LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

The theme of this issue of EXAMEN can best be summed up with the phrase, “we rise by lifting others”. During the Mission moment at our November Board of Directors meeting, Keyshawn Carr, Class of 2016 and an Assistant Football Coach, shared the following: “If I didn’t come to Pius XI, I wouldn’t be the man sitting in front of you today. I came to Pius XI to amplify my strengths”.

Indeed, that is what our hard-working faculty and staff do day in and day out. They help everyone in our care identify and amplify their strengths to become the best versions of themselves so that they, in turn, can use those strengths to serve others. In this issue, we introduce our new Assistant Principal LaKendra Brown, as well as a few teachers who are sharing their strengths with our students.

Every day we hear incredible stories of how our alumni are lifting others up through the work they do and causes they champion, including their alma mater, Pius XI. On October 1, more than 20 Popes-owned businesses and talented artists helped us debut our very first Popesfest, showcasing the diverse talents of our graduates while raising money for the Popes Fund, which supports the greatest needs of our community. It was a beautiful celebration with the Pius XI community and we can’t wait for next year’s Popesfest.

We are so grateful for all the people who keep Pius XI in their hearts and help amplify the work we’re doing through their generous support, including the Meinerz Family, this year’s recipient of the Walter Yakich Faithful Servant Award. The deep dedication to Pius XI that began with their parents, Archie and Viola, and continues to this day is present in so many ways throughout campus, from the fieldhouse to the science wing. Inside this issue, we highlight the many generous donors whose gifts inspire us to carry out the important mission of Pius XI. A listing of donors who gave $250 or more for the year ended June 30, 2022, is located on pages 13 - 23.

Finally, we pay special tribute to Mr. Dick Fischer ‘61, who dedicated his life’s work to amplifying the strengths of the young men and women who passed through Pius XI. His presence is deeply missed, but his spirit lives on in so many remarkable ways.

As I reflect on all of the good works in 2022 and how our community has come together, I am reminded of the following verse: “Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). For all the past encouragement and support, I sincerely thank you. As we march into 2023, I look forward to witnessing the many ways our Pius XI community will continue to rise as we do the important work of lifting each other up.

Jack Herbert President