by Jill Ragar Esfeld
jill.esfeld@theleaven.org
ATCHISON — “It’s our mission to help kids to grow in their faith,” said Kevin Lunsford, principal of St. Benedict School here. “That’s first and foremost, every day.
“We want to shape those minds and hearts to be better Christians out there in the world.”
This daily commitment is one of the many reasons St. Benedict has been named this year’s Catholic Education Foundation (CEF) Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann School of Excellence.
“We are incredibly proud to recognize St. Benedict,” said CEF executive director Vincent Anch. “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.”
The school’s reaction to the announcement was one of excitement — and humility.
“Humble, actually, just because we know how many great schools are out there,” said Lunsford.
On Sept. 11, the school welcomed the archbishop and representatives from the CEF for a visit.
Students greeted the guests with heartfelt enthusiasm, proudly holding up welcome and thank-you signs.
“It was one of the more moving things I’ve seen as part of CEF over the last year,” said CEF board chair RJ Gildea.
The school band added to the festivities with performances of “When the Saints Go Marching In” and the Benedictine College fight song, as students sang along.
“To be able to witness that,” Gildea said, “really brings home the impact that our donors and our donations have on these communities.”
Archbishop Naumann visited several classrooms and took time with students to play what he calls “Stump the Archbishop.”
Students asked a variety of thoughtful questions prompting the archbishop to tell his vocation story, talk about some of his favorite saints and even diplomatically reveal his favorite sports teams.
The following weekend, the grade school was recognized during the halftime of the Benedictine College football game as a part of its Community and Founders Day celebration.
“It was really special,” said Lunsford. “The monks and the Sisters founded both of their orders here so they were honored along with St. Benedict Catholic School, which the Sisters founded many years ago.
“We had our [School of Excellence] banner and Amy Meara was there to represent CEF. It was really a special day for the community to be able to recognize us, as well as CEF.”
In addition to a strong curriculum based in the Catholic faith and a commitment to community service, St. Benedict has students thriving academically.
“If you would picture a bell curve, you would expect as many kids on the right as the left,” explained Lunsford. “But you’ll see a huge amount of our kids in that upper 81 percent and above.
“So, compared to the national standard, our students are going above and beyond.”
Lunsford attributes that success to his school community.
“I’m proud of how hard the teachers work,” he said. “And let me be honest, I truly believe our parents are our students’ first teachers.
“We wouldn’t have the academic success we have without that partnership.”
Gildea agreed.
“St. Benedict has been a CEF school for a number of years,” he said. “And it’s very moving to see the commitment from the families and the kids and the community — and to see that school is truly the heartbeat of that town.”
Lunsford expressed his gratitude for the support of CEF and its donors who provide scholarships that are critical for so many St. Benedict families.
“With CEF support we open our doors to a wider community,” he said. “We’re able to welcome families that otherwise might not be able to have their children in Catholic education.”
Most Pure Heart of Mary School in Topeka was selected as the first finalist for the School of Excellence, followed closely by the second finalist, Resurrection School in Kansas City, Kansas.
