eTC Newsletter
February 6, 2026


Note: This issue is packed with good stuff! Be sure to click at the end of the email to catch it all.

From The President's Desk

We Need Catholic Education More Than Ever!


Last week, we celebrated Catholic Schools Week, a beautiful opportunity to celebrate the gift of Catholic education. The week prompted me to reflect on my own blessings, having been part of a Catholic school community in one form or another for 56 years. My journey began in 1970 as a first grader at St. Wenceslas Elementary (Maple Hts., Ohio) and continued through high school, college, postgraduate studies, and ultimately a vocation in Catholic education as a teacher, coach, and administrator. Over these many years, I have witnessed firsthand the profound and lasting impact Catholic schools have on individuals, families, and communities.


Catholic Schools Week culminated in a beautiful Grandparents Day Mass. Seeing multiple generations gathered in prayer was a powerful reminder of the enduring strength of faith, family, and community. Watching our students interact with their grandparents, especially as they placed their hands on them during the final blessing, spoke directly to the heart of our mission, a

Christ-centered community that upholds the family as the foundation of faith formation and education.


In today’s world, where so much feels uncertain, a faith-based education rooted in the family provides a stable and life-giving foundation. Catholic schools nurture both academic excellence and moral integrity, preparing students not only for successful careers, but for lives of purpose, service, and meaning. We invite you to continue supporting this vital mission through your time, talents, and resources. Together, we ensure that Catholic education remains strong, forming future generations grounded in faith, family, and hope.

Mr. Robert Lees

President of Tampa Catholic High School

THIS WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS

This past Wednesday, Kory Stokes '26, signed to attend and play football at Washburn University.


Congratulations, Kory! The TC community is so proud of your accomplishments and are excited for your next steps at Washburn for your academic and athletic career.


We pray for his continued success and safety both on and off the field.

Represent the Crusader Family well, Kory!

Our very own TC Theatre put on the production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee on February 4 and 5. This play was student directed by Finn Brown '26, and is headed to the Florida Thespians State Festival next month.


Faculty, staff, and members of the student body who attended gave rave reviews of the performance.


We wish our theatre troupe the best as they go to States soon. Break a leg!

REMINDERS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Today is your LAST DAY to purchase

Cross & Shield Tickets!


Don’t miss an unforgettable evening celebrating our Tampa Catholic community!


Join us—get your tickets now and prepare for a Gala like no other!

Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026


Time: 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM


Location: Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay


Attire: Formal


RSVP Deadline: February 6th

If you’re attending the Gala, be sure to book your room at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay and make a night of it!



Click the button below to reserve your room.

Room block closes February 13th

Join the TC Girls Basketball Team at home tonight, 2/6, for the CHAMPIONSHIP game versus Cardinal Mooney at 7:00 PM.

Join the TC Boys Basketball Team at home tomorrow, 2/7, at 7:00 PM for the CHAMPIONSHIP game versus Calvary Christian.

Do you want to dive deeper into your faith and build community here at TC? 

Take this as a sign and join is for the Kairos 6 retreat!


K6 is taking place on April 22-25 at Dayspring Episcopal Conference Center. We leave right after school ends on Wednesday, April 22.


The cost is $275. Please ensure to sign up by Friday, February 13th.


There is also a MANDATORY parent meeting on March 3rd as well. If you have any further questions, you can email me at rmulligan@tampacatholic.org or stop by room 114.


A Reflection on Our School Counseling Department


During National School Counseling Week, I am filled with gratitude for the heart of our School Counseling Department and the ways our counselors and registrar live out the Tampa Catholic mission each day. Guided by faith and a spirit of service, our team supports the whole student academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually with patience, compassion, and genuine care.


Scripture reminds us, “Encourage one another and build one another up” 

(1 Thessalonians 5:11). This is exactly what our counselors do each day. They listen, guide, and advocate for students, helping them recognize their

God-given gifts and grow into confident, responsible leaders.


Their impact reaches far beyond academic planning or college guidance. It is seen in the daily moments, the meaningful conversations, and the relationships they nurture with students and families. I am deeply thankful for the dedication, love, and faith our counselors share with the Tampa Catholic community every day.


Thank you, Ms. Leonhardt, Dr. Loanzon, Mrs. Haldane, and Ms. Gonzalez-Roel, for your unwavering care, commitment, and heart for our students.


— Mrs. Debbie Fiori, Director of School Counseling


Grants/Financial Aid


Grant/Aid

  • The FACTs grant/aid application for the 2026-27 school year is now OPEN.
  • Tampa Catholic tuition assistance awards must be reapplied for each year
  • The committee will begin to review applications the beginning of February 2026.
  • TC assistance is awarded on a rolling basis until the budgeted amount is depleted.
  • For more information, please visit our website here.


Please contact Director of Finance, Grace Comello with questions.

Step Up For Students

The new application cycle has opened, and there have been updates to the requirements. Please be sure to visit the Step Up For Students website to review the latest changes and ensure you have the most up-to-date information.


Once you receive your Award ID, please do NOT email it.


Instead, submit your Award ID by completing the Google Form linked below.



Completing this form ensures we can accurately track and process your scholarship information.


Important: Any questions regarding the Step Up for Students renewal application must be directed to Step Up for Students directly. They can be reached at 877-735-7383.


For school-related questions, feel free to contact the Finance Office.

Faith in action starts here. Rooted in Faith, Excellence, and Family, the Parents’ Club Newsletter highlights meaningful service opportunities, ways to engage as a community, and provides important links to your CPC Leadership and Events. You’ll also find related news and updates.


CLICK HERE



to be redirected to the latest issue and be part of what’s happening.

Be sure to check our school calendar for all events taking place in the new year:

Be sure to keep up with all things Crusader!

Visit the website, follow and share our social media pages.

Facebook  X  Instagram  Linkedin  Youtube  Web

Leave a lasting legacy of Faith, Excellence, and Family.


Consider remembering Tampa Catholic High School in your estate plans

and help future generations of Crusaders thrive.


For more information contact the Advancement Office.