The Catholic Education Foundation is thrilled to announce the winners of the 2021 Joseph F. Naumann School of Excellence Award, St. Patrick Catholic School in Kansas City, KS!

Each summer, CEF-supported schools throughout Northeast Kansas apply for the award, submitting stories of faith, community, and academic growth. The comprehensive applications are evaluated by leadership from CEF and the Catholic Schools Office of the Archdiocese based on five main criteria: Joyfully Catholic, Diligently Achieving, Intentionally Self-Giving, Prudently Managed, and Forwardly Thinking.

The announcement of this award, according to St. Patrick principal Tim Conrad, is a testament to the whole school community.

"During the COVID pandemic we have managed to excel, maintain high expectations, show remarkable student performance growth, improve instruction, grow enrollment, manuever and pivot, and most importantly, make a HUGE difference in the faith life of each student," he said in a recent social media announcement.

"With all of the different demands, this recognition speaks volumes about the dedication, loyalty, and teamwork of our school!"

Our Lady of Unity Catholic School in Kansas City, KS was selected as first finalist, followed closely by the second finalist, St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Catholic School in Garnett, KS.

St. Patrick will be officially recognized with this year’s award at Gaudeamus, CEF’s annual benefit gala, on Saturday, October 23rd. Gaudeamus, which is Latin for “let us rejoice”, is CEF’s biggest fundraiser of the year. Proceeds from the annual celebration support need-based scholarships for students in poverty throughout the Archdiocese.

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