Cristo Rey Jesuit’s Class of 2024 credits resilience in quest to achieve college dreams

MILWAUKEE – One hundred percent of Cristo Rey Jesuit’s Class of 2024 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 113 students is scheduled to graduate on May 31, 2024 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 2024 moves on to the next steps in their educational journey, know that we all remain with you in a trailblazing spirit.”

In his address to the graduates, Salutatorian Juan Diego Martinez said, “We are graduating today to make our dreams a reality. I’m not here to tell you it’s going to be easy; you will have to fight for what you want and what you wish to become in the future. I will tell you, however, that you will always have people to lean on throughout your journey.” Martinez will be attending Marquette University in the fall.

Valedictorian Maribel Mora spoke about the resiliency that drives the graduating class. “We found a way around any obstacles in our way to get where we are today. We were and continue to be resilient. It didn’t just fall into place; we have to work towards it. As we leave here, I ask that you keep that mentality. Do not settle for the opportunity that falls in your lap. Do not settle for what feels comfortable. Do what seems impossible.” Mora will be attending Stanford University in the fall.

Cristo Rey Jesuit, which opened its doors to this inaugural class in 2015, is part of a nationwide network of 40 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 40 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.