Cristo Rey Jesuit’s Class of 2023 brings values, hunger, and millions of dollars to college

MILWAUKEE – One hundred percent of Cristo Rey Jesuit’s Class of 2023 has been accepted into at least two four-year colleges or universities and will be the first generation in their families to attend college. Collectively, the class has earned more than $25 million over the next four years in institutional scholarships and grants toward college education.

Cristo Rey Jesuit High School Milwaukee’s class of 88 students is scheduled to graduate on June 2, 2023 at 3:30 p.m. at the school’s campus (1818 W. National Ave. in Milwaukee).

President Andrew Stith said, “While this day commemorates our graduates achievements over the last four years, I ask them to remember all those who supported and believed in them. Trailblazers lead but do not walk the journey alone. Parents and loved ones have been there every step of the way. Cristo Rey Jesuit faculty and staff members have generously responded to their vocations to teach lessons inside and outside of the classroom. Corporate Work Study executives and supervisors provided valuable workplace experiences. Then, there are van drivers, coaches, community volunteers, donors, and the Jesuits who quietly support through their advocacy, time, talent, and financial resources. As the Class of 2023 moves on to the next steps in their educational journey, know that we all remain with you in a trailblazing spirit.”

In her address to the graduates, Salutatorian Pamela Almaraz said, “Cristo Rey makes their goals for us very clear. “Cristo Rey Jesuit graduates will be open to growth, intellectually competent, religious, loving, work experienced, and committed to doing justice. They will become leaders committed to a lifelong pursuit of learning, faith and justice.” Today, that is what I see: young, empowered men and women ready to “Blaze a trail.” Everyday I see us living out these values. Starting as scared, awkward freshmen and now grown into young men and women filled with knowledge and wisdom.” Almaraz will be attending Milwaukee School of Engineering in the fall.

Valedictorian Arlin Sanchez spoke about the hunger that drives the graduating class. “Out of all of the things I have learned throughout these years, the most important lesson has been to be hungry – to be hungry for desire and be hungry for change. Hunger is what the Class of 2023 has. Hunger for success, accomplishments, and a better world. We all have hunger in all sorts of ways, whether that be academically or socially. This hunger has led us to amazing accomplishments. From helping found Orgullo Latino, winning state in boys soccer, the work of the Black Student Union and Social Justice Club, being 100% admitted to universities, and the many independent business owners in our class. Every individual in our class has achieved something in their own unique way.” Sanchez will be attending the University of Notre Dame in the fall.

Cristo Rey Jesuit, which opened its doors to this inaugural class in 2015, is part of a nationwide network of 38 Catholic, college preparatory high schools for students of limited financial means. Today, Cristo Rey Jesuit educates 443 young people whose education is marked by four years of professional work experience gained through the Corporate Work Study Program, a cornerstone of the Cristo Rey Network model.

For more information, contact Luke Sadowsky by phone at (262) 309-4565 or by email at lsadowsky@cristoreymilwaukee.org.

About Cristo Rey Jesuit High School Milwaukee: Cristo Rey Jesuit, a Catholic high school for young women and men of all faiths and limited financial means, integrates rigorous academics, professional work experiences and spiritual development to empower graduates to succeed in college and life. Cristo Rey Jesuit partners with over 100 Milwaukee companies of all sizes and industries that provide meaningful work for Cristo Rey Jesuit students through the Corporate Work Study Program. By the time students graduate, each will have completed 1,250 hours of professional work experience. Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, which now educates 443 students, opened its doors in the fall of 2015 and is one of 38 schools in the Cristo Rey Network. Learn more at www.cristoreymilwaukee.org.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.