NSW Summer Newsletter Final

SUMMER 2024 N AT I V I T Y S C H O O L O F W O RC E S T E R 6 7 L I N C O L N S T R E E T | WO R C E S T E R , M A S S AC H U S E T T S 0 1 6 0 5 | T E L 5 0 8 . 7 9 9 . 0 1 0 0 | FA X 5 0 8 . 7 9 9 . 3 9 5 1

NEWSLETTER

Celebrating THE OPENING OF THE

JULIE POWER GIRLS DIVISION!

SUMMER 2024

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Dear Friends, A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT AND PRINCIPAL

This summer marks a historic moment for girls in Worcester and the Nativity School of Worcester community. Your partnership and dedication to our mission enabled us to open the Julie Power Girls Division on July 8, 2024, the start to our annual Summer of Service. Together, we’ve made a huge leap forward by expanding our impact and welcoming 5th and 6th grade classes of girls to Nativity Worcester!

Thanks to the tireless support of Nativity Worcester graduates, families, staff, trustees, and volunteers, and the generosity of donors to Access & Impact: The Campaign for Nativity School of Worcester, we now have the privilege of providing the only tuition-free, private education for girls in Central Massachusetts, while continuing to offer an excellent education for boys from under-resourced communities. This past July, our Summer of Service—a three-week engaging academic and volunteer leadership program—was unlike any other. The Nativity Men and Women became oriented to the school year ahead, building their academic skills and immersing themselves in the local community through service activities. It was a special time having the first members of the Julie Power Girls Division with us, who brought energy and enthusiasm to our school while the Nativity Men showed their kindness and leadership by welcoming the girls and embracing their presence and gifts. The Nativity Worcester spirit and community was as vibrant as ever and filled with joy and hope for the future!

As a Jesuit school, we strive to develop the whole person and form leaders who make a difference in our world. In this newsletter, you’ll read exciting recent news and hear from our graduates who are thriving and making our world a better place because of their Nativity experience. With the Nativity experience now available to young women, we are thrilled for the bright future that lies ahead for the students of Worcester and our school. We are deeply grateful for your generosity, which positively shapes our tight-knit community. You’ve made this expansion and life-changing opportunity possible. With your continued dedication to our mission and support, we’re positioned to continue to enhance our boys’ program while ensuring girls too receive a transformative Nativity education. Thank you from all of us at Nativity Worcester!

With Gratitude,

Andrea Bazarian

Tom McKenney

Principal President

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CONGRATULATIONS IGNACIO CHARDIN, S.J. CLASS OF 2024!

On May 31, 2024, the Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, S.J. Class of 2024 graduated from Nativity School of Worcester.

They are the 21st graduating class from our middle school.

Congratulations to our Chardin class, and thank you to all those who contributed to their success!

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We are very proud of our Nativity Men who are graduating from middle school, high school, college, and other post-secondary pathways. This year, according to their Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) standardized tests, the Chardin Class of 2024 graduated on average at an eleventh grade level in mathematics and English language usage. We are proud to celebrate their dedication to scholarship and happy to share the next steps for our graduating classes!

CHARDIN CLASS OF 2024 Jaden Adjabeng Worcester Academy Lennox Baygboe Saint John’s High School Ilian Diaz Saint John’s High School Omari Doty Saint John’s High School Brian Gonzalez Bancroft School Nathan Jean-Pierre Worcester Technical High School Michael-Israel Mukisa Saint John’s High School Devion Nyarko Saint John’s High School Arnold Rotoubam Saint John’s High School Jason Sam Worcester Academy Shafick Vasquez-Grande Bay Path Vocational Technical High School Josiahs Vega Saint John’s High School Taydain Weeks Saint John’s High School

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N AT I V I T Y S C H O O L OF WORCESTER

SUMMER OF SERVICE: NATIVITY WORCESTER AS A CO-DIVISIONAL INSTITUTION July 8th, 2024 will be remembered in Nativity Worcester’s history for many years to come. It marked the opening of the Julie Power Girls Division and officially transformed Nativity School of Worcsester into a co-divisional institution after 21 years of operation as an all-boys school. From July 8th through July 26th, we held our annual Summer of Service with our first 5th and 6th grade classes of girls and our returning 6th-8th grade boys!

