WINTER 2017

For the third year in a row, DePaul Cristo Rey High School’s

senior class has achieved 100 percent college acceptance.

Every member of the Class of 2017 has been accepted to a

four-year college, many have been accepted to multiple

schools, and the acceptance letters and scholarship awards

continue to arrive in seniors’ mailboxes.

The announcement of 100 percent acceptance was made

in a surprise pep-rally style celebration on January 17

that included confetti cannons, standing ovations and

a congratulatory video.

There are 59 seniors in the Class of 2017, DPCR’s largest

graduating class so far since its opening in 2011. The

seniors will graduate on May 30 in a ceremony at

Mount St. Joseph University.

Celebrating 100% College Acceptance—Three Years in a Row!

Ohio Governor John Kasich is pictured with leaders and students from the three Ohio Cristo

Rey schools including DPCR Principal Andrew Farfsing (second from left), DPCR senior

Joseph Whittle (third from left) and DPCR President Sister Jeanne Bessette (third from right).

DePaul Cristo Rey Receives Innovation Award from Ohio Governor KasichCalling the Cristo Rey model, “the coolest

thing,” Ohio Governor John Kasich honored

DePaul Cristo Rey and the two other Ohio

Cristo Rey high schools with the Governor’s

School Innovation Award January 24.

DePaul Cristo Rey was recognized with

Cristo Rey Columbus and Saint Martin de Porres (Cristo Rey Cleveland). The full

story is inside on page three.

A Letter From the PresidentDear Friends of DePaul Cristo Rey:

As I write this letter, I am awed by the recent news received

that 100 percent of our seniors, the Class of 2017, have been

accepted into college!

Like students in our first two classes, these young people have

taken another incredibly bold step toward realizing their dreams

of leaping into a world that may be new and unknown to every

member of their families, not just themselves. Some of them are

ready to begin college tomorrow; some are fearful of what that

future holds, wondering who will guide them; but all are excited

about the wonders, challenges and opportunities that lie just ahead

of them.

Every one of our students learns our school motto within their first

ten minutes as DePaul Cristo Rey Bruins: ALL STUDENTS WILL

GRADUATE FROM HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE. And when

asked how they will do this, they say with conviction: TOGETHER.

That’s the promise we make to each young woman and man – if

you follow our program, take advantage of the help and support

that are generously offered, commit yourself to growing as a

college-prep student and a young professional, we will see you to

and through college.

This winter DPCR has hired a full-time College Success

Coordinator to focus on our alumni – answering their questions,

helping them research funding opportunities, keeping them from

dropping out over solvable issues. Fundamentally, her goal is to

assist each college student in becoming his or her own advocate

to stay in school. We know that Cristo Rey alumni across the U.S.

finish college at a rate of 2.5 times their low-income peers. Our job

is to help our DPCR graduates have the same or better rate of

college completion.

To that end, we offer a four-year college counseling curriculum

while students are still in high school. We help students select

schools that meet their educational goals AND where they can put

together the best financial aid packages. We’ve even helped them

outfit dorm rooms. With the help of several mission-driven donors,

we have established a college support fund. We don’t have the

means to pay tuition, but we can and do help with gaps in fees,

transportation costs, meal plans, etc. because we know it doesn’t

take much to be overwhelmed when you’re navigating a new

world, often far away from home.

By partnering with us as friends, volunteers, donors, and advisors,

YOU are part of our pledge to support DePaul Cristo Rey students,

not just for four years of high school, but for the four, five or six

years it may take them to complete college. Thank you for being

part of this amazing journey!

Gratefully,

Sister Jeanne Bessette, OSF, Ed.D.

President

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April 29 Rey of Light Supports a “School Making A Difference”“The people who come to Rey of Light understand the need for

change in our community to break the cycle of poverty. They see that

this school is making a difference,” explains Michele Schuster. She

and her husband, Mike, chaired the 2016 Rey of Light Scholarship

Benefit for Students and are supporting the work of this year’s

Chairs Alison and Tim Warning and their volunteer committee.

