Spring 2019 Newsletter
83% OF THE CLASS OF 2019 IS ACCEPTED TO COLLEGE!
As of February 22, 2019, 83% of Cristo Rey Jesuit High School seniors have been accepted to college!

Senior Ubah A. was overwhelmed with joy when she learned of her first college acceptance. " I got accepted to Marquette University first, and I wasn't really expecting that because it's pretty hard to get into! I'm so grateful for the support from the college counseling department. I really wanted to make my parents proud."

Other schools that have accepted our seniors include Arizona State University, Creighton University, Fairfield University, Gonzaga University, Howard University, Loyola University New Orleans, Morehouse College, North Dakota State University, Robert Morris University, Seattle University, St. Olaf College, Suffolk University and the University of Minnesota.
STUDENTS COMPETE AT 'POETRY OUT LOUD' NATIONAL RECITATION CONTEST
Junior Isis K. and senior Genesis S. recently competed in Minnesota’s 2018-19 Poetry Out Loud Semi-finals at the Loft Literary Center.

Poetry Out Loud is a national poetry recitation competition in which high school students build self-confidence and master public speaking skills while learning about art and literature through memorization and performance of classical and contemporary poetry. Inspired by spoken word poetry, students recite poems in front of their peers, teachers, and judges at a series of competitions.

"Participating in this competition taught me how to present myself more confidently in public. Although I didn't make it to the finals, it allowed me to reflect on my talent, as well as others,' and grow in encouraging myself to be ready and open to new ideas," said Isis.

The competition starts with classroom and school competitions, then advances to the Minnesota State Semi-finals and Finals. Isis and Genesis were the winners of our school-wide tournament. We had 12 students compete in the school tournament, the first we've ever held before.
BLACK STUDENT UNION ESTABLISHED 
This fall, a group of students and staff took the initiative to establish a new group on campus: the Black Student Union (BSU). The mission of the group is to build positive self-esteem, encourage one another and establish friendships, as well as create leaders, achievers and believers.

The group is very active and has hosted a series of events this year, including a book club, guest lecturers, discussions, movie nights and an after school step class.

According to BSU President and founding member, Sabrina M., “establishing a Black Student Union is significant because even though we are a very diverse community, we wanted to create a way to have stronger connections amongst students, as well as create a space to learn about and discuss opportunities, issues and events that are relevant to our communities.”
MS. BYRNE TO RECEIVE MISF'S 2019 HONOR TEACHER AWARD
Ms. Emily Byrne will be recognized as Honor Teacher of Grades 9-12 at the Minnesota Independent School Forum's 11th Annual Private and Independent Education Awards.

Emily is a founding faculty member and is consistently identified as a top teacher and top contributor to our overall mission by students, faculty and staff, families, and graduates, both at our school and across the Cristo Rey Network.

MISF Honor Teachers display a passion for students and education, model integrity, fairness, compassion, and excellence, drive creativity and innovation in their students, achieve exceptional and measurable outcomes, and demonstrate personal and professional growth through community involvement.

The awards will be held April 28, 2019 at the University of St. Thomas. Click here to learn more about the event, or to register.
BOSTON SCIENTIFIC HOSTS 'LUNCH WITH AN ENGINEER'
In February, we welcomed 14 engineers from Boston Scientific to Cristo Rey Jesuit High School. They were each paired with small groups of students during each lunch period to chat about engineering careers.

Students learned what it’s like to work in the field and what it takes to become an engineer.
 
Boston Scientific employee, Inaki Martin Cossio, found the experience to be very meaningful. "It was was an honor to share my story and let the students know that it is possible to go out and work at a big company like Boston Scientific and be as successful, if not more successful, than myself."

We are grateful for our partnership with Boston Scientific and opportunities they provide to our students! 
FEATURED PARTNER: PIPER JAFFRAY
Piper Jaffray, a Minneapolis-based investment bank, has been a Corporate Work Study Program Partner since 2017. With four great students, Alex, Abril, TJ and Angelica, they've noticed there are more smiles around the office. From interacting with clients to shaking hands with the CEO, students feel like part of the Piper Jaffray community. Piper Jaffray's team of students are exposed to a variety of tasks in account services, compliance, conference services, financial risk management and human capital. They also support the reception desk and customer needs over the phone and in-person, deliver and track mail, and stock break rooms. 

While they all have important roles in helping the firm function on a day-to-day basis, freshman TJ, who isn't shy, quickly established a relationship with CEO, Chad Abraham. It did not take before long they chatted weekly about his basketball scores from the night before and which school teams TJ played. “I never thought I would have the opportunity to have lunch with the CEO of Piper Jaffray. It was an exciting experience!” said TJ. After their initial conversation, Abraham made it a point to connect with all the student workers over lunch. He recognizes the drive and professionalism of Cristo Rey students and is excited to partner in their continued growth as young professionals. 
PARTNER WITH US!
We are always looking for new Corporate Work Study Program partners!

It’s easy for companies to participate—companies pay Cristo Rey directly for the students’ time, and the school handles all administrative details such as payroll, FICA, FUTA, W-4, I-9, etc. Participating companies get diverse, reliable and motivated talent for high-turnover positions, without the cost of additional benefits. 

For more information on the Corporate Work Study Program, click here or contact Kate Emmel.
UPCOMING EVENTS

FIRST Robotics Competition
March 27 - 30
3M Arena at Mariucci 
1901 4th St SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455

College Acceptance Ceremony
Friday, March 29, 8:00 - 8:20 AM
Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, Auditorium

College Acceptance Ceremony
Friday, April 26, 8:00 - 8:20 AM
Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, Auditorium

Lunch & Learn
Friday, May 3, 12:00 - 1:00 PM
Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, Multipurpose Room

Pathway to Success Graduate Celebration
Wednesday, May 22, 6:00 PM
Interlachen Country Club
6200 Interlachen Blvd
Edina, MN, 55436
Limited seats available.

Baccalaureate Mass
Friday, June 7, 6:30 PM
Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, Gymnasium

Graduation
Saturday, June 8, 2:00 PM
Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, Gymnasium


Questions? Contact Hannah Jones at 612-545-9749 or HannahJones@cristoreytc.org.
YOUR SUPPORT CHANGES LIVES
"During my time at Cristo Rey, I really learned that what you put in is what you’ll get out. This school was difficult and challenging—but for a reason. It supported me academically, spiritually, emotionally, and professionally.

One of my proudest moments at Cristo Rey was when my parents attended my college acceptance ceremony. Now I'm studying at the College of St. Scholastica and I feel like all the hard work I put in has been worth it. 

I’m really grateful for the great learning experiences and opportunities I had during my 4 years at Cristo Rey and I’m excited to use the skills I’ve learned in the future.

You’re never too young to learn something—and Cristo Rey students and graduates are the proof!"

Jose Macario-Alatoma '18
Make your gift by June 30 and it will be matched dollar-for-dollar, thanks to a generous $50,000 matching gift.