Alongside academic classes and teambuilding activities, our students participate in many service opportunities throughout the Summer Session. This year, our service theme centered around a quote from Wangarī Maathai, an environmentalist and political activist. She said: “It’s the little things citizens do. That’s what will make the difference.”

Maathai was born in 1940 in Nyeri, a rural area of Kenya. She later became the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. She founded the Green Belt Movement in 1977, an environmental organization focused on tree planting, environmental conservation, and women’s rights. Through her leadership, the movement planted over 50 million trees in Kenya, combating deforestation, soil erosion, and desertification.

Wangari Maathai’s legacy continues to inspire global efforts in environmental conservation and women’s empowerment.

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It’s the little things citizens do. That’s what will make the difference.

”

WA N G A RĪ M A AT HAI

We celebrated her major achievements through our Summer of Service this year. Our students made an effort to do those little things, as she mentioned, to make a difference in our Worcester community with the partnership of the following organizations: Broad Meadow Brook Harvest Community Network Pleasant St. Neighborhood

Network Center Salvation Army Shine Initiative Tower Hill Botanical Garden SUMMER 2024

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NOW OPEN:

JULIE POWER GIRLS DIVISION

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N AT I V I T Y S C H O O L OF WORCESTER

J U LI E P OW ER

GIRLS DIVISION

The opening of the Julie Power Girls Division establishes the first tuition-free, private education for girls in Central Massachusetts. Nativity Worcester President, Tom McKenney, stated, “We believe that educating and empowering young women at Nativity Worcester will not only provide a transformative education for these students, but strengthen our school and positively impact the Worcester community and beyond…We look forward to supporting these young women and educating them as they form into tomorrow’s leaders.”

Dr. Charles “Chick” Weiss, Nativity Worcester Co-Founder and Trustee, noted “Opening Nativity’s doors to Worcester’s middle school girls is something that the trustees, staff, and local families have discussed for many years and we are so thrilled that the time has finally

come to do so. I’ve met many of the incoming girls and it is clear that they have incredible energy and a hunger to learn…I can’t wait to see the good things that these girls will accomplish at Nativity and beyond.”

Nativity Worcester’s Girls Division has been named the “Julie Power Girls Division” in honor of Julie Power. James David Power III and his wife, Julie, founded J.D. Power and Associates in 1968 having become one of the most globally recognized marketing research firms today. Julie was a teacher by training and she volunteered her time to teach English as a second language to children who were immigrants. The J.D. Power Family and Kenrose Kitchen Table Foundation gave a $3,000,000 gift in support of The Campaign for Nativity School of Worcester and the establishment of the Girls Division.

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MAGIS: EXPANDING OUR MISSION HOW THE VISION BECAME A REALITY We recently reconnected with former faculty of Nativity Worcester who were a part of other historic moments of the school. Their stories provide a unique perspective surrounding the road to opening the Julie Power Girls Division.

Crista Mahoney and Sean Dillon are valuable members of our community and have responded to the following questions with the hope to relay a complete picture of our community and how much Nativity has grown, what our mission is, and how the conversation surrounding the Girls Division has developed over time.

CRISTA CARRICK MAHONEY Involvement at Nativity: 1st Class of Nativity Fellows (’03-’04) and Community Support Person for Fellows (’22-’24)

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In your own words, what is the mission of Nativity? How have you seen this mission come to life?

What other historical events have you seen Nativity go through? How do they compare to the opening of the Girls Division?

For me, the mission of Nativity is to provide middle school boys from the heart of Worcester a unique opportunity for an excellent holistic education that will prepare them for success in high school and beyond. Nativity develops their students into Nativity men who not only understand the importance of academics, but also what it means to serve their wider community, support one another, and be part of something bigger than themselves.

It grounds them and gives them meaningful roots that continue to nourish and support them through their young adult lives.

When the school opened, the McClatchys and Alex Zequiera consistently encouraged both the boys and us as teaching fellows and faculty by reminding us that we were “pioneers” -- we were paving the way for others who would come after us. As the Girls Division opens, the school is at a similar “pioneering” stage -- it’s new territory, and invites a unique creativity in the community that will carry them through, even when the space feels tight or things need to be juggled to figure out what this new iteration of Nativity Worcester looks like!

