The hard work of students, parents and teachers at a northwest suburban Catholic school paid off, the Archdiocese of Chicago announced Thursday, as the community was able to raise funding and successfully enroll enough students to remain open for another year.
One month ago, the archdiocese told parents that St. Alphonsus Liguori School in Prospect Heights needed to have 135 students and $400,000 by this week in order to keep the doors open for the 2016 - 2017 school year.
Monday parents still had $25,000 to raise but they managed to pull it off, as by Thursday night their efforts had met the monetary goal and even exceeded enrollment by one student.
“The Archdiocese commends the parish leadership, parishioners, school community and other supporters for their wonderful and passionate efforts to keep the school open,” Archdiocese of Chicago spokeswoman Anne Maselli wrote in the announcement. "The Archdiocese values the work that has gone into raising the money and securing the enrollment that they have and looks forward to working with the parish and school to continue to grow student enrollment."
The school also expressed gratitude to the hard work that went into reaching the goal.
"Thank you so very much for the love, prayers, support, and pledges," wrote a post on the St. Alphonsus Liguori School Facebook page late Thursday. "The outpouring of help from our school parents, parish, community, and even strangers, has been overwhelming. Our strength comes from all of you. Saint Alphonsus Liguori School will continue because of your efforts. Thank you!"
