CRESCERE A publication of Christ the King Catholic High School Inaugural Edition March 2022
Together We Grow Celebrating our past Building on success Investing in our future
Crescere - Latin for “grow” - for a community built on the courage, tenacity, and generosity of a group the size of a “mustard seed” - is perhaps a fitting name for our new CTK Magazine. Crescere is published once a year by the Development office for alumni, parents and friends of Christ the King Catholic High School. This inaugural edition is dedicated to the 374 alumni from the Classes of 2015 through 2021. Thank you for paving the way for future Crusaders to believe sincerely, think critically, act responsibly, and serve others in the name of Christ the King.
History Established in 2011, Christ the King Catholic High School is rooted in academic excellence and spiritual formation. In partnership with the domestic Church, Christ the King Catholic High School seeks to assist each student on the path to Sainthood.
Mission
Table of Contents 1 2-3 4-5 6-7 8-9 10-11 12-13 14-15 16
Letter from the Principal
Celebrating Our Past Celebrating 10 Years Class of 2021 Silver & Blue 2020 Celebration Building on Success Lasting Impact of Silver & Blue Investing in Our Future Silver & Blue Annual Fund Capital Campaign Update Alumni News Highlights from the 2021-2022 Year
Students at Christ the King are challenged to believe sincerely, think critically, act responsibly, and serve others in the name of Christ the King.
Honor Code For the glory of Christ the King, I will endeavor to know and to keep the Commandments of Almighty God. Class of ‘22 Seniors enjoy lunch outside.
Letter from the Principal Dear Crusaders Past and Present, We are so happy to introduce our inaugural issue of Crescere. To our alumni and alumni families, as you flip through these pages, I hope that you are reminded of fond memories from your time here. We hope to welcome you home again as we reconnect through our developing alumni activities. To our new and current families, I hope you get a glimpse of how far we’ve come, and the determination and pay-it-forward mentality of the brave Crusaders who helped make Christ the King what it is today. Looking back on our ten-plus-year journey, it is remarkable to see the growth that has come from our collaborative vision. When I first arrived here almost five years ago, the educational building extension was just a slab of concrete. Now we are pouring the foundation on our new Fulford Athletic & Activity Complex, and the educational extension is filled with talented young Crusaders. We have increased our student base, faculty talent, Advanced Placement course selection, athletic teams, college scholarship totals, and much more. We are truly blessed. It is apparent to me that success like this does not happen by accident. It comes as a result of God’s graces, the hard work of the faithful, and the generosity of our community. I cannot walk down the hallway without encountering the fruits of that generosity - whether it is students playing in the band room or creating inspirational designs in our hands-on industrial design area. Contributions to the Grounded in Faith, Building our Future campaign have allowed us to build a new 21,000 square foot athletic complex. Monies raised by the annual Silver & Blue Celebration allowed us to complete large projects, such as installing permanent lighting on our sports fields. These funds also support annual initiatives, including the Jack Peele Teacher Awards for teaching excellence, various student clubs, and extra-curricular activities. All of these things have been possible due to your generous gifts. With growth comes new ideas, collaborations, and traditions. As we enter a new phase in our history, we are excited to introduce an Annual Fund. This arm of Silver & Blue will continue to provide extraordinary opportunities, fund our future vision, and will enable us to adequately plan for ongoing activities in the long term. We depend on your generosity to keep the candle burning. Please pray about it and consider making CTK part of your annual giving plan. Thank you for opening your heart as we grow together for our future! Let’s Keep Growing,
Dr. Carl Semmler
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Celebrating
1 Fall 2016
Christ the King opens with 28 students in a temporary building in Mooresville.
A ribbon cutting to celebrate our permanent campus.
Fall 2011
Fall 2011 Enrollment: 28 Staff: 9 Staff-Student Ratio: 4:1 Sports Offered: 6 Sports Teams: 10
2012
The Diocese of Charlotte purchases over 100 acres in Huntersville and breaks ground on Phase I construction.
Believe. 2
Fall 2013
Enrollment: 240 Staff: 33 Staff-Student Ratio: 7:1 Sports Offered: 10 Sports Teams: 16
Spring 2015
Christ the King’s inaugural class of 29 seniors graduates.