Rey of Light will be held on April 29 at the DePaul Cristo Rey

Student Center. Presenting sponsors are Fast Park & Relax, a Friendof DePaul Cristo Rey and the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati.

This will be the fifth year for the dinner auction which has already

raised more than $1.6 million in financial assistance for DPCR

students in its short history. How does one event at a new school

raise so much money? “We have a broad spectrum of the community

who support Rey of Light including Corporate Partners, volunteers

and community members who have worked on other fundraising

events,” explains Michele. “These people get it – they see that their

time, talent and treasure are making an impact and what they do

matters. DPCR is a good steward of the money raised and people see

a return on their investment in the success of the students.”

Michele herself didn’t know much about the school when she first

became involved but quickly understood the importance and impact

of Rey of Light. “The students at DPCR have not experienced things

our children have experienced. They are overcoming challenges to

make a better life for themselves. Yet they look adults in the eye and

have conversations. It’s clear they’re learning a lot of life skills as

well as academic ones at this school,” she adds.

Planning for this year’s Rey of Light is well underway. Sponsors,

auction donations and volunteers are all needed. For more

information or if you would like to be added to the invitation list,

contact Lisa Muething at 513.861.0600 or lisa.muething@dpcr.net.

At the Ohio Statehouse: President Sister Jeanne Bessette,

Joseph Whittle ’17 and Principal Andrew Farfsing.

Alison Warning (right) is chairing Rey of Light

with Vice Chair Julie Ross (left).

Ohio Governor Calls Cristo Rey Model “the coolest thing”

DePaul Cristo Rey High School is the

only Greater Cincinnati-area school,

among seven statewide, to receive the

Governor’s School Innovation Award.

DPCR was recognized with Cristo Rey Columbus and Saint Martin de Porres(Cristo Rey Cleveland) in a ceremony at

the Ohio Statehouse on January 24.

In recognizing the Cristo Rey schools,

Ohio Governor John Kasich called the

urban education model of college-prep academics

and Corporate Work Study, “the coolest thing.” He said that the

honorees were recognized because they “take risks” and “prepare

students for the knowledge economy.” He said that he hopes these

schools inspire “education envy” across the state.

At the award ceremony, a student from each Ohio Cristo Rey school

helped explain the Cristo Rey model and answered questions from

the Governor. DPCR senior Joseph Whittle ’17 said, “Our school

is in its sixth year of operation and all three of our first graduating

classes, including mine, have achieved 100 percent college

acceptance. I have applied and been accepted to 15 universities;

I will be the first in my family to go to college, in addition I will

graduate from high school with four years of corporate work

experience. This year I work at Wellington Orthopedic and SportsMedicine – Mercy, getting exposure and experience for my future

career as a pediatric surgical oncologist.”

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Kroger: Student Workers “Contribute to Our Company” Picture a corporate conference room with company leaders,

including the president, seated around a large table with

others participating via teleconference. They’re all listening

to a presentation accompanied by PowerPoint slides with

data, charts and conclusions. The scene is not unusual at the

Kroger Personal Finance offices in downtown Cincinnati

where it took place on January 5. What isn’t typical? The

presenter was Ryan Parham ‘17, a DePaul Cristo Rey senior. His presentation,

“Inside the Mind of a Millennial,” was a job assignment given to him last fall through

DPCR and Kroger’s Corporate Work Study Program partnership.

Ryan is one of four DPCR students who work at Kroger. Each semester two work at the

national grocery chain’s downtown Cincinnati headquarters and two work a few blocks away

in the Kroger Personal Finance offices; they switch mid-year. “At Kroger Personal Finance the

students do a lot of administrative tasks, compiling data on spreadsheets, helping to convert

and interpret it for presentations. They also help with customer mailings,” explains Telecom

Operations Manager Ralph Marsh.

He says some of the students’ work frees up employees to do higher level tasks and some,

as evidenced by Ryan’s presentation, “will be used for the betterment of our products.

