a commitment to a student through all four years of high school, you can choose to fund a student(s) for as long as you are able:

Please feel free to choose the option that makes the most sense for your budget:

1 year sponsorship for 1 student: $7,000 2 year sponsorship for 1 student: $14,000 3 year sponsorship for 1 student: $21,000 4 year sponsorship for 1 student: $28,000

For more information or to speak with a staff member about sponsorship through CSF's GO Program, please contact Gina Rindfleisch at [email protected] or by phone at 617-398-5460. We are happy to work out a scheduled payment plan that best suits your needs.

Group GO: Opportunities to Sponsor with a Group

If you would like to sponsor a GO student but can't fit it into your budget, sponsor a student with a group of your colleagues, friends or family. Split the cost while sharing in the joy that comes with making a lasting impact on the lives of a student in need and their family! If you're interested in getting involved in a group sponsorship, you or someone in your group can contact Gina at [email protected] or by phone at 617-398-5460.

CSFBOSTON.ORG The Catholic Schools Foundation GO Program

Selected Scholarship Recipients 2018-2019

Casieli Santiago, 8th grade – East Boston Central Catholic School, East Boston

Casieli has had many obstacles in her life, but has continued to work hard to overcome them. She comes from a single parent home with an older sister and younger brother. Her mother, while out of the picture most of her life tragically passed away in 2016. She moved from Revere to Milton last year and is now forced to travel back and forth to East Boston via public transportation almost every day. In today’s world, many students would use these setbacks as excuses to do poorly both in and out of school, not Casieli. She never makes excuses, has excellent attendance, and is a leader amongst her peers.

In fact, this year, Casieli was selected to serve as a “House” Captain. Our “House” program is a service to others / community-building program for students in grades 6-8. Casieli was selected by teachers and peers to be a leader in Savio House. In her short time as captain, she has quickly become a leader to the members of her “House”. Mr. Santiago supports his family with a disability paycheck and social security survivor benefits, and he completed his financial aid application with FACTS on November 4th. The Santiago children would not be able to attend Catholic Schools without assistance, and Casieli truly benefits from the solid faith based education that a Catholic School provides.

Marnie Clavel, 8th grade – Immaculate Conception School, Revere

The Immaculate Conception Parish School in Revere would like to nominate 8th grader Marnie Clavel for the GO Scholarship. Marnie is a hard-working young lady who is from a very large family at our school. She is the fourth child of seven born to Fabio and Rosa Clavel. As a student, she is hard-working and thorough, often bringing insightful discussions to her classmates. She is a good friend to others, and has been a pillar of her class. This year, our school honored her with title of the PL Scholar.

Her dedication to the school goes beyond academics. She spear-headed a service learning project in October where she had the entire middle school stay after school to clean the church, the parish hall, and the school. Last year, she was a member of the school's Missionary Team, a group of students that assists in the running and organizing of service projects. For example, she and the missionary team built beds for impoverished children last year that did not own a bed to sleep in. Paige Slabcyznski, 8th grade – Lawrence Catholic Academy, Lawrence - SPONSORED

Paige is an outstanding candidate and should be selected for the inaugural award of the GO Scholarship. Paige represents the model Catholic school student. She is a positive contributing member to our school community. She is faith filled, performs at a high level academically (She’s consistently #1 or #2 in the class), and has held office in Student Government here at LCA for the past 3 years. Paige has been the model of consistency throughout her time here at LCA which dates back to her starting with us in Pre-Kindergarten.

Paige’s family is committed to Catholic education. Paige’s 2 older siblings all attended OLGC and the former St. Patrick’s school and went on to attend High School. Paige is looking to follow in the footsteps of her older brother and sister and attend a Catholic high school after she graduates from LCA. Paige’s top 2 schools are Central Catholic and Lowell Catholic. There is no doubt that she presents a strong candidacy for both of those schools. Mrs. Slabcyznski’s focus and determination to provide a Catholic education for her children should also be noted, as she has done so as a single mother.

Anessa Evans, 6th grade – OLPH Mission Grammar School, Roxbury

Please accept our nomination of Anessa Evans, grade 6 scholar. Anessa is an adept scholar, committed to reaching her full potential. Her parents are thrilled she was able to attend MG this school year due to generous aid from the Catholic Schools Foundation. During this time, they have seen her grow in herself expression and academic leadership. Just this morning, Anessa was sharing what she was thankful for and she stated, "I'm just really thankful for my school and the opportunity I've been given." She wants nothing more than to attend a Catholic high school and this scholarship will contribute greatly toward that goal for her. Her brother is currently at Cathedral High School and she knows what is possible with a Catholic education. Her family is in great need of financial support to help her on that path. Her grades are solid in every subject and she has applied to our National Elementary Honor Society. She asks questions, goes above and beyond in all of her assignments and rises to leadership each day. She has my full nomination for the GO scholarship!