Think.
years of excellence Fall 2021
The $11 million Phase II Educational Expansion is completed, adding 27,000 additional square feet of educational and community space.
Fall 2018
The entire student body gathers at the fields for a special drone photo in celebration of our 10 years and a full-year of in-person instruction despite the COVID pandemic.
Spring 2019 CTK embarks on the Grounded in Faith Building our Future Capital Campaign for an expanded athletic & activity complex with a $1 million pledge from a CTK family.
Act.
Spring 2021
Enrollment: 364 Staff: 47 Staff-Student Ratio: 8:1 Sports Offered: 15 Sports Teams: 24
Fall 2021
CTK breaks ground on the $6.6 million Fulford Athletic & Activity Complex. Construction began in January and is expected to be completed by next winter.
Serve. 3
Our most recent graduating class...
Class of 2021
The 82 graduates of the Class of 2021 celebrated their commencement on May 27, 2021, at the Belk Theater in Charlotte. Baccalaureate Mass was held on May 25, 2021, at Saint Mark Catholic Church. The Class of 2021 is the seventh class of students to graduate from Christ the King. Bishop Jugis challenged graduates to “carry humble, thankful hearts into the future.” CTK Graduates, you are true Crusaders. Go do great things!
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graduates
Crusader Cross Connor Milligan
The Crusader Cross is given each year to a student who embodies the mission of our school to believe sincerely, think critically, act responsibly, and serve others in the name of Christ the King. This student should not only live up to the school’s ideals, but should inspire others to do the same. The Saint Therese of Lisieux Award for Journey in Faith and Sincere Belief is given to the student who best demonstrates a sincere commitment to his/her journey in faith. This student is not perfect in his/her faith but rather shows dedication to learning, praying, and discerning about our Catholic faith. The Pope Saint John Paul II Award for Critical Thinking recognizes a student who applies reasoning to propel his/her curiosity in a sincere and thoughtful way. This student often poses questions that no one else will ask, will dig deeper into the subject at hand, and exhibits truly scholarly ways.
Pope Saint John Paul II Award Isabel Lopez
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Saint Therese of Lisieux Award Kylie Panizza
National Honor Society members of the Class of 2021.
34 National Honor Society Graduates
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student athletes
Saint Mother Teresa Award Emily Sansbury
students signed to play collegiate sports
Saint Augustine Award Alex Jijon
6 Honors Diploma Recipients The Saint Mother Teresa Award for Outstanding Service is given to a student who models Mother Teresa’s love of serving others. This student serves others for the joy and fulfillment it brings him/her and because s/he truly sees Jesus in those served. The Saint Augustine Award for Outstanding Improvement is given to the student who has shown remarkable growth as a student. The growth can be in academic achievement, social skills, confidence or responsibility. It recognizes a student who has made significant progress here at CTK.
Saint Joseph Award Matthew Zagar
The Saint Joseph Award for Acts of Dedication, Honor and Responsibility recognizes a student who works hard, is dependable and self-reliant, and consistently chooses the good and honorable thing to do. This person leads by example and strives to improve the CTK community by helping others and doing the “right” thing without being prompted.
49
attending colleges/universities in
15
states
$9,782,986 in scholarships earned
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The 8th Annual Silver & Blue Celebration nets $195,000! The 8th annual Silver & Blue Celebration was held on March 7, 2020 at Langtree Plantation, ONE WEEK before the world shut down for COVID-19. The night featured live entertainment, silent and live auctions, and plenty of food, drinks, and fun. A record-breaking $195,000 was raised! The proceeds funded permanent NCHSAAapproved lighting for our athletic fields and a $50,000 donation to the capital campaign for the new Athletic & Activity Complex. In addition, proceeds continued to support of our arts, teacher development, and student programs. None of it would have been possible without the support of our sponsors, donors, auction donors, auction supporters, and volunteers! Thank you for making a difference for our Crusaders.
Corporate Sponsors
The permanent lights on our athletic fields were installed in November 2020, just a few months following the event!
