save the dates - Detroit Cristo Rey High School

Messenger
Fall 2014
Dear Friends of Detroit Cristo Rey,
SAVE THE DATES
Mark your calendars.
There is always something
happening at Detroit Cristo Rey!
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Spring Gala *
May 8, 2015
Baccalaureate
June 5, 2015
Graduation
June 7, 2015
* For tickets, contact:
Naomi Howrani
313.402.0081
nhowrani@detroitcristorey.org
Sponsored By
The Congregation of St. Basil,
Basilian Fathers
“Teach me goodness, discipline
and knowledge.” Psalm 118
The Sisters, Servants of the
Immaculate Heart of Mary
Deep Faith, Courageous Spirit,
Action for Justice
I am often asked to describe Detroit Cristo Rey to people who
are just learning about our school and mission. I simply reply…
it is a place of hope.
My favorite definition of hope is “expect with confidence”. That
fits our students perfectly. Despite the very difficult economic
situations from which our students arrive at our school – they
leave with a quiet confidence that success in college and beyond
is in their future. Their hope does not come from naiveté. It is
earned by their own hard work, the dedication of our academic
team, the rigorous curriculum and the caring mentorship of our
work partners.
Hope is powerful. It is why our students endure a school day and a school year much
longer than their friends at other schools. Hope is why our new students give up a month
of summer vacation to participate in our job training program. It is why our students
march into corporate offices and take on responsibilities usually reserved for those much
older and more experienced.
Hope is the cornerstone of Detroit Cristo Rey. It is why the IHM Sisters and Basilian Fathers
decided to open our school. It motivates our job partners to invest over $1.8 million in
our school this year. Hope also drives the limitless determination of our faculty to prepare
every student to meet the academic challenges of college.
HOPE
“My favorite definition of hope is ‘expect with
confidence’. That fits our students perfectly.”
Hope is contagious…please make plans to visit our school, spend some time our students
and catch Detroit Cristo Rey “fever”. You will love every minute of it.
I remain incredibly grateful for the wonderful support we receive from all of our friends.
Michael Khoury
President
A Proud Tradition of Educating
the Children of Detroit
Visit our website. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
detroitcristorey.org
THANKS TO:
Corporate Work Study Partners
AAA
Ally
American Axle & Manufacturing
Archdiocese of Detroit
Art Van
Beaumont Hospital
Brooks & Kushman
Cardelli Lanfear
Cengage Learning
ChemicoMays
Chrysler Group
Clark Hill PLC
Community Financial Credit
Union
Credit Union One
Dearborn Mid-West Conveyor
Delphi
Detroit Athletic Club (DAC)
Detroit Metro Convention &
Visitors Bureau
Detroit Salt Co.
DTE Energy
Edward C. Levy Co.
Expeditors International
Fifth Third Bank
Focus:Hope
Ford Motor Company
General Motors
Grant Thornton
Henry Ford Health System
Hudson-Webber Foundation
Hylant Group
IHS Automotive
The Ideal Group
Industrial Control Repair (ICR)
Johnson Controls
Kasperek Optical
Kitch Attorneys & Counselors
Link Engineering
Lumin Financial
Madonna Univ.(Supported by
the Felician Sisters)
Magna International of
America
Marathon Oil
Marygrove College
Masco Corporation
Mason Dixon Intermodal
Michigan Credit Union
League
Michigan Head & Spine
Michigan First Credit Union
Michigan Science Center
Most Holy Trinity Grade
School
Most Holy Trinity Rectory
Nativity of our Lord Parish
Oakwood Hospital-Dearborn
Peoples Trust CU
Plastipak Packaging
Plunkett Cooney
PNC Bank
R.L. Polk & Co.
SER Metro (Supported by the
Ford Fund)
Skillman Foundation
Southwest Solutions
St. Mary Mercy Hospital
St. John Providence Health
System
State Farm Insurance
Stout, Risius & Ross
Strategic Staffing Solutions
Synergies Plus Solutions
Trinity Senior Living
Communities
Trinity Care - Bellbrook
Trinity Care-Fraser
Trinity Care-Villa Marie
University of Detroit Mercy
Law School
Walbridge
Weldaloy
...and others.
