Since mid-August, the 30 members of the Cristo Rey cross-country team have been meeting in our school plaza daily. After temperature checks, masks go on and off they go for their daily run around Harrison Park, and beyond.  As the only sport currently offered, due to social distancing guidelines, Cristo Rey has a record number of participants - a mix of returning runners, who are excited to continue the sport, and new runners, some of whom had their fall sports canceled. For coach and chemistry teacher, Molly Boyle, it has been “a pleasure to watch our runners work hard every day. The team has grown into a family.” 

This past Sunday, Cristo Rey participated in the first of three safe, socially-distanced cross-country meets. Spectators were allowed to watch from designated areas with plenty of space to spread out and safely cheer on the Cristeros, who ran alongside athletes from three other schools in our conference.  Of the 30 Cristo Rey runners, almost half were running in their first cross-country race! Other highlights from the meet include a first-place finish, a senior runner beating her personal best, and the CR fans who came out to cheer on the team. 

Coach Boyle and runners share that the cross-country team has been a successful way for our students to visit with classmates, get some time off the computer screen, and exercise in the great outdoors. Boyle said of the experience, “If you have never attended a cross-country meet on a fall day, you are missing out on a beautiful experience.  Our students run with joy, heart, and determination.  I have cried at most cross-country meets I have attended!”

On July 25, the Class of 2020 finally celebrated graduation! At staggered times, faculty and staff welcomed graduates to campus, each with up to two members of their family who watched their graduate walk across the stage to collect their diploma – a powerful symbol of their hard work and dedication over the last four years. This year, 125 graduates gained acceptance to 111 different post-secondary institutions – a 100% acceptance rate. Not including work-study compensation or loans, these graduates will receive financial awards covering an average 74% of tuition and fees at the schools they will attend this fall – 84% to four-year institutions – ranging from Columbia University in New York to Seattle University in Washington and The University of Chicago in between. Amid uncertain times, one thing is for certain: these hard-working young Men and Women for Others are ready to set the world on fire! 

Reinvest in the Class of 2024

While the Corporate Work Study Program enables our students to proudly pay for most of their own education, the opportunity to attend Cristo Rey would not be possible without individual supporters. Your giving extends our tradition: opening opportunities for young men and women in college, professional work, and beyond. In honor of our college-bound graduates, please consider making a donation today and sustain the promise of our mission. For other ways to support Cristo Rey, click here.