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Special thanks to our Sponsors & Donors Presenting ($50,000 and above) D3 Foundation NC (Doug & Cher Abell) Premier ($20,000 - $49,999) Reimels Family & Cosmetic Dentistry (Mike & Katie Reimels) Patron ($15,000 - $19,999) Huisking Foundation (Darin & Lynelle Crowell ‘15) Diamond ($10,000 - $14,999) The Brawley Estate (Emilio & Patricia Medina) Platinum ($5,000 - $9,999) Adam & Alicia Bowman Carolina Miners (Mike & JoEllen Habel) Puma Associates & Realty (Phil & Tami Puma) Saint Mark Catholic Church (Father John Putnam) WIlliam & Melissa Streiff Silver ($2,500 - $4,999) Anderson & Julie Caperton Carolina Oral & Facial Surgery (Mike & Shelby Coleman) Chambers & Associates Realty (Andrew & Melissa Chambers) (Scott & Jennice Mulwee) Blue ($1,000 - $2,499) Brooklyn South Pizzeria (Craig & Lucy Caminiti) Ian & Annabelle Campos Mike & Natalie Clapp Brent Evans & Kristy Osores-Evans Mark & Debbie Fishbaugh Keith & Martha Fleming Robert & Karen Furstenberg Michael & Camille Hartnett David & Tracie Hoagland Bob & Jackie Hull Mark & Jackie Kogler Art & Georgette McMahon Craig & Margaret Mundy Dana & Shari Phillips Promothreads (Tom & Terese Sides) Brad & Amanda Rametta Greg & Nicole Seeling Wes & Lisa Strickland Jim & Dee Woodworth
Todd & Tracey Zimmerman Joe & Beth Zuhosky Crusader ($750 - $999) Vincent & Sharon Marino Thomas & Kristen Yaroma Champion ($500 - $749) Tom & Jennifer Creter Pete & Pemi Dominic Chris & Lisa Dulski Jim & Andrea DuPont Matt & Carly Filiault Mike & Michelle Gervasini Cesar & Paula Gonzalez Gerry & Gail Hoekzema Garland & Cathie Jackson Bob & Elizabeth Jones Tom & Katie Knox Paul & Margaret Kuhn Doug & Paula Marks Joe & Kathy McCourt Mark Moore & Lori McPherson-Moore Mark & Gigi Nivens Jean Kois & Jose Pena Mike Perry & Shannon Vaughan Doug & Catherine Sarno Dave & Kathleen Schroeder Dean & Wendy Tener Alan & Christina Todd Richard & Dorothy Welsh Jeff & Mary Wilson Bill & Ginene Winchester Fan (up to $499) Thomas & Anne Brant Patrick & Kristi Brawley Michael & Deb Buchsbaum Matthew & Gretchen Burke Katherine Denny Alvin & Cher Ferrouillet Debbie Fritz Jeremy & Ali Fritz Richard & Leslie Glass Mark & Donna Ippolito Nicholas Lafranz Keith & Eileen Laibson Kevin & Tracey Liberacki Chris & Michelle McCartan Christine Richards David & Yasmin Santschi Daniel & Katia Seguin Carl & Christine Semmler Alan & Marlena Travers Mike & Sarah Varricchio Paul & Andrea Walsh
Auction Supporters Kathleen Dyer & Robert Azzopardi Rob & Diane Barnabei Chris & Laura Berger John & Susan Bukowski Anderson & Julie Caperton Mike & Natalie Clapp Sean & Annie Condon Marcia Daily Greg & Amy Dawson Katherine Denny Jim & Andrea DuPont Brent Evans & Kristy Osores-Evans Michael & Rosalie Fink Paul & Julie Finke Mark & Debbie Fishbaugh Keith & Martha Fleming Robert & Karen Furstenberg Cesar & Paula Gonzalez Mike & JoEllen Habel Holly Hauck Mike & Heather Hendershott Chris & Marianne Hlebak Bob & Elizabeth Jones Tom & Laura Jones Tom & Katie Knox Ian & Lucia Koenigsberger Mark & Jackie Kogler Paul & Margaret Kuhn Deanna & Scott Lampe Marc & Alex Lelong Raymond & Irene Lewis Vincent & Sharon Marino Nick & Kim Mastrone Mark Moore & Lori McPhersonMoore Art & Georgette McMahon Ryan & Lisa McMahon Emilio & Patricia Medina Jeff & Maureen Milligan Craig & Margaret Mundy Kristine Nellas Jennifer Nelson Mark & Gigi Nivens Mike & Kristen O’Malley Charlene Paparella Phil & Tami Puma Melissa & Shawn Reeves Mike & Katie Reimels Supriya & Barbara Samanta Doug & Catherine Sarno Greg & Nicole Seeling Carl & Christine Semmler Tom & Terese Sides William & Melissa Streiff Dean & Wendy Tener Barbara Fox & Ray Tran Alan & Marlena Travers Andy & Jen Tuschong Adam & Marissa Vandenberg Mike & Sarah Varricchio Paul & Andrea Walsh Rich & Dorothy Welsh Thomas & Kristen Yaroma Todd & Tracey Zimmerman Joe & Beth Zuhosky
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More than an event,
$50,000 for the Arts
• Funding for theatrical productions including Smile, Sound of Music & 42nd Street • Band program • Digital piano
Over
$900,000 raised!
