Recent reports inform us that the graduation rate in our public high schools is less than acceptable. Stories abound of school violence, drugs, crime, poverty, and student apathy. Education is under-funded, and teachers are underpaid, but communities do have the ability to change these realities.

The problems are not insurmountable. At St. Patrick, we believe that we have some good news in education. We are making a difference and students' lives are being changed, and I hope you will join in our mission through your support.

We currently enroll sixty-seven African American, non Catholic, K-6 th grade students. Many of our families sacrifice to pay the $700 tuition so that their children can learn in a safe, structured environment that is enhanced by the presence of faith and discipline.

In my years at St. Patrick since retiring from the public schools, I have renewed my belief that we can make a difference in the lives of the boys and girls and their families that we serve, but we need support our programs. In order to educate the whole child - academically, socially, spiritually, and physically - we need adequate funding sources and donors.

The State Journal Register recently ran a front-page story about an innovative middle school model that St. Patrick is pursuing called the Nativity/Miguel School. Currently, 65 Nativity/Miguel schools exist throughout the United States , and we hope to become the sixty-sixth.

These network schools have proven success in preparing student for success in high school and beyond through an extended school day, school year, and Saturday enrichment program. Our goal is to have at least 90% of our students graduate from high school, and between 75%-80% to go on to complete post secondary education. Students will be aided by a mentor who will maintain contact through high school, offer needed assistance, and assist in the college application process.

In order to implement these plans, I am pleased to announce our Century Campaign. The campaign will provide the necessary funding to achieve our goal of being a K-8 school with a Nativity/Miguel middle school model by 2010, our 100 th Anniversary. The purpose of the campaign is to find individual and corporate donors who will partner with us in our important mission of providing quality Catholic education on Springfield's east side.

Please consider making a three year-pledge to this campaign. The benefit of your contribution will be seen for years to come in the product of a St. Patrick graduate. Pledges, donations can be mailed directly to St. Patrick Catholic School at P.O. Box 3061 (INB Bank) Springfield , Illinois 62708-3061 .

Thank you for your support!