Gesu Gala 2022 - Rooted In Faith, Emerging in Hope

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Rooted in Faith Emerging in Hope

June 9, 2022

6:00 p.m. at Fairmount Water Works An In-Person Celebration of Perseverance and Community

Letter from Our President and CEO Dear Friends, Thank you for joining us and for supporting the 2022 Gesu Gala.

Tonight, we celebrate our perseverance over these last two years, mindful of the challenges each of us has endured. We acknowledge our blessings and our entire Gesu community: students and families, teachers and staff, and volunteers and friends.

We are delighted to honor our 2022 Spirit Medalists, the Ethel Mae Hocker Foundation and H. Scott Miller, for their dedication and generosity. We recognize Gesu Trustee and parent Tamika Michelle Evans, Ed.D. ’92, recipient of the James F. Higgins ’45 Distinguished Alumni Award, for her leadership and service.

The gala raises funds that are critical to fulfilling Gesu’s mission: providing an innovative education that enables students to transcend all forms of poverty. Our 430 students continue to experience the deep-rooted challenges that accompany poverty and systemic racial injustice. Now, more than ever, we remain steadfast in this mission. Your support helps Gesu plan for our future while continuing to deliver a safe, supportive learning environment.

Gesu remains rooted in faith. And we continue to emerge in hope.

We persist in meeting our students where they are, utilizing creative teaching methods and emphasizing wellness. We commend our students, teachers, and staff for the resilience and heart they exhibit daily. You will witness this spirit in tonight’s event.

We hold our community in our prayers for peace, good health, and hope for the days ahead.

With gratitude,

Bryan Carter President and CEO

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The Gesu Story Gesu School was founded in 1873 as a parochial school. In June 1993, it was in jeopardy of closing, but opened three months later as an independent Catholic school governed by an ecumenical board of trustees. Gesu blazed the trail for what a thriving inner-city school looks like and what our students can accomplish. Nearly three decades later, thousands of children have received a quality education, and schools nationwide have adopted Gesu’s model.

Aligned with the Jesuit belief in cura personalis, “care of the whole person,” Gesu provides a holistic education, nurturing students academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. In the spirit of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Gesu affirms that “every child can learn.” We welcome children of all ability levels, faiths, and ethnicities. In 2020-21, 54% of Gesu families had a household income of less than $30,000. Gesu School qualifies 100% for free/reduced breakfast and lunch programs.

Thanks to generous supporters like you, Gesu offers resources, from remedial support to advanced classes, to help children reach their highest potential. All gala proceeds directly support Gesu’s 430 students.

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Order of the Evening Gesu Gospel Choir Expect A Miracle — by Elbertina Clark Welcome

Gianni W., 8th Grade — Master of Ceremonies

Opening Prayer

Rev. Stephen D. Thorne

Introduction of the 2022 Spirit Medals Bryan Carter — President & CEO, Gesu School

Presentation of the 2022 Spirit Medals

Ethel Mae Hocker Foundation — Accepted by Kirsten Hocker H. Scott Miller — Accepted by H. Scott Miller

Gesu Gospel Choir Tomorrow (Better You, Better Me) — by Siedah Garrett & Quincy Jones Poetry Reading by Andre’a Rhoads, '18, 2021 Philadelphia Youth Poet Laureate

Introduction by Sr. Ellen Convey, IHM — Principal, Gesu School

I Am Of If These Halls Could Talk

Presentation of the James F. Higgins, '45 Distinguished Alumni Award Introduction by Alphonso Evans, Jr. '19

Accepted by Tamika Michelle Evans, Ed.D. '92

“Fill the Sunflower and Support the Students”

Rob Weinstein — Vice President of Development, Gesu School Alana Lee — Vice Principal, Gesu School

Closing Remarks

Bryan Carter — President & CEO, Gesu School

Dessert Reception 6

Gesu Spirit Medal The Gesu Spirit Medal honors individuals who have shown extraordinary commitment to Gesu School through their loyal advocacy and actions and who have made a significant contribution to Gesu School’s success as a model inner-city elementary school.

