Annual ACUE donor luncheon thanks donors for their contribution to urban Catholic education

Bella Bailey

Multimedia Correspondent

The mission of the Alliance for Urban Catholic Education (ACUE) is to ensure that all children within the inner-city areas of the Diocese of Covington have access to a Catholic education. This mission is accomplished through administrative and financial means; and it would not be possible without the many donors who donate their time, talents and treasure to the ACUE mission.

It is for their generosity that they are thanked at the annual ACUE Donor Appreciation Luncheon, held this year at Holy Trinity School, Bellevue. The luncheon, sponsored by the ACUE Advisory Board, rotates locations between the five ACUE schools in the Diocese of Covington: Prince of Peace School, Covington; St. Anthony School, Taylor Mill; St. Augustine School, Covington; Holy Cross Elementary School, Covington; and Holy Trinity School. Among these five schools, nearly 500 students are receiving a high quality, Catholic education.

“For decades, Catholic schools have stood out as leaders in education,” said Kendra McGuire, superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Covington. “In addition to our record of academic excellence, we provide an education in the faith, teaching the next generation how to follow Christ and care for their neighbors. Time and time again Catholic schools have seen their graduates succeed in their chosen careers but also become leaders at giving back to their communities.”

Upon arrival to Holy Trinity School donors were met with the smiling faces of students, waiting to meet the people that help make their education possible.

“What it means to be a Holy Trinity student is that we get to get a good education, and not only that, but also a very good Catholic education. We get to learn in a positive and fun environment, and luckily for us, we have great academics and staff,” said one Holy Trinity student.

Mrs. McGuire said to the donors, “For our families, the support that you give eases the fears and worries that parents have when raising children. Education is a necessity, the path to a bright future that every parent wants for their child. In the urban areas, finances often limit their educational options, but your support gives them an opportunity to choose a school where their child is provided an outstanding education, a place where their child is welcome, a place where their child feels safe, and a place where their child is loved.”

As a thank you for their generosity, students from Holy Trinity School performed a medley of songs, accompanied with a chorus line, for the donors. The songs included “There’s No Business Like Show Business,” by Irving Berlin; “Swinging on a Star,” by Bing Crosby; and popular folk song, “Oh Shenandoah.”

“You’re not only transforming the lives of the children today, you’re transforming the community and the future of Northern Kentucky and the Diocese of Covington. So, I hope and pray that God continues to bless you for your kindness and your generosity, and we appreciation your ongoing support for our ACUE schools and their students,” said Mrs. McGuire.

The true testimony for the gratitude felt by ACUE students came on behalf of one Holy Trinity student when she said, “We are extremely glad to have ACUE for several reasons. Without you guys, we wouldn’t have some of the learning resources we have, we wouldn’t have our new playground equipment because we wouldn’t be able to afford it. We wouldn’t even really have enough money to pay bills like heat, electricity, plumbing, so on and so forth, because we just don’t make enough money. And so, that is why we’re glad to have ACUE, because you guys are just so nice to donate to us. We can afford all this stuff. We really appreciate it, so, thank you ACUE donors.”