When, if ever, did you first enter the conversation about the Girls Division? What did that conversation look like then?

What does the Julie Power Girls Division opening mean to Nativity? What does it mean to you?

I remember that by the end of that first year we opened, the families of our first two classes of boys (5th and 6th grade) kept asking, “When can my daughter have this opportunity?” Families have always been the beating heart of Nativity, and their support and desire to bring the Nativity model to their daughters, granddaughters, nieces made it an exciting idea to imagine from the very beginning!

The Julie Power Girls Division is the realization of a longstanding dream of the Nativity Family! As the parent of a middle school daughter myself, I know the power a positive and supportive community can have at this formative time in a girl’s life.

I can’t wait to see how the school invites these girls to become Nativity Women who serve their community and support one another!

SEAN DILLON Involvement at Nativity: Teaching Fellow 2004-2006, English Lead Teacher 2006-2007, Director of Graduate Support 2007-2008, Assistant Principal 20082009, Principal 2009-2019 In your own words, what is the mission of Nativity? The mission of Nativity is, primarily, to provide a high-quality all-scholarship education to boys (and now girls) in grades five through eight. Inherent in this mission is a commitment to the students for eight years beyond their completion of the middle school program; indeed, many graduates of the school continue to be active in the community long after that.

When, if ever, did you first enter the conversation about the Girls Division? What did that conversation look like then? I was present for the first strategic planning meetings to discuss school expansion, at which time we weighed many options – opening a high school or elementary division, expanding the boys division, or opening a girls division, for example. The conversations were thoughtful, and always kept the overall success of the school in mind. The consensus was that a significant

part of the mission of fully educating young men in today’s society includes ensuring that they show respect to all members of society – and what message were we sending about respect for all members of society by not providing a similar experience for young women?

especially considering some of the challenges of the early years of the school’s development. At the same time, there was always the sense of looking towards the future – what would be next for NSW? I feel similarly when I think about the opening of the Girls Division.

What other historical events have you seen Nativity go through? How do they compare to the opening of the Girls Division?

What does the Julie Power Girls Division opening mean to Nativity? What does it mean to you?

Some other historical events I’ve seen NSW go through would include graduating the first class of students in 2006, moving to the current location on 67 Lincoln Street in 2009, completing the school’s first accreditation process through the New England Association of Schools and Colleges in 2010, and celebrating the tenth and now twentieth anniversaries of the school in 2013 and 2023.

It’s a new era for Nativity, but the mission remains unchanged. Giving students a firm background in a competitive academic environment, preparing them for rigorous high school experiences, providing enriching extracurricular opportunities, and providing continued support through high school, college, and beyond will always be the name of the game. Most importantly, helping to raise young men and women of strength, scholarship, service, and character is what will always distinguish the program at NSW.

In each of these cases, there was a sense of overwhelming joy in the accomplishments that we had made,

“

We want access. We want opportunity.

We want to make sure the sacrifices our families made, and continue to make, are not in vain…This is no longer a vision board, this is really happening.

What are you going to do to make it happen even better?

”

B RYA N MON TEN EG RO HURTADO CLASS OF 2 0 1 4

SUMMER 2024

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What does it mean to have your sisters/ daughters here? What do you hope that they experience during their time at Nativity?

Vyce: They are continuing it, so it doesn’t end with just me. I hope they have a lot of very good memories, a good education, and get good connections to schools in the area.

Nativity builds you into a better person to go into the world. I am excited for my sisters to have that.

THE NATIVITY FAMILY GROWS Vyce Tetteh, a graduate of the Espinal class of 2020 and his mom Frances were anxiously awaiting the Julie Power Girls Division opening this year. Vyce’s sisters, Jillian and Janae are now current 6th graders in the Girls Division. Here’s what they all had to say about this opportunity for their family!

Do you remember when you first heard about the Julie Power Girls Division opening? What did you feel at that moment and why?

Vyce: I knew it was gonna happen eventually, but I was officially told by Glodi last year (Espinal ‘20). I was happy because I knew my sisters would be able to attend. They were brought up in the Nativity community.