$25,000 for the establishment of a permanent Endowment $130,000 on Athletics
• NEW sports teams including football, lacrosse, and softball • Equipment such as soccer and lacrosse goals • Scorer’s table • Lacrosse wall • Fencing for athletic fields • Coaching and trainer stipends
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Silver & Blue impacts every aspect
Silver & Blue represents the fundraising culture of the Christ the King community. From the first event in 2013 to the most recent held in 2020, Silver & Blue has raised over $900,000. Silver & Blue has benefited every aspect of the Crusader experience - from major campus improvements to student-led projects, from industrial design equipment to furnishings for the Chapel, from needs-based scholarship funds to monetary awards for teaching excellence. Silver & Blue has funded lights for the our athletic fields, bleachers, scoreboards, new sports programs, a band program, theatrical productions, and so much more. . .
A rich history of generosity in giving. $350,000 on
Campus Improvements • Permanent lights for fields • Bleachers and scoreboards • Fitness center • Chapel improvements • AV and safety equipment • $50,000 to Capital Campaign
$35,000 on
Student-Centered Initiatives and Scholarship
• Student-led clubs and projects • Industrial Design supplies and equipment • ALEKS software • Student celebrations • Needs-based scholarship fund
$150,000 on
Leadership Excellence • Annual Excellence in Teaching Awards • Faculty education and developmental programs • Stipends for co-curricular activities
of the Crusader experience.
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Introducing the Silver & Blue Annual Fund
NEW YEAR, NEW LOOK, EVEN BIGGER IMPACT! Silver & Blue has a NEW look, and the possibilities are endless! For the first time in our history, we are launching an annual giving campaign - The Silver & Blue Annual Fund. In previous years, the MACS Education Foundation raised monies across the entire school system to provide revenue to our schools beyond tuition. The Diocese is shifting from a global campaign to a school-based annual fund. The good news - every dollar raised by the Silver & Blue Annual Fund
directly benefits Christ the King!
You've seen the lasting impact of Silver & Blue. Your gift to the Silver & Blue Annual Fund helps continue our tradition of excellence in learning and faith by funding campus improvements, retaining exceptional teachers, and providing extraordinary experiences from which every Crusader benefits.
The new Annual Fund works in conjunction with the Silver & Blue event to fund annual initiatives and special projects!
Our hope is that the Silver & Blue Annual Fund will be your philanthropic priority each year. Your fully tax-deductible gift gives our leadership the flexibility not only to respond to immediate needs and new opportunities but to strategically plan for the future of our programs and campus.
Your gift this year will help us fund our vision: • additional funding for our Athletics programs • top-notch audio-visual equipment for the Fulford Athletic & Activity Complex • funding for our Excellence in Teaching award recognition program and faculty development initiatives • support for our Fine and Performing Arts programs • funding for campus improvements to our facilities and athletic fields • student-led clubs and initiatives and much more....
Every donation matters. Your participation shows your support for our students, teachers and ultimately, our mission. Be on the lookout in your mailbox for more detailed information. Please consider a gift to the Annual Fund!
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CTK is a better place because of Silver & Blue.
