Our Work

Celebration of Excellence at PwC: Investing in Scholars, Building Futures

Last Friday, the Catholic Schools Foundation gathered at PwC for one of the most important milestones of our year the Celebration of Excellence. With 219 members of our community in attendance, including 144 senior scholars and 20 industry leaders, the day reflected what is possible when faith, education, and professional partnership come together with purpose.

This annual event is designed not only to recognize our senior scholars achievement, but to strategically position our scholars for what comes next college, careers, and long-term professional success. The Celebration of Excellence represents the full arc of CSF’s mission. Through scholarship support, our donors make Catholic education accessible. Through programming like this, we ensure scholars are prepared to thrive beyond graduation. Hosted at PwC, the setting itself reinforced the day’s purpose: exposure, aspiration, and access.

Scholars participated in structured breakout sessions across six key industries:

• Finance and Banking
• Education
• Healthcare and Bio-Tech
• Law and Public Service
• Computer Science and Technology
• Engineering & Construction

In small-group discussions, students engaged directly with professionals about career paths, college majors, internships, and the skills required to succeed in competitive industries. These were meaningful exchanges giving scholars both practical insight and expanded vision.

For many students, this was their first professional networking experience. Watching them confidently introduce themselves, ask thoughtful questions, and articulate their goals was a powerful testament to their growth and to the investment made in them.

We were honored to hear from Michael Sutphin, Partner at PwC, whose remarks underscored the importance of resilience, mentorship, and lifelong learning. CSF alumna Claudia Cellucci offered a compelling reminder that opportunity often begins with someone opening a door and having the courage to walk through it.

Executive Director Mike Reardon captured the heart of the day:

“This is truly our favorite day of the year, as we celebrate our senior scholars. We encourage our seniors to embrace today’s networking opportunities; however, it is even more vital that they feel known and loved by this community and understand that there are people who believe in each of them. We have been proud to support them and are excited to see what the future has in store for them.”

His words remind us that while career exploration is important, belonging is essential. At its heart, the Celebration of Excellence ensures that every scholar leaves knowing they are supported  not just academically or financially but personally.

The room at PwC was filled with mentors, alumni, industry leaders, and CSF supporters gathered together to celebrate what these young men and women have accomplished and what they are capable of achieving next. The presence of 20 industry leaders who generously gave their time, insight, and mentorship highlights the strength of CSF’s growing professional network. 

The Celebration of Excellence is not simply the closing of a high school chapter. It is the beginning of a new one marked by confidence, connection, and the strength of a community that believes deeply in each scholar’s potential.

For our 144 senior scholars, the Celebration of Excellence was not only a moment of recognition it was a launching point.

For our donors and partners, it is a visible return on investment: confident, capable young leaders prepared to enter college and the workforce with clarity and connection.

As these seniors prepare to graduate, they do so strengthened by more than four years of academic formation. They carry with them mentorship, professional exposure, and the unwavering support of the CSF community.

To our donors, partners, and industry leaders: thank you for making this day possible. Your commitment does more than fund education, it fuels futures.

The Celebration of Excellence is a reminder that when we invest in students, we are not only changing individual lives. We are shaping the next generation of leaders.