Frances: I have been following this program for awhile, dreaming for this day. I came for the 20th anniversary celebration 2 years ago, and Ms. Bazarian gave me a hint that it was finally happening. I was following closely after that because I was so excited for this opportunity after so many years waiting!!

Because of my girls’ ages, I was worried they would be too old, so I was hopeful it would come fast, and it did!

Janae: When I found out that they were going to do the Girls Division, I had mixed emotions. I thought: that’s cool, my mom was waiting for this…but my friends were all going to a different middle school. But I am happy I came here.

Jillian: I was happy for my mom because she’s been waiting for this. I was also happy because I’d be in the first girls class.

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Frances: Nativity is a big family, not only for the student. Nativity encompasses the family as a unit. When you fall, they are there to catch you. We have had ups and downs as a family, and Nativity was there to sort us out. When they say 12 years commitment with Nativity, they are there for those 12 years. They’re readily there to help you and your child grow.

I have connections to all the other mothers, we talk about how our students are doing, especially during COVID. I hope Jillian and Janae will have the same kind of experience at Nativity for them to be as successful as Vyce. Vyce is successful at Bancroft because of Nativity, and Bancroft appreciates the Nativity men that they become here. I know that Nativity will do that for my girls as well.

What does it mean to have an older brother who went here? How does that impact you?

Jillian: I know that he is going to be successful because he went to a good high school and college, so I know that I’ll be successful like him too!

Janae: When I found out my brother went to the same school I would be going to, I saw a bunch of opportunities. There’s a lot of options after Nativity for high school because other schools like Nativity students. The four pillars that people learn here are still with them for the rest of their life.

Why do you think Nativity opened a Girls Division?

Vyce: To give the same opportunities to the girls that we had.

Frances: The opportunity they’ve given now to the girls is the same opportunity they gave 20 years ago to kids from low-income families.

It helps them foster their growth in education and get to places in life.

Janae: They want to give the same chance that they gave the boys. There are less people in every class for a reason. If I were struggling in my old school, I would have to ask a friend because my teacher was always talking to someone else. Here the classes are smaller so I can always have help from my teacher.

“

What do you hope for the future of Nativity: Janae: A bigger building, more sports, and have a band and chorus so there are more options for students.

Adysen: In 2023 I was a part of the Gala for the Girls Division, and I was really excited. I like this school because the teachers are nice and it’s easy to do work.

Frances: Basketball for girls, and a good league to be a part of - so they can transition into high school sports. Volleyball!

What does it mean to have your sister/ daughter here? What do you hope that they experience during their time at Nativity?

Javian Allen, of the Grande class of 2022, and his mom Adriana have been a part of the Nativity community for many years. Adriana now works as the Operations Associate for the school. She has been a part of the Girls Division conversation for many years and was excited to send her daughter, Adysen, to school here. Adysen is a current 5th grader at Nativity. Here’s what they had to say about the Girls Division:

Adriana: It means everything to have her here. If she experiences half of what Javian did, then it will be enough for me.

Do you remember when you first heard about the Girls Division opening?

Adriana: I first heard of the Girls Division possibility at a PTA meeting circa 2019.

Although I was excited, I didn’t anticipate that it would happen in time for my daughter to attend. So I was kinda sad; it sounded like a “way in the future” ambition.

Javian: I heard about the Girls Division when I was in 6th grade. My mom told me that the PTA had brought up the possibility of a Girls Division opening in the future. I was excited that my sister might have the opportunity to attend, but I knew it probably wouldn’t happen until I had graduated.

One word to describe Nativity is awesometastic!!

”

A DYSE N ALLE N CLASS OF 2028

Javian: It is so exciting to have my sister here, kind of following in my footsteps. I built so many lasting relationships here, in addition to having never-ending support from this community.

I know she will get the same!

What does it mean to have an older brother who went here? How does that impact you?

Adysen: It is weird because everyone tells me when he’s at Nativity, and everyone knows me because of my brother. It’s also so awkward because I am friends with my brother’s friends, and they are always here!

Why do you think Nativity opened a Girls Division?