This year, we are honored to recognize The Ethel Mae Hocker Foundation and H. Scott Miller.

Past Honorees 2021

The Hamilton Family Charitable Trust Stephen & Cheri Ziegler

2014

Mrs. Elizabeth R. Moran Rev. Neil Ver'Schneider, S.J.

2020

Rosemary Español, CFM Saint Joseph's University

2013

Rev. William J. Byron, S.J. Vivienne Lambert Ehret

2019

Winston J. Churchill

2012

Robert M. McAlaine

2018

J. Gordon Cooney, Jr., Esq. Steve Piltch, Ed.D.

2011

Christine S. Beck Rev. George W. Bur, S.J.

2017

James F. Higgins '45 H. Chase Lenfest

2010

John J. DiIulio, Jr., Ph.D.

2016

Peter G. Gould Rev. Stephen D. Thorne

2009

Aline & Al Martinelli Susan & Bill Shea

2015

Tad Decker Keith M. Pension

2008

Ralph Saul & John J.F. “Jay” Sherrerd, posthumously

2006

Mark Solomon

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Gesu Spirit Medal 2022 Honorees

The Ethel Mae Hocker Foundation Founded in 2005, the Ethel Mae Hocker Foundation is a charitable 501(c)(3) organization that seeks to provide financial support for increased educational opportunities to elementary and high school students.

The Foundation’s guiding principle is premised on the belief that expanded educational opportunities are the cornerstone to success later in life. In partnership with outstanding private educational institutions, scholarship recipients are identified based on factors including financial need, academic success, leadership, and commitment to the community.

The Foundation has partnered with twelve schools to provide scholarships to students across the greater Philadelphia region, New Jersey, California, and South Carolina. Since its inception, the Foundation has proudly assisted approximately 400 students with awards of over $4.5 million in scholarship money. For over ten years, the Foundation has provided scholarship support to Gesu School to ensure that students have access to the highest quality education.

Currently, ten Gesu students are Hocker Scholars.

H. Scott Miller, CFA H. Scott Miller is the Managing Partner and founder of Miller Investment Management. Previously, he was the Founder and Manager of the Private Investor Group of Miller Anderson & Sherrerd. Prior to that, he worked with Goldman, Sachs & Company in its Private Investor and Investment Banking divisions.

Currently, Mr. Miller is a member of the board of directors of three private companies and of the American Swiss Foundation.

Previously, he served on the boards of several public companies as well as Episcopal Community Services, the Gesu School Board of Trustees, and the Gesu Institute Board of Directors. Mr. Miller is a CFA charterholder. He earned a BA in Political Economy from Williams College and an MBA in Finance from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

Mr. Miller has managed Gesu School’s investments pro bono for 15 years. His thoughtful leadership, business acumen, and insightful stewardship have preserved Gesu’s financial stability and enable our school to fulfill our mission for years to come.

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“At the heart of the Gesu mission is the commitment of

every Jesuit school to journey with youth and accompany them in the creation of a hope-filled future.

We see that future in the eyes of our youngest students as they master the basic building blocks for success.

We see it in the formation of character in our middle schoolers as they learn to be young men and women for and with others.

We see it in the academic success of our junior high students and their achievement as they graduate to take their places in the finest schools in the Delaware Valley. ” - Ed Beckett, Vice President for Mission, Identity, and Inclusion

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James F. Higgins ’45 Distinguished Alumni Award To recognize alumni achievements, Gesu created the James F. Higgins ’45 Distinguished Alumni Award, named for beloved alumnus, 2017 Spirit Medalist, and Trustee James F. Higgins. We look forward to honoring many alumni who embody Jim’s legacy through their success, heart, Gesu pride, and dedication.

Tamika Michelle Evans, Ed.D. ’92 Tamika Michelle Evans, Ed.D., a proud product of North Philadelphia, attained her undergraduate degree from Temple University and her Master’s and Doctoral Degrees in Educational Administration and Principal Certification from Gwynedd Mercy University. Raised in a family of educators, Dr. Evans knew from a young age that she was destined to become an educator. Her experience attending Gesu School inspired her to make her impact on North Philadelphia.

