Cristo Rey Tampa’s Second Annual College Decision Day was one for the books. With 100% of the Class of 2022 matriculating into college, Cristo Rey Tampa Panthers had much to celebrate. In front of their classmates, parents, teachers, and Corporate Work Study Program Partners, each senior was called to the stage and revealed the college or university they would be attending.

“This is a day that you celebrate your achievements, but it is also a day to look around and reflect on all of the people who supported you through this to achieve your goal. So, embrace this moment – your moment,” shared the Director of College Counseling, Miss Jennifer Smith.

Keynote speaker Marla Bautista, the author of My Thoughts Abandoned and co-author of Brave Women, Strong Faith had words of inspiration for the graduates. Marla, who also works on the Military Spouse Advisory Council for Caliber Home Loans shared her story of perseverance and triumph. She reminded the Class of 2022 to never lose their GRIT and that “your dreams matter,” said Ms. Baustista as each student sat proudly and confidently dreaming of what comes next.

The Class of 2022, the third graduating Class from Cristo Rey Tampa Salesian High School, is an impressive group of young men and women. They have persevered and grown exponentially in faith, their studies, and work opportunities.  A few facts about these 34 seniors:

100% of the Class 2022 will be matriculating into college.

They earned more than $3.5 million in college scholarships.

More than 92% of the senior class are first-generation, college-bound students.

The class (collectively) earned 325 college acceptances.

The Valedictorian will attend Georgetown University to study linguistics.