Adriana: Because everyone saw the need. It was brought up more frequently by parents and the Nativity community. In the future, I hope that the program continues to be successful.

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NATIVITY WORCESTER FRIENDRAISERS: MAKING A TRANSFORMATIVE EDUCATION POSSIBLE

This spring Nativity Worcester held three “Friendraisers’’ surrounding the end of the academic school year to honor the past 21 successful years and celebrate the opening of the Julie Power Girls Division. We kicked off our “Friendraisers’’ at Bill and Julie Condron’s home in late May. Bill is Board Chair and on the Access and Impact Campaign Committee. The second of our “Friendraisers’’ was hosted by John and Rose Mahoney. John and Rose are also on the Campaign Committee. Finally, we finished our “Friendraisers” at the lovely home of Board member Patty Nellinger Peterleitner. Patty is on the Campaign Committee as well. We are grateful to all who offered to hold these events and everyone who attended, and our Nativity graduates who spoke at the events: Bryan Montenegro and Darrell OpokuKwateng. Thank you to all our friends who made donations following the events as your support makes our mission possible!

“

Regarding his high school placement process: “I received immense support from the faculty to help me reach [my] goal, from helping my grandmother with each step in the application process and personally driving me to numerous school interviews and tours and supporting me to make the best decisions for the next step.

This level of care and dedication is what makes Nativity special, and has shaped me into who I am today.

”

DA RREL L OPOKUK WAT E NG ANCHIETA CLASS OF 2018

“

It’s too late for many of the sisters, nieces, and cousins of other Nativity men...but it’s NOT too late for the families of current Nativity students, and those to come, who may want to invite the young women in their lives to this family. It’s NOT too late for the young women in the greater Worcester community to learn about and live out our four pillars.

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B RYA N M ON T E NEGRO H U R TA D O C L A S S O F 2014

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ACCESS & IMPACT: THE CAMPAIGN FOR NATIVITY SCHOOL OF WORCESTER Access & Impact: The Campaign for Nativity School of Worcester has raised $18.5M towards its $20M goal, which aims to fund scholarships for boys and girls, and grow the school’s endowment to ensure the long-term success of all its students and community. Tom McKenney noted, “The $20 million Campaign marks an unprecedented moment in Nativity Worcester’s history, and we invite friends, supporters, and members of the community to join us in making our vision a reality. Together, we can open doors to new possibilities and create a brighter future for generations to come.”

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NANCY SKINNER ENDOWMENT FUND AND $1,200,000 GIFT MATCH CHALLENGE Thanks to the incredible generosity of long-time supporter, Stephen Skinner, the Nancy Skinner Endowment Fund has been established to fund scholarships for members of the Julie Power Girls Division.

Mr. Skinner created the Fund in honor of his late wife Nancy, and has created a $1,200,000 gift match challenge to inspire support to the Nancy Skinner Endowment Fund and the general growth of Nativity’s Endowment.

Nancy was passionate about providing a high quality, Nativity Worcester education to girls from under-resourced communities in Worcester, and would have been proud to see this realized and be sustained.

Any gift made to the endowment will be matched up to $1,200,000!

Please contact Elizabeth Deliberto, Senior Vice President of Advancement and Graduate Support, at edeliberto@ nativityworcester.org if you’d like to make a gift to the endowment or to establish your own fund.

Thank you to Stephen Skinner and many others who have contributed to Nativity’s endowment and sustainability over the years!

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Any gift made to the endowment Any giftbemade to the endowment will be will matched up to

matched up to $1,200,000!

$1,200,000!

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CELEBRATING OUR HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE GRADUATES

THE JOE LANE SCHOLAR AWARD AT SAINT JOHN’S At the end of his freshman year at Saint John’s, Vincent Quintanilla from the 2023 Ellacuria Class was selected as one of four freshmen to receive the Joe Lane Scholars Award. Here is a description of the award: The Joe Lane Scholar Awards are named for one of the true legends of Saint John’s. Mr. Lane, a member of the class of 1956, returned to Saint John’s after college to teach, coach, and serve as the Director of Physical Education. His uncompromising yet compassionate commitment to his students was unwavering, creating deep loyalty among generations of Saint John’s alums.

