Student & Family Stories | The Catholic Schools Foundation

CSF SCHOLAR SPOTLIGHT: From Brockton to the National Stage: Meet Liam

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 04:00:00 +0000

A Cardinal Spellman senior, FBLA national competitor, and CSF Scholar who is making the most of every opportunity your generosity provides.

When Liam Bouquet walked into the Future Business Leaders of America National Leadership Conference in San Antonio this summer, he was surrounded by the top business students in the country. A year earlier, he had never even taken an accounting class.

Today, Liam is a rising senior at Cardinal Spellman High School, a Catholic Schools Foundation Scholar, and one of the newest members of a national community of young business leaders. His story is a powerful reminder of what happens when a motivated student meets a community of donors willing to invest in him.

Liam began his education at Foxborough Regional Charter School before transferring to Trinity Catholic Academy, where he first experienced the rigor of a Catholic education. "Trinity Catholic put a very high standard on me," he recalls. "It forced me to get out of my comfort zone and really showed me how to step it up as a student."

That preparation carried him to Cardinal Spellman, where he found something more than academics. "Everybody there is like a family," Liam says. "The teachers are great, but the whole school itself is just a family."

As a junior, Liam signed up for an accounting elective simply because he wanted to understand how to manage his own money someday. Around the same time, Cardinal Spellman launched its first FBLA chapter, and Liam decided to join with a few friends. "At our first meeting, we were all just learning how to figure something out together," he laughs.

When his principal announced that students could take a qualifying exam for the state and national competitions, Liam had two weeks to prepare. He went straight to his accounting teacher, who loaded him up with study materials, and he got to work. The result surprised even him: he placed 3rd in the state of Massachusetts in accounting, and qualified for the national Accounting event, earning a spot at the FBLA National Leadership Conference in San Antonio. “The most challenging part of competing against the nation's best was that everyone was prepared. It motivated me to stay focused and perform under pressure.”

Representing his school on a national platform was not something Liam took lightly. "Cardinal Spellman isn't a very large school, so I was very proud to represent the school and showcase what talents our students are capable of." He credits his principal, Ms. Graham, and his accounting teacher, Ms. Molloy, for guiding him every step of the way.

Liam's senior year schedule reflects his ambition: AP Business, Accounting II Honors, AP European History, and AP Literature. He also serves as a House Browne Mentor Leader, a role he sees as a responsibility to the students coming up behind him. "I have to be someone younger students can look up to and talk to whenever they need someone," he says. His advice to incoming freshmen is simple: "Get involved quickly, and don't be afraid to ask for help."

Off campus, Liam plays basketball and spends time volunteering through his parish, where he and his cousin recently helped serve meals to neighbors experiencing homelessness. "Everybody treated me with so much kindness at Spellman," he reflects. "I feel like I now have to repay that kindness to whoever I can."

Liam first came across the Catholic Schools Foundation while searching for scholarships to make a Catholic education possible. When the award came through, his parents were over the moon, and the scholarship became a source of motivation that has stayed with him ever since. “Being a CSF Scholar motivated me to stay on track. It shows me that all the work I'm putting in academically is working, and I can't let up.”

Now Liam has his sights set on college, with the University of Connecticut at the top of a list that includes Boston College, Brown, Northeastern, and Providence. He plans to study business and accounting, gain internship experience, and one day launch a business of his own.

When asked what he would say to the donors who made his Catholic education possible, Liam didn't hesitate. “Thank you. Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity, and I'm not going to let it go to waste.”

Every CSF scholarship is an investment in a student like Liam: hardworking, grateful, and ready to lead. Because of you, he isn't just dreaming about his future in business. He's already competing on the national stage.

Want to help create more stories like Liam ?

Your support makes stories like Liam’s possible. By investing in a CSF scholarship, you are giving a student access to an education that can shape a lifetime and empowering that student to one day create opportunities for others. Donate today to invest in the future of young scholars and ensure more students have the same opportunities to thrive, grow, and give back.

Alumna Spotlight:How Scholarship Support Empowered Jessina to Open Doors for Others

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 04:00:00 +0000

When Jessina enrolled at Cristo Rey Boston High School, she gained more than access to a Catholic education. She entered a community that believed in her potential, introduced her to professional opportunities, prepared her for college, and helped her imagine a future beyond what she had previously considered possible.

Support from the Catholic Schools Foundation helped make that experience financially attainable for her family.

Today, Jessina has returned to Cristo Rey as a Senior Relationship Manager, where she connects students with Corporate Work Study placements, supports their professional development, and helps young people recognize the possibilities ahead of them.

Her journey is a powerful example of how one scholarship can create a lasting ripple effect.

“When you invest in someone like me and those coming after me, you never know where that will take them,” Jessina said. “One opportunity helped change my life tremendously.”

Jessina attended Boston Public Schools and then a charter school during middle school. With encouragement from a trusted mentor, she began exploring several high school options.

Cristo Rey stood out.

The smaller school community appealed to her, as did the school’s distinctive Corporate Work Study Program, which gives students the opportunity to gain professional experience while completing their high school education.

Jessina could not have known at the time just how significantly that program would influence her future.

“I don’t think I would be where I am now without having that experience at such a young age,” she said.

Her family was committed to making a Cristo Rey education possible, but tuition remained a financial challenge. CSF Scholarship assistance helped ease that burden and allowed Jessina to remain in a school environment where she could grow academically, personally, and professionally.

“I don’t come from the most economically advantaged background,” she explained. “My family really had to pull their weight to send me to Cristo Rey. I was grateful for every opportunity that helped me stay and take advantage of everything the school offered.”

For Jessina, the scholarship represented more than financial support. It was a sign that others saw something in her.

“Knowing that someone believed in me enough to support me throughout high school really shaped my perception of myself and how much I could achieve.”

Through Cristo Rey’s Corporate Work Study Program, Jessina’s first professional placement was with the Catholic Schools Foundation.

As a high school freshman, she learned what it was like to work in an office for the first time. She helped prepare mailings, worked with spreadsheets, supported event organization, and became familiar with the responsibilities and expectations of a professional workplace.

The experience helped build skills and confidence that she carried into later opportunities.

