As 2021 comes to a close, we look back with gratitude and awe for all our students and staff have accomplished.
2021 gave way to many accomplishments and the beginning of more traditions. Our first Baccalaureate Mass and our second graduation (the Class of 2021) are now beautiful memories within the halls of Cristo Rey Tampa.
The new school year welcomed one of the largest freshmen classes since launching in 2016. CWSP (Corporate Work Study Program) Draft Day included a piece of “Champa Bay” with the arrival of the Vince Lombardi Trophy – Super Bowl LV and Keynote Speaker Mr. Rob Higgins, Executive Director of the Tampa Sports Commission. Draft Day was also the perfect day to welcome new Corporate Work Study Program Partners. We are grateful to our CWSP Partners for their continued commitment to our students.
The fall ushered in test prep classes, college visits, on-campus and virtual, and tours. Under the direction of the Director of College Counseling, the Class of 2022 began applying to colleges and universities across the nation. By December 2021, 100% of the Class of 2022 was accepted to a college or university – way to go, Class of 2022! While the seniors were preparing for their next chapter, our Admissions team was recruiting the Class of 2026 and could be found at middle schools, churches, and community events recruiting new Cristo Rey Tampa Panthers.
This year Cristo Rey Tampa also launched its’ Student Speaker Series. Community trailblazers visit Cristo Rey Tampa students every other Friday morning and share their stories of personal triumph and professional success. The 2021 Speaker Series has welcomed:
- Pilots from MacDill Air Force Base Refueling Wing
- Gianna Borst, Assistant Director of Campus Ministry
- Dr. Peter Chang, VP of Care Transformation, Tampa General Hospital
- Gabriela Cisneros, EVO Payments
- Chris Davis, Author and Motivational Speaker
- Erin McEntegart, School Counselor
- Barbara Tripp, Fire Chief City of Tampa
A special thank you to this group of professionals for spending time with our students and making an impact.
2021 also gave birth to Cristo Rey Tampa’s first Annual Reys of Hope campaign. The campaign was launched with a President’s Circle event at the Columbia Restaurant, sponsored by Mr. Richard Gonzmart, and introduced the first-ever Campaign Co-chairs, Mr. TJ Couch, and the Honorable Victor Crist. The Annual Reys of Hope fundraising event at Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club and was an evening of conversation and fellowship. The successful evening highlighted our community’s support of Cristo Rey Tampa and invited others to join in supporting the Cristo Rey mission.
This year we also welcome a dedicated group of volunteers, Cristo Rey Tampa Parent Ambassadors. This group of parents has joined together to support school events and each other. A special thank you to our Parent Ambassadors for supporting our Annual Christmas Fest and helping Mr. Leitzke attend to every detail. This event is a great way to end the first half of the academic year and brings our Cristo Rey Tampa family together for a day of fun.
So, as you can see 2021 was busy for Cristo Rey Tampa Panthers. However, we still have much to do, and we’re ready for 2022!
We wish you a New year filled with peace, joy, and happiness.