The Catholic Education Foundation (CEF) is thrilled to announce that St. Benedict Catholic School in Atchison, Kansas, has been named the 2024 Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann CEF School of Excellence.

"We are incredibly proud to recognize St. Benedict," said Vincent Anch, CEF Executive Director. "Their faculty and staff have shown extraordinary dedication to ensuring every student receives a well-rounded education that prepares them for future success. Their commitment to academic rigor, faith-based learning and community service embodies the mission and values of CEF."

Now in its 20th year, the prestigious 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 its traditional scholarship program. Each school is evaluated based on five main criteria:

• Joyfully Catholic
• Diligently Achieving
• Intentionally Self-Giving
• Prudently Managed
• Forwardly Thinking

"Receiving the School of Excellence award is a testament to our dedicated staff and collective efforts to nurture not just the minds, but the hearts and souls of our students," said Kevin Lunsford, St. Benedict's principal. "Together, we're guiding students to become compassionate leaders who embody the values of our Catholic faith in every aspect of their lives. Needless to say, we are deeply humbled to receive this award."

"Together, we're guiding students to become compassionate leaders who embody the values of our Catholic faith in every aspect of their lives."
- Kevin Lunsford, principal of St. Benedict Catholic School

Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic School in Topeka was selected as the first finalist, followed closely by the second finalist, Resurrection 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 2024-25 school year, CEF is providing $5 million in scholarships to support nearly 2,000 students at Catholic schools throughout northeast Kansas.

In addition to bragging rights and additional funding from CEF, St. Benedict will be recognized at Gaudeamus, CEF’s annual benefit gala, on Saturday, October 12, 2024, 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.