Opening Doors to Catholic High Schools

CISE INVESTS $1.5 MILLION IN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

For hundreds of students in Cincinnati, access to a Catholic high school education would not be possible without support. Through scholarships and student support funding, CISE helps students from underserved communities continue their values-based Catholic education and pursue opportunities that shape their future.



During the current academic year, a total of $1,556,000 will support students attending 14 Catholic high schools throughout Cincinnati. This includes $1,182,000 in scholarships, along with an additional $374,000 in student support funding, benefiting more than 550 CISE high school students.

“This investment is about more than tuition,” said Phil McHugh, CISE President & Executive Director. “It reflects a long-term commitment to walking with students from kindergarten through high school and preparing them for success in college, career, and life.”

At Holy Family School, Principal Katie Puthoff has seen firsthand what that opportunity can mean.

“I’ve seen eighth graders attend Catholic high schools they never thought would be possible, thanks to the scholarships and support provided through CISE,” said Puthoff.

For students like Lofell Tarver, a senior at La Salle High School, that support has been life-changing.

“I want to thank CISE and all the donors for believing in me and giving me this opportunity,” he shared. “You have made a lasting difference in my life.”

This year’s total investment represents a nearly twenty percent increase over the prior school year, reflecting growing need and continued donor support as CISE continues expanding opportunities for students and families across Cincinnati.

As the school year comes to a close, we celebrate an important moment for students across CISE-supported schools. From eighth graders preparing to take the next step into high school to seniors graduating and moving on to college and career opportunities, this time of year reflects both accomplishment and possibility.


These milestones are made possible through the generous support of our donors and partners. Each year, CISE helps ensure that students can continue their education at Catholic high schools, providing the scholarships and support that open doors and create new pathways for success.

At the same time, we are focused on the future. This year, we made the decision to welcome a new CISE-supported school, expanding our network to 13 grade schools in the coming academic year. We also continue to expand opportunities that support students both in and out of the classroom, strengthening our ability to serve more students and families than ever before.

Throughout this newsletter, you will see how your support is at work, helping students grow, supporting educators, and creating opportunities that prepare young people for success in college, career, and life. We hope you enjoy seeing this progress.

Thank you for your continued partnership and belief in our mission.

With gratitude,

Phil McHugh

President & Executive Director





Exciting News from Holy Family School

CISE congratulates Holy Family School on receiving the State of Ohio Governor’s Science of Reading Champion Award.

Holy Family was the only Catholic school in Ohio to earn this distinction, reflecting the dedication of its educators and the school’s strong commitment to helping students build the foundational literacy skills needed for lifelong success. We are proud to celebrate this outstanding achievement and the impact it will have on students for years to come.

St. Boniface Graduate Named Valedictorian

Congratulations to Yirialis Diaz-Mercedes, valedictorian of the Class of 2026 at DePaul Cristo Rey High School. Yirialis is a former student of St. Boniface grade school and received a CISE high school scholarship, made possible through the generosity of longtime CISE scholarship supporters Susan and Joe Pichler.

Following graduation, Yirialis plans to attend the University of Notre Dame to study political science on a pre-law track. Her hard work, leadership, and dedication have led to this outstanding achievement, and we look forward to all she will accomplish next.

CISE Welcomes A New School

We are proud to announce that St. Clement School in St. Bernard will become the 13th CISE-supported grade school beginning next school year.

With nearly 300 students from preschool through eighth grade, St. Clement has a strong tradition of providing a nurturing, values-based Catholic education. Through this partnership, students and families will benefit from expanded support that helps meet the needs of the whole child, along with access to CISE high school scholarships and essential support services.

We look forward to partnering with Principal Terri Cento and the St. Clement community to strengthen support for students and families.

Celebrating Sharon Civitello

After more than 15 years with CISE, we celebrate and thank Sharon Civitello as she retires. Sharon joined CISE in 2008 and brought creativity, resourcefulness, and a thoughtful eye for design to countless marketing materials, events, and projects over the years.

