Best of the Week 2022-2023: Holy Cross Values

ALUMNI SET NEW RECORDS FOR THE 2023 FEBRUARY CLASS CHALLENGE

Throughout the month of February, each Alumni Class of St. Edward High School participates in what is known as the February Class Challenge. The February Class Challenge is an opportunity for St. Ed's Alumni to rally classmates and friends in support of the Annual Fund. Contributions to the Annual Fund support our innovative curriculum and make student financial aid, technology upgrades, campus ministries activities, and vibrant extra-curricular opportunities possible.

Each February, classes compete for the highest percentage of participation in making a gift. Year after year the bar is raised, and 2023 was certainly no exception. From 1953 to 2022, the Challenge consisted of 70 Alumni Classes and each one was represented on the donor wall. A record-setting 1,500+ Alumni gifts were received from 45 different states and totaled over $240,000.

Claiming the title of “Champions," and setting an all-time record for the highest percentage of Class participation, is the Class of 1982. The reigning champs made impressive strides since day one of the challenge. Jumping out to an early lead, ’82 would remain in first place and never look back, claiming back-to-back titles with a whopping 53.33% participation. In other terms, they had a total of 144 men from their class who made a donation. With his donation, Ron Chudowsky ’82 commented, "The spirit, time and effort of the Class of 1982 volunteers and donors is truly inspirational." Finishing in second and third place were the Classes of 2004 and 1979, with 50.51% and 33.20% participation respectively – the first time two Alumni classes finished at over 50%.

A special shout out goes to the Class of 2022 for rallying together and beating out over half of the other 69 classes. For being the newest class to join the February Class Challenge, finishing in 33rd place is truly an achievement. St. Ed’s is grateful for those who supported during the month of February and all those in our community who support the school in so many ways throughout the year. Each and every gift makes a difference and is vital to our ongoing success in educating the hearts and minds of young men. Thank you for an incredible 2023 February Class Challenge and we’ll see you next year!