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From Lunchroom Chats to Life Lessons
St. Lawrence Students Diana and Angely with Kelly Dehan
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At St. Lawrence School, eighth graders Diana and Angely have found more than just a mentor in CISE board member Kelly Dehan—they've found a trusted advisor and friend. Meeting regularly over lunch, their conversations span from high school choices to life lessons, even including a lesson on the importance of a proper handshake.
“Miss Kelly gives great advice,” Angely shares. “She helps you see the positive side of things. It’s like having a friend or another mother.”
As the girls prepare for high school, the impact of Kelly’s mentorship is undeniable.
Read the full story to see how these lunchroom chats are shaping bright futures.
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A Message From Phil McHugh | |
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Dear CISE Supporters,
Many thanks to all of you who donated to the 2024 CISE Annual Campaign. David J. Williams and Nathaniel Lampley, Jr. provided outstanding leadership to this campaign. A celebration of their efforts was held on January 23 as we announced record results of raising $4,985,327.00. This was an increase of thirteen percent (13%) over last year. Wow!
As we move into 2025, CISE is focused on providing resources for our CISE-supported elementary school students to attend a Catholic High School. We are motivated by the positive impact of continuing a Catholic, values-based education for these students to reach their full potential. These students may pursue a college degree or explore career or technical education, which is growing rapidly. Regardless of the path chosen, we are pleased to continue our support of their education.
Finally, Pope Francis has declared 2025 a Jubilee Year with the theme “Pilgrims of Hope”. He comments “In the heart of each person, hope dwells as the desire and expectation of good things to come despite our not knowing what the future may bring.” I express my thankfulness to all CISE donors whose generous support enables us to instill hope in our students. While the future is indeed unknown, the foundation provided by a Catholic education prepares our students to confidentially face the challenges of life. May God continue to bless you!
With much gratitude,
Philip R. McHugh, President & Executive Director

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Principal John Lane
Romero Academy at Resurrection
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Meet Principal John Lane:
I have been the principal at Romero Academy at Resurrection for 4 years. In 2020, I relocated my family to Price Hill in the hopes of bringing an authentically Catholic and academically rigorous education to children in the community. Prior to my role at Romero Academy, I served as the General Manager of the El Camino Network at Brilla College Prep Middle School in the South Bronx of New York City.

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Fighting Injustice: Deacon Winters Receives Governor's Humanitarian Award | |
On Jan. 16 - four days ahead of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - Governor Mike DeWine of Ohio joined award winners from across the state for the 40th Annual Ohio Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Celebration. Among the honorees was Deacon Royce Winters, ...
Deacon Royce Winters serves on the CISE Board.
Article by Colin Rahill: The Catholic Telegraph,
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Back By Popular Demand!
We had such an incredible time last year that we’re excited to host the CISE Party once again at FC Cincinnati’s TQL Stadium! Join us in the exclusive Pitch View Club for fabulous food, open bar, complimentary parking, yard games, raffles, silent auction, a DJ, dancing and a visit from FC Cincinnati's mascot, Gary the Lion!
Get your party and raffle tickets today!
Early bird ticket pricing available until March 3rd - Save $10
Visit CISEKids.org/Party

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CISE Annual Campaign Wrap-up Event
January 23, 2025
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We recently gathered to celebrate the success of the 2024 CISE Campaign. Co-chairs Nate Lampley, Jr. and David Williams, along with board members, staff, and supporters, reflected on the incredible impact of this year’s efforts.
A highlight of the evening was hearing from CISE high school scholarship recipients Sheila Dao and Huyen Dao (cousins), who shared how their education at Seton is shaping their futures in profound ways. Jenny Jenkins, Seton Advocate, also spoke passionately about her role in supporting students and expressed deep gratitude for CISE’s commitment to this student-centered program.
A big thank you to our generous donors—your support creates life-changing opportunities for Cincinnati’s inner-city students, opening doors they might not otherwise have.

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CISE Leads Another Successful Catholic BAC | |
On January 21, 2025, Butler Tech welcomed forty guests to the quarterly Catholic Business Advisory Council (BAC). Dr. Mari Thomas, CISE Career Navigator and Workforce Intermediary, gathered the educational and community leaders for the second session of the Catholic BAC for the 2024-2025 school year. Kristen Craft, Generation eSports, kicked off the session with a powerful presentation about the impact that esports have on the development of transferable IT skills for the AI generation. | |
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Healthcare Speaker Series
Corryville Catholic BELL program
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Over the summer, Corryville Catholic held an inaugural Scrubs Camp for rising 6th and 7th graders. The goal of the camp was to expose middle-schoolers to various healthcare careers while providing them with important healthcare skills including CPR, Stop the Bleed, and accessing emergency care through 911. The Scrubs Camp was a joint event with the University of Cincinnati Area Health Education Center, Greater Cincinnati STEM Collaborative, and CISE.
Given the success and continued interest in the topics from the 2024 Scrubs Camp, the team of collaborators (University of Cincinnati Area Health Education Center, Greater Cincinnati STEM Collaborative, and CISE) worked with the Corryville leadership to run a monthly healthcare series during the afterschool BELL program.
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In Memory of John Bowman
A consistent donor for 17 years and a member of the St. Benedict Society since 2016, John Bowman passed away on October 8, 2024. As a member of the St. Benedict Society, John chose to name CISE as a partial beneficiary of his will, which continues his legacy of giving.
This is not the only impact John had on CISE. Because of his generous spirit, included in his obituary was a recommendation to consider donating to CISE in lieu of flowers. As a result of this thoughtful act, John inspired 9 people to donate to CISE in his memory.
John was originally introduced to CISE by Ken Schuermann, a longtime supporter and previous Board member of CISE. We are grateful to John and those who supported us in his memory. May he rest in peace in the loving arms of our heavenly Father.
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It's Not Too Late To Receive a 2024 Ohio Tax Credit | |
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Did you know Ohio residents can donate to CISE-SGO up to the day 2024 taxes are filed and still receive an Ohio tax credit? It's true, a donation to CISE-SGO not only opens doors through education and vital services but also gives Ohio donors a dollar-for-dollar tax credit (up to $750/individual or $1,500/married couple). That means every dollar you give is one less you pay in taxes.
Here is Jimmy's story:
Originally from Guatemala, Jimmy deeply loves his family and his cultural roots. He began his educational path in kindergarten at St. William School on the west side of Cincinnati. The school’s diverse and supportive community taught him about God, the value of hard work, and what it means to excel academically. Jimmy’s dream since kindergarten was to attend Elder High School. With the help of a CISE high school scholarship, that dream became a reality. He is currently a freshman at Elder High School. Jimmy shares, “Thank you for the scholarship. My family and I really appreciate it! God bless you for everything.”
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Your next CISE Quarterly Newsletter will arrive
May 6, 2025
Visit CISEKids.org to learn more about the our mission in action.
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