We use them to get into the mind of their age group. They, their

families and friends are our customers or future customers.

They’re like a built-in focus group,” adds Marsh.

Ryan called the research and presentation, “a really cool

experience,” and speaks highly of those he works with at Kroger.

“They made me feel part of the team and that my input actually

matters. They care about what I have to say which makes me

work even harder. This is the best experience I’ve had yet,” he

says. Heading to college next year, Ryan would like to pursue his

love of science and is considering becoming a pharmacist. It’s

not far-fetched to picture him behind a Kroger pharmacy

counter someday.

“There’s no doubt this program is a two-way street,” says Marsh.

“We’re obviously hoping to give opportunity to young men and

women to work in an office environment and learn about our

industry. Their work contributes to our company. We’re getting

quality work for what we’re paying for. In an ever-changing

financial environment, they are beneficial to us.”

Ryan ’17 and his

Supervisor Ralph Marsh

Just since the start of the year, several more Greater Cincinnati

companies have joined the movement to “Put Greater Cincinnati’s

Future to Work” by becoming partners in the Corporate Work Study

Program (CWSP).

Joining the CWSP are:

We also welcome AXA Advisors as a Nonprofit Work Study Sponsor,

underwriting students working in a local nonprofit organization.

Even more companies are needed by August when DPCR’s newest

students arrive for the new school year, increasing enrollment to near

campus capacity. For information on the Corporate Work Study

Program contact Maureen Babbitt at maureen.babbitt@dpcr.net or

Abby Held at abby.held@dpcr.net. Both can be reached at 513.861.0600.

Ryan ’17 and Kathy Kelly,

president of Kroger Personal Finance

AK SteelART Metals GroupGuardian Savings Bank, FSB Jostin Construction

Michelman, Inc.St. Elizabeth Healthcare Saturday Knight Limited Union Savings Bank

Companies Join Movementto Put Greater Cincinnati’sFuture to Work

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Partners and Panelists Recognize “Why Greater Cincinnati’s Future IS Your Business”Business, community and education leaders celebrated the role businesses play in preparing young people to take their place in our

future workforce at DePaul Cristo Rey’s CEO Partner Breakfast on November 16. It was held at the Queen City Club and sponsored by

David and Susan Deye.It included a panel discussion around the theme, “Why Greater Cincinnati’s Future IS Your

Business,” with (left to right): H. James Williams Ph.D., president of Mount St. Joseph University; J. Steve Eder, vice president at Messer Construction; Paula Boggs Muething,Cincinnati city solicitor; and Liza D. Smitherman, vice president professional development

at Jostin Construction (far right). They are pictured with DPCR President Sister Jeanne Bessette and Dan Hurley of Applied History Associates/Local 12 Newsmakers who

moderated the panel discussion.

Sister Jeanne thanked the companies that hire DPCR students and recognized 11 businesses

and organizations which have participated for five years.

David Cassady Joins BoardDePaul Cristo Rey welcomes David J. Cassady to the Board

of Directors. David is the chief growth officer at CassadySchiller CPAs & Advisors, a DePaul Cristo Rey Corporate

Partner. He is a certified public accountant with over 37

years’ experience in public accounting as well as an

extensive history of community service in Greater

Cincinnati. He has been appointed for a three-year term.

Susan and David Deye

sponsored the breakfast.

Igniters of Change Set Hearts on Fire for DePaul Cristo Rey The Igniters of Change Celebration honored those who, in the spirit of

school namesake St. Vincent de Paul, have set hearts on fire for

DePaul Cristo Rey through their exceptional contributions of service

and support. These friends of DPCR were recognized during an

October celebration at DPCR.