“How would you describe the culture of fundraising at Christ the King? A rich history of philanthropy, an abundance of generosity, a pay it forward mentality, and a commitment to investing in our future.” - Alumni Parent/Donor
Who can give? Anyone - current parents, alumni, alumni families, grandparents, friends and relatives, faculty, staff, companies, and members of our extended community.
Who benefits? Everyone! Current students, future students, faculty and staff, even our alumni will benefit from the extraordinary opportunities and programs provided by Silver & Blue.
How can I give?
GIVING LEVELS
Online
Patron
$15,000 & above
Diamond
$10,000 - $14,999
You can make a one-time gift OR select one of our payment options (e.g., monthly, quarterly, etc.)
Platinum
$5,000 - $9,999
Matching Gifts
Silver
$2,500 - $4,999
Blue
$1,000 - $2,499
Crusader
$750 - $999
Double your gift by utilizing your employer’s matching gift programs.
Champion
$500 - $749
Fan
up to $499
www.ctkchs.org/capital-campaign/ annual-fund
Mail Silver & Blue Annual Fund 2011 Crusader Way Huntersville, NC 28078 Gifts can be made by cash, check or credit card.
Corporate Sponsorships Please contact Nicole Seeling at nseeling@ctkchs.net for information regarding Corporate gifts and sponsorship opportunities.
Your gift shows your support of & confidence in our mission & vision. YOU are vital to our success! Donate today!
“It is in the heart of the giver that the seeds of action take root and begin to grow.”
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A Capital Campaign update for the Under gorgeous sunny skies in November, the entire student body gathered with Diocesan and school leaders to break ground on the $6.6 million expansion project for our new athletic and performance facility. “This long-awaited project is representative of our CTK community in so many ways, commented Dr. Semmler. “The collaborative work of many have led us to this moment. The 250 families who donated to this project include alumni, current, and future families of CTK students. Their generosity has been overwhleming and humbling. We are truly blessed.” Construction on the new Fulford Athletic & Activity Center began in January 2022 and is scheduled to take approximately 10-12 months. With Navy Stroke
“For we are God’s co-workers; you are God’s field, God’s building. According to the grace of God given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building upon it. But each one must be careful how he builds upon it, for no one can lay a foundation other than the one that is there, namely, Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 3:9-11
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Fulford Athletic & Activity Center
over 21,000 square feet • locker rooms • seating for over 720 spectators • full-size stage
“I have no doubt that this new building, once erected, will be a reflection of the perfection student-athletes seek and will be a training grounds for great victories in the years to come. But, more importantly, it will be about the virtue that is cultivated - and the formation that these student-athletes receive in fortitude, tenacity and courage, and collegiality when they come together in teamwork.” - Dr. Gregory Monroe, Superintendent, MACS “Here we are.... on the cusp of our third major building project as a school as it celebrates its 10th anniversary, it’s truly an amazing accomplishment. This project is an investment in the future of CTK and will be a foundation for Catholic education in our area for many years to come.”
250 donors $3.96M pledged
- Adam Bowman, Campaign Committee Co-Chairperson
Special thanks to all our donor families who have completed their pledge payments!
SCAN TO DONATE TO THE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
For more information, or if you would like to donate to the Grounded in Faith, Building our Future Capital Campaign for the Fulford Athletic & Activity Center, please visit our website at ctkchs.org/capital-campaign/how-give.
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Crusader Connections: Alumni News Check out the amazing things our alumni have been up to! Let’s reconnect. We’d love to hear from you!
CTK Welcomes First Alumni Faculty Member Connor Malloy ‘17 recently joined the CTK faculty. Connor graduated from Belmont Abbey with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Theatrical Arts. He is teaching AP Psychology and U.S. History. Connor enjoys connecting with CTK students and was the proud winner of this year’s faculty Halloween costume contest.
Wedding Bells
In Loving Memory
CTK couple Craig Mundy ‘15 and Patricia Selzer ‘15 are engaged to be married. The wedding will take place in the summer of 2022. Congratulations Craig and Patricia!
Alumni
Are you recently married? Send us your news and we will include it in the next issue!