Call Pamela Jackson at 313.843.2747
for more information on how to become a
Corporate Work Study Partner.
Detroit Cristo Rey remains very
grateful for financial support from
the following foundations:
Archdiocese of Detroit
Basilian Human Fund
Hilda E. Bretzlaff Foundation
The Carls Foundation
B.J. and C.L. Cebelak Foundation
Chalfonte Foundation
Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan
Congregation of St. Basil, Basilian Fathers
Cristo Rey Network (Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation)
CVS Caremark Foundation
The DeRoy Testementary Foundation
DTE Energy Foundation
Ethel and James Flinn Foundation
Fifth Third Bank
First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association
Flagstar Bank
The Glorio Luther Foundation
Herbert and Elsa Ponting Foundation
John and Jean Dinan Foundation
McGregor Fund
McNish Family Foundation
Metro West Chapter of Credit Unions
Molinello Family Foundation
Moroun Family Foundation
The Oliver Dewey Marcks Foundation
PNC Foundation
Quicken Loans
Racine Dominican Mission Fund
Raskob Foundation
Robert M. Morand Scholarship Fund
Samuel Westerman Foundation
Scripps Howard Foundation
Sisters of Mercy – West Midwest Community
Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Skillman Foundation
SSIHM Ministry Fund
Weed Foundation
W.K. Kellogg Foundation
Young Woman’s Home Association
...and others.
MIke and Mary with their kids:
Chris, Alyssa, Sarah
DONOR SPOTLIGHT
Mike and Mary Roberts
Pope Francis recently said that, “We all have the duty to do
good.” Mike and Mary Robert live that declaration. They both
give their time, talent and treasure to the students and mission
of Detroit Cristo Rey. And they do it with a smile!
Their journey to Detroit Cristo Rey began several years ago due
to a chance encounter with long-time friend, Patty Evans at
a summer cook-out. As they caught up, they were fascinated
as Patty shared stories about her work as a teacher at Detroit
Cristo Rey. Its mission of providing a high quality Catholic
education to deserving students matched perfectly with their
core beliefs and they were anxious to learn more. They quickly
received a call from the school inviting them to visit. It is
telling that Mike received that call while up on a ladder in West
Virginia doing a house repair as part of his parish’s Christian
service group.
During their first visit to the school, they both recall how
the tour “touched their hearts.” They immediately became
enthusiastic supporters of the school. In addition to
financial contributions, Mike and Mary contribute in many
other ways. They are both excellent photographers and
continually volunteer to attend school events and donate their
photography services. In addition to taking photos, they have
helped mentor students interested in photography. Due to
WAYS TO GIVE⋆⋆⋆
Support of Detroit Cristo Rey High School
Mike’s background as a Vice President at American Dryer, he
has made sure that all restrooms at the school are equipped
with the best available hand drying products at little or no cost
to the school. Both Mike and Mary are excellent at sharing the
school’s story with their friends and they have brought many
newcomers into the Detroit Cristo Rey family. A few years ago,
they arranged for Detroit Cristo Rey to present at their parish,
St. Fabian’s. That talk led to both jobs and financial support for
the school. As President Michael Khoury states, “I can’t begin to
count the ways Mike and Mary have made our school better.
I could not be more grateful to have them as supporters and
personal friends.”
Mike and Mary are both humble about their support of the
school and they talk about receiving more from Detroit Cristo
Rey than they have given. They like how the school is managed
and feel that they really get a “bang for the buck” on their
donations. The opening Mass of the school year is a favorite
event that they both enjoy and they talk about clearly feeling
the presence of the Holy Spirit during the celebration.
The Robert’s strongly believe that if a person has been blessed
with a Catholic education – they need to pass it on. They
encourage others to consider Detroit Cristo Rey as the place to
do just that.