The 2016 Igniters of Change are:

Eileen and Braden Mechley – Spirit of Service AwardDon Feldmann – Champion of the Mission AwardVicky and Rick Reynolds – Investors in the Future AwardWestern & Southern Financial Group, John F. Barrett, Chairman, President and CEO – Corporate Partner of Excellence Award

2016 Igniters of Change: Rick and Vicky Reynolds; Don Feldmann;

DPCR President Sister Jeanne Bessette; Braden and Eileen Mechley; and John Barrett.

• Through the Sister Elise Grant Fund, six members of the

Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati are supporting DPCR’s

campus ministry program, Camp Joy field trip,

Bruin Academic Bowl, and Torch Prep ACT

preparatory program.

• A $4,500 grant from the Joliet Franciscans JPIC for the DPCR retreat program.

• A $15,000 grant from the Dater Foundation for college

counseling and graduate support.

• A $5,000 grant from the William P. Anderson Foundation for the Torch Prep ACT preparatory program.

• An $8,000 grant from the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick Foundation to sponsor a student in a

nonprofit Corporate Work Study position.

• A $15,000 grant from the Elsa Heisel Sule Foundation for college counseling for current students and

college support services to graduates.

• $4,625 in gifts through the Cincinnati Gives Challenge, an online fundraising campaign held in November

and December.

Students and Graduates Benefit from Recent Gifts Both current students and graduates are benefitting from the generosity of foundations and friends of DePaul Cristo Rey

who have made the following gifts to DPCR in recent months:

Igniter of Change John Barrett is pictured with DPCR

students Parisian ‘19 and Sandra ‘18 and DPCR graduate

Noah Sherman ’15.

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Alumni ProfileBruin Leader Grows into College LifeA member of DePaul Cristo Rey’s first class, Deanna(Dee-Dee) Wilson ‘15 was recognized as a student

leader; as a junior she received the Bruin Award which

honors a student who is a “positive influence on peers

and leads by example.” That description is still accurate

as her leadership, academic diligence and positive

outlook continue to blossom as she pursues her

bachelor’s degree at Mount St. Joseph University.

A sophomore Health and Wellness major, Dee-Dee

has already completed two co-op positions and this

semester is working as a co-op in adoption services at

the Hamilton County Department of Job & Family

Services. She volunteers as a youth advocate for the

Future Leaders of Over-the-Rhine organization, and

she’s active in the Mount’s Black Student Union. She and

a friend also started a mentoring program for third and

fourth grade girls at a local charter school.

Her greatest challenge in college? “I was academically prepared for college when I graduated from DPCR, but I have had to work on

time management and the class expectations,” she says. While that continues to challenge her, she dealt with her most difficult class last

semester by meeting with the professor every Friday and using the resources of the Mount’s Writing Center.

She has a focused plan for her future. “When I graduate I want to go on and get a master’s degree in public health and possibly a health

coaching certificate,” she says. “My dream goal is to run my own community center that promotes wellness in every dimension of life –

physical, emotional, spiritual, occupational and environmental. Most especially, I want to work with young people.”

While looking ahead Dee-Dee still looks back with appreciation. “I miss my DPCR teachers. We built a family at DPCR

and the teachers and staff really care about us. They want us to succeed academically and in life.”

Hired with the goal of supporting graduates to and through

college, Larisa Wright has joined the DePaul Cristo Rey staff

as full-time College Success Coordinator. DPCR may now be

the only local high school with a full-time professional

dedicated to seeing its graduates successfully complete college.

Several DPCR staff members have shared the college support

role on a part-time basis since the first class graduated in 2015.

The addition of a full-time person in this position reflects

the increasing number of alumni as DPCR is poised to

graduate its third class in May.

Wright now serves as the main point of contact for all DPCR

alumni who are in college – building relationships with

them as well as with the colleges and universities they attend

to ensure each student’s

successful journey to college

graduation. She is well

qualified for this new role

having worked in higher

education for the past

10 years including at Miami,

Mount St. Joseph and

Wright State universities.

Alumni wishing to reach her with any college-related

questions, can call her at 513.861.0600 extension 333,

or email at larisa.wright@dpcr.net.

