The Promise of a New School Year

CISE educators share what they look forward to most as they prepare to welcome students back to the classroom.

A new school year begins, bringing fresh opportunities for students to learn, grow, and discover who they are meant to become. Across the CISE community, educators are preparing classrooms, welcoming families, and looking forward to another year of helping students thrive.


While every school is unique, our educators share a common purpose: they believe deeply in the potential of every child and the difference a caring school community can make. We asked some of the amazing educators at CISE-supported grade schools and Catholic high schools one simple question: What do you look forward to most as a new school year begins? Here are a few of their responses. 

Jennifer Ostertag - Principal, St. Teresa of Avila School

"As a new school year begins, I look forward to welcoming our students and families back and watching our community grow together in faith, learning, and friendship. I especially enjoy seeing students discover new talents, build meaningful relationships, and grow in confidence as they are challenged academically and spiritually."

Lauren Clements - Principal, Mercy McAuley High School
"As we begin a new school year, I am excited to build on our incredible momentum and continue providing our students with opportunities to be known, be challenged, and be great."

Jen Long - Principal, St. Lawrence School

"Many of the students we serve don't look forward to summer for a variety of reasons. When those students step out of the car on the first day of school and run into our arms, all is right in their world."

Tyree Gaines - 8th Grade Teacher, St. Boniface School

"A new school year gives us another opportunity to help every child recognize their strengths, grow through challenges, and begin to see the possibilities within themselves."

Jina Pettyjohn - Art Teacher, St. Lawrence & St. William Schools

"I look forward to welcoming students into the art room, a place where creativity, curiosity, and confidence can grow."

We are grateful for the educators who inspire, encourage, and believe in every student. Thanks to your support, more than 3,000 CISE students will begin the year in schools where they are known, valued, challenged, and loved.

Find more back-to-school comments on the CISE website.

Dear Friends of CISE,

As the new school year approaches, I am energized by the excitement and optimism of our educators. Their dedication reminds us that every student benefits from caring adults who believe in their potential.

That same commitment extends throughout the CISE community. In this issue, you'll see how students continued learning and preparing for their futures over the summer, meet people making a difference in our mission, and discover opportunities to connect with CISE this fall.

In the coming weeks, we'll share our 2026 Annual Report, Stronger Than Ever, and officially launch this year's annual campaign under the leadership of Campaign Co-Chairs Dr. John Tew and Peter Klekamp. Together, these efforts highlight the impact made possible through the generosity of our donors, partners, and supporters.

Thank you for being part of the CISE community.

With gratitude,

Phil McHugh

President & Executive Director

Thank You High School Scholarship Donors

Behind every CISE scholarship is a student with potential and a donor who believes in their future.

This year, 580 students are attending 13 local Catholic high schools with support from CISE. Through scholarships, guidance, and ongoing support, students are gaining the education, confidence, and opportunities they need to thrive.

Thank you to everyone who helps make these opportunities possible. Together, we are empowering students and strengthening communities.

Enjoy the video below, from CISE High School Scholarship recipients!

CISE Summer Intern

This summer, CISE welcomed its first intern through the Strategic Ohio Council for Higher Education's (SOCHE) TechCred program, made possible through partnerships developed by the Catholic Business Advisory Council.

Selected from a competitive pool of applicants, Brady Sanders, an incoming senior at Moeller High School, completed a six-week internship that offered a behind-the-scenes look at nonprofit leadership and operations.

Working alongside Mari Thomas and Mike Kennedy, Brady supported projects ranging from board meeting preparation and research to donor database updates. He also met with CISE's Board Chair, toured an investment management firm, visited a partner high school, and attended staff, investment committee, and board meetings.



"The internship reflects CISE's ongoing commitment to creating meaningful educational and career experiences for students and young professionals while strengthening partnerships with organizations that invest in workforce development." - Mari Thomas, CISE

CISE thanks Brady for his enthusiasm, professionalism, and contributions throughout the summer. We wish him continued success during his senior year and beyond.

Read more about Brady's internship experience and the SOCHE TechCred partnership on our website. Pictured: Sean O'Brien, Brady Sanders, Mike Kennedy.


CISE is very pleased to welcome Ms. Lena M. Crawford as the new principal of Corryville Catholic School.

Ms. Crawford brings more than 20 years of experience in education, including school leadership, curriculum development, instructional coaching, and student support. She is committed to academic excellence, faith-filled leadership, and creating a school community where every child is known, challenged, and cared for.

We look forward to the leadership, dedication, and vision she will bring to Corryville Catholic School and wish her and the entire school community a wonderful 2026–2027 school year.

Summer Career & Technical Education Impact
Career and Technical Education (CTE) extended well beyond the traditional classroom this summer. Through collaborative partnerships between the Catholic Business Advisory Council, Butler Tech, Great Oaks, Grant Career Center, and Junior Achievement, CISE delivered high-demand summer certification courses designed to prepare high school students for future academic and career pathways.


Program Highlights

• 6 CISE partner high schools participated
• 125 students enrolled


Certifications Earned

• Aviation
• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
• Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)
• CompTIA with Human Design Thinking (IT)
• OSHA 10
• Drone Recreational UAS Safety Certification (TRUST)


Building on valuable insights gained regarding collaborative partnerships and industry-recognized credentialing coursework, CISE looks forward to expanding these opportunities throughout the 2026-2027 school year and into summer 2027.

Join Us for Wine Walk Wednesday

Location: Hyde Park Square

Date: September 30th

Time: 2pm-6pm

Sip. Shop. Support.

15% of proceeds from participating stores will benefit CISE, helping provide scholarships and essential support for students in Cincinnati’s inner-city.

A big thank you to Louise Stakelin and Tricia Headley for organizing the fundraising event.

This Fall at CISE

September 3

Annual Campaign Launch 

CISE's 2026 Stronger Than Ever Annual Campaign will officially kick off at DePaul Cristo Rey High School, marking the beginning of this year's annual campaign and the release of our Annual Report. Together, they celebrate the impact of our supporters and our shared commitment to empowering even more students.

September 17

Teacher Appreciation Event

Educators and staff from CISE-supported elementary schools will gather at The View at Mt. Adams for an evening of celebration and appreciation hosted by CISE. The event recognizes the dedication, compassion, and commitment of those who nurture, inspire, and support our students every day.

October 19

8th Grade Career Expo

Hosted at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, CISE's 2nd annual 8th Grade Career Expo will welcome more students and more industry partners than ever before. Through hands-on experiences and meaningful conversations with business and community leaders, students will explore career pathways and discover opportunities for their future.

October 19, 3pm-5pm 
Multiple Choice Movie Screening

Following the Career Expo, CISE is proud to host Cincinnati's first screening of Multiple Choice, an inspiring documentary that explores how career-connected learning helps students discover their strengths, develop valuable skills and prepare for meaningful futures. CISE supporters and community partners are invited to this special event at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.

RSVP to Mari Thomas.
Watch the "Multiple Choice" video trailer below.

A Special Giveaway for Current CISE-SGO Donors