Exploring Possibilities at the CISE 8^th Grade Career Expo

On October 19, CISE welcomed 305 students and chaperones from 11 CISE-supported elementary schools to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center for our 8th Grade Career Expo, A Hero's Journey.

This year's event was bigger than ever, doubling school and student participation and filling four floors of the Freedom Center with hands-on activities, interactive demonstrations and opportunities to connect with professionals from a wide range of industries.

With 65 industry partners participating, students explored careers in healthcare, construction, technology, public safety, social services and more. Whether trying their hand at a new skill, asking questions or discovering a career they had never considered, students were encouraged to think about their interests, talents and future possibilities.

Representatives from area Catholic high schools were also on hand, helping eighth graders explore educational opportunities as they prepare for the next chapter of their academic journeys.

The success of A Hero's Journey reflects the incredible collaboration of our industry partners, volunteers, schools and CISE Champions, who helped create a memorable day of discovery and inspiration for our students.

Dear Friends of CISE,

It's been a busy and rewarding fall at CISE, highlighted by the tremendous success of our 8th Grade Career Expo at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. It was incredible to see so many students exploring new possibilities for their futures. Many thanks to the support of our schools and community partners.

Our Stronger Than Ever Annual Campaign is underway, and I want to thank our co-chairs, Dr. John Tew and Peter Klekamp, for their leadership and dedication. We are continually working to meet the growing needs of our principals, teachers, students and their families.

We're also looking ahead to two exciting opportunities in 2027. A new Federal Tax Credit will offer CISE-SGO donors from all 50 states the opportunity to support CISE students while receiving a larger dollar-for-dollar tax credit. Stay tuned for more information. Also new in 2027 is our CISE Up Close event series which will bring supporters together through smaller, more personal gatherings designed to build connections and offer a closer look at our mission. 

With Thanksgiving approaching, I want to express my sincere appreciation for your generosity and commitment to CISE. We simply could not do this work without you. I hope you enjoy this newsletter and take a few moments to read more about the people, programs and events making a difference across our CISE community.

Best wishes to you and your families for a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Phil McHugh, President & Executive Director

Stronger Than Ever: The CISE Annual Campaign is Underway

Launched in September at DePaul Cristo Rey High School, the campaign is led by co-chairs Dr. John Tew and Peter Klekamp, whose dedication to CISE's mission continues to inspire our community of supporters.

The kickoff brought supporters together to hear directly from students about their experiences and the impact of a CISE education. Guests also enjoyed a Q&A with our campaign co-chairs, led by CISE President Phil McHugh, offering personal insights into their commitment to our mission.

The theme Stronger Than Ever reflects CISE's continued growth. Today, we're supporting more students, more schools, more scholarships and more educators than ever before.

As we approach year-end, we're grateful for the continued generosity of our supporters and the difference they make for CISE students and schools.

Watch Dr. Tew share why he believes in CISE and join us in making CISE Stronger Than Ever!



Hyde Park Wine Walk Raises More Than $6,000 for CISE

Last month, the Hyde Park Square Wine Walk brought the community together for an evening of fun and giving, with 15 local boutiques donating 15% of their sales to support CISE. The event has already raised more than $6.000, with additional contributions still coming in.

Thank you to Louise Stakelin and Tricia Headley for making this event possible, and to the participating businesses and everyone who came out to shop, sip and support CISE students!

Welcome to the CISE Team, Sarah

We're excited to welcome Sarah Borne to the CISE staff as Marketing & Design Support. Sarah brings years of experience in graphic design and marketing, stepping into the role previously held by Sharon Civitello, who recently retired. She'll be helping with creative projects and communications as we continue to grow, share CISE's stories, and connect with our community.

Please join us in giving Sarah a warm welcome!

On September 17, CISE celebrated the teachers and school leaders who make our schools so special at a Teacher Appreciation Party held at The View in Mt. Adams. More than 100 teachers, principals and pastors gathered for an evening of delicious food, fun prizes and great conversation. It was a chance to step away from their busy schedules, reconnect with colleagues and enjoy an evening dedicated to them!

We're grateful for the passion, dedication and care these educators bring to their classrooms and school communities every day. Thank you for all you do for our students!

Coming in 2027: CISE Up Close

A year of experiences. An opportunity to connect with our mission.

We're really excited to introduce CISE Up Close, a new series of gatherings designed to bring our community together in smaller, more personal ways throughout 2027. From lunches with students at CISE-supported schools to an evening at the ballpark, a hands-on cooking class and other unique outings, there's something for everyone!

The fun begins in February with lunch at St. Lawrence School, where guests can spend time with students and educators at the heart of CISE's mission.

Mark your calendar for April 10, when we'll host a Speakeasy at the vintage bowling alley and club room hidden beneath Holy Family School.

Each gathering offers a chance to make new connections, enjoy a unique experience and get to know CISE a little better.

Stay tuned for more details and a full menu of events to choose from. 

We can't wait to connect with you!

For Terri Cento, principal of St. Clement School, Catholic education has been a lifelong passion. Her journey began as a student at St. James White Oak and McAuley High School, laying the foundation for a career in education spanning more than 30 years.


After earning degrees from Northern Kentucky University and Xavier University, Terri began her career teaching students from the primary grades through junior high. She later moved into administration, serving as assistant principal at St. Pius X in Edgewood, Kentucky, before becoming a principal in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.


Today, Terri feels blessed to call St. Clement School home, where the Franciscan values of service, humility, community and reverence for God and creation are central to school life. She embraces the challenges and rewards of school leadership and finds particular joy in watching students succeed.

“I believe the importance of Catholic schools cannot be ignored. We provide a well-rounded education that embraces differences and ensures every child receives the academic and spiritual foundation they deserve. Seeing success through the eyes of a child brings a smile to my face every time!”

A Cincinnati native, Terri lives in Edgewood, Kentucky, with her husband. Together, they have four children and 11 grandchildren who keep them busy cheering at academic and athletic events. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, especially to the beach, exploring new places and playing golf.

Terri brings a simple philosophy to her work each day:

“Happy students, happy parents; happy parents, happy teachers, and happy Administrator!”

As Terri emphasizes, everyone must work cooperatively to achieve success.



The Pete Bushelman Friends of CISE Raffle

Four Cash Prizes. One Great Cause.

Named in honor of longtime chair Pete Bushelman, the Friends of CISE Raffle has raised more than $3.5 million to support CISE students.

This year's raffle features four cash prizes: $10,000, $2,500, $1,000 and $500! 

Tickets are $100 each, and winners will be drawn April 10, 2027, at the CISE Up Close Speakeasy at Holy Family School. You do not need to be present to win.



Buy your Raffle Tickets today!



Give. Receive. 
Empower a student.

Make your year-end giving count.

Donate to CISE-SGO and receive a dollar-for-dollar Ohio state tax credit of up to $750 per individual or $1,500 for married couples filing jointly, while helping students access a values-based Catholic education.

And there's more good news coming!

Beginning in 2027, a new federal tax credit will offer donors in all 50 states an even greater opportunity to support CISE students. Stay tuned for more details.

Make your CISE-SGO donation today!