For 20 years, Dr. Evans has served as an educator in the School District of Philadelphia, primarily as an administrator at Global Leadership Academy Charter School. Currently, she is the CEO of Global Leadership Academy Southwest, where she is revitalizing an underserved Renaissance School. In 2017, Dr. Evans founded an after-school program based in Brewerytown-North Philadelphia, The Reading Corner Café, which provides children with the joy of reading.

Dr. Evans is a proud alumna and trustee of Gesu School, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, and a mentor for many. She is most proud of being the wife of Alphonso Evans Sr. and the mother of Alphonso Jr. and Jordyn Evans.

“Every child is taught more than just

academics, but life skills that they will need for their future.”

- Lily Bilbao, Pre-K Teacher and ACESJU Fellow 10

Rooted in Faith, Emerging in Hope Gesu School instills daily practices that build students’ character and shape their faith. We cultivate hope in every child. At Gesu, we nurture our students and give them the tools to stay hopeful and motivated, even in tough times.

“I am hopeful about studying hard so one day I can be independent and change the world.”

— Demi, Grade 4 “Gesu is hopeful for me because it helps me be smart and learn. I see why my mom and dad choose to send me here.”

— Kaiheem, Grade 3 “I like that at Gesu you can make friends since Kindergarten and have art and music. All these things make me feel hopeful.”

— Aleysha, Grade 5 “I am hopeful for the future because Gesu has made me aware of what is to come and what I need to prepare for.”

— Shayla, Grade 8 11

The Gesu Gospel Choir Directed by H.L. Ratliff Troy Bennefield, Bass Guitarist

Sopranos Cionni B.

Shawna J.

Grace S.

Aleysha B.

Patyence J.

Madison S.

Alayna J.G.

Ariel M.

Ryckai W.

Altos Jo’sana C.

Jordyn E.

Jael M.

Jaiel C.

Madisyn F.

Grace N.

Morgan C.

Destini J.

Morgan S.

Tenors Tyler B.A.

A’Jani G.

Nathan B.

Kingston J.

Daniel D.

Quade J.

Baritones Elijah D.

Quaseer E.

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Symir R.

Andre’a Rhoads '18 Philadelphia Youth Poet Laureate 2021-22 Read an interview with Andre’a and news coverage: gesuschool.org/philapoet.

Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls ’22 Pepperdine University ’26

Gesu's advanced writing courses sparked Andre’a’s love for the written word. Since earning the honor of Philadelphia Youth Poet Laureate in July 2021, she continues to reveal her strong voice through this city-wide platform. Currently, Andre’a is writing In the Hive, a book of poetry. She visited Gesu in April to read for National Poetry Month and to inspire students.

“Gesu taught me to believe in myself and that dreams come true when you work hard for them. Gesu is part of the reason I received this achievement because they showed me that nothing is too big for me, and that if I put my mind to it, I can do it.”

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Give the gift of a child’s education and receive up to 90% in tax credits!

Pennsylvania allows qualified individuals and businesses to receive tax credits (yes, tax credits, not deductions) for contributions of scholarship aid through the Educational Improvement and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit Programs (EITC & OSTC).

Gesu School relies on EITC and OSTC donations from businesses across the region to help us continue our mission to serve low-income children and families in North Philadelphia. You can help! The impact is enormous.

To learn more, reach out to Rob Weinstein, Vice President of Development at 215-763-9077 or rob.weinstein@gesuschool.org.

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Impact a Child’s Life.

Become a Sponsor.

Did you know you have the power to help students develop their strengths and succeed? Our Sponsor a Child program enables Gesu to accomplish our mission and inspires children to transcend poverty through holistic education. A tax-deductible contribution not only supports a child’s education, but also opens doors to innovative learning and critical life skills.

How it works: ͛

You, or a group of friends, make an annual gift of $8,000 to cover roughly threequarters of the annual cost of one Gesu child's education.

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Gesu typically provides four annual activities for you to meet with your sponsored child. Gesu will resume gatherings when public health guidelines permit. Gesu will also provide opportunities to connect remotely.

