Your Impact

Why is this opportunity important to you?

“I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without the foundation of my Catholic education. At every stage of my journey, I was well-prepared for the next step: Saint Simon and Jude laid the groundwork, Brophy refined it, and Creighton University built upon it. Catholic education not only equipped me with the academic tools needed to succeed but also fostered a deep sense of community and support among my peers and educators.”

 “Today, at 22, I am honored to say that I’m beginning medical school directly after completing my undergraduate degree. I know this achievement is the result of hard work, countless prayers, and the unwavering support I’ve received throughout my educational journey. One memory that stands out is from my time in 8th grade at Saint Simon and Jude, when my mother had to undergo brain surgery. During that difficult time, the Sisters, teachers, and fellow parents at the school rallied around my family, offering support in ways I will never forget. The sense of community I experienced then continues to shape who I am today and is a testament to the power of a Catholic education.”

How has CEA helped make Catholic education attainable and affordable for your family?  

 “Catholic Education Arizona is an incredible organization that allows families to provide their children with a high-quality Catholic education, even when it might otherwise be out of reach. As a family, we are proud and grateful to donate regularly to CEA.”

 What does a Catholic education mean to you and your family? 

 “Catholic education has been a cherished tradition in our family, starting with my grandfather, who attended Saint Rita’s High School in Chicago. It has played a pivotal role in shaping the values and beliefs that guide us today. The strong moral foundation and academic excellence of Catholic education have not only instilled a deep sense of faith and community but have also set our family on a path to success. For generations, this education has empowered us to achieve our goals while staying grounded in the principles of integrity, service, and compassion. It’s a legacy we continue to honor and pass down.”

How would you thank those who have helped make your education possible through their state tax dollars and encourage them to continue to support Catholic Education Arizona?

“The ongoing support of Catholic Schools Arizona is essential to ensure that more families and future generations have access to the invaluable gift of a Catholic education. This support not only provides children with a strong academic foundation but also instills in them lifelong values of faith, compassion, and community. By investing in Catholic education, we empower future leaders to succeed both academically and morally, and we preserve the legacy of a faith-based education that has positively impacted countless lives. Your commitment to this cause makes a lasting difference, shaping a brighter future for all who benefit from it.”

Without this generous support, we would not have been able to afford a Catholic education for our daughter, Teena Escobedo. As retired parents living on a fixed income and with additional challenges due to health issues, our resources are limited. The CEA Scholarship has lifted this burden and opened the door for students to receive the faith-based education we deeply value. We are truly grateful for this opportunity and appreciate the support of our donors.  

What does a Catholic education mean to you and your family?  

Receiving a Catholic school education means growing in our faith and becoming a strong, compassionate Christian, guided by faith, love, and a commitment to service to others. Attending a Catholic school will prepare me for college, life, and spiritual growth.   

Why is this opportunity important to you?

This opportunity is important to me because it reflects my values and my Catholic faith, especially after my baptism. Attending a Catholic school is my goal; it will help me grow strong spiritually and academically. I plan to graduate and then continue to college. 

How would you thank those who have helped make your education possible through their state tax dollars and encourage them to continue to support Catholic Education Arizona?

I would express my gratitude to donors by sending heartfelt thank-you letters, sincerely acknowledging the impact their contributions have made on my education. I would also share with family, friends, and members of our community how important their support has been to us.  

How has Catholic Education Arizona helped make Catholic education attainable and affordable for your family?

“Catholic Education Arizona has significantly helped our family by making it possible for our son Dylan to receive a Catholic education. If it weren’t for the assistance, it would not have been possible for my husband and me to send our son to private school. I was placed on medical disability 4 years ago and have been unable to work since. (2021) So it has been a true blessing to us all. Thank you.” – Colleen

What does a Catholic education mean to you and your family?

“It means quite a bit to myself and my family. It has helped shape my character, teaching respect, discipline, and the value of community. Also provides me a closer relationship with Jesus.” – Dylan

Why is this opportunity important to you?

“This opportunity is important to me because it helps me with my Catholic faith, especially after receiving all my sacraments. It also helps me grow spiritually, emotionally, and academically.” – Dylan.

How would you thank those who have helped make your education possible through their state tax dollars and encourage them to continue to support Catholic Education Arizona?

“I would like to thank those from the bottom of my heart, thank you for making this a possibility for my family. I prayed every day for God to protect Dylan and our family and provide him with a Catholic education.”

“Dylan has always loved saying his prayers every night since he was a little boy and loves attending mass. He is getting ready to become an altar server for our parish as well. I’m extremely grateful and blessed that Dylan has been given the opportunity to receive a Catholic education for the last three years. Thank you, everyone, who has blessed our family.”

– Colleen, Sean, Dominic & Dylan Brennan