Open House Chicago is back with a reimagined event for 2020. The beloved architecture festival, hosted by the Chicago Architecture Center, will now span 10 days (October 16–25, 2020) and includes both online and outdoor events that showcase the fascinating history, architecture, and culture of the city’s diverse neighborhoods. One of the sites that will be featured for digital tours will be Catalyst Circle Rock’s Kehrein Center for the Arts. To learn more about Open House Chicago, please visit their website through the linked image below.
We hope that you are safe, healthy and doing well! We are honored to share the story of Catalyst Circle Rock graduate William Wolfe, highlighted in a featured story and video linked here! William was a member of the inaugural class of CCR graduates in 2008 and recently graduated from the Syracuse University College of Law, where he was a member of the Black Law Students Association and was elected President during the 2019-2020 academic year. We are inspired by you William!
In celebration of US Youth Soccer’s National Youth Soccer Month, Catalyst Maria High School announced the formation of a 7-player boys E-Soccer Team. “This was the players’ idea,” said Mr. José Miguel Burgos, Catalyst Maria Head Soccer Coach. “They were already competing among themselves with their neighborhood friends. So we asked how can the school get behind them, support them, and help them be successful?” Mr. Burgos arranged for the purchase of new team jerseys for the players (pictured below) and even procured new controllers for some of the student athletes who needed them.
Noting the importance of community to the sport of soccer, Burgos continued. “We want the players to feel that together they are part of something special even at a time when they are physically distanced. The simple act of putting on school or team colors can make a big difference whether you’re playing on a field or a digital platform. At the same time, it provides me an opportunity to strengthen the teacher-student relationship with the kids.”
Catalyst continues to celebrate Latinx Heritage Month! In 1968, President Lyndon Johnson launched a week-long celebration of the histories, cultures and contributions of Latinx communities to America’s national heritage. Since then, the one-week event has evolved into a commemoration from September 15th to October 15th that uplifts the cultural legacy and countless contributions of Latinx communities.
We hope that you and your families are safe, healthy and doing well.
We are extremely excited to announce the establishment of The Catalyst Schools Alumni Persistence Fund, made possible by the generosity of long-time Catalyst friends Terry and Monica Toth. The fund's purpose is to help Catalyst alumni meet urgent needs that might otherwise be an obstacle to continuing post-secondary education. Terry and Monica established this fund to honor the spirit and legacy of John Baptiste De La Salle, patron saint of teachers of youth. Funds will be shepherded by the Catalyst Maria Post-Secondary Success Team and granted to students who need help with items such as books, computers, transportation costs, supplemental fees or other costs that interfere with progress.
This is a terrific gift that complements the existing Sisters of St. Casimir Legacy Scholarship, also established by Terry and Monica, and The CMHS Leadership in Diversity Scholarship, established by CMHS Post-Secondary team member Victoria Coriano and funded by CMHS faculty and friends. These remarkable contributions will enhance Catalyst's already superb college going and college persistence rates, as well as other post-secondary endeavors of our awesome graduates!
Please join our efforts as a champion for changing lives at The Catalyst Schools. If you would like to speak with a Catalyst staff member about your donation, please call us at 773-295-7001.
