Cristo Rey Dallas College Preparatory School students may not be known for their football team. That’s because they don’t have one. But they’re definitely making an impact on the Dallas business community. As part of their curriculum, they have the Corporate Work Study Program in which they “work in professional settings five days per month.” Not only are they exposed to a business environment, they also earn the majority of their tuition.
To celebrate and fundraise for the Pleasant Grove school, Grove to Grove at Trinity Grove was kicked off on Wednesday, September 14, before the rains starting falling. Here’s a report from the field:
On Wednesday, September 14, Cristo Rey Dallas College Prep donors and friends gathered at The Marquee for a cocktail party hosted by Robbie Briggs and Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty. The school’s supporters came together to kick off the upcoming Grove to Grove event on Friday, September 23, at 3015 at Trinity Grove and to view colorful Cristo Rey Dallas flags, which were on display throughout the shopping center.
Guests had the opportunity to meet current students who shared their experience attending a college prep high school where students work one day a week at businesses such as Hunt Oil, The Dallas Morning News and CBRE, earning tuition and valuable work experience.
Attendees included Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings, Grove to Grove Co-Chairs Karen and Mark Carney and Patty and Mark Langdale, Honorary Co-Chairs Carolyn and Jere Thompson, Cheryl Joyner, Board Member Bill Miller, Amy and Pat Thompson, Mary Blake and Chuck Meadows,
Cristo Rey Dallas Corporate Work Study Executive Director Gunnar Rawlings and Cristo Rey Dallas Director of Development Susan Jenevein.
Cristo Rey Dallas President Kelby Woodard addressed the crowd of roughly 50 guests and thanked them for their support, which has greatly benefited the school’s 246 freshman and sophomore students. Woodard also provided a heartfelt message of thanks to Sister Dawn Achs of the School Sisters of Notre Dame, who was in the audience, and shared details on the school’s anticipated Grove to Grove event.
“Grove to Grove is about celebrating Cristo Rey Dallas and our incredible students,” Woodard said. “But it’s also about sharing our school’s work with the rest of Dallas. Our mission is to provide economically challenged students the best possible education and prepare them to be successful in college and equip them for a lifetime of leadership. Through the funds raised at Grove to Grove, we can continue to provide our students with an excellent college preparatory education for years to come.”
* Photo provided by Cristo Rey Dallas College Preparatory School