Gabriel Mieses, 8th grade – Sacred Heart School, Lynn - SPONSORED

Gabriel Mieses deserves all awards, funding, and accolades that can be given to a single scholar. He is the most humble, intellectual, caring, and welcoming scholar you will meet. Gabriel goes above and beyond in our school community, as well as in our Parish community. He can be seen dedicating his Sundays to duties at mass with his family. Gabriel has had a very successful 8 years at SHS and will continue this work at one of the Catholic schools he is applying to. Gabriel deserves this award based on his commitment to his education, grades, and the person that he is.

He will become something great as long as his path continues is Catholic education. I recommend Gabriel Mieses with high honors and exceptions for the greatness he will do with continued funding.

Nicolas Ravelo, 8th grade - Sacred Heart School, Roslindale

Sacred Heart School is proud to nominate Nicolas Ravelo for this scholarship. Nicolas has been a member of the Sacred Heart School community for 9 years. Nicolas has always been determined to meet with success. The first three words that comes to mind is honest, empathetic, and likable. Nicolas has always been a very active member of the school community. He is a leader on our robotics team and is very adept at working in groups, problem solving and critical thinking. Nicolas is also grateful. He understands the great sacrifice that is made to send him to a Catholic School and has voiced genuine appreciation. He participates in service projects very enthusiastically. Nicolas is fine tuning the skills necessary in the 21st century. He is creative when working with teams and independently. Nicolas has demonstrated a great sense of perseverance when tackling any problems of inquiry. Nicolas deserves this scholarship because he will not squander such a generous opportunity for his future. Nicolas has watched his Mother work so hard for his benefit and would want to pay it forward tenfold. Nicolas has earned this distinction.

Aileen Ortiz, 8th grade – Saint Catherine of

It gives me great pleasure to write this letter on behalf of Ms. Aileen Ortiz who is enrolled as an eighth-grade student at St. Catherine of Genoa school. Aileen is a wonderful, well-mannered young lady, who is also an alter server and choir singer at our Parish, Aileen has a very good rapport with the students and school administration.

Aileen frequently volunteers in school to assist with the children in different grades. Aileen works very hard at maintaining her academics she does have a 504 plan but with minimum accommodations need and has been progressing since September. Aileen is bilingual in Spanish and English, also her family is very involved in the church, school, Rosary Prayer and we can also count on her family to help us with marketing the school, Mother is also one of our room parents and assists in all events, she also was on our committee at the church working on a tri-parish project.

Aileen’s older brother Jorge Ortiz is currently at Malden Catholic and she also has one other sibling in 6th grade and recently took in there two cousins in 5th and 7th grade. The classroom teacher and the children enjoy having her help in their class daily. It is a pleasure having Aileen at St. Catherine of Genoa school. We hope that she will receive the GO Scholarship as it will help her family financially and assist mom.

Guilherme DeMattos, 8th Grade – Saint Columbkille Partnership School, Brighton

The Saint Columbkille School support team is proud to nominate Guilherme DeMattos for the scholarship. We have watched Guilherme grow over the years. He has been at Saint Columbkille since kindergarten. He is a great example of how Catholic education can positively shape a child’s life, providing many opportunities for the future. The parents are committed to Catholic Education and have been sending their sons, all 3, to Catholic school all of their lives.

For Guilherme, academics have not been easy. He has had to work hard for his grades and currently attends study hall five hours a week during the after school program. He is putting in his best effort in his academics and is determined to be accepted to Saint Joseph Prep, Catholic Memorial and High School.

Outside of school, Guilherme is involved in extra-curricular activities including intramural sports, flag football, and soccer club. He has also been attending karate lessons for the past five years and currently has his green belt. He has shown great discipline and perseverance over the years, and we are looking forward to seeing him graduate college and make great contributions to our society. Sidney Levielle, 8th grade – Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy, Lower Mills Campus

Sidney Levielle is a grade 8 student at the Lower Mills Campus. Sidney has been a student here at Lower Mills since Grade 2. Her family selected SJP2CA because they are deeply rooted in the Catholic Faith and would like Sidney to continue at a Catholic High School. Sidney exemplifies hard work and perseverance. She is a straight A student and not because everything comes naturally to her necessarily, but more importantly, because she knows that hard work beats talent every time! Sidney asks questions in class and is a wonderful participant in classroom discussions. She is respectful of her classmates and is able to have healthy dialogues in class. Sidney is a talented violin player and has been showcased several times at donor events and receptions. Sidney volunteers in many school events and community service projects.

She is a proud student ambassador for the Academy as well. Sidney has her heart set on going to , but her family cannot afford the increase in tuition from what they are paying currently. Sidney would contribute in a positive way to the Catholic School High School of her choice. I am confident that Sidney will give 110% in all that she does and will be honored to receive a scholarship to continue her faith-based education.

Haziet Dong, 8th grade – Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy, Neponset Campus

Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy (Neponset Campus) is recommending that Haziet Dong be considered for the CSF GO Scholarship. Haziet is a kind, respectful, and hard working student in our eighth grade class. She joined SJP2CA in 2010 as an English Language Learner in our K1 program. Her grasp of the English language has become much stronger as a result of the supports she received from Catholic school teachers and a close-knit student community. Haziet helps translate documents for her parents, who have limited English and work multiple jobs. Haziet also takes on the responsibility to mentor her younger brother, Henry (5th Grade).