For the next three years, Jessina worked at the law firm Jones Kelleher. There, she expanded her professional network, observed depositions and a trial, and gained exposure to the legal profession.

Her supervisor encouraged her to take on new responsibilities and helped her continue developing the skills she had begun building at CSF.

The experience left Jessina with a lasting interest in law, but its broader impact was even greater. At an early age, she learned how to communicate in professional environments, build relationships with adults, ask questions, and explore unfamiliar career paths.

Today, she shares that perspective with Cristo Rey students.

“I tell my students that I don’t know how many high school students get to have experiences like this,” she said. “It is integrated into their school schedule, and it can be incredibly rewarding.”

Jessina’s high school experience also connected her with teachers, mentors, and college counselors who encouraged her to consider possibilities she had not envisioned for herself.

One of those possibilities was attending college outside Massachusetts.

With support from Cristo Rey’s college counseling team, Jessina became a Posse Scholar and enrolled at Denison University in Ohio. She studied Psychology with a minor in Political Science and graduated in 2023.

“I never imagined myself going to Ohio, and I definitely never imagined going to Denison,” she said. “I had college counselors who supported me and believed in me.”

As a first-generation college student in her immediate family, leaving Boston required courage and independence. Through the Posse program, Jessina entered Denison with nine other students from similar backgrounds, creating an important network of support.

Her time in Ohio ultimately helped her become more independent, resilient, and willing to challenge herself.

“Ohio was not my first choice, but I’m so happy I went,” she said. “It changed who I am as a person.”

Throughout high school and college, mentorship became one of the defining themes of Jessina’s life.

At Cristo Rey, teachers encouraged her to explore interests and opportunities beyond the classroom. She especially remembers her English teacher, Mr. Kauffmann, who transformed a subject she had not previously enjoyed into an area of excitement and discovery.

His encouragement led Jessina to participate in writing programs through Emerson College, GrubStreet, UMass Amherst, and other organizations. She also became involved in projects that used writing to explore social issues.

“Every mentor and every teacher who invested in me shaped who I have become,” she said.

At Denison, Jessina began providing that same kind of support to others.

She worked with America Reads throughout all four years of college, helping elementary school students strengthen their English and math skills. She also volunteered through Big Brothers Big Sisters, something she had wanted to do since high school.

That commitment has continued since graduation. Jessina remains involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters and currently mentors a young person in Boston.

“Being a mentor is something that is within me,” she said.

After college, Jessina worked in social services, including housing reform and a federal reentry program. Her work focused on helping people navigate life following adversity.

She had also gained extensive experience supporting students, as a community advisor in college and through summer programs for high school students with Education First in New York.

When an opportunity arose to return to Cristo Rey as a relationship manager, Jessina felt drawn back to the community that had shaped her.

“Coming back was not something I planned, but I ended up feeling that this was where I was supposed to be,” she said.

Now a Senior Relationship Manager, she helps students secure Corporate Work Study placements and builds partnerships with employers. She also provides students with guidance that often extends far beyond their work assignments.

Students regularly come to Jessina seeking advice about college, careers, finances, and life.

Her perspective as both an alumna and a staff member allows her to connect with them in a distinctive way. She understands what it feels like to enter a professional workplace as a teenager, to prepare for college as a first-generation student, and to pursue opportunities before feeling completely ready.

“I often think about the people who supported me and opened doors for me,” she said. “Now I get to be that person for someone else.”

For donors, Jessina’s story demonstrates that the impact of a scholarship does not end when a student graduates.

The support that helped Jessina attend Cristo Rey also introduced her to the professional world, prepared her for college, connected her with mentors, and encouraged her to become a mentor herself.

Now, the lessons and opportunities donors helped provide are reaching the students Jessina supports every day.

She helps connect young people with employers who may introduce them to a future career. She encourages students to use the resources available to them. She reminds them that asking for help is a sign of initiative—not weakness.

Most importantly, she helps students believe that they belong in spaces and opportunities they may never have imagined for themselves.

“I’m happy that, if I get to change even one person’s life, that is successful,” she said.

Jessina’s advice to current students reflects how she has approached her own journey:

“Say yes to opportunities before you feel completely ready.”

She believes growth often begins outside a person’s comfort zone.

“Ask questions. Introduce yourself to people. Don’t be afraid to try something new,” she said. “The opportunities you take today might not make sense in the moment, but years later, they can prepare you for something much bigger than you could have imagined.”

She also encourages first-generation college students and their families to actively seek support.

“Use your resources and reach out,” she said. “Ask your teachers, professors, counselors, and deans. People are sometimes afraid to ask for help, but if you don’t ask, you don’t know what is available.”

Jessina’s educational journey is not complete.

She is now exploring graduate programs in social work, industrial-organizational psychology, and applied psychology. Her goal is to continue working in education, mentoring young people, and creating pathways for others.

She credits her CSF scholarship with helping establish the foundation that made each subsequent step possible.

“Because of donors, I am still pursuing higher education,” she said. “They were the foundation that allowed me to attend Cristo Rey, go on to college, and now hopefully pursue my master’s degree.”

When asked what she would say directly to the donors who supported her education, Jessina began with gratitude.

“Thank you,” she said. “It is more than financially pouring into someone.”

A scholarship gave Jessina the chance to attend Cristo Rey. But within that opportunity came professional experience, meaningful relationships, college preparation, mentorship, confidence, and a growing belief in what she could accomplish.

Today, she is using each of those gifts to benefit the students coming after her.

“I hope donors know that the opportunity they gave me helped change my life tremendously,” she said. “It has made nothing but a great impact so far.”

Jessina entered Cristo Rey as a student whose family needed assistance to make her education possible. She returned as a leader, mentor, and advocate, now opening doors for a new generation.

That is the lasting power of a scholarship.

Want to help create more stories like Jessina?

Your support makes stories like Jessina’s possible. Your support does more than help a student attend school. It helps that student discover new possibilities, build relationships, pursue higher education, and one day create opportunities for others. Donate today to invest in the future of young scholars and ensure more students have the same opportunities to thrive, grow, and give back.

CSF Alum Spotlight: From Scholarship Recipient to Cancer Research Leader: William’s Story of Impact

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 04:00:00 +0000

When William first received a Catholic Schools Foundation scholarship in third grade, he was too young to fully understand what it meant. His family, however, understood immediately.

