From the Book of Micah: Act Justly, Love Tenderly and Walk Humbly

Amanda is an active fifth grader at St. Viator Parish School in Las Vegas, and her joy is contagious. She loves to greet her classmates and teachers alike, and she shines on the cheerleading squad and in choir. In class, she is reading and navigating her assignments on her iPad independently. Amanda has attended St. Viator since first grade, following in the footsteps of her older brother, Luke. As a student with Down syndrome, she is able to attend the school because of its groundbreaking Micah Program 6:8, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. It is the only inclusion program of its kind in a Catholic school in the state of Nevada. The program takes its lead from the Book of Micah, in the Old Testament: “Act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with God and each other.”

The Micah Program aims to provide students with physical and intellectual learning disabilities a Christ-centered environment in which to learn. The program strives to maximize each student’s abilities by developing the whole person, academically and socially.

The Viatorian Community has supported the program from the start, with annual grants that cover the cost of a salary for one of its teachers. Members of the new Provincial Council visited the school in February, to learn more about the program, and once again they renewed their financial pledge.

“When we started the Micah Program, we — the school and parish community — thought we were doing something special to help our Micah children,” says Fr. Richard Rinn, CSV, Pastor and Assistant Provincial.”

“Ten years later, we learned the Micah Children did something for us. Our students are more aware and more accepting, more generous with care and compassion,” he says. “I see the same thing in our faculty, staff and families. Twice a year, the parish takes up a special collection for the Micah Program and parishioners always respond generously,” Fr. Rinn adds, “Many have told me, ‘I am proud to be a part of a parish that has a program like this.’ The Micah children are a tug on the heart strings, and we are a better community for it.” This rare inclusive program drew its current principal, Mrs. Katie Kiss, to St. Viator in 2021. She had worked in Catholic schools for more than 20 years, but had never experienced a program like this one.

“At our school we approach each child with the mindset of ‘different needs can and will be met here,’” Mrs. Kiss says. “We believe each child of God must have an opportunity for Catholic education and our team works together to unlock the enormous potential within these special children.”

Students in the program have had Down syndrome, epilepsy and cerebral palsy, as well as ADHD and on the Autism spectrum. Three of its graduates are now in high school, and eight are current students, with 10 on the waitlist. Of the current students, five have siblings that attend the school and two have parents that went to St. Viator, says Mrs. Angela Sligar, learning support specialist for the Micah Program.

“The program has grown tremendously,” Mrs. Sligar says.

“Our special students are also involved in extracurricular activities including sports, student government, choir, cheerleading and recorders. Two students are now in fifth grade and are Peace Pals, mentoring younger students.”

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As athletic director of Saint Viator High School, can you tell us how many sports, athletes and coaches you oversee?

Saint Viator has 32 athletic programs that entails 70 different levels. Each year between 75-80 percent of students par ticipate in at least one sport (28% in two spor ts) with 110 coaches sharing their knowledge and passion with our student-athletes.

Q . You just made your first commitment as an associate last summer, tell us about the discernment process. W hat did you like about it?

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Q. Tell us about your decision to become an associate? You’re a graduate of Saint Viator High School and a member of the administration. What prompted you to take the next step?

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I am a product of a Catholic school upbringing. Attending Our Lady of the Wayside, Saint Viator and L oras College (18 years of Catholic School Education) formed who I am today! I have worked and coached in Catholic schools my entire adult life, inc luding 25 years leading young people in the mission, vision and values of the Viatorians and S aint Viator High School. It was a no-brainer in my mission as a Viatorian educator to take the next steps to become a lay associate.

Q. What were your impressions of the Viatorians when you attended the high school? Were any of them impor tant mentors to you?

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I only had one Viatorian teacher when I attended Saint Viator (Fr. George Harris). I have always respected and looked up to priests, deacons and nuns. I have grown closer to the Viatorians as an adult through mentorship/relationships, many who have assisted me in becoming the man and leader I am today! Specifically, Fr. Corey Brost and Fr. Charlie Bolser have been great supporters in my faith exploration and growth as an administrator for the Saint Viator Community.

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The discernment process created an opportunity for me to look deep into my mind, heart and soul, chalenging some of my best practices, thoughts and beliefs. This fruitful, internal discussion, along with those whom I trust most in the Viatorian community led me to the decision to join the Viatorian community for years to come.

We always ask how you’re animating the Viatorian mission in your work. Can you tell us about how you’re incorporating those values into Saint Viator athletics?

A.We implemented “The Viator Way” in athletics, encouraging student athletes and coaches to S.T.R.I.V.E. to do everything well so that through us Jesus may be adored and loved. The six characteristics that we created with S.T.R.I.V.E., through V iatorian doctrine, assist in forming what we believe each student-athlete and coach should exemplify.

S. - Sacrifice Intentionally

T. - Thrive Spiritually

R . - Rise Above Negativity

I. - Ignite the Community

V. - Value Adversity

E. - Embrace Gratitude

I feel blessed on a daily basis to be part of the V iatorian Community as an administrator and Athletic Director at Saint Viator High School. I look forward to the important conversations, reflections and decisions our community will make to keep the spirit of Fr. Louis Querbes and Saint Viator alive for years to come.