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Detroit Cristo Rey provides a Catholic, college-prep education
to students who have limited educational options. Here are
some of the ways that you can help support our mission:
— Gifts of Cash
— Wills
— Transfer of Stock
— Insurance
— Planned Giving
— Charitable Gift Annuities
— Gifts of Appreciated Securities
Note: Detroit Cristo Rey High School is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional financial services. If legal advice or other expert
assistance is needed, please seek the professional services of an attorney or certified public accountant. If you have any specific questions about the Planned
Giving program at Detroit Cristo Rey High School, please contact Naomi Howrani, Director of Development at 313.402.0081 or nhowrani@detroitcristorey.org.
PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
GENERAL MOTORS
When Teojineya Tomlin (’15) is asked what she did on her work
assignment at General Motors last year, she smiles and replies,
“I contributed to my team’s success.” Her team was Global
Facilities and she worked on a variety of projects, including
keeping current their Business Plan Development Board – a
key project management tool. As she states, “they treated me
like a team member, not a teenager.” General Motors certainly
believes that Teojineya, and all of their student workers made
important contributions to their teams’ success. In fact, they
believe it so strongly, that in the 2014-15 school year, they
have hired 35 students, up from 8 last year. This makes General
Motors the largest job partner in the Detroit Cristo Rey family
and one of the top 5 in the 28 school Cristo Rey Network!
“I CONTRIBUTED TO MY TEAM’S
SUCCESS... THEY TREATED ME LIKE A
TEAM MEMBER, NOT A TEENAGER.”
- TEOJINEYA TOMILIN
The journey to becoming the largest partner began with a
nudge from Loren Venegas of Ideal Group for GM to learn
more about the program. Russ Brewster (Director of Asset
Services – Global Business Services) did some initial research
and was excited about the potential. He invited Mari Kay
Scott (Executive Director of Global Facilities) to attend an
information breakfast at long time job partner, St. Mary Mercy
Hospital. At the breakfast Mari Kay was impressed – both by
the students she met and the strong testimonials from other
work partners. Eager to introduce young people, especially
minorities, into STEM and automotive careers, they cautiously
moved forward to hire a team of 4 students in 2011-12.
While initially nervous about how automotive veterans, who
had been in the industry before most of the students had
even been born, would react, Mike Demsky (Senior Manager
of Contracts & Procurement – Global Facilities) quickly
became a believer. After three years involvement with the
program, Mike is not certain who gets the most benefit out
of the arrangement – the students or their co-workers. GM
team members have embraced the opportunity to mentor
the students and have enjoyed having the extra help on key
projects – ranging from developing a critical supplier database
to handling key details on “Ride and Drive” events.
As more people in General Motors learned about the
program and interacted with the students, the requests for
Detroit Cristo Rey students on other teams increased. This
year, students will work at both the Technical Center and
the headquarters in the Renaissance Center. They will work
with Finance, Purchasing, Manufacturing Engineering, and of
course, the original supporters – Global Facilities.
“DO IT! YOU WILL BE SHOCKED AT THE
VALUE YOU GET OUT OF THE STUDENTS.”
- MARI KAY
When Mari Kay is asked what she would tell companies still on
the fence about becoming a job partner – “Do it! You will be
shocked at the value you get out of the students. It will be one
of the best things you can do to give back to the community
and drive your own employee engagement.”
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Bray James
Student Spotlight
She is committed to helping other
kids learn that “the streets are
not their only option and that
college is the way to go.”
A popular refrain in both business and
academic circles is the lack of students
interested in STEM (Science, Technology,
Engineering and Math). The shortage is
especially acute among minority students.
Detroit Cristo Rey senior, Bray James, is
doing her part to address this concern.
Bray has always enjoyed both math and
science – especially chemistry. Therefore it’s
no surprise that she plans on majoring in
Chemical Engineering in college. While she
hasn’t made a final selection for college, the
University of Michigan is high on her list.
