March 2022
Message From Our President
This month, I celebrated my first 100 days at Don Bosco! It has been an amazing experience! I've learned so much from the students and the staff, and I keep learning every day.

The students are attempting things never before done at Don Bosco, and they are doing it with passion. Earlier this week, I sat in on the Student Government Association meeting. I listened as the SGA discussed numerous topics ranging from expanding our recycling program, starting a school garden, creating a compost program and expanding elective courses. They were prepared with models of how the school could act and they were prepared with answers to all of the questions!

I've said it before, and I'll repeat it, you've got to meet them for yourself. Set up a time to visit our school and know that you will leave changed. 

Please reach out on my e-mail (MShriver@dbcr.org), cell phone (301-351-1992), or contact Grace Weisser (GWeisser@dbcr.org
Student Highlights
SOPHOMORE RETREAT
Don Bosco sophomores recently participated in an annual retreat designed to foster community amongst the class. This year's topic centered around God's place in moral decision-making. During the retreat, sophomores strengthened their relationship with God through various activities, including open discussion, adoration, and mass. The students were divided into small groups and acted out scenarios involving moral lessons, such as how to overcome peer pressure. 

"It gave us moments to bond with the rest of our class and gave me insight into how God is present in everything, even the dark moments," shared Angel Paz-Rios. 

Select members of the junior class served as group leaders, giving witness talks and sharing stories to inspire the sophomore class. 
Corporate Work Study Partner Highlight
Junior Benitez, a DBCR senior, has spent the past four years working at Gilbane, one of the largest privately held family-owned construction and real estate development firms in the industry. His time there has allowed him to meet incredible people, build his social network, and work on exciting projects. He has created budgets, presented bids to partners in the DC- Metro area, and so much more. This experience has positioned him to interact with the public while improving his speaking and presentation skills. 
 
Junior is not the first Benitez to work for Gilbane while at Don Bosco. His older brother Kevin (Don Bosco Class of 2018) was also a CWSP student at Gilbane. Kevin believes his time at Gilbane provided professional and interpersonal experiences that helped shape who he is today. 

The benefits of having our students on the Gilbane team go both ways, as Gilbane’s Senior Vice President, Paul Choquette shares in the video below. 
Alumni Highlight
Don Bosco is proud to announce our first alumni serving
on the Board of Directors, Karen Salmeron, Class of 2012
Karen first came to Don Bosco after receiving a referral from a friend. She was hoping to attend a Catholic school but could not get the financial packages she needed. Ultimately, she chose Don Bosco and said it left an impression on her when she entered the building.  

“I remember coming in with a lot of uncertainties about traveling, how shy I was, never having played sports, never being part of activities, but at Don Bosco, I was always encouraged to participate.”  

The teachers and college counselors continuously encouraged her. Her college counselor walked her through her grades, school preferences, college and scholarship applications, and potential majors. Karen was reminded to never limit herself.  

As a student, the Corporate Work Study Program matched Karen with the Georgetown University Office of Advancement, Washington Hospital Center, and Georgetown University Hospital in the Nursing Education Department. 

After graduating from Don Bosco in 2012, Karen attended Villanova University and graduated in 2016 with a BA in Sociology. 

Karen is now back at Georgetown, working as the Engagement Coordinator in the Office of Government Relations and Community Engagement.  In her work she promotes resources through the neighborhood newsletter, maintains the marketing database, and hosts events.

Karen is also pursuing a Master of Professional Studies in Project Management from Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies.  

When talking about her experience and what inspires her to get more involved with Don Bosco Cristo Rey, Karen shares: “Don Bosco prepared me to think on my toes and never to give up. I learned many life skills, I received help with my study habits, and gained the confidence to approach my teachers and other adults.” 

We are thrilled to welcome Karen to the board. 
Career Week
15th Anniversary Scholarship Celebration
Sign Up For a Tour of Don Bosco
Social Media Highlights
On Facebook we celebrated President Shriver's Birthday! 
On Instagram we highlighted a visit from Corporate Work Study partner Clark Construction!
On Twitter we shared a segment of Questions for the Cardinal recorded at Don Bosco!
On LinkedIn we featured Nicholas Black as our #workerwednesday with Iridium !