Smiles were everywhere at the Holy Cross Gymnasium in Latonia recently as Covington Bishop John Iffert, and the Alliance for Catholic Urban Education (ACUE) welcomed ACUE donors to their annual Spring luncheon.
ACUE provides centralized support for the operations and fiscal management of its consortium of five urban diocesan grade schools: Holy Cross Elementary, Latonia; Holy Trinity, Bellevue; Prince of Peace School, Covington; St. Anthony School, Taylor Mill; and St. Augustine School, Covington.
Each school takes a turn presenting the event and this year’s host was Holy Cross Elementary. Their theme of “What a Wonderful World” was staged with bright yellow tablecloths topped by colorful tulips with personal uplifting messages for each donor.
The students’ musical program, introduced by principal, Beth Vieth, and led by music teacher, Lorinda Vennemann, entertained donors while they dined and included songs that complemented the luncheon theme as well as those with spiritual and patriotic significance. Students from kindergarten through fifth grade participated. In addition, a student was placed at each donor table to promote conversations, offering donors a first-hand look into their impact on students.
The luncheon program featured two ACUE school graduates, Aubrey Schoettle and Kyndall Ruebusch, current students at Holy Cross District High School. Both shared the value of their ACUE grade school experience.
Diocesan Catholic Schools Superintendent Kendra McGuire also highlighted how critical donor support is to the mission of the ACUE schools and the diocesan commitment to the urban areas of Northern Kentucky.
Last school year, donors furnished over fifty percent of the ACUE budget, which includes student tuition assistance making a Catholic education affordable for ACUE families.
Alliance for Catholic Urban Education