Cristo Rey Orlando has officially enrolled our first 100 students, and we could not be more excited. Each student represents a story of hope, purpose, and possibility. As we prepare to open our doors, this milestone reminds us why we exist: to offer a rigorous, values-driven education that transforms lives and communities. Our founding students are pioneers. They are the foundation of our school and the heartbeat of our mission. With just a few spaces remaining, we continue to welcome students into this historic founding class.

This moment would not have been possible without the incredible efforts of our student recruitment team of Edna Cedano, Francesca Pierre and Brianna Brokaw, our Director of Recruitment & Enrollment and recent award winner.

Brianna’s thoughtful approach and deep community connections helped make this first class a reality. From meeting families face-to-face to reimagining how we connect with schools and churches, her work laid the groundwork for what we are building together.

Brianna helped shape a culture that welcomes, inspires, and empowers. Her warmth and dedication made families feel seen, heard, and excited to be part of something new. As we celebrate our first 100 students, we also celebrate the vision, heart, and hard work that brought them here.

Congratulations to Brianna as the inaugural Outrageously Bold Award recipient and to every scholar who said yes to the journey ahead. The future is bright.

Earlier this month, we brought together our newly enrolled students for an evening of fun and connection at Dezerland Park. It was the first chance for many to meet their classmates and start building the friendships that will shape their high school journey.

Students enjoyed bowling, food, and lively conversation, while parents relaxed and explored the venue. The night also featured our school mascot vote, with students passionately choosing between the Lions, Blue Flames, Fire, or Phoenix. Stay tuned for the announcement of our new mascot - coming soon!

The energy, excitement, and sense of community were unmistakable. Cristo Rey Orlando is already becoming more than a school—it’s becoming a family.

Excitement is in the air as planning begins for one of the most anticipated events of the year—Draft Day - which will be hosted in Steinmetz Hall at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts! This signature event marks a major milestone for our students as they find out where they’ll be placed for their Corporate Work Study Program job assignments.

Our dedicated Corporate Partners, including the team from Dr. Phillips Center, will join us for this special occasion where each member of our founding class will be matched with a professional workplace. But Draft Day is more than just a celebration...it's a transformative moment. For many students, this will be their first step into the professional world, launching their year of real-world experience, mentorship, and career exploration.

We're delighted to introduce you to Maria Gabriela Yunen, a remarkable member of our Cristo Rey Orlando family whose journey exemplifies the power of dedicated service to children and families. With over a decade of experience spanning from the Dominican Republic to New Jersey and now here in Florida, Gabriela brings a unique blend of professional expertise and heartfelt compassion that perfectly aligns with our mission.

As someone with a background in psychology and years of hands-on experience in educational settings, Gabriela understands that every student deserves not just academic support, but also an environment where they feel truly seen and valued—a principle that resonates deeply with our Cristo Rey commitment to transforming lives through education.

We had the joy of celebrating Amanda Livermore as one of Orlando Business Journal’s 2025 Women Who Mean Business honoree and the excitement is still in the air! This recognition shines a spotlight on Amanda’s outstanding leadership, her deep commitment to students and families, and the lasting impact of her work in the education space.

Amanda’s dedication, vision, and heart continue to move our mission forward in powerful ways. Her recognition is a reminder of what’s possible when purpose meets passion. Congratulations, Amanda, on this incredible and well-deserved honor—we are so proud to have you as part of the Cristo Rey Orlando story.

On March 25th, Solemnity of the Annunciation, we had the distinct joy of “enthroning” the Hearts of Jesus and Mary in our school. This beautiful Marian feast day this year coincided with the 25th anniversary of our religious sponsor’s (Servants of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary) official diocesan approval as an institute of religious life.

We celebrated Mass in our chapel, during which the images were blessed, and after which they were installed in our lobby. From their beginnings, the Servants have promoted what is known as the “consecration” to the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary, visiting homes, schools, and offices, with the particular purpose of honoring the Hearts of Jesus and Mary as the head of that particular home, school, or workplace.

The “Consecration of a School to the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary,” written by Mother Adela Galindo, Foundress SCTJM, was prayed together by staff, board members, friends and guests, and even a couple future students.

This event marked a particular historic moment for our school, as we honored the Hearts of Jesus and Mary, who have loved us so much as to allow Their Hearts to be pierced to give us life, and who call us forth to build a civilization of love.

The month of June is traditionally commemorated in the Catholic Church as a month in honor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. As Servants of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary, the upcoming Solemnity of the Sacred Heart and Feast of the Immaculate Heart are very special days.

The Sisters would like to extend the invitation to all to attend their Community’s annual “Great Vigil of the Two Hearts,” hosted at San Pedro Spiritual Development Center.

United in the love of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary, the Cristo Rey Orlando High School family affirms that we are:

To be “cooperative” calls for the gift of our individual “I” to be placed at the service of and in communion with one another as a “we” to work together for the Kingdom of God. St. Paul describes this reality in his first letter to the Corinthians, “There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. To each individual, the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit….As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also Christ….Now you are Christ’s body, and individually parts of it” (1 Corinthians 12:4-8,12,27). The Catechism beautifully describes the communion in Christ we are to have with one another for the glory of God, “All of us, however, in varying degrees and in different ways share in the same charity towards God and our neighbours, and we all sing the one hymn of glory to our God. All, indeed, who are of Christ and who have his Spirit form one Church and in Christ cleave together” (CCC #954). To build a new civilization of love requires each of our cooperation in all that the Hearts of Jesus and Mary desire to accomplish in and through us. As Mother Adela exhorts, “God is entrusting to you the task, at once difficult and uplifting, of working with him in the building of the civilization of love.”

“The humanity of today…is in need of the missionary ardor of men and women that, in total communion with the heart of the Church, set out with generosity, courage and enthusiasm to refresh the world.”

- Mother Adela Galindo, SCTJM Foundress

As we approach the historic opening of Cristo Rey Orlando High School this August, we are grateful for the many blessings in our lives, especially the generous support from friends like you who believe in our transformative mission.

This milestone marks the beginning of a lasting legacy, one that will change the lives of students and families in our community for generations to come. You can be part of this founding story by helping us prepare for our August opening through our Amazon Wish List. Each item you purchase brings us one step closer to creating a beautiful and welcoming space where our first class of students will learn, grow, and thrive.

Together, we are not just opening a school; we are launching a legacy of opportunity, hope, and achievement that will positively impact our Orlando community for years to come.

Cristo Rey Orlando High School https://www.cristoreyorlando.org/