Our Work

When Rachel Asasira looks toward her future, she sees a career devoted to helping others. This fall, the Central Catholic High School senior will begin her next chapter at Gordon College, where she plans to study Health Science with a concentration in Public Health and pursue a pre-med track.

Her goal is clear: expand access to healthcare and serve communities that need it most.

Rachel’s journey to this moment is one marked by resilience, determination, and the transformative power of opportunity, an opportunity made possible through the generosity of Catholic Schools Foundation (CSF) donors.

Rachel was recently awarded the prestigious Christian A. Herter Memorial Scholarship, making her one of just 25 students across Massachusetts selected for the honor. Established by the Massachusetts State Legislature in 1972, the Herter Scholarship recognizes students who have overcome significant adversity while demonstrating outstanding academic promise. The award will provide up to 50% of her college expenses, helping her pursue her dream of higher education.

Rachel’s story embodies exactly what the scholarship was created to recognize.

When Rachel was just seven years old, her family experienced a difficult separation between her mother and her father figure. Rather than allowing that hardship to define her, she used the experience as motivation to grow stronger.

“Looking back, I didn’t realize how much it would impact my life,” Rachel says. “But instead of holding on to frustration, I’ve tried to focus on how it helped me grow. It made me more independent and motivated me to support my family in whatever ways I can so we can all thrive together.”

As the oldest sibling in her family, Rachel has taken on a quiet leadership role for her younger sister and brother an example of resilience and perseverance.

“In every difficult situation, there’s always a lesson to be learned,” she says. “You can’t avoid challenges in life, but you can choose to look for the light within them.”

That perspective has shaped her academic journey.

“Education has broadened my perspective on the world,” Rachel explains. “It’s powerful because it gives you the knowledge and opportunity to make a difference.”

Rachel grew up in Lawrence and attended Bellesini Academy before enrolling at Central Catholic High School. From the moment she first visited the school, she says she felt something special.

“I felt the warmth of its welcoming community right away,” Rachel says. “Students are encouraged to connect with one another and grow both inside and outside the classroom.”

Throughout her time at Central Catholic, Rachel embraced that sense of community by becoming deeply involved in school life.

She serves on the Student Alumni Association Executive Board, is a member of National Honor Society, and works as a Student Ambassador, helping welcome new students into the Central Catholic community.

Rachel is also an active participant in the arts and campus ministry, performing in Concert Choir, Central Harmony, Liturgical Band, and Campus Ministry, where she has gained confidence in using her voice, both literally and figuratively.

Outside the classroom, she continues to serve her community through church choir, youth group, and mentoring younger students through Bellesini Alumni Supporting Each Other (BASE).

Rachel has also excelled as a student-athlete, earning 2nd Team All-Conference honors in Cross Country, Indoor Track, and Outdoor Track, and contributing to the 2024 Indoor Track MIAA State Championship team.

Her school counselor, Dr. Evelyn Hidalgo, says Rachel’s character stands out as much as her accomplishments.

“Rachel is an exceptional student who has consistently demonstrated remarkable character, academic excellence, and leadership throughout her high school career,” Hidalgo says. “As a first-generation college student, Rachel embodies the qualities of faith, resilience, and dedication that will serve her well.”

Rachel first received her Catholic Schools Foundation scholarship during her freshman year at Central Catholic, providing essential financial support for her education.

For her family, the scholarship made a meaningful difference.

“I was very excited,” Rachel recalls. “It helped ease the financial burden for my family, but beyond that it gave me access to a whole new community.”

Through CSF, Rachel gained connections, mentorship, and opportunities that supported her academic and personal growth.

“I’m very grateful,” she says. “Without this generosity, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

Her experience reflects the powerful impact donors have on students across the Archdiocese of Boston opening doors to opportunity, education, and lifelong leadership.

Rachel’s passion for service began early and has only grown stronger over time.

She regularly volunteers at the Cor Unum Meal Center in Lawrence and participates in service initiatives like the Student Alumni Association’s annual Christmas gift-wrapping drive.

“Service is one of my greatest passions,” Rachel says.

That commitment to helping others will continue in college. Rachel was accepted into Gordon College’s Clarendon City Scholars program, which will connect her with mentors and provide opportunities to serve communities in need.

“I’ve always been drawn to healthcare,” Rachel says. “Public health stood out to me because I want to focus on improving access to healthcare for entire communities.”

For Rachel, service can take many forms.

Whether through internships, volunteer work, or simply sharing her talents—like singing or hairstyling—she hopes to uplift the people around her.

“I want to use whatever skills I have to help others,” she says.

Rachel credits her Catholic education with instilling values that will guide her well beyond graduation:

Faith.
Service.
Leadership.
Community.

“These values will help me navigate challenges and remind me why giving back matters,” she says.

Those lessons will continue shaping her journey as she pursues her dream of becoming a physician and advocating for better access to healthcare.

Rachel knows that her journey would not have been possible without the generosity of supporters who believe in students like her.

If she could speak directly to CSF donors, she would simply say:

“Thank you so much for your incredible generosity and support. Because of you, I’ve had opportunities I never would have had otherwise. I truly appreciate everything you do.”

Because of donors like you, students like Rachel are not only reaching their dreams—they are preparing to serve their communities and change the future for others. Support a Scholar Today!