Friends of OLV July 2019 Newsletter
Meeting the need for robust high school formation—intellectual, personal, and spiritual
Dear Friends,
In just six months, an idea has become reality. We open our doors for Our Lady of Victory's inaugural school year on August 20th! We anticipate a full class of 20 students and, as word spreads, we have a growing list of families interested in our second class next year. We are grateful for our founding families, initial board members who have sacrificed much time and effort, and the support of the community. Ultimately, we are grateful to God for providing for all of the needs of this new and growing community and for Our Lady's miraculous help in overcoming the many hurdles we have faced.
Why has the school been able to come together so quickly? It truly meets a need for robust high school formation—intellectual, personal, and spiritual—in the south metro area. We are a grassroots community and we depend upon the support of like-minded Catholics, even if they do not have high school-aged children. Our Lady of Victory is worthy of support as an effort to renew our culture and to strengthen the Catholic community in Denver. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to the school and help us to spread the word. Please consider sharing information about our GoFundMe Campaign or pass along an invitation to become a Friend of OLV. Please also keep the school and our growing community in your daily prayers, especially the rosary.
Our Lady of Victory, pray for us!
Dr. Jared Staudt, President
A Few Updates On Our Progress
We accomplished a great deal in the last month. Many thanks to everyone helping us along the way!
Enrollment is Near Capacity: we now have 18 students officially enrolled in Our Lady of Victory for the 2019-2020 school year and continue to receive new applications. We anticipate reaching our cap of 20 students so if you know anyone interested, please have them apply now before we close this year’s class. We’ve already received 18 expressions of interest for next year (8 boys and 10 girls)!
OLV is Now a Tax-Exempt Organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and your contributions are deductible!
OLV Location Update: we are signing a lease very soon and will have an announcement shortly following. Earlier this month we took a tour of the new classroom. The environment is big and bright, and will be freshly painted and beautified. We can't wait to show everyone!
August Backpacking Trip Update: a member of the Servants of Christ Jesus will participate as chaplain for our Creatio-led backpacking trip from August 26-28.
OLV is registered with ACE Scholarships. Any student who currently participates in ACE scholarships can transfer the scholarship, and we are ready for new applicants next year.
Meet Our New Teacher: Christina Praetzel
OLV is committed to excellence in teaching, and we are excited to share a letter from our new Math Teacher Christina Praetzel. Christina graduated Summa Cum Laude from Franciscan University with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematical Science, loves singing and music, has participated in the National Piano Guild for nine years and completed two half marathons.
Welcome Christina!
“I have come not to be served, but to serve.” Christ’s words ring in my heart as a beautiful guide to my life. We are called to both give and receive, and it is in the giving that our hearts are opened to be able to receive.
Immediately following graduation from Franciscan University with a degree in Mathematics, I accepted a summer internship as an analyst at Nationwide Insurance. At the end of the internship, I decided to try something new. I had heard about a mission trip to Belize, where teachers were needed at a secondary school. Within a short time, I applied, packed my bags, and headed south to teach four classes of forty students each in a foreign country. This was when I came to know the impact of such a calling as being a teacher. My students looked up to me as a role model and guide for steps to take in the Faith.
Upon my return to Ohio, I began working as an insurance analyst once again, but the richness was missing from my career. That is when God began speaking to me through one of my favorite verses from Matthew Chapter 18 regarding children: “Unless you become like the least of these, you shall not enter the kingdom of Heaven.” I knew that I needed to work with children and to learn from them to be forever childlike.
I spent two years near Cleveland as an assistant at a Montessori school with toddlers, while simultaneously tutoring Mathematics at Lakeland Community College and volunteering as a first grade teacher for the local Parish School of Religion. My time was consumed with teaching, and though tiring, I found unspeakable fulfillment in my life. As my second year came to a close, I could feel the pull on my heart to take another step forward and pursue something with more responsibility; It was time to be the classroom leader.
Since youth I had wanted to move westward, where I could be more fully alive with my high energy for hiking and my desire to “live in the mountains” (or at least spend weekends camping in them), so I began my search in Colorado. When I saw Our Lady of Victory’s call for a Mathematics and Science teacher, I felt that this was going to be the path for me. I met some of the kindest, most generous families when I came out for my interview, and I am so happy that I will be blessed to develop friendships with them and all of you.
Having the opportunity to explore the terrain in conjunction with our Science lessons and discovering the meaning of absolute Truth through our logical proofs in Mathematics will set the stage for an upcoming year of greatness. I can hardly wait for our classes and our future school adventures as we come to know our Creator by means of His Divine artistry: the world surrounding us. I pray that God blesses all of you in our adventure through Our Lady of Victory.
Blessings,
Christina Praetzel
The Need For Your Donations
Our Lady of Victory high school is committed to providing an accessible education that is affordable for all families. Small donations from supporters like you are helping us with our goal of keeping OLV affordable while at the same time hiring highly qualified staff committed to this mission. In this month of May, dedicated to Mary, please say yes and make a contribution to this unique school.
We also need your help in sharing our mission with your friends and family. We have accomplished much in a few months due to the hard work of a small group of committed supporters, but we need to expand our community! Please share this email or our GoFundMe Campaign with your friends and family.