Incoming freshmen at Cristo Rey St. Viator in North Las Vegas wrapped up a three-week, workforce development program late last month, called ACES. In it, students got a first hand experience of a Catholic school environment as they prepared for the rigorous college prep classes that get underway in August.
Fr. Tom von Behren shares his homily during Mass at the end of the ACES program.
Led by Associate Deborah Perez, Director of the school’s Corporate Work Study Program, the training covered everything from how to introduce themselves and write an email, to the basics of Microsoft Excel and other common business programs. This year’s program even included a luncheon with CRSV alumni — the better to brush up on etiquette — as well as a networking event with some of the school’s corporate partners.
Ultimately, school officials say, the goal of the onboarding program is to give these rising freshmen a head start on a successful school year.
“It’s basically a boot camp that touches on all aspects of our mission statement,” says Chris Gatmaitan, marketing coordinator.
Br. Carlos Florez coordinated participants in the liturgy.
The three weeks of training traditionally end with a family Mass and tie ceremony, where students receive their official blue and yellow tie, solidifying their transition into Cristo Rey St. Viator.
“The Tie Ceremony has become a rite of passage for students entering Cristo Rey St. Viator,” Mrs. Perez says. “Students attend ACES and learn what it means to be a CRSV Royal, from academics to work-study and campus life.”
As the last day approaches, students are taught how to tie a tie with practice ties in anticipation of their big ceremony. This year, Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV, celebrated the liturgy. It was attended by students and their families as well as faculty and staff involved with the Corporate Work Study Program.
Students tie their new ties.
The Mass culminates with students receiving their ties — and tying them — thus completing their transition into Cristo Rey St. Viator and its work study model.
“They are Royals, and their four-year journey is not one traveled alone but with their families,” Mrs. Perez says, “their friends, and the team of educators and corporate partners who believe in the mission and, most importantly, believe in their potential.”