“Relief and gratitude” are the words William now uses to describe the impact of that support.

Years later, William can see that the scholarship provided much more than financial assistance. It gave him access to an education and school community that helped shape his discipline, values, confidence, and commitment to serving others.

Today, William is a clinical research coordinator at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, where he helps lead pediatric research studies, including one focused on preserving fertility for children who have recently been diagnosed with cancer. He is also a member of CSF’s Young Leaders Committee, helping create opportunities for the next generation of students.

His journey offers donors a powerful example of what can happen when someone chooses to believe in a student they may never meet.

William attended St. Catherine of Genoa School in Somerville, now St. Theresa of the Child Jesus School, before continuing to St. Joseph Preparatory High School. He graduated from high school in 2020, during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Instead of the traditional senior-year milestones he had anticipated, William finished his classes remotely and celebrated graduation in a parking lot. A few months later, he began his first year at UMass Lowell almost entirely online.

The experience was difficult, but it helped develop a sense of perspective and resilience that would serve him throughout college.

“Once I got through that first year, I felt like I could complete whatever came next,” he said.

William earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from UMass Lowell in 2024. He originally planned to attend medical school, but after participating in a summer program that simulated the medical school experience, he began reconsidering what path would be the right fit.

That willingness to adapt ultimately led him to clinical research.

As a clinical research coordinator at Dana-Farber, William has found a career that brings together many of the things he values most: science, patient interaction, service, leadership, and the opportunity to contribute to a larger purpose.

His work allows him to support patients directly while also helping advance research that may improve care for families in the future.

“It is both boots on the ground and the bigger picture,” William explained.

After nearly two years in his role, William has taken on increasing responsibility and now serves as a lead coordinator on several studies. One of the projects he is most proud of focuses on fertility preservation for pediatric cancer patients.

The work is an expression of an aspiration he has carried since middle school: to help people while taking responsibility for leading meaningful efforts.

Looking back, William believes his Catholic education prepared him for college, his career, and the responsibilities he has taken on as an adult.

In elementary school, daily routines such as morning prayer, prayer before meals, and religion classes helped establish consistency and discipline. Over time, those practices became part of a broader understanding that worthwhile commitments require effort, even when the work is difficult.

In high school, that foundation grew into a deeper commitment to faith, service, and concern for others.

William remembers learning the importance of “being good for the sake of being good” supporting people, volunteering his time, and contributing to something larger than himself.

When he entered a public university, he began to recognize how deeply those lessons had shaped him. He was prepared to accept responsibility, work through challenges, and contribute his time even when there was no immediate benefit to him.

Those qualities continue to guide his work today.

When asked what he would say to the donors who made his education possible, William began with a simple message: thank you.

But his gratitude extends beyond the financial value of the scholarship.

“Thank you specifically for putting your belief in a complete stranger,” he said. “Every scholarship gift represents an act of trust. A donor may not know the student who will receive the support, what challenges that student will face, or where that student’s education will eventually lead.”

In William’s case, that belief helped a third-grade student continue in a nurturing Catholic school environment. It later supported a young man as he developed the discipline to complete college during an unprecedented period of disruption. Today, its impact can be seen in his leadership at one of the nation’s leading cancer centers and in his desire to serve future CSF Scholars.

“Thank you for enabling me to have that opportunity,” William said, “and for helping shape me into the person I am today.”

William’s connection to CSF did not end when he graduated from high school.

As a member of the Young Leaders Committee, he now helps advance the same mission that once supported him. He describes the experience as moving from being a recipient or, as he puts it, a “bystander” to becoming an active participant in shaping someone else’s experience.

“I am now in a position where I can influence another person’s experience with CSF,” he said. “That means a lot to me.”

William hopes Young Leaders will have more opportunities to meet current scholarship recipients, particularly younger students. He believes those interactions would allow alumni and volunteers to see where they once were while giving students a glimpse of where their education could take them.

For William, that connection would offer hope in both directions.

His message to current CSF students and families is one he has learned through his own experience:

“Regardless of how difficult things seem, there is always somebody out there willing to help. Sometimes they may be difficult to find, but that person exists.”

William’s story is still unfolding.

Alongside his work at Dana-Farber, he has begun exploring entrepreneurship through a developing events business that connects local performers with restaurants and gathering spaces. The concept reflects another growing passion: bringing people together in an increasingly disconnected world.

Although the venture is unrelated to the biology degree he earned, William sees value in following new interests and remaining open to unexpected opportunities.

“You are not limited to the field you studied,” he said.

Whether he is coordinating pediatric cancer research, organizing community events, mentoring his younger sister, or volunteering through CSF, William continues to apply the values his Catholic education helped instill: discipline, leadership, service, resilience, and care for others.

His journey started with a donor who believed that investing in a young student would make a difference. Today, William is living proof that it has.

Want to help create more stories like William?

Your support makes stories like William’s possible. By investing in a CSF scholarship, you are giving a student access to an education that can shape a lifetime and empowering that student to one day create opportunities for others. Donate today to invest in the future of young scholars and ensure more students have the same opportunities to thrive, grow, and give back.

Catholic Schools Foundation and Horizons for Homeless Children Mark 10-Year Partnership Delivering More Than $2 Million in Scholarships for Students E

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 04:00:00 +0000

BOSTON, MA — The Catholic Schools Foundation (CSF) and Horizons for Homeless Children recently marked 10 years of partnership with a visit to Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy, Lower Mills. The visit brought together leaders, donors, and supporters from both organizations to see firsthand the impact of the CSF Horizons Scholarship Program, which provides long-term educational opportunities for students experiencing housing instability.

Since its launch in 2016, the CSF Horizons Scholarship Program has distributed more than $2 million in scholarships to students across greater Boston. What began in 2016 as a $46,000 investment supporting nine students has grown into a projected $350,000 annual investment supporting 55 students next school year. The program is built on a simple but powerful belief: that children and families facing housing instability deserve consistent access to high-quality education, supportive school communities, and the opportunity to thrive.