Bray’s determination is evident to all who
meet her. She has worked hard in the
classroom and at her job assignments
during her Detroit Cristo Rey career. In
addition to enjoying math and science, she
lists Mr. Dwyer and his Latin class among
her favorites. As a senior, she will be part of a
select group of seniors taking Latin IV.
It was Bray’s goal to have several different
Mary currently teaches 9th and 10th
grade Language Arts and has always
been in love with reading and writing.
In addition to reading historical fiction,
one of her favorite books as a child was,
Bray’s high energy and smile are evident
whenever one interacts with her. But what
may leave the biggest impression to a visitor
is how Bray defines a successful career –
“giving back to her community.” She is
committed to helping other kids learn that
“the streets are not their only option and
that college is the way to go.” Bray shares
that she learned this from her mom, who
always stresses family and community.
Detroit Cristo Rey is blessed to have Bray
as a student and extremely proud of her
definition of success.
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Ms. Mary Neville
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
After finishing her undergraduate degree
at Michigan State University, Mary Neville
enrolled in the ACE Program (Alliance
for Catholic Education) at the University
of Notre Dame. For as long as Mary
remembers, she “always wanted to be
a teacher.” It wasn’t until she became
familiar with Cristo Rey schools through
the ACE Program that she knew Detroit
Cristo Rey was the place for her. Mary
first joined DCR as a Capuchin volunteer
in the fall of 2013 – we’re honored to
welcome her as a full-time teacher
this year!
work experiences while a student at DCR
and she has done just that – working
at PNC Bank, Clayton & McKervey and
ChemicoMays. She has enjoyed learning
more about business at all of her jobs – but
she particularly liked the project work that
she was able to do at PNC. In addition to
work study jobs, Bray has caddied at Detroit
Golf Club for the past three summers.
The Giver, by Lois Lowery. This year
Mary’s students will read, Night, by Elie
Wiesel about Wiesel’s experience in Nazi
German concentration camps during the
Holocaust. Her students will also read a
novel about autism. Mary is especially
excited about teaching her students
how to use nonfiction text features to
help them better understand fiction. In
addition to teaching, Mary will be adding
“Cross Country Coach” to her list of
responsibilities here at school.
Although Mary is originally from Jackson,
MI she now resides in Detroit’s Brush
Park neighborhood with her husband,
Ben. When she’s not teaching she enjoys
running and volunteering with the
Capuchins.
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WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
JASMINE
MARISA
JONATHAN
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
We always love hearing from our graduates and getting
updated on their busy lives. Recently we had a conversation
with a few and thought you would enjoy hearing from them.
Q: What are you doing now?
Omar Gudino (Class of 2012) I am working full-time with two jobs, trying to save up some cash
before the fall semester at Eastern Michigan begins. I am also
having my weekly meeting for the Latino Student Association, of
which I am the current President.
Jasmine Kendrick (Class of 2012) I will be starting my third year
at Wayne State University,
continuing my studies in
Astronomy and Physics. I am also
the new Program Coordinator for
the KALES ACT Preparatory Institute at WSU.
COLLEGE
Marisa Shivers (Class of 2012) - I am currently entering into my
third year at Lawrence Technological University. I’m working
towards my Bachelor’s Degree in Media Communication with
a concentration in Architectural Studies. I was recently elected
Publicity Chair for LTU’s National Society of Black Engineers
and Black Student Union Chapters. Also, I am the student
assistant for Lawrence Tech’s Office of Human Resources.
Jonathan Hernandez (Class of 2013) - I am working so I can save
up money so I can continue with my schooling. I will return
to Henry Ford Community College for a year after having a
great year at Western Michigan University, however, I will be
returning to Western Michigan University for my junior year.
OMAR
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Q: What is your best Detroit Cristo Rey memory?
Jonathan - My best memory would have to be my friends,
but when we got to throw pies at the teachers for a student
council assembly would have to come in a strong second!