Alexandra Schaney ‘18 Kayla Wilson ‘18 Please let us pray for loved ones who have passed. Send to the Alumni Office at nseeling@ctkchs.net.
CONNECT WITH US! Have you signed up to receive the Alumni Newsletter? Honoring our Heroes Romeo Antolini ‘16 is currently serving in the U. S. Navy as a flight officer. This past November, CTK held a special Veterans Day ceremony honoring all those who have served our country in the armed forces. If you are a CTK graduate who has served or is currently serving in the military, please fill out the Update Form on our alumni page so that we can include you in our prayers and honor you on special days.
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Go to our website ctkchs.org/connectctk/alumni to sign up!
Keep in Touch! We want to hear from you! Let us know about your amazing accomplishments and good news! Moving or making changes? Update your contact information! Please contact the Alumni Office by email at nseeling@ctkchs.net, or scan the QR code below.
Do You Remember? Play along with us..... Can you identify the time and place of these photos from the past ten years? (answers are below)
Answers: 1. September 2011 - Mass with Bishop - First day of school 2. December 2011 - Students are the first to sign the Honor Code
book. 3. April 2021 - Class of 2021 celebrates their one and only prom after Covid canceled their junior prom. 4. December 2013 - The first Men’s Basketball team helps pave the way for Athletics programs. 5. November 2014 - Gaby Hurt becomes CTK’s first student collegiate athlete when she signs to play tennis at Western Carolina 6. November 2020 - SGA President Asher Bowe flips the switch for the first time turning on the permanent lights on our athletic fields. 7. November 2015 - Nathanial Bacon, CTK’s porcine resident comes to campus 8. January 2014 - students create a mosaic of the “Faith & Reason” quote during Bridge Week. 9. March 2015 - industrial design students raise the cross they constructed on the hill overlooking campus. 10. March 2021 - outdoor classrooms were just one of the positive solutions to managing COVID 11. March 2019 - The cast of 42nd Street mesmerizes audiences. 12. Spring 2021 - The Industrial Design class installs the bridge they built on the cross country trail. 13. Spring 2021 - The JV Boys Basketball teams earns CTK’s first undefeated season. 14. February 2016 - Men’s swim team earns CTK’s first state title. 15. Fall 2013 - CTK faculty design their own shirts showcasing their subjects.
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2021-2022 School Year Highlights
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The Men’s Soccer team captured our first-ever NCHSAA 1A State title.
The Class of 2022 ushered in the new school year with lots of smiles.
Veterans were honored in an annual ceremony.
The Homecoming Dance capped off a week of Spirit fun.
Household competitions included bubble soccer and scooter volleyball organized by the Student Government Association.
Our chapel was dedicated by Bishop Jugis to Saint John Paul II and we received a beautiful statue from Saint Mark Church.
Students inducted in the National Honor Society were recognized for excellence in leadership, service, character, and citizenship.
Profile of a CTK Graduate To fulfill our purpose and accomplish our stated mission, the Christ the King Catholic High School curriculum is designed to help ensure that each of its graduates embody the following attributes: Believe Sincerely • understand the teachings of the Gospel and live them out • understand the nature and significance of the Mass, the Sacraments, and prayer • actively participate in the life of the Church • speak with God through daily, personal prayer • evaluate moral choices within the context of the Church’s teachings • uphold and encourage others to act according to the objective rational moral teaching of the Catholic Church Think Critically • understand and value faith and reason, and exercise them both in tandem • is reflective and possess self-knowledge • think critically and solve problems creatively • take responsibility for his/her own learning • work to be an informed citizen in order to contribute to the good of society • recognize and use technology as a powerful tool to grow in faith, love, understanding and knowledge Act Responsibly • treat others with respect and dignity, recognizing all people to be children of God • act courageously in the face of injustice • discern the appropriate path of action or inaction • respect and care for God’s creation Serve Others in the Name of Christ the King • understand, promote and practice Catholic social justice • be generous with his/her gifts of time, talent and treasure • actively seek to use his/her gifts to meet the needs of others • respect self, others and property • set positive examples for others through words and actions
Christ the King Catholic High School 2011 Crusader Way Huntersville, North Carolina 28078 www.ctkchs.org 704.799.4400
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