Joe Lane is one of the men we owe a great deal of gratitude for his contributions to making our school what it is today. The award recipients are a select group of freshmen who have already demonstrated the traits that made Mr. Lane a legend in our school community; leadership, loyalty, and strong character.

ESPINAL CLASS OF 2020

CHRISTIAN MORALES: RICCI CLASS OF 2019

Congratulations to Vincent, and we look forward to celebrating his successes in the future!

BROOKS CLASS OF 2016 SUMMER 2024

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OUR GRADS OF THE MONTH Each month, our Graduate Support Team sends out a digital newsletter to our 266 graduates, graduate families, and community partners. The newsletter includes key events in the Nativity community, learning opportunities for graduates, job openings in the Worcester community, and much more. Each month, the Graduate Support Team selects a Grad of the Month to feature. Grad of the Month spotlights a graduate who has been living out our four pillars of strength, scholarship, character, and service, wherever they are in their journey post-Nativity. Whether they are in high school, college, the workforce, or volunteering in the community, our Nativity Grads are doing amazing things and we love to see them thrive! The following graduates were selected as Grads of the Month during the 2023-2024 school year.

THE UPSTANDING GRAD (Sam Odjidja, Hurtado Class of 2014) How does it feel to be a NSW grad?

I am proud to be a NSW graduate. It brings me great joy to come from a legacy of upstanding gentlemen, that continue to blaze a positive path for the generations of young men to come.

What does NSW mean to you?: NSW to me means, a community. A place that fosters young men coming together to build and grow, not only with each other but with all of the people Nativity connects you with.

What are your goals and dreams?: My short-term goals are being able to get into medical school and at the end of the day become a physician. In terms of long-term goals, I would love to be able to open up some type of mentoring facility for young children, to help them in a similar manner that Nativity helped me.

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THE FUTURE — CHARDIN CLASS (Chardin Class of 2024) The Chardin Class has shared what they are looking forward to as they transition into NSW Grads! Here is what they said: Taydain: Hi, my name is Taydain and I am a part of the Chardin Class. What I am looking forward to once I am a grad is the events. I say that because some of my best memories while being a student at Nativity have been going to events. Events give me the opportunity and chance to bond with students and grads I don’t usually see. You also get to meet all types of people and I get to share my experiences with others.

Josiahs: Some things that I am looking forward to are coming back to Nativity as a grad and seeing what has changed and reflecting on my time when I was there. I know I will miss Nativity so when I am a grad I can’t wait to talk about my experience and relive them. I am also looking forward to seeing my old teachers because I have made strong connections with them and they have helped me so much through my time.

Lennox: One thing I am looking forward to when I am a grad is the new beginning and opportunities that will be presented to me.

Another thing I am looking forward to is the perks and privileges of being a grad and being back in the building.

Michael-Israel: What I am looking forward to as a grad is starting my high school experience.

I also can’t wait to interact with graduates and learn from them and school once I start freshman year.

Devion: What I am looking forward to when I become a graduate is being able to come back to NSW and utilize all that it has to offer.

Specifically playing basketball and connecting with old teachers. When I am a graduate I can come back to Nativity to meet up with my former classmates and experience more from the graduate support team.

Shafick: My name is Shafick and some things that I am looking forward to are the resources I can receive as a grad, such as help looking for a job, and even going through the college process. Another thing I am looking forward to is the grad events that Nativity does and also even coming back to talk to the younger students and talk about my experiences.

Jaden: Something I am looking forward to is connecting with former Nativity students and talking to them about not only Nativity but also high school and experience. I want to learn and grow more from my peers and connect with them.

Jason: One thing I am looking forward to once I graduate from Nativity is some of the perks that come with being a grad. For example receiving support and tools to be successful in high school and beyond.

Ilian: Three things I am looking forward to are coming back every year, specifically in 3 years to see how the current 5th graders have grown into 8th graders. I am also looking forward to playing in the gym and doing my homework after school. I am also looking forward to shorter school days.

Nathan: A few things that I am looking forward to are being able to play with grads in the gym. Also being able to hang out in the grad support office and get work done. I am also looking forward to the support through the college process and receiving help to figure out what my next path is.