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Sponsors will receive student updates and letters regularly throughout the school year.

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Sponsors are not obligated to meet or interact with your sponsored child if you prefer to watch him or her grow from a distance or anonymously.

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Gifts to the Sponsor a Child program are unrestricted gifts.

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Why sponsor? ͛

Maximize your impact and develop a meaningful connection with a determined child.

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Support a Gesu education that emphasizes academic excellence, character formation, religious faith, and leadership.

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Help students access life-changing education and reach their fullest potential.

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When you choose to sponsor a student at Gesu, you can change a child’s life.

For more information, contact the Gesu Development Office at 215-763-9077 or development@gesuschool.org

“ Gesu provides hope and opportunity for our students so that at every crossroads, they are continually reminded that they are destined for greatness. Gesu’s classrooms are filled with an immeasurable reassurance that our students are children of God and that they can achieve anything that they can dream. Gesu is the place where those dreams become the foundation for lifelong success and where our children will always be welcomed home.”

- Maria Pardini, Director of Graduate Support

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Thank you to the members of our incredible 2022 Gala Committee for making this year’s event a success!

2022 Gala Committee Molly Belmont Kimberly Brennan Jim Higgins '45 Nyree Lyons '95 Maria Pardini Keith Pension Mary Ryder Robert Weinstein

“What gives me hope is seeing my students grow. Watching them approach topics they were once unsure about with confidence and an eagerness to learn more makes me enormously proud of them. It gives me hope for all they will continue to achieve.”

- Sarah Keffer, 2nd Grade Teacher 17

Board of Trustees Gesu School is governed by a diverse, ecumenical board of trustees, a group of talented individuals united by their passion for creating a safe haven of learning for our children in North Philadelphia.

Steven S. Piltch, Ed.D., Chair Katherine H. Hovde,

Vice Chair

Marie T. McCormick, Ph.D.,

Vice Chair

Keith M. Pension, Secretary

Gerard J. Davies, Treasurer Bryan H. Carter,

President and CEO

Winston J. Churchill, Esq. (Chairman Emeritus) Honorary Donna Bullock

James F. Higgins ’45

Rev. George W. Bur, S.J.

David Hilton II

Andrew Cavacos

David Hilton III

Ellen Churchill John J. Curry Sherri Darden Thomas A. Decker, Esq. John J. DiIulio, Jr., Ph.D.,

Advisory Board Member

Rosemary Español, CFM Tamika Evans '92

Erin Rodgers Schmidt, Esq.

Rev. Daniel R.J. Joyce, S.J.

Angela Schwartz

Karen Lucey

Susan Martinelli Shea

Nyree S. Lyons, MSN, RN, MS, CMSRN ’95

Daryl J. Shore ’94

Susan P. Manix Robert M. McAlaine Byron A. McCook, Ed.D. Louis R. Pichini, Esq.

Frances Gray

Eilise Rouse

(Junior Board President)

Allan C. Murphy

Peter G. Gould, Ph.D.

Sr. Stephen Anne Roderiguez, IHM

Mark Solomon Rasheed Stewart '04 Sr. Mary Ellen Tennity, IHM Rev. Stephen D. Thorne Larry Wells, MD

