by Jill Ragar Esfeld
jill.esfeld@theleaven.org
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Holy Name of Jesus School here is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year.
In honor of the occasion, the school set an impressive goal for the Suds & Scholarships fundraiser held at Boulevard Brewery in Kansas City, Missouri, on April 27: It hoped to raise $125,000.
“It’s still a little early,” said business team member Kristi Ernsting. “But it looks like we have exceeded that goal.
“So, we’re very excited about that.”
Guests were invited to begin their evening with a visit to the school.
“We wanted to give our supporters a chance to see inside our school,” said Ernsting. “Even though it’s a great place, you can see that there is a need there.”
Principal Nathan Girard and several teachers were on hand to greet visitors while students gave tours.
Eighth graders Camila Hernandez-Rios and Natalia Leal-Herrera volunteered as guides because it sounded like a fun way to spend time together, but they both also love to show off their school.
“I like my friends and our teachers, they’re good,” said Natalia. “I think a big part of it is my faith — I think being here has really improved it.”
Camila agreed.
“It’s a small school and we go to church every Wednesday; it just really helps,” she said.
An indication of Holy Name’s exceptional environment is the number of teachers who have taught there for decades.
“It is incredible,” said Ernsting. “I think there’s just something about the connection, it brings [graduates] back, too.”
Alum Randy Lopez toured the school reminiscing about his time here and the supportive culture that still exists.
“I strongly believe in a good Catholic education,” he said. “Holy Name is very family-oriented, and they really care about each student that comes through here; they engage parents, siblings, and their entire education.”
Lopez enjoyed reconnecting with one of his favorite teachers.
“The teachers that are here want to be here,” he said. “And that’s why they stay. They love the school, they love the community and they love the students.”
“Mrs. Petesh was my teacher when I was here,” he continued, “and I still come back and see her every year because she’s meant so much to me.”
Suds & Scholarships was an evening uniting Catholics from many different parishes in support of Holy Name.
“It was just kind of a wonderful way to celebrate this 125th anniversary of a school that’s helped so many people,” said Ernsting.
Eighth grader Noah Zamora summed up what’s special about Holy Name.
“All the students and all the teachers,” he said. “And the lunch is good, too. I think it’s perfect, and I’m going to miss it once I graduate.”