Jasmine - This is honestly a very hard question, as I have had
nothing but good times at Detroit Cristo Rey. However, if I had
to choose, it would be freshman year. DCR was just starting in
August of 2008. There was nothing but reluctant teens who
didn’t know much about Cristo Rey and teachers and staff
who knew just as much. Mrs. Rowe never failed to let us
know how special and important our class was, as the first
graduating class.
Q: What do you miss about Detroit Cristo Rey?
Omar - I definitely miss how close the relationship was
between the students and teachers.
Jonathan - What I miss the most is the advice I got. Even
though I wouldn’t really pay attention to it at first, I now know
what they meant when they told me those things.
Jasmine - What I miss most about DCR are the people. Even
though I and fellow alum seem to visit often, there’s never a
moment where I am not thinking about my Cristo Rey family.
Marisa - I miss the strong bonds I was able to make with my
teachers and peers at Detroit Cristo Rey.
Q: What are your future plans?
Jasmine - I plan to continue my endeavors at WSU,
graduating with my Bachelors of Science in Astronomy with
R
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Remember this? Graduation 2012:
Omar Gudino with family and friends
a concentration in Physics. Afterwards, I will continue to
graduate school, pursuing a degree in Physics and become
an Astrophysicist. I hope to conduct experiments and work
in a research laboratory - hopefully at Wayne State University
in their new department of Astronomy and Physics.
Marisa - I have been working on starting my own blog
called curvopolitan.com. I plan on growing as a writer
and entrepreneur. I have also considered continuing my
education in a graduate program.
WE’VE GROWN!
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Jonathan - My future plans are to be a part of either the FBI
Crime Scene Investigator division or a part of the US Marshals
division.
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May 8, 2015 ⋆ Eastern Market
Detroit Cristo Rey has outgrown our beautiful (but
little) courtyard for the spring fundraiser. While we
are sad to move, we are excited to announce that in
2015, our gala will be at historic Eastern Market!
On Friday, May 8, we will feature food, product and
entertainment representing the great city of Detroit.
Be Sure To Save The Date!
For more information on sponsorship
opportunities, contact our Director of Development,
Naomi Howrani at 313.402.0081.
NON PROFIT ORG
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DETROIT, MI
PERMIT NO. 855
5679 West Vernor Highway
Detroit, MI 48209-2157
Phone (313) 843-2747
www.detroitcristorey.org
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2014
⇨ ACADEMIC CORNER
Featuring Principal Sue Rowe
Close Reading
Every year the academic staff at
Detroit Cristo Rey embarks upon a
school-wide academic improvement
plan guided by their strong commitment
to college readiness. This year the focus
is on increasing the rigor of the
Literacy Program.
Over the summer, Principal Sue Rowe
and the DCR teachers visited Chicago for
a professional development course on
Close Reading. Close Reading is a strategy
to engage with a complex text directly
and examine meaning thoroughly. The
goal of Close Reading is a deep and
meaningful comprehension of a text. In
addition to reading, teachers will also be
adding more writing to the curriculum.
This year, students will be doing a lot
more responding to reading through
writing to prepare them for college.
This initiative is not just for the English
Department but for ALL teachers. As Mrs.
Rowe says, “every teacher is a reading and
writing teacher.” It’s critical that students
practice writing across the curriculum to
be prepared for college and beyond.
In addition to the Close Reading program,
teachers will be increasingly focused
on exposure to informational texts in
both reading and writing this year. In
particular, teachers will focus on teaching
how to use informational text tools to
help students better understand what
they’re reading as well as building strong
academic vocabularies through nonfiction reading.
Mrs. Rowe is also looking forward to
allowing teachers more time to
improve their teaching skills through
observation. This year teachers will be
encouraged to visit their colleagues’
classrooms and participate in informal
peer to peer observations. “It’s amazing
how much a teacher can learn by
simply visiting someone’s classroom
and observing their teaching practice,
” says Mrs. Rowe. Teachers will also be
encouraged to conduct self observations
by recording themselves teach a lesson.
When asked about the benefits, Mrs.
Rowe replied, “You can really begin
to understand what you do well and
what you need to work on by watching
yourself teach.”
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