Greg Rigdon

Eve J. Higginbotham SM, MD, ML

Management Team Bryan H. Carter,

President and CEO Sr. Ellen Convey, IHM,

Principal

Alana D. Lee, Vice Principal Robert S. Weinstein,

Vice President of Development

Ed Beckett,

Vice President for Mission, Identity, and Inclusion Carolynn Thompson,

Chief Financial Officer Dontae Leaf ‘06,

Dean of Students

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Maria Pardini,

Director of Graduate Support Mark Smith,

Director of Facilities Rev. Raymond J. Donaldson, S.J., Chaplain

Gesu Gala Sponsors PREMIER EVENT SPONSOR

Andy & Karen Cavacos

James and Agnes Kim Foundation

John & Jennifer Curry Rard & Judy Davies

PRESENTING SPONSOR

Jack & Tammy Dodds

Connelly Foundation

Glenmede

MISSION SPONSORS

Kevin & Jennifer Kolmer

Craig & Jean Burns

Liguori Academy

Peter Gould & Robin Potter

Malvern Preparatory School

Hamilton Family Charitable Trust

Marie & Pat McCormick / Insyte Partners

James F. ’45 & Donna M. Higgins

Merion Mercy Academy

Ethel Mae Hocker Foundation

Steve Piltch & Sunny Greenberg

Miller Investment Management

Eilise & Bill Rouse

Susan Martinelli Shea

Kathleen & Frank Seidman

SPONSOR A CHILD

Saint Joseph’s Preparatory School

Sarah & John Wildemore

Saint Joseph's University

SCHOLAR SPONSOR

The Shipley School

Allan & Pat Murphy

Valley Forge Military Academy

EDUCATORS CIRCLE

Dr. Lawrence Wells & Dr. Bernadette Wheeler

Cozen O’Connor

Ollie L. Young

Barbara & Scott Renninger

Roy J. Zuckerberg Family Foundation

INNOVATION SPONSORS

PATRONS

Global Leadership Academy

Harold Anderson

Kate Hovde & Ken Kulak

Ed Beckett

Bob Peck

Amy Brenner

The Solomon Family

Geraldine Geckle

Vault Communications, Inc.

Susan Manix & Glenn Gundersen

Veritable, LP

David & Anne Hilton

IMPACT SPONSORS

Byron McCook

Christine & Leif Beck

St. Mary Interparochial School

James & Diane Brecker

Lula M. Wheeler

Robert & Benjamin Bynum

DIGITAL PROGRAM BOOK UNDERWRITING

The Carter Family

Chuck & Carol Walsh 19

Miller Investment Management salutes the Faculty, Staff, Students and Parents who make Gesu a special community Miller Investment Management, LP Tel. 610.834.9820 | www.millerinv.com

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The Hamilton Family Charitable Trust proudly supports Gesu School and the life-changing education it provides to so many children.

We congratulate this year’s Spirit Medalists, the Ethel Mae Hocker Foundation and H. Scott Miller.

Keep up the great work!

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The Gesu School continues to inspire, motivate, and change the lives of so many children. GESU IS LOVE and GESU WORKS! To the faculty and staff, we continue to be proud of all that you do for the children of Gesu. Thank you!

Congratulations to the Hocker Family and Scott Miller.

Susan Martinelli Shea 24

THE POGO FAMILY FOUNDATION PROUDLY SUPPORTS GESU SCHOOL. You too can transform a child’s life through Gesu’s Sponsor a Child program. Help children in need receive a top-notch education.

THE POGO FAMILY FOUNDATION Peter Gould – Robin Potter – Alexandra Gould 25

Gesu School is truly #1! We proud to support the children of Gesu and the 2021 Gala Craig and Jean Burns

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CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FANTASTIC GESU CLASS 2022 AND TO THE FANTASTIC TEACHERS THAT HAVE HELPED THEM ON THEIR JOURNEY! Allan & Pat Murphy

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VERITABLE Proudly supports Gesa Gala 2022 Thank

you

GESU SCHOOL for Shaping the Future of Our Youth.

Veritable, LP is a registered investment advisor providing integrated investment advice for families of substantial wealth since 1986.

Veritable, LP

610 640 9551

veritablelp.com

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The agency where ideas take off.

Vault is proud to support and be a partner of Gesu School, where the hopes and dreams of children take off and the sky is the limit.

610.455.2755 DIGITAL DESIGN PR MARKETING

vaultcommunications.com 28

We proudly continue our support of the Gesu School.

Congratulations to the Ethel Mae Hocker Foundation and H. Scott Miller for receiving this year’s Spirit Medal. Also congratulations to Tamika Evans, Ed.D. ’92, Distinguished Alumni Award winner, for her dedication to Gesu and its students.

Michael J. Heller, Executive Chairman & CEO (215) 665-4141 | mheller@cozen.com Vincent R. McGuinness, President & Managing Partner (215) 665-2097 | vmcguinness@cozen.com Thomas A. Decker, Vice Chairman (215) 665-4684 | tdecker@cozen.com 800 attorneys | 32 offices | cozen.com © 2022 Cozen O’Connor

Congratulations to the Gesu Class of 2022!