Through the partnership, Horizons for Homeless Children provides deep expertise in serving families in crisis, while the Catholic Schools Foundation provides scholarship funding and access to a network of Catholic schools. CSF Horizons Scholarships cover approximately 90 percent or more of tuition, with every family contributing something, and scholarships remain with students year after year. On average, students have been part of the scholarship program for six years, with some students receiving scholarships for 10 straight years, reflecting the program’s commitment to long-term stability and lasting interventions.

“At Horizons for Homeless Children, we know that housing instability can impact every part of a child’s life, including their ability to learn, build relationships, and feel a sense of belonging,” said Kate Barrand, President and CEO of Horizons for Homeless Children. “Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and imagine a future filled with possibility, regardless of the circumstances they are facing. This 10-year partnership with the Catholic Schools Foundation demonstrates what is possible when organizations come together to remove barriers and create lasting opportunities for children and families. By ensuring students experiencing housing instability can remain connected to their schools and communities, this program provides more than a scholarship, it provides a foundation of stability, support, and potential that helps children thrive.”

“At its heart, this program is about consistency, belonging, and opportunity,” said Mike Reardon, Executive Director of the Catholic Schools Foundation. “For students who have experienced housing instability, remaining in the same school community year after year can be life-changing. The visit to Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy reminded all of us why this partnership matters and why continued support is so important.”

The morning began with a conversation among Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy Regional Director Kate Brandley, Lower Mills Campus Principal Lisa Warshafsky, representatives from Horizons for Homeless Children, CSF staff, donors, and trustees. The group discussed the day-to-day impact of the program, its growth over the past decade, and the shared commitment required to sustain and expand it.

For the school’s leaders, that commitment is part of daily life. Lower Mills Campus Principal Lisa Warshafsky described what stability looks like in practice for students and families navigating housing insecurity.

“Our students spend close to twelve hours a day with our team, from a 6:30 a.m. breakfast to an after-school program that ends at 6:00 p.m.,” said Warshafsky. “Being able to provide breakfast, a healthy lunch, and an afternoon snack mitigates the stress of food insecurity for families navigating a transitional time. Outreach to these families is an intentional process filled with love and dignity. It might be a check-in call just to say hello, finding access to gently used uniforms, or an invitation to come in as a guest reader in their child’s classroom. Our shared goal is to ensure our students have access to a high-quality, Catholic education even when faced with potential barriers.”

The highlight of the visit was a school tour led by four CSF Horizons Scholars. Two of the students are graduating eighth graders preparing to attend Catholic high schools in the fall, Fontbonne Academy in Milton and Cristo Rey Boston High School in Dorchester. Two of the student tour guides are seventh graders who will continue their education at Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy. Together, they guided visitors through the school with confidence, warmth, and pride.

The students’ leadership reflected the program’s deeper purpose. For students who have experienced instability outside the classroom, the ability to remain rooted in a school community can provide a powerful foundation for academic, social, and emotional growth. The students’ familiarity with their teachers, classmates, and school environment demonstrated the sense of belonging that the CSF Horizons Scholarship Program is designed to make possible.

Following the tour, visitors joined the students for an open question-and-answer session. The graduating students spoke about their hopes for high school, while the younger students shared what they love most about Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy. A lighthearted question from Reardon, whether the students would choose Gronk or Brady, brought laughter from the group, with most students choosing Gronk. The moment captured something essential about the morning: students who feel comfortable enough to laugh and speak openly with a room full of guests are students who feel at home.

The visit also underscored the role of donors and community support in sustaining the program. Paul Ciampa, a Horizons Scholar donor, and member of the Board of Trustees at Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy, reflected on the students’ energy, resilience, kindness, and intelligence after seeing the program in action.

“We are so pleased to see how these children are thriving,” said Ciampa. “Many of these children have experienced hardships that most of us can scarcely imagine. Yet when you walk into the classrooms, what stands out is not adversity, it is joy, curiosity, and a genuine love of learning. The CSF-Horizons–Saint John Paul II partnership has exceeded every expectation we had. It is a powerful example of what can happen when a community comes together in the service of others. Watching these students flourish has been both inspiring and humbling.”

Ciampa left the morning energized and committed to helping connect more Horizons donors with the CSF Horizons Scholarship Program. Continued donor engagement is essential as the program grows to meet the needs of more students and families across greater Boston.

CSF Trustee Cindy Wickwire also reflected on the visit and the students who led the tour.

“I truly enjoyed meeting the students,” said Wickwire. “They were engaging during the tour and obviously thriving in their school environment at Saint John Paul II. I’m confident these scholars have a bright future ahead, given the foundation they have worked hard to build. Seeing firsthand the results of the partnership between Horizons, Saint John Paul II, and CSF is inspiring, and the impact is immeasurable.”

This year’s results point to the long-term promise of the program. Next year, CSF will have 12 high school Horizons Scholarship recipients, including current eighth graders matriculating to Catholic and independent high schools across greater Boston. Students will attend schools including Xaverian Brothers High School, Cristo Rey Boston High School, Arlington Catholic High School, Fontbonne Academy, Ursuline Academy, and Noble and Greenough School. Two CSF Horizons graduates are currently enrolled in college at Suffolk University and at UMass Amherst.

For CSF and Horizons, the visit to Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy was more than a school tour. It was a reminder of what can happen when organizations, schools, families, and donors come together around a shared mission. Over the past 10 years, the partnership has helped students find stability, opportunities, and a path forward. As the program enters its next decade, CSF and Horizons remain committed to expanding that impact for more children experiencing housing instability.

About the Catholic Schools Foundation
The Catholic Schools Foundation (CSF) is the largest K–12 scholarship-granting organization in Massachusetts, providing financial aid to low-income students to attend Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Boston regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, or gender. Through its Building Minds Scholarship Fund, CSF supports thousands of students in high-poverty neighborhoods. As an independent 501(c)(3), CSF enables companies and individuals to help transform lives through the gift of Catholic education.

About Horizons for Homeless Children
Horizons for Homeless Children supports children and families experiencing homelessness by providing high-quality early education, family support, and opportunities that help children learn, grow, and thrive.

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CSF Celebrates a Record-Breaking Class of 8th Grade Graduates

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 04:00:00 +0000

The Catholic Schools Foundation is proud to celebrate the 389 CSF grade school scholars graduating this year, the largest class of grade school graduates in the CSF history.

