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Paying It Forward
A CISE Scholar's Journey of Gratitude
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Meet Bitanya Derese, a CISE alumna with a remarkable story of resilience and determination. Born in Ethiopia, the Derese family immigrated to the United States in 2007 with dreams of a better life. America was not just a new home, it was a land of opportunities. As an immigrant and a child of non-English-speaking parents, Bitanya faced many challenges. She recalls, “A lot of responsibility was attached to that. I had to serve as a translator for my parents and deal with many things that a kid wouldn’t know what to do with. I think that’s part of what made me so driven and independent today.”
The family settled in Cincinnati and Bitanya’s educational journey began at Holy Family Elementary, a CISE-supported school in Price Hill. Holy Family became a vital support system during the family's early days in Cincinnati. More than just a school, the staff demonstrated genuine concern for the family's well-being, including a dedicated secretary who even helped them find affordable housing.
(read more...)
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WELCOME TO CISE QUARTERLY | |
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From Phil McHugh
CISE President & Executive Director
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The new year is off to a strong start at CISE. We recently completed the forty-second year of our annual fundraising campaign, raising over $4,400,000. Please accept my grateful appreciation to all the donors who so generously support our mission. Special thanks to Liz Niehaus and Don Mellott for providing outstanding leadership as Campaign Co-chairs. During the wrap-up celebration of the campaign, we heard from Quinayah Hand and Hector Lopez Escobar, two CISE scholars at Roger Bacon High School, who expressed their appreciation to donors for the gift of their education.
In this edition of CISE Quarterly, we are excited to share the story of Bitanya Derese, a former CISE Scholar at Holy Family and Seton High School. Bitayna is making the world a better place through the creation of The Grateful Foundation, dedicated to providing basic supplies to children in Ethiopia. I hope you enjoy her story!
This newsletter also provides an update on the work of Mari Thomas who launched a feasibility study to explore how we meet the career and technical interests of CISE students. With the cost of college continually rising, some CISE students need an alternative. I am pleased that CISE is bringing numerous individuals from education, government, and industry to identify how we provide a solution to meet the needs of our students. Stay tuned!
Finally, if you have not already done so, please consider making a donation to CISE. Ohio residents can still receive a 2023 Ohio tax credit for donations to our CISE–SGO (Scholarship Granting Organization). You are eligible to make a donation up to the date that you file your Ohio Income tax return to receive a tax credit for 2023.
Thank you for partnering with us in our mission.
In gratitude,
Philip R. McHugh, President & Executive Director
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Today we celebrate Mrs. Jen Long, the principal at St. Lawrence Elementary School in Price Hill. Mrs. Long believes that the greatest responsibility we have to the children who are entrusted to our care is to provide the tools that they need to become faith-filled, lifelong learners. | |
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About Principal Long:
This is my 3rd year as principal of St Lawrence. I am blessed to be a part of the Eagle Family! I have been in education for 26 years - 9 of those years at St Lawrence. I graduated from Seton High School and received my undergraduate degree in Education from NKU. (read more...)
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2023 Campaign Wrap-up Party
January 10, 2024
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The Hyde Park Country Club was buzzing with excitement as Campaign Co-chairs, Liz Niehaus and Don Mellott, board members, staff and supporters gathered to celebrate the success of the annual campaign. Highlights of the evening were the inspiring speeches given by two CISE students from Roger Bacon High School, who shared how CISE has helped them achieve their goals. We were also delighted to have former CISE student, Tyra Jones, join us for the evening. It was a great reminder of the impact CISE has on the lives of students and the community. We are grateful for the continued support of our donors and look forward to another successful year! | |
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CISE Feasibility Study
Building Business & Education Partnerships
CISE is six months into the one-year feasibility study, led by Dr. Mari Thomas, to explore and identify alternative pathways for our graduates. One critical development in this work is the launch of a Business Advisory Council, BAC. All Ohio public school districts and Educational Service Centers are required, by law, to have a BAC. Currently, Ohio has 110 Business Advisory Councils. (read more...)