A PROUD NATIVITY MAN (Shayne Badu, Ellacuría Class of 2023)

A VOICE FOR OTHERS (Isaiah Mason, Ricci Class of 2019) Isaiah Mason, member of the Ricci class of 2019 and a sophomore at The College of Holy Cross, is a frequent visitor to Nativity and is our current Grad of the Month! He has shared a great reflection and advice for current students.

How does it feel to be a NSW Grad?

To be a Nativity Grad means a lot to me. I remember almost every eventful experience of my time at Nativity and know it was a lead-up to where I am today. I am incredibly grateful for all my support beyond my academic Nativity experience.

What does NSW mean to you?

I believe Nativity is a community, not just a school. So many times has Nativity proved to do more than many schools do for students and families, whether it be exposing them to financial opportunities or hosting events for families to interact with each other. Nativity is a community that genuinely cares about its students’ academic careers.

Where are you going to HS now? and what is the best thing about HS so far?

NATIVITY KNIGHT TO A BANCROFT BULLDOG (Joell Darkwa, Ellacuría Class of 2023)

I’m currently attending Worcester Academy and the best thing about it so far would be the FOOD, but no hate to Nativity though!

When I look back at my 8th grade year, I think about the high school application process. It was very informative and great to be a part of. I liked all the lessons that were taught to me and had an even better time applying them to the process.

When the day finally came when we got word of our acceptances it was ALL worth it.

For the future, when I attend Bancroft, I want to continue to be what Nativity taught me to be. I want to stay in touch with all my Nativity brothers since I had a great 4 years with them.

As I finish up my last few weeks, I want to leave you with advice for all your future endeavors; surround yourself with positivity.

What does NSW mean to you?

I can’t visit NSW as often as I’d like to so I’ve started identifying it as something less physical and more mentally. Lately I’ve been seeing it as something, whether directly or indirectly improving the lives of my family and friends, the catalyst for a better me.

Advice you want to give the younger Nativity students:

NORTHEASTERN ADVENTURE AWAITS (Rau-Shawn Tirbuce, Ricci Class of 2019) What advice would you give current students?

My advice to all of you is: “You miss all the shots you don’t take” given to me by Ms Gonzalez and passed onto you!

What is something from Nativity that sticks with you even today?

I’m not the best at giving advice but I will just ask any Nativity kids to do this one thing; it doesn’t matter how long you’ve been there I just want you to ignore all your negative biases on it right now and and ask yourself if your a different person than before you heard about Nativity, if the answer is yes identify all the positive traits you got while here. And with all that in mind, ask yourself if you’d sign up again if given the chance, knowing you’d become a better person, if the answer is yes then congrats you’re already (whether you like it or not) a proud Nativity Man.

Something that has stuck with me even to this day from Nativity is the studying skills I have developed over the years from middle school. It has made it much easier to get home, and get started on homework, or reading.

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FROM GRADUATES TO INTERNS: WHY I WANT TO GIVE BACK TO NATIVITY This summer, Nativity welcomed back two of our graduates from the 2018 Anchieta class as summer interns: Bernard Santos and Darrell OpokuKwateng. This is what they had to say about interning at Nativity Worcester for the summer.

What drew you back to Nativity this summer? How does it feel to be back and what changes have you noticed?

Darrell - I saw it as a great opportunity to contribute to the girls division specifically.

I wanted to work with the incoming 5th grade girls because transitioning into a new school is always tough, but especially being the first of a kind. It can be challenging. As far as being back, it has been fun! I appreciate all the things that have stayed the same and all the change. The most valuable experience has been watching the students interact with each other. From personal experience, I know that friendships transcend Nativity.

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This summer, interning at Nativity has been a trip down memory lane. It has been an incredible opportunity to give back to the community that gave me so much. It’s also been a time to reflect on the legacy of Nativity and the impact of the Girls division in the Greater Worcester Community. I am so grateful to be able to contribute to welcoming the girls, and cannot wait to see what the future holds.

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DA R R E L L ANCHIETA CLASS OF 2018

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Bernie - Because I am currently going to school far away in California, I have been more removed from Nativity. What made me want to come back as an intern is that I saw it as an opportunity to get back to my roots.

