Our Work

Every Student Has a Story: Looking Back at the Voices That Inspired Our Galas

Every year at the CSF Gala, there is a moment when the room grows still.

A student steps up to the podium.
The spotlight shifts.
And suddenly, we are reminded why this night matters.

This year’s Gala theme — “Every Student Has a Story” — celebrates the journeys made possible through your generosity. As we prepare to gather once again, we’re looking back at some of the incredible students who have taken the stage before — students like Mariana Hincapie, whose story continues to unfold in powerful ways.

Because when you support CSF, you are not just funding tuition.
You are shaping futures.

Mariana’s story begins at East Boston Central Catholic, where she attended from kindergarten through eighth grade. Her family has always been deeply rooted in Catholic education her mother began volunteering at the school when Mariana was just a kindergartener, helping Spanish-speaking families navigate financial aid forms. Today, her mother serves as Enrollment Director.

“Giving back has always been part of who we are,” Mariana shares. “My mom was so grateful for the opportunity for me to attend Catholic school that she wanted to help other families. That mindset shaped me.”

As the oldest of three siblings, two of whom are also CSF scholars, Mariana grew up understanding that opportunity is a gift, and gratitude calls us to action.

In seventh grade, Mariana received a CSF scholarship that would change the trajectory of her education. That support allowed her to attend Malden Catholic High School, her top choice, and later pursue her dream college, the College of the Holy Cross.

“Without CSF, I don’t think I would have attended Malden Catholic or Holy Cross,” she says. “When you’re younger, you don’t always realize the impact. But as I’ve gotten older, I see how life-changing that support truly was.”

Today, Mariana is a sophomore at Holy Cross, majoring in International Studies and Psychology. After initially pursuing economics, she realized that her true calling was rooted in understanding people and making an impact.

“I don’t want to just work with numbers. I want to work with people. I want to see the difference I’m making in someone’s life.”

That clarity and the confidence to pivot, to pursue what truly matters, is part of the transformation your support makes possible.

The Night That Changed Everything

Although Mariana knew speaking at the Gala was a tremendous honor, she didn’t fully grasp its significance until afterward.

“I thought it was just about speaking in front of a lot of people,” she reflects. “But afterward, I realized how big that moment really was.”

One moment, in particular, stays with her. During her speech, she mentioned her hope of attending Holy Cross. The room erupted in cheers.

“It felt like I had thousands of people cheering me on, wanting to see me succeed. That moment gave me so much reassurance. It showed me I shouldn’t settle for less.”

That encouragement from a room filled with donors and supporters became a powerful affirmation during one of life’s first major decisions: choosing a college.

That night, Mariana realized something powerful:

She wasn’t alone.
She had a community behind her.

And that’s what the Gala represents — a room full of people who believe in students before they even fully believe in themselves.

Since then, Mariana has seen the ripple effects of that night. Internship interviewers recognize her as a Gala speaker. Mentors reference her story. Doors have opened.

“It’s not something to hide,” she says. “It’s something to be proud of.”

Events like the CSF Gala are about more than a single evening. They are about the connection between scholars and supporters, between gratitude and generosity, between dreams and the people who help make them possible.

“I am a real, living example of the impact donors are making,” Mariana says. “Their support doesn’t go unnoticed. I think about it every day.”

She is already looking toward the future with one goal in mind:

“One day, I want to be sitting at the Gala as a donor, supporting students just like me.”

That full-circle vision — scholar to speaker to supporter — is the heartbeat of the Catholic Schools Foundation.

To the student who will take the stage at this year’s Gala, Mariana offers heartfelt advice:

“Don’t stress. Speak from the heart. No one else can tell your story the way you can. Live in the moment. Talk to as many people as you can — you’ll realize how many people are cheering you on.”

And to current CSF students:

“Work hard and take advantage of every opportunity. You may not see it now, but there are so many doors opening for you. Dedication and perseverance will set you apart.”

As Mariana continues exploring internships in public policy, consulting, and international work, she carries with her the faith, education, and community that shaped her.

Her journey is still unfolding — and it began with opportunity.

As we look ahead to this year’s Gala, we cannot wait to introduce you to the next student whose life you are helping transform.

Because when a CSF scholar steps onto that stage, they are not just sharing a speech.

They are sharing proof.