This milestone represents extraordinary growth. Since FY20, CSF has grown by more than 100 annual grade school graduates, reflecting the strength of our partner schools, the commitment of our families, and the generosity of the CSF community.

Even more importantly, these graduates are taking their next steps with purpose, promise, and opportunity.

Nearly 70% of this year’s CSF eighth-grade graduates, 261 students, will continue their education at Catholic high schools, the largest number in CSF history. That is 20 more students attending Catholic high schools than last year, an 8% increase, and 71 more CSF elementary school graduates continuing in Catholic schools compared to FY20.

Together, 75% of CSF’s eighth grade graduates will attend high-performing Catholic, Boston exam, private or vocational schools next year.

CSF graduates will be represented at 29 different Catholic high schools, a powerful reminder of the many doors that open when students are given access to a strong foundation in Catholic education.

This year’s graduating class also includes 15 GO Scholars, 5 Inspiration Scholars, and 13 select Peter Lynch Scholars. These scholarship programs recognize students for their academic promise, character, work ethic, and financial need, while helping make a Catholic high school education possible.

The GO Scholarship Program supports financially in-need students graduating from CSF-sponsored elementary schools as they continue to Catholic high school. The Inspiration Scholarship is one of CSF’s most competitive scholarship opportunities, recognizing high-performing students with both merit and need. The Peter Lynch Scholars program honors high-achieving eighth graders who demonstrate exceptional work ethic and financial need, continuing Peter Lynch’s long legacy of commitment to Catholic education.

This year’s Inspiration Scholars will attend Newton Country Day School, Fontbonne, Central Catholic High School, and Saint John’s Preparatory School, four outstanding Catholic high schools where they will continue to grow academically, spiritually, and personally.

Across CSF partner schools, scholars are already distinguishing themselves through academic excellence, leadership, faith, creativity, service, and perseverance. Schools shared stories of graduates receiving academic honors, religion awards, scholarship recognition, leadership awards, perseverance awards, school spirit awards, and community service honors. These achievements reflect the whole-child formation that Catholic schools provide: academic excellence, faith, character, leadership, and service.

At Saint Columbkille Partnership School, CSF scholars were recognized as GO and Peter Lynch Scholars and earned a wide range of honors, including the Spirit of the Class Award, the Carolyn Keough Shea Memorial Scholarship, Excellence in Spanish, Excellence in Math, an Academic Achievement Medal for earning an A- or above in all middle school classes, Excellence in Art, and Excellence in Religion. One CSF scholar was also selected to speak at graduation, representing classmates and celebrating the journey of the Class of 2026.

At St. Pius V School, CSF scholars were recognized as GO and Peter Lynch Scholars and earned several academic and leadership honors. Graduates received Presidential Academic Fitness Awards, scholarship recognition to St. Mary’s High School and Malden Catholic High School, a Perfect Attendance Award, and leadership recognition through Student Council. One scholar, who also received a full Garrity Scholarship to St. Mary’s High School in recognition of outstanding academic achievement and leadership, delivered a reading during graduation, and designed the school’s 2025–2026 yearbook cover.

At Saint Anthony’s School, CSF scholars were recognized with the Salutatorian Award, the Valedictorian Award, a GO Scholar Scholarship, and a Lynch Scholar Scholarship.

At Immaculate Conception School in Lowell, CSF scholars were recognized with several school awards and scholarships, including the Integrity Award, Principal Award, Drama Club Scholarships, the James Polcari Scholarship, Gold Seal Presidential Education Awards, and a Silver Seal Presidential Education Award.

At Sacred Hearts School, CSF scholars were recognized for high honors, excellence in art, Christian commitment, and generosity within the school community. At Saint Patrick School in Stoneham, a CSF scholar received the Paul R. Corkhum Award, the President’s Award for Educational Achievement, and the Religion Content Award. At Bellesini Academy, CSF scholars earned awards in social studies, science, honors math, perseverance, and leadership. Other partner schools shared photos, graduation updates, and notes of pride as their CSF scholars prepared to take the next step in their educational journeys.

These accomplishments are more than individual moments of recognition. They are the result of families who believe in the power of education, schools that nurture each student’s potential, and donors who make opportunity possible.

For CSF, this record-breaking class is a celebration of both achievement and momentum. More students than ever are graduating from CSF-supported elementary schools. More students than ever are continuing on to Catholic high schools. And hundreds of young people are moving forward with the confidence, preparation, and support they need to thrive.

To the CSF Class of 2026: congratulations. We are proud of all you have accomplished, and we cannot wait to see where your next chapter leads.

Help Us Build the Next Chapter

Our 8th-grade graduates have reached an incredible milestone, but their journeys are just beginning. They have four crucial years of high school ahead of them, and hundreds of younger scholars in the grades below are counting on that same opportunity. Your generosity ensures these students have the continuous support they need to thrive all the way to high school graduation.

Donate Today to Support Our Scholars

School’s Out Summer Celebration Brings CSF Young Leader Committee Together at The Envoy

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 04:00:00 +0000

School’s Out Summer Celebration Brings CSF Community Together at The Envoy

CSF’s Young Leader Committee welcomed A sold-out crowd of young professionals, CSF alumni, and board members to The Rooftop at the Envoy Hotel in Boston’s Seaport for the School’s Out Summer Celebration, a lively summer kickoff honoring the end of the school year, CSF’s volunteers, and the students whose futures are being shaped through access to a quality education.

With the Boston skyline as the backdrop, member of CSF Young Leader Committee, supporters, and CSF alumni gathered for an evening of connection, celebration, and renewed commitment to CSF’s mission. Guests enjoyed open bar, appetizers, raffle prizes, and even watched the World Cup match between Scotland and Brazil, adding to the festive summer atmosphere. The event, which reached capacity thanks to the enthusiasm of the CSF community, also offered opportunities to learn more about CSF’s ambitious goal of increasing support for 400 new students this fall.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of CSF’s Volunteer of the Year Award to Kathryn Palermo, Vice President of Consultant Relations at State Street. Cindy Wickwire, Chair of the Allocations Committee and member of CSF’s Board of Trustees, presented the award and recognized Kathryn’s seven years of dedicated service with the Young Leader Committee.

