The first of many celebrations have begun for Cristo Rey Tampa Salesian High School and its inaugural graduating class.

On Friday, November 22, during the class of 2020 celebration, President Scott Morreale and Director of Mission Fr. Franco Pinto, SDB, honored Mr. Scott Riley by naming the Scott Riley Center for Students at Savio Hall.

Mr. Riley is a gentleman who personifies the Cristo Rey Tampa mission. A local businessman, he is a steadfast supporter of Mary Help of Christians Center and Cristo Rey Tampa Salesian High School. He lives actively in faith, hope, and love, encourages hard work and commitment, fosters growth in faith, and motivates those in his path to embracing the gifts of life and service. Mr. Riley, who has a passion for education, gives countless hours as the Chairman of the Board to Cristo Rey Tampa Salesian High School and has been an integral part of the school since the beginning.

“Savio Hall is the center of our campus. It’s where our student’s day starts and finishes. It’s where our Dean of Students office resides. It’s where we prepare our students for their college experience so, it’s logical and well deserved,” shared President Morreale.

A great friend to Cristo Rey Tampa Salesian High School, Scott Riley attend attended Mary Help of Christians Boarding School and Largo High School.  He went on to earn a football scholarship to the University of Tampa and joined the Air Force. Mr. Riley graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in Mass Communications. He has been named Florida’s Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst and Young and Outstanding Business Leader of the Year by the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce.

Thank you, Mr. Scott Riley, for your commitment to education and Cristo Rey Tampa Salesian High School at the Mary Help of Christians Center.

The evening celebration continued with words from Steven F., class of 2020, who served as the evenings emcee. Steven, on behalf of his classmates, expressed his gratitude for those who tirelessly support Cristo Rey Tampa Salesian High School: Corporate Work Study Partners and supervisors, teachers, and administrators, and board members.

Steven shared with guests what it meant to him and his classmates to be a member of the inaugural class. “We have been able to set the culture, the standard, and most importantly, graduate FIRST. Even though there is glamour in being the first class to graduate there are also challenges   no class ahead of us to look up to, to ask questions about how hard or easy an AP class might be; going to work in a business setting at 14, and getting evaluated just like an adult,” said Steven.

The inaugural class has worked hard at paving the way to their futures. For more than 90% of the students in the class, they will be the first in their family to attend college. With the support and guidance of CRT teachers, a College and Career Counselor, and an Alumni Coordinator, eighty percent of the class have already been accepted into a four-year college or university, but there is still more to go.

Thank you to all who made this evening a success. A special thank you to our sponsors JW Foods and Bush Ross, PA. See below for our students and guests enjoying the fun celebration.