consistently score in the seventieth to eightieth percentile
across the diocese in our elementary and middle school
levels. Our secondary schools perform exemplary as well
on the SAT. Juniors and seniors continue to outperform
their counterparts across both the state and nation on
the ACT. Our students consistently outscore both on the
composite score as well as the individual subject areas.
Equally impressive is that ninety nine plus percent of our
students complete the ACT while a much lower percentage
of students in the public schools do not take the ACT.
Obviously, all school administrations et al could take a lot of credit for high
performing schools. However, I would be remiss in my duty as the chief educator if
I didn’t remember two special groups. In keeping with the ministerial theme of this
article, pastors lead our schools and provide much needed resources to keep them
viable. They also provide great spiritual guidance and pastoral care to the thousands
of students who attend our schools. Pastors not only celebrate mass for our students
but can be found on the campus, in car lines, school advisory council meetings, and
in our classrooms. They avail themselves to both students and parents.
Parents place their trust in our schools and often times make many sacrifices
to send their children to our schools. They volunteer so much of their time doing
things that would be nearly cost prohibitive if schools had to hire someone. They
sit on our advisory councils and various other committees.
The ministry of Catholic education involves so many who give not only their
treasure but their time and talent as well. I truly believe all those who attend and
graduate from our schools will not only be successful in life but will continue to
help strengthen the Catholic Church. May God continue to bless our schools, our
children, and all those responsible for their inevitable successes.
Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service
By Dr. Mike Ladner,
Superintendent of Schools
As we continue to celebrate Catholic education, I believe
it would be fitting to shed light on this very important ministry
within the Catholic Church. I believe all Catholics in the Diocese
of Biloxi should have a Christ-centered duty to recognize and
support Catholic schools. Through this ministry of Catholic
education, children are building a strong faith and academic
foundation.
Each and every day they attend our Catholic schools,
students are challenged to discover the truth. In these truths we
recognize creation and the one who formed us all in his image and likeness. From that
template students come to realize that as different as we all may be, we all have dignity
and worth. This knowledge is power and can transform us into what God has intended
all along and that is to know, love, and serve him. Our students understand that we also
must serve others that are less fortunate and by doing so is doing what God intended
for us to do. For by serving others we also serve God. These values are instilled in all
students who attend Catholic schools. This soon becomes the moral compass which
guides not only our hearts but our minds as well.
You will find vigor in our administrators, teachers, and staff all across the diocese.
Students are challenged daily to excel in all academic subjects. There are various and
in sundry opportunities to participate in many extracurricular activities to complement
the rigorous academic curriculum. We instill in all those involved in Catholic education
a strong and vibrant work ethic. This ethic will serve all our students well as they go
out into the world to meet the many challenges that will face them.
As compared to roughly half of the nation, our students continue to outperform
other students who take the Stanford Achievement Test (SAT). Our students
Dr. Ladner
Gulf Pine Catholic
•
January 31, 2014
19