Cindy praised Kathryn for giving generously of her time, talent, and energy in support of CSF’s mission. From attending CSF’s annual gala and organizing fundraising events at her local gym to participating in volunteer days, mentoring students, and inviting friends and family into the work, Kathryn has been a powerful advocate for the students CSF serves.

“It’s great to see this crowd tonight,” Cindy shared, noting the excitement of seeing so many young leaders and CSF alumni gathered together. She also thanked the Young Leader Committee and supporters for helping strengthen the next generation of CSF leadership.

In accepting the award, Kathryn reflected on the joy of bringing people together in support of a mission she deeply believes in.

“It was such a fun event and summer night to get everyone together,” Kathryn said. She thanked her fellow Young Leaders, Kelly O’Donnell for introducing her to CSF, and her mother for giving her a strong Catholic foundation. A graduate of Boston College, Kathryn referenced the Jesuit call to be “men and women for others,” adding that her volunteer work is “the least I can do” compared to the impact CSF has on students.

“I really appreciate this award because I hope to be involved for years to come,” Kathryn said.

CSF is grateful to everyone who attended, supported, and helped make the School’s Out Summer Celebration a memorable evening. Special thanks to the Young Leader Committee, CSF volunteers, and event sponsors PwC and Dedham Savings for helping make the night possible.

Together, this community continues to build momentum toward a powerful goal: expanding educational opportunity for 400 new students this fall.

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A special thank you to those who signed up to become Scholarship Angels. Your support helps provide students with access to a quality Catholic education and creates lasting opportunities for students and families across our community.

Your generosity will have a lasting impact on the children and families CSF serves. There is still time to become a Scholarship Angel! With a monthly gift starting at just $25, you can help transform a student's future through the gift of education. By joining our monthly giving program, you provide reliable, year-round support that ensures students have the opportunities they need to learn, grow, and succeed.

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Reconnecting with 2016 Gala Speaker Jasselis Lopez

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 04:00:00 +0000

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

When Jasselis Lopez stood before Catholic Schools Foundation donors as the 2016 student speaker, she was a senior at Fontbonne Academy preparing to graduate and pursue her dream of working in women’s health. Nearly a decade later, Jasselis returned to the CSF community with a powerful reflection: the investment donors made in her education did not end at graduation. It continues to shape the woman she is today and the lives she now touches through her work.

“It’s worth it,” Jasselis said when asked what she would tell CSF donors today. “The investment in giving people the opportunity to have access to such great education and resources is unmatched. That’s the foundation of our lives.”

Jasselis first received support from CSF after transferring to Sacred Heart School in Roslindale in sixth grade. Before that, she had attended Boston Public Schools, including Orchard Gardens and the Haley School. But after experiencing severe bullying, threats, and fear about returning to school, her grandmother and aunt made the difficult decision to enroll her at Sacred Heart.

It was a choice made out of love, but also one that came with real financial uncertainty. CSF helped make that choice possible.

“Without the financial help and stability provided by CSF, I would not be the person I am today,” Jasselis shared in her 2016 gala speech.

At Sacred Heart, Jasselis found more than a new school. She found teachers and mentors who helped her rebuild her confidence, believe in herself, and see that being different was not something to fear. She graduated second in her class and earned a merit scholarship to attend Fontbonne Academy in Milton, where CSF support continued to help make her education possible.

Fontbonne became, in her words, a second home. There, Jasselis grew into a young woman of courage: someone who could speak up, care deeply for others, and lead with compassion. She was recognized with the Regis College Book Award, attended the Boston College Summer Experience Program, and was accepted to ten colleges before graduation.

After Fontbonne, Jasselis continued her education at UMass Boston, where she double majored in Health Sciences and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, graduating in 2021. She went on to work in the medical field, including several years as a Cytology and Surgical Coordinator at Newton-Wellesley Hospital.

But even as she built a career in the lab, Jasselis knew she wanted to work more directly with people.

“I am such a people person,” she said. “Being in the lab is very much behind the scenes. You see all the important things in the background, but you’re not really with the people.”

After a difficult family loss in 2024, Jasselis found herself reflecting deeply on her purpose. She had long dreamed of becoming a midwife and working in women’s health. In early 2025, she began pursuing that calling in a new way: becoming a birth doula.

She completed her doula training in March 2025 and attended her first birth on April 18. Just over a year later, she has supported more than 100 births, helping families navigate pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum with compassion, advocacy, and evidence-based support. As a bilingual doula, Jasselis is especially passionate about ensuring Spanish-speaking families feel informed, respected, and empowered throughout their care.

Today, Jasselis supports women and families through pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum recovery. Her work requires strength, empathy, advocacy, and presence. She helps mothers process their birth experiences, communicate their needs, and feel supported during one of the most vulnerable and powerful moments of their lives.

“You become a therapist, a go-to person for people during pregnancy, birth, postpartum,” she said. “It’s really rewarding. It’s really hard because you don’t always know what you’re going to be doing, but it’s the best decision I made.”

For Jasselis, the connection between her CSF-supported education and her work today is clear. Sacred Heart and Fontbonne gave her more than academics. They gave her community, stability, mentors, and the confidence to keep going during difficult times.

“Both Sacred Heart and Fontbonne didn’t just shape me in education,” she said. “They taught me a lot about diversity, life, everything that comes with it. It wasn’t just education-based.”

This year, Jasselis attended the CSF gala again, this time as an alumna. Sitting among other former CSF Scholars, she felt the full-circle impact of the organization’s mission.

“It felt really full circle to see that even 10 years later, the organization is still continuing to make such a great impact and a difference in so many people’s lives,” she said. “It’s really an honor.”

She also saw herself in the current student speaker.

“You think people don’t see you, but they do,” Jasselis reflected. “We’re people sitting at a table and sitting in a crowd of people that one day thought we wouldn’t make it here, and then you do.”

To current CSF Scholars, especially those entering a new school and facing uncertainty, Jasselis offers the wisdom of someone who has lived that journey.

“Believe in yourself and know your purpose,” she said. “We all have people rooting for us, even if it’s not our family. That’s kind of how I feel that the donors are. They’re the people rooting for us.”

