DePaul Cristo Rey High School Celebrates 10 Years
By Margee Garbsch, director of marketing and communications, DePaul Cristo Rey High School
The theme, “Celebrating a Decade of Faith, Education and Vision,” set the stage for DePaul Cristo Rey’s 10th anniversary party and blessing of its transformed campus. The Oct. 27 celebration included students, current and former school leaders and staff, as well as friends whose support helped make the new buildings possible.
DePaul Cristo Rey opened in June 2011; a two-year construction project was completed in 2020 transforming the Clifton campus by adding a gymnasium, cafeteria and three-story academic building. The construction was funded through the successful ‘Building. Futures. Together. For A Greater Cincinnati’ capital campaign that raised $20.8 million.
Guests at the anniversary celebration were awed by the transformed campus and enjoyed reflecting on the school’s history and successes with speakers S. Barbara Hagedorn, past president of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati; S. Jeanne Bessette, OSF, founding president of DPCR; and current DPCR President Siobhan Taylor.
Teacher and Hispanic Outreach Coordinator Dr. Manuel Iris, who is also Cincinnati’s poet laureate emeritus, read the poem, “A Seed and A Tree,” which he wrote in honor of the occasion. Artist Holly Schapker explained and unveiled (with student help) a tapestry she created depicting the school’s first decade and bright future outlook.
The program ended with S. Patricia Hayden, SC, president of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, leading the guests in a communal blessing of the new buildings. Guests also enjoyed tours of the new spaces.
