Dear Families of Holy Name,

Our hope each and every day is that we grow closer to Jesus. Our mission as a Catholic school in the Diocese of Marquette is to do just that while using the tools of classical education. I have been so impressed with the growth of our students. Our scores are nearly double that of our public school neighbors. Our staff is embracing Bishop John Doerfler’s call to create wonder and teach with the good, true, and beautiful in mind. Our students are building strong minds because they are being challenged to think, assess, evaluate and connect. Our small school is well represented again with four students finishing in the top 10 of Escanaba Public—including valedictorian. It is my sincere hope that more students will take advantage of our Holy Name High School so we can maximize their potential. Holy Name offers a rich curriculum that is nationally recognized. It is one of the fastest growing networks of schools in the country. I frequently hear that Holy Name students are far ahead of their classmates in the public school. Holy Name is not seeking to be an elitist school. We are seeking disciples that are getting every opportunity to grow as fully alive persons that God intended us to be.

I had the opportunity to hear from our seniors about their experience at the Holy Name High School – a Chesterton Academy on Thursday evening. We held a dinner with donors so our students could share a toast or share part of their journey. I was so impressed with the maturity of the comments. I heard messages of service, discipleship, wisdom from GK Chesterton, and a genuine, sincere joy. It was a beautiful evening. The scholarship committee was able to distribute over $31,000 to these students! We will announce the winners soon. The $31,000 is an every year gift for our seniors. It will help with their next steps whether the students take up the trades or go to a college. Thank you so much to our donors who make that amazing annual gift a reality.

Track season has been in full swing. I have been present at many of the track meets and I love to see their hard work. Their bodies have been training, but the students of Holy Name are showing mental toughness as well. I am so proud of them. There are multiple students with new school records and even some 8th graders were able to compete in the High School regionals. I am happy to say we have many students from grade 8-12 that are participating in the UP state finals in Kingsford. A well rounded person takes care of their body and I see good habits being formed. Thank you to the coaches who are able to help our athletes become the best they can be.

The students performed well at the music concert on Monday. I am proud of their efforts. Thank you Dr. LaCosse for your dedication to our students.

St. Vincent de Paul society called Holy Name this week in need of help. It was a time sensitive project. I asked our high schoolers if they could help at the end of the day. I was impressed that our students were so willing on such short notice. It was another example of our students living a life of virtue.

We have an opportunity to help our parishes with the Honduras mission. Please see the note below from Amber Hartman.

JMJ

Hola Holy Name Families! As you may know earlier this year our students donated the proceeds from Entrepreneur Day to support the mission work of the Sirvientes De Cristo in Honduras. Volunteers will be returning to the La Granja barrio of La Paz, Honduras this summer. Holy Name has another exciting opportunity to put faith into action and bless the children of the barrio by donating supplies for the Bible Fiesta. The Sirvientes De Cristo are seeking donations of new, unopened washable markers, colorful tissue paper, Modge Podge, and foam brushes. A donation bin will be placed in front of the chapel starting Monday, May 19th through the end of the school year. Next fall volunteers will share a presentation with the students so they may begin to learn more about how their efforts are blessing our brothers and sisters in Christ in Honduras.

Finally, there are many rumors swirling around staffing for next year. We are in the process of issuing contracts to teachers. We will share out the full staffing plan as we work through our process. Enrollment drives nearly everything. I encourage you to reach out to your friends, neighbors, and fellow countrymen. Please share the message that Holy Name Catholic School is a safe place for children to grow as a disciple of Jesus. We challenge our students to reach their fullest potential academically and we simultaneously give opportunities for them to listen to God’s calling. It is in listening to God’s call that we will find true joy and peace.

Many blessings to you all. Have a great time at the Mother/Son event and the High School Formal on Saturday. Thank you to Home and School and the Student Life Committees for making these great events possible.

Peace and joy,
Nathan Vande Hey -Principal