Academic Excellence in the Jesuit Tradition

267 Ocean Avenue, Portland, ME 04103 | www.cheverus.org

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jody Lamscha Advancement and Communications Coordinator Cheverus High School 267 Ocean Avenue, Portland, 04103 (207) 774-6238 ext. 25

Date: January 7, 2103

(Portland, ME) Cheverus Students Participate in Social Justice Retreat

Cheverus High School held two Social Justice Retreats on December 13 and 20, 2012. Seniors from the school began the retreat with volunteer service at the Riverton School/Community Center and concluded at the Preble Street Soup Kitchen.

The Cheverus seniors who participated were:

Alex Casey of Portland Mariel Dalvet of Portland Spencer Desrochers of Biddeford Nick Donatelli of Portland Guthrie Dyer of Portland Erin Fitzpatrick of Yarmouth Brad Kritzer of South Portland Connor Maines of Windham Greyson Potter of Saco Brian Reardon of Portland Forrest Smith of Kennebunk Emily Zhao of Portland

Cheverus’ Jesuit scholastic Brett McLaughlin describes the retreat as building upon the topic of social justice studied in the school’s Theology IV classes, “and this day gives them a sense of deep connection to the needs, vulnerabilities, and joys of helping those around us in the community. We reflect upon the experience of how God is present in the people whom we encounter.”

Cheverus is well known in the community for its large and active group of volunteer students. This type of retreat highlights one of its core educational missions, to teach the five interrelated moral principles that are at the heart of a Jesuit education. With these principles, known as “The Cheverus Grad at Grad,” Cheverus provides a curriculum and culture where students are exposed to educational and social opportunities designed to cultivate and expand upon five qualities encompassed in The Profile of the Graduate of a Jesuit High School at Graduation.” A graduate of a Jesuit high school is to be: Open to Growth, Intellectually Competent, Religious, Loving, and Committed to Doing Justice.

Cheverus High School is a private co-educational college preparatory school in Portland, Maine, conducted by the , also known as the Jesuits. Built in 1917 as a diocesan school, Cheverus welcomed the service of the Jesuits in 1942. Beginning with the 2000-2001 school year Cheverus became a co-educational institution. The mission of Cheverus High School, an inclusive Jesuit Catholic college preparatory school, is to prepare young men and women to be people for others by fostering intellectual, spiritual, physical and personal excellence. Cheverus currently enrolls over 500 students in grades 9-12.