UPCOMING

Longtime Catholic educator to give keynote at Night of Hope

By Ambria Hammel | Oct. 15, 2009 | The Catholic Sun

From gum stuck under students’ desks to teenage angst, Dr. Elinor Ford has seen her share of excitement in her more than 40 years as a Catholic educator.

The nationally recognized superintendent has also seen her share of successes.

She will share her insights with local teachers, administrators, parents and other Catholic education supporters at the second annual Night of Hope event, taking place Oct. 24 at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel.

Related: Night of Hope event to benefit Catholic schools

“She enjoys talking to people about what a privilege and responsibility that we have to grow in our own faith and help others grow in theirs,” said Sr. Mary McGreevy, SSND, principal of Bourgade Catholic High School.

She’s heard Ford speak several times since the late 1960s. Ford has always increased her enthusiasm for Catholic education.

“We need to get out there to explain to people why Catholic education nurtures the soul of a nation,” Ford said, drawing on Pope Benedict XVI’s address to Catholic educators during his U.S. visit last year.

The pope also said that no child should be denied the right to a faith-filled education.

“Catholic education raises a generation of adults who are caring, contributing members of society,” Ford said. “In this global environment, this is very, very critical.”

Ford is excited to see the diocese’s Catholic community — which she often cites as a model during her presentations — come together during the Night of Hope. The benefit dinner affirms and supports Catholic education with proceeds growing the Catholic Schools’ Endowment Fund for tuition assistance.

Thirty percent of the $100 ticket price goes straight to the endowment.

“It’s not a donation. It’s an investment in our Church and our world,” Ford said.

That’s how Anne Wuycheck sees it, too. Wuycheck, a Diocesan School Board parent of three who is also involved with the National Catholic Educational Association, said it’s an investment that undoubtedly starts as a sacrifice.

“No matter who you are, no matter where you’re at in life, you make a sacrifice to send your child to a Catholic school,” Wuycheck said. Ford “takes real life and brings it to you and makes you realize those sacrifices are worth it.”

Wuycheck said that’s the feeling she left with after hearing the “down-to-earth” and “funny” speaker in Phoenix about 10 years ago. And none of her children were in school at the time.

The Diocese of Phoenix’s 29 elementary schools, eight preschools and six high schools, alongside everyone who contributes to their success, will be in the spotlight during the Night of Hope event.

The evening also includes a presentation of the Guardian of Hope Award. This year’s recipient is The Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust, which has generously provided grant money for countless improvement projects across the campuses.

The Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust and Ford understand the vital role of Catholic education, said MaryBeth Mueller, superintendent for the diocese. It’s a role that she said is “even more important today if we are to have leaders in our Catholic Church tomorrow.”