Sister Clare Fitzgerald, SSND was the keynote speaker at Immaculate High School’s first Annual Scholarship Breakfast. She shared her experiences of visiting and working with Catholic school students of all ages and locations, the need for kindness and justice more than ever in today’s world.
She explained that a Catholic school education positively instills perseverance, humility, community service and strong faith; a mission that has a tremendous impact on today’s youth and our future. “Catholic school students will change the world with their diplomas in their hands; by helping fund Catholic school education, you are helping students on their journey to God,” she said.
Sister Clare, a prominent motivational speaker and educator, received the National Catholic Educational Association’s highest commendation for distinguished service to Catholic Education and the Church three times, and in 1994 she received the prestigious William H. Sadlier Dinger Award for Distinguished Contributions to Catholic Education and Leadership, among other honors. She has taught all levels of education and is an international lecturer on Catholic Education. Sister Clare was Chair of the American Studies Department at Fairfield University and a founding Director of the Catholic Leadership Program, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, at Boston College. She has earned four PhDs and travels the world extensively.
Also addressing the attendees was Immaculate High School graduate Isaiah McCorkle ’12, who spoke from the heart about how his scholarship allowed him to attend IHS and live up to his full potential, securing the path to his future goals of earning advanced degrees in social work and ministry. During his speech, he said that his mother wanted a better life for him and his brother, so without a plan or resources they came to Immaculate High School with high hopes; thanks to a similar fund, the brothers were able to attend, succeed and achieve their dreams to make a difference in our world.
“The purpose of our first Annual Scholarship Breakfast is to assist the growing number of deserving students who benefit for our Catholic education environment but whose parents struggle to meet their tuition obligations due to a hardship or low-income,” said Debbie Basile, IHS Director of Advancement. “Many of our students have been able to attend Immaculate High School thanks to the Adopt-A-Mustang Program. Each and every recipient is truly appreciative of the support and make the donor’s investment worthwhile,” she added. President Mary Maloney shared that “Maintaining a school community that is essential for good friendships, for reinforcing faith and morals, and strengthening opportunities for students to know, love, and serve God is what Immaculate is all about. By supporting the Adopt-A-Mustang program, you are giving students of families who may not otherwise consider Immaculate, a choice.”
Immaculate High School’s first ever Annual Scholarship Breakfast raised $15,000 for its Adopt-A-Mustang Fund on Friday. The Fund provides assistance to a growing number of deserving students whose families are in financial need as a result of authentic hardship. Over 150 supporters came bright and early to the Amber Room Colonnade in Danbury on Friday, October 14 to support the Adopt-A-Mustang cause. Specialty sponsors included the Law Offices of Lawrence M. Riefberg, LLC (Orange Juice Sponsor); Wilshire Real Estate Advisors, LLC (Coffee/Tea Sponsor) and Westchester Modular Homes (Scramble Egg Sponsor). Table Sponsors included Immaculate High School, Maura Melody, Mustang All Sports Club, Bob and Sue Nolan ’71, JoAnne Price ’66, Rose and Kiernan Insurance, Inc., Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Saint Rose of Lima Church, Union Savings Bank, and Western Connecticut State University.
To donate to Immaculate High School’s Adopt-A-Mustang Program, or for more information, visit the website.
Immaculate High School is a private Catholic college-preparatory institution serving students from 28 communities in Connecticut and New York. Founded in 1962, Immaculate High School also allows students to focus on their spiritual development, personal moral commitments and service to others. Located in Danbury, CT, Immaculate High School is part of the Diocese of Bridgeport’s parochial school system.
