Letter from the Director

Letter from the Director 

November 18, 2024

Dear Friends of Mary Help,

Over the weekend, Cristo Rey Tampa Salesian High School held its Dream Gala, advertised as an evening of “celebration and inspiration.” A sell-out crowd of 250 people gathered at the Brady Center to do exactly that – celebrate and be inspired! Our young men and women ambassadors stole the show, as they always do. Their politeness, friendliness, helpfulness and poise impressed all the guests. People marvel, as they should, at the presence our students possess. A great deal of that is due to the corporate work study program. Our students work in companies and institutions each week as a way of earning a portion of their tuition. Yet they learn so much more from their experiences than simply “paying a bill.” They learn how to interact with adults, how to present themselves, how to take direction, how to offer their suggestions, and much more.

In addition to that, the academic curriculum is established as a college-prep curriculum. Cristo Rey’s aim is that these young people will continue their education in college and beyond. For some, this is a dream that might not have come true without Cristo Rey. Our faculty members, who work tirelessly to bring a true education to their students, have some of the best professional development available. Our dedicated principal, Matt Torano, works with each individual teacher every week to make their instructional time and lessons as vibrant and as on-point as possible. I have never seen that in any other school.

At the foundation of Cristo Rey is our Catholic faith and Salesian charism. The Salesian community established CRTSHS in 2015 to provide a Catholic college-prep and career-oriented education for young people who might not have had an opportunity for this type of education. Some of our young people will be the first to graduate from high school; others are the first generation to attend and complete college. We do this in Don Bosco’s style of being present and educating young people to be “good Christians and upright citizens”.

Good education is not inexpensive – whether it occurs in public, private, faith-based or Catholic schools. This Dream Gala is a step to provide appropriate funds for our young men and women. We thank you for your support if you attended the Gala, and I invite you to support this vital Salesian ministry on Mary Help’s campus.

Viva Cristo Rey!

Mary, Help of Christians, pray for us!

Fr. John Serio