Impact Alumni Magazine Winter 2024/25

Simply Blessed

Guerin Catholic received their National Blue Ribbon recognition at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. on November 7th. Representatives in attendance included Jason Wagoner (Spanish teacher), Beth Wagoner (Visual Arts department chair); Trudy Young (Diocese of Lafayette-in- Indiana Superintendent); James McNeany (Principal); Leona Chianello (Assistant to the Prinicipal); Jen Mascari (Kinesiology teacher); and Tommy Mascari (Kinesiology department chair).

BLUE RIBBON STATUS G uerin Catholic named a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School

For the first time in our school’s history, Guerin Catholic was named a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School. This prestigious award is a testament to our strong academic achievement. The United States Department of Education describes the National Blue Ribbon designation as the “award program honoring high-performing schools… that have demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence.” As a Catholic school, our commitment to academic excellence is an essential part of our overall mission to help our young people cultivate the God-given gifts they have been given to share with our world. We initially qualified for consideration for this award because our statewide SAT scores are among the best in Indiana. The scores of different subgroups of students remain consistent with our overall performance. In particular, our math scores shine during a time when many schools are experiencing a post pandemic regression. Many of the academic strategies we put in place several years ago designed to boost overall mastery of essential content continue to pay dividends.

2024 SAT RESULTS (2023-2024 G RADE 11 STUDENTS) Math English G uerin Catholic HS 77.7%* 90.7%*

Area Catholic High School Average (4) Area Public High School Average (8)

55.6%

82.8%

47.4%

73.0%

* percentage at benchmark

This award is about more than just one test, though. In fact, each academic department was considered in the application process. The curriculum for each subject area was examined along with instructional and assessment practices. Finally, we had to outline the academic supports in place for our students who qualify. Our Learning Support Department continues to have an outstanding track record of success with students who learn differently. This distinction serves as validation of the effectiveness of many intentional decisions, initiatives, and interactions that come together to contribute to the overall success of Guerin Catholic. Congratulations to our entire community for earning this award! n

4 IMPACT MAGAZINE • WINTER 2024/25

- MR. JAMES MCNEANY PRINCIPAL