At the beginning of this school year, Haziet's dad was close to pulling Henry from St. John Paul because of limited finances. Haziet's family would not be able to send her to a Catholic High School without significant financial aid. She's the type of student that benefits from a faith-based community that creates a family-like connection between students, faculty and families. We believe that she would be a strong candidate for this amazing opportunity, and we would be happy to answer any additional questions that you have about this promising young scholar.

Felix Gonzalez, 6th grade – Saint Patrick School, Roxbury

I have had the pleasure of watching Felix Gonzalez grow as a student at St. Patrick School. From the first grade until now, Felix has impressed me with his ability to be articulate about difficult concepts and texts, his sensitivity to the nuances within literature, and his passion for reading, writing, and creative expression- both in and out of the classroom. Felix has been a Peter Lynch Scholar for the last four years. Felix is a talented student, peer and person, and he has my highest recommendation as a GO scholarship recipient.

Outside of the classroom, Felix is dedicated to being a good person and a good classmate. Felix has grown a love for the Arts and has played the piano for the last four years. Throughout the year, Felix is an active participant in our school, and he always supports his peers. His caring nature and personality allow him to work well with others in a team setting, as he always respects others' opinions even when they differ from his own. Felix demonstrates his openness to and empathy for the opinions, feelings, and perspectives of others, along with shrewd powers of observation, all qualities that make him an outstanding student of St. Patrick School.

I am certain that Felix is going to continue to do great and creative things in his future. I highly recommend him for the GO Scholarship. He is gifted, caring, intuitive, dedicated, and focused in his pursuits. Felix is a stand-out individual who will impress everyone he meets.

Kimberly Brogan, 8th grade – Saint Pius V School, Lynn

Kimberly has been a student at St. Pius V School since age four when she entered our pre-kindergarten. From her first day of school until now, Kimberly has been a role model for her classmates in effort, kindness, courtesy, and participation. All of Kimberly’s teachers have reported that she consistently reflects all of the qualities that we try to instill in each student at St. Pius V School. Also, Kimberly’s teachers have consistently reported that she works hard to achieve the highest grades in all her subjects. Kimberly’s was one of the first names put forth by the faculty last spring when they nominated students for our annual Endowment Scholarship Awards.

As principal, I have had the pleasure to know Kimberly as an excellent student, willing helper, and student council representative who truly appreciates her Catholic education experience at St. Pius V School. I have also had the pleasure to know her parents, who are true advocates for the benefits of a Catholic education and who are always there to support their daughter’s school. Kimberly is always actively involved in many school activities including student council, student tour guides, and student leadership team.

Courteous, responsible, mature, charitable, and compassionate, Kimberly is, in my estimation, the perfect candidate for this program and its accompanying scholarship. To be sure, Kimberly will be an asset to any Catholic high school.

Teresa Diaz, 8th grade – Saint Rose School, Chelsea

Teresa is the eldest daughter of a family that includes an older brother at Malden Catholic and five younger siblings who also attend St. Rose School. Her family is very involved in the Church and greatly values Catholic education. The Diaz children would not be able to attend Catholic school without the support of CSF.

Teresa is an exemplary student who always strives to do her best work. She has consistently achieved high honor roll during her years at St. Rose School. Teresa is a young woman of impeccable character who has a strong faith that guides her. Teresa is a leader among her peers, showing that quality early in her middle school career as one of the youngest and most active members of our student leadership board. Teresa is always one of the first students to volunteer to help classmates, teachers, or the school community. She was a peer tutor and translator in 6th grade for two classmates who were newcomers and EL learners. Teresa is a member of our newly formed school choir, and she is also part of the cast for our Christmas musical. Teresa will benefit greatly from continuing her education at a Catholic high school. She is an outstanding candidate for the "GO" scholarship and meets all of the criteria of a CSF Scholar. Emma Cuevas, 8th grade – Trinity Catholic Academy, Brockton

Emma Cuevas is a perfect candidate for the Guaranteeing Opportunities Scholarship. Emma comes from a family of nine. She lives with her dad, Ernesto, her mom, Yanina, and her 6 siblings.

Emma’s sister, Sophia, also attends TCA. The Cuevas family receive financial aid from CSF every year, for they demonstrate a financial need from FACTS and are considered a low-income family. Emma is planning on applying to Cardinal Spellman High School and Archbishop Williams High School. Emma’s Father told me last week how they went to open house at Cardinal Spellman a couple weeks ago and Emma fell in love with the school. When I spoke with Ernesto about this scholarship opportunity, he was overjoyed and is hoping Emma will receive it so she can continue her education at a Catholic High School. Emma is overall a role model student at TCA and would be a great candidate for the Guaranteeing Opportunities Scholarship.