New Full-Time College Success Coordinator Supports Graduates

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“On the first day I met him, I could tell he’s

a welcoming person. He has a generous

heart.” That was student Sandra Ramirez’sfirst impression of J. Wickliffe “Wick” Ach,president and chief executive officer of

Hixson Architecture/Engineering/Interiors.Her early assessment is an accurate one.

Hixson, a private corporation owned by

over one-third of its associates, is both a

DePaul Cristo Rey Corporate Partner, with

junior Sandra working at its Mount Adams

office, and is also a Nonprofit Sponsor,

underwriting four students working at

two Cincinnati nonprofit organizations.

Hixson is a company with strong

community ties. “We make a major

commitment every year to support the

communities in which we live and work,”

explains Wick. “Our partnership with

DePaul Cristo Rey is part of that.”

Yet after first learning about the Corporate Work Study Program,

Hixson was concerned that there wouldn’t be enough work at the

Cincinnati office for a full team of students. The win-win-win

solution? Funding one student’s work at the office and four at

community agencies, thus making a triple impact – helping

students, Hixson and worthy local nonprofit organizations.

Hixson has been an ideal placement for Sandra who is considering

a career as an architect. “I’ve been fascinated by how the employees

are so on top of their game. They want the best for their clients and

put forth so much effort and work to satisfy their customers,”

she says. She has been given the opportunity to shadow one of

the architects learning about the education and effort expected in

the field. “We’re so proud of our Hixson associates who treat our

student workers like any other employee and show them how to

do things,” says Wick, “and we’re proud to be part of the change

this school is making in Cincinnati.”

“Everyone at Hixson is friendly and has made me feel welcome,”

adds Sandra. “I understand that they support education and

it’s obvious they want to see students succeed in life and have

a career.”

Sandra Ramirez ’18 and Wick Ach at Hixson

Students Work at Hixson and Nonprofits Thanks to Company’s Commitment to Community

Sister Jeanne is a “Woman of Influence”Venue Media recognized President Sister Jeanne Bessette as a “Woman of Influence,” honoring her

this fall as one of the region’s leading women who

have helped shape the success of their organization

and have demonstrated exceptional leadership.

New Conference Brings Soccer, Honors This school year is DPCR’s first in the

new Ohio Valley Christian Conference

athletic league. DPCR fielded its first

co-ed soccer team this fall and 12

student-athletes received fall All-

Conference Honors in cross-county,

soccer and volleyball. DPCR’s

Lynne Morris (right) shared the

Volleyball Coach of the Year award.

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Around DePaul Cristo Rey

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Bruins Win League TitleThe Bruins varsity boys basketball team went

undefeated in the OVCC (Ohio Valley Christian

Conference) and clinched the league title January 31.

Their overall season record was 15-4.

Meet the Humans of DePaulOn a November Friday, DPCR students got a glimpse into

each other’s lives as part of the “Humans of DePaul” project.

In English, Religion and Art classes’ students interviewed

and photographed one another, then excerpts and photos

were displayed in all campus buildings. The project

culminated with an hour-long walking meditation in

which students and staff moved quietly around campus

to read each other’s stories and leave messages of support.

This was modeled after the Humans of New York

which began as a photography project and has

evolved into books, a blog, web site

and social media.

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Students Encouraged to Become Women in MedicineThe Christ Hospital’s Women in Medicine group

hosted 32 female DPCR students on a January

Saturday for workshops and hands-on experiences

with female physicians in several medical specialties

including orthopedic surgery, family medicine and

with this group, anesthesiology.

The field trip was coordinated by Dr. Sandra Eiseleand Barb Letts, DPCR's IT director, both former

members of Concordia Lutheran Church, whose

campus is now DPCR's home.

Baking and Service are Part of Catholic Schools WeekDPCR celebrated Catholic Schools Week with activities including an

Agape prayer service in which students shared bread made in their

religion classes. Students, teachers and staff also participated in a

morning of service at three local agencies and in DPCR classes.

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