More than anything, I missed doing service like I did when I was here as a middle-schooler.

As far as being back, it feels very full circle. Things that I have seen that have stayed the same are the community and people. The closeness felt here is the same as when I was here, which makes me feel like I am back in middle school.

Seeing the school add on the Girls Division and all the little changes that come with it, like changing the weekly Nativity Man to “Student,” makes me appreciate more of the work that goes into it.

What does Nativity mean to you?

Bernie - Community and opportunity. It is all about building a community so you can stop surviving and thriving.

Darrell - Yes, I agree. It is a family and it is an opportunity. Not only surviving but thriving.

Nativity allows you to have ambitious pursuits and go after them.

What is one thing you would tell other grads about coming back to Nativity as an intern?

Darrell - As an undergrad, it’s easy to pigeonhole yourself into your selected interest, but this internship touches on a lot of different things. There are parts of operations, fundraising, teaching, and even more creative aspects; it is a little of everything that goes into the school. It gives a better look into what goes on here.

Bernie - You only know it as a student, focused on school and sports. After you go through some life and come back, you understand more. Being a part of the behind the scenes helps you learn a lot. It is an important skill to grow. Also, it’s a lot of fun!

What is one thing you hope for in the future of Nativity?

Bernie - I hope they keep going. The more people that are touched by Nativity, the more people are receiving the opportunities that Nativity provides. Eventually, we could even think about expanding sports! What if we had a water polo team? Wrestling? Rugby?

Darrell - I am excited for the school to continue to grow and the alumni network to grow. Also, I am excited to come back and be a part of the community as that growth happens. I would like to be a part of solidifying the alumni side of things.

Whether that’s through college admissions, jobs, or connections, there are more and more Nativity graduates each year. We should be supporting each other.

Bernie - I agree. Kids at Nativity have unique experiences at college and high school. There is definitely more to be done on the alumni side to be a support for each other.

A PROMISE FOR THE FUTURE: THE NATIVITY FOREVER SOCIETY — PLANNED GIVING

If you are seeking a meaningful way to leave your personal and philanthropic legacy, planned giving through Nativity School of Worcester may be right for you. A planned gift will make a difference in the lives of our students and graduates for years to come! A bequest gives you the flexibility to change your mind, as well as continued access to your assets, while making an immeasurable impact on the Nativity Worcester community. To learn more about planned giving, visit our website at www.nativityworcester.org/help/ planned-giving, or contact our Leadership Gifts Officer, Nate Ingalls, at ningalls@nativityworcester.org or 508-799-0100 x130.

$18.6 MILLION

MISSION ADVANCEMENT Nativity School of Worcester would like to thank our entire community for a record fundraising year! Thanks to your generosity, we have raised $18.6 million of our $20 million for our students through our campaign, Access and Impact: The Campaign for Nativity School of Worcester. These funds will help us continue to provide a transformative, tuition-free Jesuit education that supports our students to develop values rooted in our four pillars: service, scholarship, character, and strength. Additionally, your support aids our graduates as they continue to grow throughout high school, postsecondary education, and beyond. If you would like to make a gift to support our 2024-2025 school year, visit our website at www.nativityworcester.org, or you can mail your contribution to 67 Lincoln St., Worcester, MA 01605. If you have any questions about making a gift, please contact our Grants and Communications Officer, Natasha Petters, at 508-799-0100 x106 or npetters@ nativityworcester.org. Thank you for your incredible support!

THANK YOU: MS. NEILSON AND MS. MERCIER! At the end of the 2023-2024 school year, the Nativity Worcester community said goodbye to Ms. Neilson, our Math Department Head, and Ms. Mercier, our Grants and Communications Officer, after five and two years of service, respectively. We wish them the best of luck as they move on to other opportunities, and are grateful for the incredible contributions they made to our community!

SUMMER 2024

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MISSION STATEMENT Nativity School of Worcester is an accredited, independent, Jesuit middle school that provides a quality, all-scholarship education to underserved boys and girls of all faiths. Drawing upon four pillars — strength, scholarship, character, and service — a Nativity education inspires self-discovery, responsibility, spiritual growth, and a lifelong dedication to learning.

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