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Tune in to Sacred Heart Radio on Feb. 21st at 4:35pm to hear more from Mari Thomas about CTE and the feasibility sutdy. Listen at 74o AM & 910 AM or on Spotify. | |
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New Superintendent of Schools Appointed | Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr has announced the appointment of Matthew J. Daniels as Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, effective July 1, 2024. Mr. Daniels will assume this responsibility from Kathleen C. Kane, who is serving as Interim Superintendent for the 2023-24 academic year following the retirement of Susan M. Gibbons at the end of the 2022-23 academic year. (read more...) | | | |
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Meet Julie & Steve Hellebusch
CISE Supporters Since 2009
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Meet former Cincinnatians Julie and Steve Hellebusch. Julie and Steve have been faithful CISE donors since 2009. For many years, they were monthly donors, and despite moving to Texas for work in 2013, they have continued to donate to CISE regularly.
Julie and Steve are both products of a great Catholic education. Julie graduated from Mt. Notre Dame High School in Cincinnati and Steve graduated from Covington Catholic High School in northern Kentucky. (read more...)
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Join The Excitement At This Must-Attend Party!
A fun evening at TQL Stadium, the home of MLS team, FC Cincinnati!
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Join us for CISE Party at the Pitch at the amazing TQL Stadium, recognized as one of the World's Most Beautiful Sports Venues by Prix Versailles. Experience the exclusive Pitch View Club, with a scenic overlook of the soccer field and an outdoor patio.
Enjoy great food, an open bar, complimentary parking, fun yard games, raffles, a silent auction, great beats from a DJ, and a dance floor. Don't miss the chance to meet FC Cincinnati's team mascot, Gary! Party tickets are just $70 per person. Be part of the excitement! More infromation to come.
Friday, April 12th - 6pm - 10pm
TQL Stadium - The Pitch View Club
1501 Central Parkway, Cincinnati, Ohio 45214
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St. Cecilia Career Expo
February 23, 2024 | 1pm-3pm
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St. Cecilia School in Oakley is holding its first ever career expo on February 23 in the school gynasium. Mr. Mike Goedde, St. Cecilia principal, has partnered with Dr. Mari Thomas (CISE) to design and implement their inaugural Career Expo. This partnership celebrates the school’s interest in promoting career and technical programming and Dr. Thomas’ passion to support schools in this work. The goal of the event is to expose middle school students (grades 6-8) to careers and highlight career activities in Catholic high schools. The expo will feature local career leaders in healthcare, tech, and construction, as well as Catholic high school students and educators. | |
Interested in learning more about how the Career and Technical exploration in Cincinnati lines up with other Catholic workforce initiatives throughout the nation? Read the article below. | |
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"New Catholic trade schools are sprouting up across the country - here are four."
Catholic News Agency | January 2, 2024
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Amid skilled-labor shortages in the U.S., new Catholic trade schools are offering a new path for students.There is growing interest in the trades for many families around the country, according to the leaders of postsecondary Catholic trade institutions, and it comes amid major skilled-labor shortages in the U.S.
According to the 2023 Career Advancement in Manufacturing Report by Xometry, 82% of manufacturing companies are experiencing a labor shortage. In February, the Associated Builders and Contractors said that the construction industry had a shortage of half a million laborers. (read more...)
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It's Not Too Late to Donate to CISE-SGO
Contributions can be made up to the day you file your taxes to receive a 2023 Ohio tax credit.
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How does it work?
Contributions up to $750 for individuals or $1500 for married couples filing jointly to CISE-SGO are eligible for a dollar-for-dollar tax credit on Ohio income tax returns.
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The Brenda Hoskins & Pete Bushelman High School Scholarship Matching Gift Challenge | |
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Since the inception of CISE, Pete Bushelman has been fundraising through the Friends of CISE Raffle, a legacy that endures today. Now his impact extends even further, inspiring his late friend Brenda Hoskins to incorporate CISE into her trust.
The Brenda Hoskins and Pete Bushelman High School Scholarship was recently established to support a student throughout four years of high school.
Brenda's generous contribution aims to empower a CISE graduate with a strong plan for success.
You can now honor the memories of both Brenda and Pete and turn an 8th-grade student's dream into reality with the matching gift challenge.
The demand is significant: CISE anticipates over 100 incoming first-year students in need of a high school scholarship starting in the 2024-2025 school year. (click below the read the whole story)
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A Short Survey
Please take a moment to participate in a very short survey to let us know how we are doing with CISE Quarterly Newsletter. Thank you for helping us continue to improve how we keep you informed.
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Look for your next CISE Quarterly Newsletter on
May 7, 2024
Visit CISEKids.org to learn more about the CISE mission in action.
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