Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School held a gala and auction to celebrate 20 years since the school’s founding. The event was filled with excitement, joy and inspiration. It featured warm hospitality from student ambassadors, heartfelt speeches from honorees and a spirited auctioneer, creating a memorable night.
Twenty years ago, the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur boldly opened a new school in Lawrence to educate at-risk students from economically challenged backgrounds. For the 20th anniversary, the community set an ambitious goal to raise $1 million for NDCR scholars. Thanks to generous contributions before, during and after the Gala, this goal was exceeded!
The event honored the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur for founding Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School in response to St. Julie's call to serve those most in need:
“Today, because of the Sisters’ resiliency and fearless commitment to the ever-evolving needs of underserved communities, NDCR has enjoyed 20 years of unimaginable successes. Notre Dame Cristo Rey is deeply grateful to the Sisters for 'making known God’s goodness and love' and for your ever-constant belief in our mission. The Sisters of Notre Dame charism permeates the halls of our school and resides in the hearts of all who have had the privilege of being part of this incredible educational journey.”
Read the full NDCR recognition of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.
The event also honored Suzanne Wright, who accepted the recognition on behalf of her father's legacy: The Ibrahim El-Hefni Technical Foundation, which has provided 40 full scholarships every year to students at NDCR.
The Alumni Emergency Fund was also renamed in honor of Sister Mary Murphy, SNDdeN, the founder of NDCR. Shelby Morales, a 2021 alumna, shared a heartfelt tribute, emphasizing Sister Mary's enduring legacy and commitment to education. Morales explained how the fund helped her overcome food insecurity during college. The alumni also presented a $53,000 check to Sister Mary to replenish the fund in her honor.
Text and images provided by Amy Hitchmoth, Director of Marketing and Communications at NDCR
More than a dream – Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School
Learn more about NDCR's founding and the many accomplishments and impacts the school has seen during the last twenty years.