In recent years, Sharon continued supporting the team in a part-time role while remaining a trusted resource with deep knowledge of CISE and its history. Her kindness, creativity, and steady presence will be greatly missed.

We are grateful for all Sharon has given to CISE and are pleased she will remain involved through the marketing committee and occasional volunteer projects. We wish her the very best as she enjoys more time with her grandchildren, traveling, and creating art.

“Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” – St. Francis of Assisi

This quote beautifully reflects my journey in education, where I am currently celebrating my 25th year. All but two of those years have been spent in parochial schools, including 15 years serving in a CISE-supported school, with 7 years at Resurrection School and 8 years at St. Francis Seraph. I am honored to be completing my first year as principal at St. Francis Seraph School.

My educational philosophy is rooted in a deep belief that all students are capable of learning and accomplishing great things when held to high expectations and supported by caring, consistent adults. If we do not believe in our students, they cannot fully realize their God-given potential. It is our responsibility to guide, challenge, and support them so they can become the people they are meant to be.

What I cherish most about being an educator are those “light bulb” moments when a student who has struggled suddenly understands, and their face lights up with pride. I especially enjoy watching the underdog persevere and achieve something they once thought was impossible.

“There is nothing more rewarding than seeing students grow academically, behaviorally, and spiritually and take pride in their accomplishments, step by step.”

A Bright Night for CISE at the American Sign Museum

On April 17, more than 200 guests gathered at the American Sign Museum for a bright and lively evening in support of CISE and the more than 3,000 students we serve.

Surrounded by the museum’s glowing vintage signs, guests enjoyed great food, music, raffles, and a silent auction, along with the opportunity to connect with principals and staff from all 12 CISE-supported grade schools. A scavenger hunt added a fun, interactive way to learn more about each school and the students we serve.

One highlight of the evening was the Friends of CISE Pete Bushelman Raffle, generous CISE supporters Helene and Ken Buell purchased the winning tickets for all four cash prizes and then donated their winnings back to CISE. We are honored by their extraordinary generosity and support.

The evening generated meaningful support for CISE’s mission, helping provide access to a values-based Catholic education in Cincinnati’s underserved communities. Thank you to our sponsors and everyone who joined us for this fun event!



Expanding Career Exploration Through Real-World Experiences

Through partnerships with the Catholic Business Advisory Council (BAC), CISE is expanding career and technical education (CTE) opportunities for students in CISE-supported schools. In recent weeks, students have participated in hands-on experiences exploring fields ranging from firefighting and fishing to financial literacy.

Mini-Career Expo (April 20)

6th and 7th grade students at Corryville Catholic explored a variety of career paths through hands-on interactions with local professionals. This “small but mighty” expo gave students a meaningful introduction to future career possibilities.

Scout Reach (April 22)

Through a partnership with Scouting America Dan Beard Council, students at Xavier Jesuit Academy participated in a hands-on fishing lesson, building outdoor skills while learning patience, focus, and confidence.

JA Reality Day (April 30)

7th and 8th grade students at St. Francis de Sales managed real-world budgets during an interactive financial literacy experience led by volunteers from Fifth Third Bank and leaders from Junior Achievement.

These experiences help connect classroom learning to real-world applications, building confidence and preparing students for success in college, career, and life.

The Thomas J. Emery Foundation has supported CISE since 1997 and recently donated $100,000 to Securing Their Future, the CISE capital campaign.

Thomas J. Emery and Mary M. Emery were prominent Cincinnati philanthropists whose legacy continues through The Emery Memorial, founded in 1925 to support the physical, social, civic and educational betterment of individuals. That vision aligns closely with CISE’s work to provide access to a values-based Catholic education and create strong foundations for students and families.



We are grateful for the Foundation’s longstanding partnership and generous investment in the future of the children we serve.