Catholic Education Foundation (CEF) is thrilled to announce the winner of the 2023 Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann CEF School of Excellence Award is Holy Cross Catholic School in Overland Park, Kansas.

"Holy Cross has worked exceptionally hard to be one of the best elementary schools in our community,” said Vincent Anch, CEF Executive Director. “It shows in their academic achievement, the faith-formation of their students and how they operate so efficiently. They are a great example of why Catholic schools across the country are so successful right now."

Now in its 19th year, the Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann School of Excellence award is awarded annually by CEF to a K-8 Catholic school in northeast Kansas receiving support from the Foundation’s traditional scholarship program. Each school is evaluated based on five main criteria: Joyfully Catholic, Diligently Achieving, Intentionally Self-Giving, Prudently Managed, and Forwardly Thinking.

“This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication everyone here puts into providing an exceptional Catholic education for all of our students,” said Melissa Wagner, Holy Cross Catholic School’s principal.

Saint Benedict Catholic School in Atchison, KS was selected as the first finalist, followed closely by the second finalist, Our Lady of Unity Catholic School in Kansas City, KS.

Established in 1997, the Catholic Education Foundation has transformed the lives of children and families by providing access to an exceptional K-12 Catholic education at schools in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. For the 2023-24 school year, CEF is providing more than $4 million in scholarships to support nearly 1,800 students at Catholic schools throughout northeast Kansas, with the highest percentage of students living at or below the poverty level.

“CEF's School of Excellence Award is a great honor that is well-deserved by the school community of Holy Cross,” said Vince Cascone, Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. “Under the leadership of principal Melissa Wagner, Holy Cross Catholic School has thrived and has been moving in a very positive direction.”

In addition to bragging rights and additional funding from CEF, Holy Cross will be recognized at Gaudeamus, CEF’s annual benefit gala, on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at the Overland Park Convention Center. Gaudeamus, which is Latin for “let us rejoice”, is CEF’s annual fundraiser, and proceeds from the celebration support scholarships for students in need.

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