Catholic schools an asset to country

The Island Now

Catholic schools throughout the United States will celebrate the work they do during Catholic School week Jan. 27 – Feb. 2, an event that has been taking place for about 30 years.  

The theme this year is, “Catholic Schools raise the standards.” Well that is so true. I feel these schools produce students strongly dedicated to their faith, families and communities by providing an intellectually stimulating environment rich in spirituality, character and moral development. 

Now we at St. Anastasia Knights of Columbus Council #5911 have seen this firsthand with the fine students of the former St. Anastasia Elementary school and now Divine Wisdom Catholic Academy in Douglaston. We have helped both schools with various fundraisers. You see we realize these students are tomorrow’s leaders. Every we sponsor year an essay contest that is directed to the eight grade class and is titled,” The Responsibility of a Catholic Citizen in a Free Society.” We give out certificates to the three winners along with a cash award and all those who participated receive certificates of merit from the Knights of Columbus. 

We have been doing this for many years now and found these children turning in quite impressive essays which I believe is due in part to the dedicated and caring teachers who do their best to see these children become the best they can be. As I hope God helps us to continue to keep our Catholic schools vibrant and thriving for these schools need to stay open for these children are our nations future. 

That’s why I praise Catholic Schools and their ongoing contribution to education and their key role in promoting and ensuring a brighter, stronger future for our nation.

 

Frederick R. Bedell Jr.

Glen Oaks

(Writer is Grand Knight of St. Anastasia Knights of Columbus)

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