After just five years, Cristo Rey St. Viator College Prep was recognized as one of the leaders in education in Nevada, at the inaugural Doers, Drivers and Changemakers Gala earlier this month. The dinner was hosted by the Nevada Association of School Administrators and the Leadership Institute of Nevada. Gov. Joe Lombardo and Jhone Ebert, State Superintendent of Public Instruction were in attendance and among the honorary planning committee.
Mrs. Lisa Burkhead and Alexa Sifuentes accept the “Doer Award” from Judi Steele, founder of the Leadership Institute of Nevada.
“We are proud to honor those leaders who have demonstrated extraordinary vision, knowledge and courage to advance solutions for Nevada students and families,” said Judi Steele, founder and CEO of the Leadership Institute of Nevada.
Cristo Rey St. Viator was one of four schools to receive the “Doer Award.” As the program stated: “Cristo Rey St. Viator is leading by example, by delivering an affirming and comprehensive learning environment for students living in poverty in the Southern Nevada community.”
Mrs. Lisa Burkhead, President of Cristo Rey St. Viator, accepted the award, along with alumna Alexa Sifuentes, who graduated this year.
“We are so humbled and honored to receive this award for the great work happening at Cristo Rey St. Viator,” Mrs. Burkhead said. “We are grateful to everyone who has been part of our mission and who have supported our students. Thank you to the Leadership Institute of Nevada and the Nevada Association of School Administrators for recognizing us as “Doers” in Education in the State of Nevada. We are grateful for your leadership in education.”
The school was recognized for its mission of educating students of limited economic means, by “blending faith, scholarship and relevant work experience.”
Once again, 100% of its graduates were accepted into four-year college programs.
Br. Carlos Florez, CSV, who has been with the school since its inception and now serves as Director of Catholic and Viatorian Identity, credits the leadership of Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV, and the Viatorian Community with laying the foundation of the school.
“The work that they gave to ensure that the school would open and see the first and second graduating classes is a testimony to the vision of the Viatorians who continue to reach out to ‘those of little importance,’ ” Br. Florez said, “and to empower students to be leaders of the future. It is a true joy that the public is recognizing the great work that is being done in the name of the Viatorian Community as educators in faith.”