The school was one of 340 out of 138,000 public and private schools and one of only 50 non-public schools in the United States to be honored with this distinction. In the packed standing room only church, the entire Faith Hope community came together -students,staff and faculty, alumni, parents and grandparents to celebrate the award officiated by Pastor Martin O’Donovan.

Special guests, Sister Mary Paul, the Former Superintendent of Catholic Schools in Chicago and currently the Archbishop’s Special Delegate for the Institutional Advancement of Catholic Schools as well as Tim Tuten, Director of Special Projects, Partnerships & Events with the U.S. Department of Education in Washington DC, were in attendance. Mr. Tuten applauded the leadership of principal, Mrs. Kathleen Carden and her staff stating, “you are providing an educational environment for building moral character and intellectual integrity. With a strongfoundation in academics, values and leadership, you are preparing your graduates to face the challenges of a larger global society with intellectual skills, self confidence and a sense of moral responsibility.”

Faith Hope students of all ages played an integral role in the Mass as readers, members of the choir and altar servers. A reception, to honor the Faith Hope community, with refreshments, artwork, FHC choir music and classroom demonstrations was held immediately following. Additionally, families and teachers were encouraged to sign a brick representing ALL that have helped PAVE the way to the Blue Ribbon School.

National Catholic Schools Week is the annual celebration of Catholic education in the United States to be held January 25-31.  Faith Hope will recognize students, Faculty and Staff and parents by way of special activities in accordance with the Theme of Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service.”

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