Changing Lives
Jimmy, a sophomore running back for one of the SCCEEF award high schools, was a member of the High School’s 2019 CIF finalist squad. In a key playoff game against a quality opponent, Jimmy exploded through a small crease created by the offensive line and sprinted 60 yards to pay dirt. It was a brilliant play executed by an elite athlete. That scintillating jaunt was just one of many sensational plays made by the precocious young athlete during the course of a turnaround season for the prestigious college preparatory. Jimmy’s football prowess was recognized by his selection to the All-CIF team, the first time a Loyola sophomore earned such honors over the course of the nearly 80 years since private school players first became eligible for All-CIF consideration.
The story of Jimmy’s football success, though, is surpassed by his performance in the classroom. The college preparatory curriculum at High School is, in a word, challenging. Jimmy and his parents chose to seek admission to High School, however, precisely because they knew the competitive environment would challenge and develop him in multiple important ways. Jimmy is carrying an impressive 3.8 GPA in what is ranked as one of the California’s very best Catholic High Schools. Jimmy was offered free tuition by local high school football “factories,” schools which place heavy emphasis on athletics. Jimmy and his family desired the best education available. They knew that such an education would not come without financial sacrifice and were willing to invest in their son.
High School granted financial aid, but a family of five living on a fixed income could not make ends meet without additional financial aid to enable Jimmy to attend a school where education was the primary focus. Fortunately, the needed additional financial aid was granted by SCCEEF. To be certain, Jimmy’s parents are contributing the maximum portion of the tuition costs they can afford. The supplemental aid provided by the Foundation directly to High School is making an elite college prep education possible for Jimmy.
But for the generosity of Foundation donors, Jimmy would not have had the benefit of a attending High School which is providing Jimmy a transformative experience. Jimmy is an incandescent example of how SCCEEF is changing lives.
