June 2021
As the school year ends, we want to thank our scholars and their families for the dedication and flexibility they showed this year. Credit also goes to our teachers and staff for their hard work despite the challenges and frustration. A big thanks to our school leaders for their guidance and direction this year.
We would like to give a special thank you to Kari Bunchinger, Principal at St. Philip Neri, for all that she has done for the school. Kari is leaving us to be the Assistant Superintendent in the Diocese of Buffalo, NY. Kelly England has accepted the position of new principal of St. Philip Neri and will begin on July 1, 2021. Kelly has served in many roles for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, most recently as the Assistant Principal at St. Philip Neri for the past four years.
We hope that everyone has a great summer and we look forward to seeing our scholars back at school in the fall.
Central Catholic Scholar Receives
Shockley Scholarship
From left to right, Grace Liegibel (Jack's sister) and Steve and Cheryl Shockley (Jack's parents) present Xochitl Murillo with the first ever Jack Shockley Peacemaker Scholarship.
We would like to congratulate Xochitl Murillo who is the first recipient of the Jack Shockley Peacemaker Scholarship! This scholarship will allow Xochitl (pronounced So-Chee) to attend four years of high school at an archdiocesan high school.
After the death of their son Jack, the Shockley family lovingly created a scholarship to exemplify Jack’s qualities which lead people to peace, generosity, friendship and kindness. Eighth grade students from the NDAA schools were invited to apply for the scholarship by submitting a 200-word essay or a two-minute video along with a letter of recommendation from a teacher.
Ruth Hurrle, the principal at Central Catholic, wrote this about Xochitl. “I first met Xochitl about a week into my role as principal more than four years ago. As I sat with Xochitl and her father, I learned that Xochitl’s mother had just died after a long battle with cancer. Her father had promised Mom that he would raise Xochitl as a Catholic and enroll her in Catholic school. When I looked at her academic records, I noticed Xochitl was on the autism spectrum. She asked if we pray the rosary and went to Mass at Central Catholic. I told her, of course we do! She smiled and said, ‘Well, I think I’ll like this school then.’ Because of Indiana’s School Choice and Archdiocesan aid, we were able to make arrangements the Murillo family could afford. Xochitl has thrived ever since that day.”
You can hear Xochitl’s story in her own words by clicking here to view the very personal video she created for her application. Although each of the applicants demonstrated the impact of a Catholic education on their lives, Xochitl stood out and we are excited she can continue her education at Roncalli High School.
Thanks to the Shockley Family for turning a tragedy into this beautiful gift of peace.
Thanks to Xochitl’s family for permission to share this story.
Thanks to each one of you who make Catholic Education possible for scholars like Xochitl with your financial support of the NDAA schools via donations through the Institute for Quality Education.
To view a video of the scholarship presentation click here
There are currently over $5 million in tax credits remaining for the fiscal year. Tax credits will reset on July 1, 2021. Be sure to take advantage of the remaining tax credits while they are available.
Choice Scholarship Program Expanded
Big News! Starting in the 2021-22 school year, students of Hoosier families whose household income is 300% of Federal Free or Reduced-Price Meals guidelines or less now qualify for financial aid to help cover the cost of private school tuition. To learn more about the expansion of educational options for Hoosier families, contact Ellen Sanders at (317) 236-1501 or esanders@archindy.org.
School Updates
Central Catholic
Central Catholic sixth grade scholars recently presented their biomes projects which they have been working on in science class.
Holy Angels
The Holy Angels sixth grade scholars continued to show leadership by training the fifth graders on the African drums for next school year.
Holy Cross
Holy Cross second graders recently celebrated their First Communion. We are excited to have them join us in the sacrament of the Eucharist.
St. Philip Neri
During the last week of school, St. Philip Neri third graders went on a field trip to the Indiana State House and partnered with IQE to honor Speaker Todd Huston with an award for his support of School Choice expansion
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For more information
- To inquire about admissions or to arrange a tour of one of our schools, contact Rose Springman, at rspringman@archindy.org or call (317) 236-7324.
- To inquire about donating to Notre Dame Ace Academies, please contact Ellen Sanders at esanders@archindy.org or call 317-236-1501.