Ken Kulak & Kate Hovde

“If we give our children sound self-love, they will be able to deal with whatever life puts before them.” — Bell Hooks

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We are proud to support the great work being done at Gesu year after year. Congratulations!

Barbara & Scott Renninger

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We proudly support Gesu School and offers warm congratulations to Scott Miller for his dedication and generous spirit.

Congratulations to Bryan, Sister Ellen and the entire Gesu Team for another successful year. You give our students hope!

The Solomon Family

Malvern Prep is Proud to Support the 2022 Gesu School Gala

Thanks to all the dedicated staff who made it through Covid and sustained the children's education. malvernprep.org/learnmore

Our deepest respect, Kathleen & Frank Seidman

AN INDEPENDENT AUGUSTINIAN SCHOOL FOR YOUNG MEN IN GRADES SIX THROUGH TWELVE

We appreciate the faculty and staff for their hard work and dedication to the children’s education and well-being.

John and Jennifer Curry

GLENMEDE IS PROUD TO SUPPORT

The Gesu School

Please contact Laura LaRosa at 215-419-6027 or laura.larosa@glenmede.com for a personal conversation.

glenmede.com

Thank you to the faculty and staff at Gesu for all their hard work supporting the students this year.

Best wishes to the Gesu Class of 2022.

Ollie Young

Congratulations, Scott!

Chris & Leif Beck

Insyte Partners is a transformation consultancy. We guide and accompany courageous organizations and leaders who want to innovate, align around shared vision or take daring collective action. For over 15 years, we have been working across sectors to create the conditions for deep exploration, generative conversation and bold experimentation. Through leadership labs, visioning, and culture work, we create the shifts of mind, heart and will needed for transformative change.

For more information contact Marie McCormick : marie@insytepartnerrs.com

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Scott, thank you for your long term support of Gesu School, our mission and, especially, our children.

The Carter Family PreK - Grade 12

Co-Ed

Bryn Mawr, PA

SCHEDULE A TOUR www.shipleyschool.org

CONGRATULATIONS We are proud to support Gesu School and its faculty, staff, children. Keep up the great work!

Rard & Judy Davies

SCOTT on the great honor of being awarded the Spirit Medal June 9, 2022 Robert Bynum & Benjamin Bynum

600 N Broad Street | Philadelphia | 19130 215.600.0220

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southjazzkitchen.com

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Liguori Academy �ends

boundless love to our dear friends

Gesu Works, Now More Than Ever!

Eilise and Bill Rouse

We honor the students, faculty, staff, and leadership of Gesu.

You are each making the world a better place.

With our deepest respect and thanks, Jack and Tammy Dodds sju.edu

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We are honored to support our friend and neighbor

and congratulate the recipients of the 2022 Gesu Spirit Medal:

The Ethel Mae Hocker Foundation & H. Scott Miller

Best Wishes to Gesu School for the great work you do!

Jim & Diane Brecker

“Love is shown more in deeds than in words.”

- St. Ignatius of Loyola www.sjprep.org

With gratitude, we thank to Bryan Carter, Sister Ellen, and all the adults who make Gesu run on a daily basis. It is the children of Gesu who tell the School’s story, which is a truly wonderful story.

Congrats one and all!

Steve Piltch & Sunny Greenberg

Congratulations to the Gesu School Community on the occasion of the Gala!

Wishing all of God's grace and blessings to the Gesu School's students, families, faculty, staff and friends!

The Cavacos Family

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Our Mission Inspired by the Jesuit and IHM traditions of social justice, faith, creative hope, and love, Gesu School helps students to transcend all forms of poverty by providing a comprehensive, innovative education. We empower our students to develop their strengths, overcome challenges, and become positive, engaged members of the community and the world.

1700 West Thompson Street • Philadelphia, PA 19121 gesuschool.org • development@gesuschool.org • 215-763-9077 /gesuschool

@GesuSchool

@TheGesuSchool

/company/gesu-school

EmergingInHope