Adjusting to a New Normal

Dec 2, 2020 | Cougar Chronicles

Some Good News From My Office 

Dear Friends of Cristo Rey Columbus,

You’ve read a lot about the pandemic which has complicated our lives in so many ways. It can be disheartening to see all of the negative news. However, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, it’s important for us to be grateful for what we do have in these trying times. And it’s equally important to know that good things are happening – and good people are making a positive difference – here at Cristo Rey Columbus High School.

On September 21st, after two weeks of remote learning, we welcomed students back to our building for the 2020-2021 school year. Led by our determined staff and faculty, we took the necessary steps to ensure a safe learning environment for our students as well as employees in our building. We have remained in Hybrid Mode while providing an excellent educational experience, a testament to our faculty. It’s inspiring to see them work so hard every day to make the impossible possible.

This past September, our first-ever virtual Garden Party was an outstanding success. While we wish we could have mingled with our guests as in years past, our Garden Party team produced the best screen time of the year via Zoom. On a fun and memorable Saturday evening, our donors generously helped us achieve our fundraising goals.

Our signature Professional Work-Study Program team has done a tremendous job adapting to difficult circumstances. Collaborating with business partners, students are working both in-person and remotely. In each arrangement, our students are gaining invaluable experiences and overcoming challenges that are preparing them today and will pay dividends in the future. 

Finally, I would like to introduce the newest additions to our team: 

  • Ms. Carly Miller was promoted as our school’s first Chief Operating Officer
  • Ms. Lynn Truitt was hired as Operations Director

Thus far, they have exhibited true leadership and dedication to the mission of our school.

Despite the challenges of this year, 2020 has reaffirmed the resolute character of our school and the people who define its excellence.

The future is bright at Cristo Rey Columbus High School!

Take Care and God Bless,

Joe Patrick, President

Carly Miller – Chief Operating Officer

Ms. Carly Miller, J.D. is the first Chief Operating Officer (COO) in Cristo Rey Columbus’ history! This new position will streamline the school’s organizational structure and advance the impact of its current resources. Up until her promotion, Carly had been serving a dual role in the Advancement Office and as the lead in the strategic planning for the organization. She has been an employee at Cristo Rey Columbus High School for the past five years.

Click here to read a Catholic Times digital edition featuring an article about Carly Miller.

Lynn Truitt – Operations Director

Ms. Lynn Truitt has been a friend and supporter of Cristo Rey Columbus High School since its inception, having attended every single Garden Party since 2013. Lynn has been part of the consulting team tasked with support of the Garden Party and graduations for the last three years and was key in creating the virtual iterations of those events this year. She has over 14 years of experience in event planning, project planning, and business development including an 11-year stint with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

We Bookmarked Giving Tuesday

By donating, you are showing faith in our students by supporting their many paths to success while here at Cristo Rey Columbus High School and beyond. There is a connection between your generous support and the incredible achievements of our students.

Your support allows them to dream big!

Your donation today will help our students reach their dreams tomorrow.

Please click here to donate to Cristo Rey Columbus High School.

National Philanthropy Day

Congratulations to our long-time partners The Catholic Foundation and The Champion Companies! They are the winners of “Outstanding Foundation” and “Outstanding Small Business,” respectively, for the 2020 Central Ohio Association of Fundraising Professionals National Philanthropy Day Awards! Learn more here.

2020 National Honor Society Inductees

These young men and women met a high national academic standard while demonstrating exceptional scholarship, service, leadership and character. As members of our school’s sixth NHS class, they exemplify the promise of academic opportunity at Cristo Rey Columbus High School. 

Please visit our Facebook page to see our 26 newest inductees.

CARES Act Highlight

Did you know? The CARES Act passed by Congress created a universal, above-the-line, charitable deduction of up to $300 cash made by anyone who takes the standard deduction, meaning you don’t need to itemize in order to benefit. Ask your tax professional about the criteria!

Shopping Rewards

One of the easiest ways to support our hard-working, deserving Cristo Rey Columbus students is to use your shopping rewards! Since you are already ordering from Amazon and grocery shopping, make Cristo Rey Columbus your charity of choice and arrange to have passive income supporting our students. 

And it only takes a couple of clicks!

Shopping at Smile.Amazon.com allows you to choose Cristo Rey Columbus as your supported charity. 

If you shop at Kroger, follow these easy instructions – 

  1. Go to www.kroger.com/communityrewards
  2. If you already have an account, sign in. If you don’t, create an account.
  3. Scroll down and click on Community Rewards.
  4. Click on Enroll.
  5. Type “Cristo Rey Columbus High School” in the search bar.
  6. Select “Cristo Rey Cols. High School” from the list. Organization Number: FY473
  7. You’re done! Now, every purchase will generate funds for our school.

Finally, check in with your employer. Do they have a matching program for the dollars donated or volunteer time shared? Sign up and watch those gifts grow!