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PRINCIPAL’S RECOGNITION RECEPTION
Supporters and friends of Donahue gathered in the Karen Laub-Novak Library for the Principal’s Recognition Reception to celebrate the completion of the upper school’s four-classroom expansion made possible by their generosity. Donahue NHS students led guests on tours of the school and the new classrooms, where each student chair was adorned with a photo of the smiling face of one of the 80 new students who were able to enroll because of the new rooms. Ana Macken ‘24 played violin during the cocktail hour, delighting the guests and creating a beautiful ambience.
Development Director Brigid Luzarraga P’21, ’22, ’25 welcomed guests and expressed gratitude on behalf of the entire Donahue Academy community. She shared quotes from two new families to convey their heartfelt gratitude for the generosity that built the new classrooms. The Rodriguez family from Texas said they were “eternally grateful to have our three daughters at this amazing school that is truly Catholic” and related that they had “already been blessed by so many amazing Donahue families.” The Berg family, who came to Donahue from Wisconsin, said “We are so grateful to have 5 kids in one school receiving daily Eucharist and an incredible, faithful education.” They said they “felt like we were called by our Lady to come [to Ave Maria]” and expressed gratitude to the guests whose generosity “enabled us to answer that call.”
Alumnus and new faculty member Mr. Peter Scheck shared with guests his memories from his time as a Donahue student and his own struggles as a teen, which he overcame with the help of Donahue’s football team and professors. He expressed his gratitude to the guests whose generosity enabled him to come back to Donahue as a member of the faculty. He currently teaches Logic stage theology and Rhetoric stage Latin in one of the newly constructed classrooms (“I promise, I always keep it as clean as it is tonight!”). He also expressed gratitude at being able to “give back” and help Donahue students as he was once helped. The guests were touched by Mr. Scheck’s comments and there was a definite sense of joy throughout the room.
Principal Marc Snyder spoke about Donahue’s earliest years when he was one of the first faculty members at the school. He marveled at Donahue’s growth, which would not be possible without the support of so many. He emphasized that as Ave Maria continues to grow and draw Catholic families to the town, Donahue’s mission gains in importance: the school is indispensable to the Catholic community here. And so are its friends and supporters!
Guests enjoyed the remainder of the evening, visiting with new friends and old and sharing deep satisfaction at helping to build God’s kingdom with and through Donahue Academy.
