Persist. The past year has had all of us persisting through many challenges. Not being able to attend mass, volunteer at NDAA schools, or see our dear ones in person seem minor compared to the challenges met by the persistence of ACE Fellows in educating the most under-resourced students in Indianapolis.

Prior to the pandemic, I volunteered weekly in Ms. Caroline Rooney’s 5th grade classroom at Holy Cross Central Elementary School. Through Caroline, I had the opportunity to meet her fellow ACE teachers. All six ACE Fellows lived together in a home near the Butler campus while serving for two years in our NDAA schools. They seemed wise beyond their years while bringing youthful enthusiasm, faith and compassion to the ACE Academy students, families, and schools. I was amazed at the resourcefulness and tenacity they brought to provide educational excellence.

Each teacher’s daily schedule began before dawn and ended late in the evening. All coached sports, led clubs, and volunteered in other supportive roles at school. The involvement went beyond school. Caroline could be found on autumn Saturday mornings cheering on three of her students who played on a football team. She attended first Communion masses and even went to a first Communion mass for a student’s sibling because it was important to her that Ms. Rooney be there. 

I am grateful to Caroline and all the ACE teachers who serve children in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. I have no doubt that their persistence is the catalyst that, in addition to faith, talent and vocation, will result in each of their students reaching the goals of college and Heaven. We are very blessed for their investment in our Indianapolis community.