Texas Catholic Letters
June 1, 2007
Ms. Terra Rickman
St. Mark Catholic School, 8th Grade
Plano, Texas
Dear Terra,
Last Friday when I came to St. Mark’s to make a surprise presentation of a Work Of Heart Award to your principal, Suzanne Bacot, I had no idea that you were celebrating an all school Mass honoring the eighth grade graduates. Fortunately, I was able to stay and listen to the presentations and speeches including your remarks.
Your speech reminded me of all of the great things about our Catholic schools. Your very personal story about your sudden move to Plano and your subsequent transfer to St. Mark’s due to the loss of your parents was very moving and uplifting. I listened intently as you recounted your unhappiness with resounding “NO’s” about having to go to a Catholic school and make new friends in a new home. Then as you told the story of your happiness with resounding “Yes’s” about making new friends, becoming a Catholic, receiving the first four sacraments, all while completing the eighth grade, I was impressed with your courage. I also thought to myself that your success is one of the reasons our Catholic schools are such a treasure and why The Catholic Foundation is committed to our schools through the grants program. You should be very proud of your accomplishments as I know the faculty and staff at St. Mark’s must be.
Congratulations to you and God’s blessings to all graduates of the Class of 2007. Have a great summer!
Sincerely,
Edwin M. Schaffler
President and Chief Executive Officer