Neumann-Goretti High School is $20,000 richer thanks to the commendations. Photo provided by the Healey Education Foundation
Parochial learning institutions are always looking to lead registrants to make informed decisions that will foster fruitful lives, and in the process, help students blossom far beyond their classroom-based tenures. Ss. Neumann-Goretti High School has inspired many such choices in its 12-year existence and has worked hard to help its educational model to be a perennial provider of hope. The Healey Education Foundation values that dedication and recently endowed the East Passyunk Crossing location with its $15,000 Founder’s Award and the $5,000 Highest Percentage Growth in Enrollment by a High School commendation.
“The positive results experienced by students, parents, outside foundations (that have invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in the school), and the community have created an unmistakable buzz that is drawing students to want to be part of the happenings at the school,” Neumann-Goretti president Bruce Robinson said of the dual accolades, which the Garden State-situated beneficiary graced him and his peers with at a Union League ceremony.
The facility, 1736 S. 10th St., and the foundation have enjoyed a 14-month affiliation, courtesy of the former’s participation in a competitive process with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s high schools. Robinson noted that the partner, through the implementation of its Advancement Methodology, has provided “human capital to help the school with enrollment, development and fundraising, and board formation and effectiveness.” In recognizing him and his peers, the foundation, acknowledging Neumann-Goretti as “the characteristic Catholic inner city school facing challenges of changing demographics and a new economy,” stated their site exhibited the entrepreneurial spirit akin to its own boundless ambition by and through “Leveraging Human Resources by empowering staff, laity, volunteers, and parents; The ability to be nimble and adapt to a changing environment; and Growth through calculated risk (analysis, strategy, development and execution).”
To stand out from the pack and to advance the tenets of its faith-filled focus, the local applicant became a victor by making organizational changes, hiring new teachers, introducing innovative professional development opportunities, renewing connections with parents and graduates, and establishing a new board of directors. With regards to the second prize, Robinson revealed that 449 pupils are receiving topnotch instruction, a 5.2 percent increase that includes a 50 percent bump in freshman recipients, resulting in the largest such class in five years.
“They’re are all about ‘people,’” Sister Mary Dacey, Healey’s Director of Schools, said, adding “Building relationships is the key to their success in enrollment, development, academics, and governance because they value traditional relationships even as they create new ones.”
“The benefits from the awards are many,” Robinson explained, with building enhancements and extracurricular activities to receive assistance. “The public relations benefits are tremendous, as our students, parents, the community, and the other Archdiocesan high schools are seeing the many benefits that positive change and innovative thinking can create for a school.” SPR
Contact Staff Writer Joseph Myers at jmyers@southphillyreview.com.