For donors, Jasselis’s story is a reminder that a scholarship is never just tuition assistance. It is access to safety, stability, mentors, opportunity, and a community that helps a young person imagine a different future.

As a student, Jasselis once dreamed of becoming an OB/GYN. Today, she is still following that calling to serve women and families. Her path has evolved, but her purpose has remained constant: to show up for people when they need support most.

And that purpose was nurtured, in part, because CSF donors showed up for her.

“Some people aren’t fortunate to have that community,” Jasselis said. “So it’s definitely worth it.”

Fuel a Lifetime of Purpose

A Catholic Schools Foundation scholarship lasts long after graduation day. Help us root for the next generation of leaders, caregivers, and changemakers.

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Celebrating the Success of the Class of 2026 LCA Continuum Scholarship Cohort

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 04:00:00 +0000

The Catholic Schools Foundation is proud to celebrate the extraordinary success of the Class of 2026 LCA Continuum Scholarship cohort at Central Catholic High School.

This first cohort of LCA Continuum Scholars represents the promise and power of Catholic education. These 12 students began their journey at Lawrence Catholic Academy and continued on to Central Catholic High School through the support of CSF Scholarships and generous donors who believed in their potential. Today, they are seniors preparing for bright futures in college, trade school, service, leadership, athletics, engineering, business, the arts, and beyond.

The Class of 2026 cohort includes Adriana Gomez, Aiden Mejia, Christopher Segura, Damien Alvarez, Darold Canals, Ellian De La Cruz, Janarius Nanje, Jarred Nanje, Jayden Vasquez, Kimberly Santos, Lyannis Reyes, and Randy Blanco Garcia. All students live in the greater Lawrence area. Their families represent hardworking communities, with parents serving as bus drivers, home health aides, housekeepers, administrative assistants, school lunch aides, and more. These families have made sacrifices, held fast to faith, and supported their children’s dreams every step of the way.

Through their own words, the students make clear just how much this scholarship has meant. They describe Central Catholic as a place where they have grown academically, discovered new passions, built friendships, strengthened their faith, and prepared for life after high school. One student shared that the scholarship helped him “live up to my potential.” Another wrote that Central Catholic “changed my life for the better.” Another reflected that the opportunity helped him grow “as a person and a leader.”

Their achievements are already visible. Members of this cohort have been accepted to and received scholarship and financial aid offers from colleges and universities including Rivier University, Providence College, Stonehill College, Bentley University, Merrimack College, UMass Lowell, Wentworth, Johnson & Wales University, MCPHS, Bryant University, and others. Their next steps reflect a wide range of dreams: civil engineering, business, athletics, the arts, health sciences, public communication, and skilled trades.

The success of this cohort is not only measured in college acceptances or scholarship dollars. It is measured in confidence gained, talents discovered, faith deepened, and futures expanded. It is seen in the student who found purpose through football, the future civil engineer who wants to build bridges and skyscrapers, the dancer and artist who found ways to express herself, the student who discovered leadership, and the young people who now see college and career success as fully within reach.

The LCA Continuum Scholarship is doing exactly what it was designed to do: creating a pathway for students to continue their Catholic education, remain rooted in a supportive community, and pursue opportunities that may not otherwise have been possible.

The program began in FY21 in response to a clear need. At the time, only 32% of Lawrence Catholic Academy students were matriculating to Catholic high schools, and families identified financial barriers as the primary reason. With an additional $100,000 gift, CSF, Lawrence Catholic Academy, and Central Catholic High School launched a pilot to increase access and make Catholic high school a more attainable option for families.

Since then, the impact has been significant. The percentage of LCA students matriculating to Catholic high school has increased from 37% to 85%. LCA enrollment has grown by 56% since FY20, in part because families now see a clear and supported path from elementary school to Catholic high school. The pilot has also helped increase the number of LCA students attending Central Catholic High School fourfold since 2021.

What makes the program especially effective is the partnership behind it. Additional scholarship dollars are recommended by Lawrence Catholic Academy in partnership with Central Catholic High School, allowing the schools closest to the students and families to help identify where the awards will have the greatest impact. Central Catholic has been an exceptional partner, providing additional resources, investment, and support to help students thrive once they arrive on campus.

Today, CSF invests more than $400,000 annually in this scholarship program. In addition to the Class of 2026 cohort, 52 additional scholarship recipients are enrolled at Central Catholic High School in the Classes of 2027, 2028, and 2029. Next year, the program anticipates welcoming 12 new scholars in the Class of 2030, continuing the pathway that began with this first remarkable group of students.

To the donors who made this journey possible, the message from the Class of 2026 is simple and powerful: thank you. Your generosity has changed lives. Because of your support, these students are not only preparing to graduate from Central Catholic High School; they are preparing to carry their gifts, faith, and leadership into the world.

The Catholic Schools Foundation is honored to celebrate the Class of 2026 LCA Continuum Scholars and looks forward to seeing all they will accomplish next.

Fuel the Future

The extraordinary success of the Class of 2026 is living proof that your generosity changes lives. By removing financial barriers, you create a direct pathway for hardworking families to access the life-changing power of a Catholic high school education. With 52 scholars currently enrolled and a new cohort entering in the fall, your support is needed now more than ever to keep this momentum alive.

Your gift today builds bridges, unlocks potential, and expands futures for students in the greater Lawrence area.

DONATE TO THE CONTINUUM SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Celebrating Harrison Scholarship Recipient Yasmin Saroufim ’26

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 04:00:00 +0000

For Yasmin Saroufim, Malden Catholic Class of 2026, leadership has been built one opening statement, one practice session, and one act of encouragement at a time.

A Harrison Scholarship recipient and graduate of Malden Catholic, Yasmin will attend Trinity College this fall. She leaves MC with a remarkable legacy of excellence, dedication, and leadership, especially through Malden Catholic’s Mock Trial program, where she became one of the most accomplished and beloved members in the program’s history.

Yasmin’s four-year Mock Trial career was defined by preparation, persistence, and a determined approach to achieving success. She made an immediate impact as a freshman starter, a rare opportunity in the program. In her first year, she became the first freshman in Malden Catholic Mock Trial history to earn a perfect score on an opening statement in a state quarterfinal at the Moakley Federal Courthouse in Boston.

