Dear Friends of Nativity Prep,

Nativity Prep students are nothing short of remarkable. They persevere. Our students embody resilience, not necessarily by choice, but out of the sheer necessity of their circumstances, their fortitude consistently tried and tested. As an educational community, we strive to nurture their resilience, encouraging them to leverage it as an invaluable asset. It is not only an asset to them but to the educational communities, they are members of.

Their diversity of life experience enriches classroom conversation and expands the life perspectives of their peers. Their commitment to high expectations, without excuses, inspires others to uphold similar expectations for themselves. Their dedication to living lives of service enhance the communities in which they claim membership. We invest in our students, knowing they are the change makers our world needs.

This past May, we reveled in a momentous milestone: The inaugural cohort of Nativity Prep students, who have been beneficiaries of USD’s fully funded Torero Promise, donned their graduation caps. Among them were Kimberly NPA ’15, OLP ’19, USD ’23, and Brigitte NPA ’15, OLP ’19, USD ’23 (both featured here). These bright young women are testaments to the transformative power of education.

I first encountered Kimberly and Brigitte when they were eager 8th graders embarking on their academic journey at Nativity Prep Academy. I had the honor of watching them bloom during their high school years at OLP, their potential growing into remarkable achievements. To have the opportunity to share in their triumph as they celebrated their college graduation underscored the profound impact of Nativity Prep’s 11-year commitment to our students.

Experiencing this journey alongside them, and playing even a small role in their phenomenal growth, is one of the greatest privileges I’ve ever known. Their determination, resilience, and success is a profound testament to our mission.

Reflecting on this journey, I realize that Nativity Prep is much more than an educational institution. It’s a beacon of hope, a place where dreams are nurtured, potential realized, and futures built. It’s a testament to the notion that with perseverance, dedication, and the right support, nothing is impossible.

Their achievements serve as an inspiration not just for the future students of Nativity Prep, but for anyone who dares to dream and works tirelessly to turn those dreams into reality. It is a concrete affirmation that every journey begins with a single step, and we’re here to make those steps count. Enjoy this newsletter of celebration, recognizing that each student’s educational journey is creating a ripple effect of positive change in their family and our world, and as such, each should be celebrated!

With Gratitude,
Jessica Hooper
President