by Moira Cullings
moira.cullings@theleaven.org
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Resurrection Catholic School at the Cathedral here was honored with the 2026 Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann School of Excellence award by the Catholic Education Foundation (CEF) on Sept. 18.
The morning kicked off with Mass celebrated by Archbishop Emeritus Naumann at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle next door. He was assisted by Deacon Michael Wilson, and Father Anthony Saiki, rector of the cathedral, was the master of ceremonies.
“The Catholic Education Foundation and its board encourages Catholics throughout the archdiocese to make sacrificial gifts because they believe in you,” Archbishop Naumann told the students during his homily, “and they want you to come to develop all of your gifts and talents.
“But even more than that, they want you to come to know Jesus Christ and develop a friendship with him.”
After Mass, Resurrection held a flag presentation in the school gym.
“We know what a great honor this is, and I’m very proud of all the hard work of our teachers, staff and students,” said Resurrection principal Garold Baker.
Vince Anch, executive director of CEF, shared with the community why the foundation exists.
“We believe that every child deserves a faith-filled, quality education that only Catholic schools can give,” he said.
Following the presentation, Archbishop Naumann, superintendent of archdiocesan schools Dr. Erin Vader and representatives from CEF visited Resurrection classrooms.
For more than 29 years, CEF has provided scholarships to K-12 students so they can attend Catholic schools in the archdiocese.
In addition to receiving extra funding from CEF, Resurrection will be recognized at the annual Gaudeamus gala on Oct. 10 at the Overland Park Convention Center.
To learn more and register for Gaudeamus, visit: cefks.org/gaudeamus. To view more photos from the Sept. 18 visit, click here.