From that moment on, Yasmin continued to grow as a competitor and as a leader. No trial moment was too big for her. In fact, her coaches noted that she often brought her best work to the highest-stakes moments, challenging herself and her teammates to elevate their performance every day.

By senior year, Yasmin had earned the role of captain. Across preliminary and playoff trials, she delivered a team-record 11 opening statements that scored a perfect “10” — a feat her coaches described as one not likely to be seen again.

At the Senior Girls Awards Ceremony, Yasmin received the Brother Tim Hoey Leadership Award, named in honor of Malden Catholic’s beloved Mock Trial coach and program founder. The award is presented annually to the Mock Trial member who makes the greatest contribution to the leadership of the organization, demonstrating superior trial performance, total commitment to team activities, and natural leadership in strengthening team morale and camaraderie.

For Yasmin, that description was a perfect fit. Her coaches praised not only her outstanding trial performance, but also the way she helped preserve what they described as the most important reputation associated with MC Mock Trial: family.

“Preparation, persistence, and a dogged approach to achieving success have defined Yasmin’s four-year career in mock trial,” shared Robert Gregory, one of Yasmin’s mentors at Malden Catholic. “Even more than her stunning performances, however, I was impressed by the kind of teammate Yasmin became for her peers.”

That balance of excellence and care is what made Yasmin’s leadership so meaningful. She was respected for her talent, discipline, and competitive drive, but loved for the way she brought people together. Through long practices, high-pressure competitions, and countless trial prep sessions, Yasmin helped create a team culture rooted in friendship, trust, humor, and joy.

“She found the moments of humor and silliness, and bonded with her teammates over countless trial prep sessions at Starbucks,” Gregory shared. “Her teammates had always respected her, but it is clear now looking back that they truly loved her.”

Yasmin’s success in Mock Trial reflects the qualities that have shaped her entire high school experience: commitment, courage, preparation, and a willingness to give her full heart to the communities she is part of. As a senior captain, she led not only by example, but by helping others believe in what they could accomplish.

Her leadership was recognized with tremendous pride and admiration by the Mock Trial coaches and attorneys, who described her as “a senior captain who will never be forgotten in the history of MC Mock Trial.”

As a Harrison Scholarship recipient, Yasmin’s story reflects the power of opportunity and the lasting impact of Catholic education. At Malden Catholic, she found a community where her gifts could grow and where she could use those gifts to strengthen others.

This fall, Yasmin will bring that same drive, confidence, and sense of purpose to Trinity College. She leaves Malden Catholic with an extraordinary record of achievement, but even more importantly, with a legacy of leadership that will continue to inspire the teammates, classmates, and teachers who watched her grow.

Yasmin’s head was always fully in the game. By the end of her Malden Catholic journey, it was clear that her heart was, too.

Celebrating Harrison Scholarship Recipient Angelia Cao ’26

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 04:00:00 +0000

For Angelia Cao, Cristo Rey Boston Class of 2026, leadership has always been rooted in the example of others.

As the youngest child in a first-generation Vietnamese immigrant family, Angelia grew up learning from her two older siblings. She describes herself as a blend of her older sister’s academic drive and her brother’s humor and personality.

“They created the path for me,” she said. “I learned from their experiences.”

Now, Angelia hopes to create that same kind of path for others.

A graduate of Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy, where she was a Catholic Schools Foundation scholar, Angelia first learned about Cristo Rey Boston while considering her next step for high school. At first, she was not sure whether CRB would be the right fit. Part of her wanted a different experience, but when she visited the school in person, something changed.

“I felt comfortable right away,” she said. “Everything felt natural.”

That sense of belonging, along with Cristo Rey Boston’s balance of freedom and structure, convinced Angelia to enroll. Over the next four years, CRB became a place where she discovered her voice, built her confidence, explored future career paths, and grew into a leader.

Through Cristo Rey Boston’s Corporate Work Study Program, Angelia gained exposure to a wide range of professional environments. As a ninth grader at Public Consulting Group, she learned about the challenges schools face and how consulting groups help develop solutions. At the Broad Institute, she conducted lab research, gaining technical skills and exposure to the world of scientific discovery. At MathWorks, she worked in a collaborative environment where she learned coding and contributed to artificial intelligence projects.

Each placement helped Angelia strengthen her professionalism, communication skills, and confidence. This year, as a project manager assistant at the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers, she is learning how organizations operate and how grants support small clinics. The experience has expanded her interest in healthcare and mental health and helped her imagine a future centered on supporting others.

Angelia’s growth at Cristo Rey Boston has also been deeply personal. Once shy, she now speaks confidently in class and builds strong relationships with her teachers. She credits CRB’s faculty with creating an academic environment where she felt engaged, encouraged, and empowered to share her ideas.

Along the way, Angelia found mentors and a supportive community of adults who challenged her to be her best self. That support helped her grow from someone who looked to others for guidance into someone others now look up to.

Her leadership extends well beyond the classroom. As a Student Ambassador at Cristo Rey Boston, Angelia welcomed prospective students and helped them feel the same comfort and belonging she felt during her own first visit to the school.

Outside of school, Angelia serves as a youth leader at Saint Ambrose Catholic Church in Dorchester and performs traditional Vietnamese fan dancing at community events. Through these commitments, she connects her culture, faith, and passion for mentorship.

“Community is such an important part of life,” she said. “It’s easy for it to fade if you don’t put in the effort.”

This fall, Angelia will attend the College of the Holy Cross, where she was accepted through Early Decision and selected for the Passport Program for first-generation students. She hopes to pursue a field such as healthcare, psychology, or education, areas that reflect her desire to support young people and serve her community.

As a Harrison Scholarship recipient, Angelia’s story reflects the power of Catholic education, opportunity, and mentorship. From Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy to Cristo Rey Boston, she has embraced each step of her journey with gratitude, determination, and a commitment to helping others.

At Cristo Rey Boston, Angelia has grown from someone shaped by example into someone who now sets an example for others. Through her confidence, compassion, and care for her community, she is becoming the kind of leader she once admired, and the kind of leader who will continue making a difference long after graduation.