KERNERSVILLE — In just two years, Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School has been blessed with five endowments earmarked for tuition assistance for families who want to give their children a Catholic education.
Katie Williams, director of advancement at the high school, was instrumental in cultivating relationships that led to the establishment and growth of each of the five endowments. She said she’d like to be able to share the team’s recipe for success but admits they don’t have a “secret sauce.” It comes from the core elements of relationships, engagement and prayer, she said.
“The endowments are an important strategy in establishing sustainable financial stability that ensures that we can continue supporting the mission of Bishop McGuinness and Catholic schools in general in the Triad,” Williams added. “On a personal level, I feel so grateful to have had the time and the opportunity to work with people who are passionate about Catholic education in the way that I am.”
As the funds continue to grow in the endowments, 5% of the balance is available for distribution for tuition assistance each year. Because of the generosity of individuals and families, tens of thousands of dollars in assistance are available every academic year.
“Most of our families are sacrificing to send their children to our schools,” said Dr. Jared Rashford, head of school at Bishop McGuinness. “By supporting Catholic education both through annual giving and in particular through the establishment of endowments, our donors are ensuring the viability of that support for a longer period of time.”
Rashford noted that families, schools and the diocese experience increased costs every year.
“We definitely do not want to pass the entirety of that increased cost onto our families,” he said. “We want to assume as much of the increase ourselves, and endowments and annual giving are definitely the way to be able to do that.”
In 2024, Rashford will shift roles to become president of Bishop McGuinness, and a new principal will be hired. As president, Rashford will focus on the school’s long-range planning, community relationships, financial management and fundraising. The new position will fund itself from the resulting increase in donations and community partnerships.
Founded in 1959, Bishop McGuinness has a total of nine endowments, eight of which provide tuition assistance. The five established since 2021 are:
“Our office encourages our parishes, schools and other entities to establish multiple endowments that can honor or remember donors or others,” said Jim Kelley, the diocese’s development director. “We hope that more parishes and schools will follow Bishop’s example and set up more endowments that will change lives.”
— Annie Ferguson
CHARLOTTE — The North Carolina Knights of Columbus recognized the artistic talents of several students at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic School for their participation in the “Keep Christ in Christmas” poster contest.
Bill Sparger of Council 11102 of the Knights of Columbus presented certificates for first place to fourth grader Emanuel Calin and second grader Sherlyn Martinez, for second place to second grader Hope Tran, and honorable mention to second grader Noah Ong.
Pictured (L-R) Bill Sparger (Knights of Columbus), Emanuel Calin (4th grade), Sherlyn Martinez (2nd grade), Hope Tran (2nd grade), Noah Ong (2nd grade), and Our Lady of Assumption Principal Tyler Kulp.
— Troy Hull, Catholic News Herald