Our Work

Ciara Pimentel ’24 is a shining example of how support from the Catholic Schools Foundation (CSF) changes lives. Through CSF scholarships, Ciara attended Notre Dame Cristo Rey (NDCR), where she developed the determination, leadership, and values that continue to guide her journey today.

Now a sophomore at Boston College, Ciara will graduate in 2028 with a major in Biology on the pre-health track. She hopes to one day become a Physician Assistant specializing in pediatrics. Her passion for medicine and serving others started young playing doctor with her mom, caring for younger cousins, and later working as a summer camp counselor. These experiences sparked her calling to nurture children, guide them, and dedicate herself to their well-being.

Reflecting on her path, Ciara shared:
“I feel that my purpose in life, and the reason I was put on this earth, is to serve my community in a meaningful way. Being a source of support for children has shown me the impact I can have, and it continues to motivate me to pursue a career where I can dedicate myself to their well-being.”

At NDCR, Ciara found a community of teachers who shaped her education and her character. She carries especially deep gratitude for Sister Maryalyce Gilfeather, SNDdeN, the school’s president and a proud Boston College alum. Sister Maryalyce not only encouraged Ciara but also acted on her belief in her, helping secure a scholarship that made attending Boston College possible.

“She told others to ‘bet on me,’ insisting I was the real deal. When the process of choosing a college felt overwhelming, Sister Maryalyce lifted my spirits again. Her faith and support reshaped the way I saw myself and reaffirmed that I was capable of following the path I felt called to.”

Leadership in Action

At Notre Dame Cristo Rey, Ciara was a leader in and out of the classroom:

• Student Council member all four years, serving as Class President junior and senior year
• National Honor Society Vice President
• Student Ambassador and Gala Ambassador
• Girl Scouts Leading Women’s Award recipient
• Active in Science Club, Music Club, Newspaper Club, and Community Service Club
• Recipient of the Founder’s Award (2024), Highest Achievement Award for World Religions (2024), and High Honors Graduate (2024)

At Boston College, Ciara continues to thrive in leadership roles. She serves as:

• General Coordinator for the AHANA Leadership Council (ALC)
• Resident Assistant for the BC F1RST Living Learning Community
• AHANA Caucus Representative for the Dominican Club
• Member of Project Sunshine, Eagle Volunteers, and Compass Mentees

She is especially proud of creating supportive spaces for underrepresented and first-generation students. “I’ve been able to create the kind of supportive spaces I would have wanted when I first arrived at Boston College,” she shared.

Growth Through Catholic Education

Ciara credits her Catholic education for preparing her for every new space she enters.
“Receiving a Catholic education from middle school through high school honestly changed my life. It gave me courage to step into leadership roles, the confidence to ask questions instead of struggling silently, and the drive to keep learning and giving back. More than anything, it gave me a foundation of values and support that I carry with me into every new space I walk into.”

Looking Ahead

Beyond academics, Ciara enjoys reading romance novels, watching rom-coms, photography, and spending time with family and friends. She continues to carry forward the lessons and friendships from NDCR, reminding current students that setbacks don’t define them they teach resilience.

Her advice to younger students: “Find what you are passionate about and truly pursue it… Success isn’t about reaching the goal, it’s about the person you become along the way.”

Ciara’s journey shows the transformative power of a Catholic Schools Foundation scholarship.

Want to help create more stories like Ciara?
Your support makes it possible for students to access life-changing Catholic education through scholarships from CSF. Donate today to invest in the future of young scholars and ensure more students have the same opportunities to thrive, grow, and give back.