Now in its 20th year, the Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann School of Excellence award is awarded annually by the Catholic Education Foundation to a partnering K-8 Catholic school receiving support from CEF’s traditional scholarship program.
The 2025 CEF School of Excellence Award recipient will be announced in August.
Through a well-balanced curriculum that emphasizes the development of mind, body, and spirit, St. Benedict Catholic School's goal is to ensure that each student is equipped with the tools to excel academically, socially, and technologically, while fostering a relationship with Christ.
Each year, the Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann CEF School of Excellence Award is given to the K-8 CEF school that demonstrates the most exceptional performance in five key areas of school and student body development:
This prestigious award recognizes St. Benedict’s outstanding commitment to academic excellence, faith formation and community service.
We are thrilled to honor St. Benedict, the 2024 Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann CEF School of Excellence, at this year's Gaudeamus benefit gala on Saturday, October 12th at the Overland Park Convention Center.
Each year, we celebrate ..... Larectur. Si fitanum fur audem quamquod defent, con vastemplica vicaudem invo, quam, su mo consultus, maio ve, nernimultia nonloccii iam factumullem avenatabis nonimum nihices cemurionfe.
2023 – Holy Cross Catholic School, Overland Park, KS
2022 – St. Gregory the Great Catholic School, Marysville, KS
2021 – St. Patrick Catholic School, Kansas City, KS
2020 – Christ the King Catholic School, Kansas City, KS
2019 – St. Benedict Catholic School, Atchison, KS
2018 – Christ the King Catholic School, Kansas City, KS
2017 – Resurrection Catholic School at the Cathedral, Kansas City, KS
2016 – Holy Family Catholic School, Topeka, KS
2015 – Resurrection Catholic School at the Cathedral, Kansas City, KS
2014 – St. Matthew Catholic School, Topeka, KS
2013 – St. Patrick Catholic School, Kansas City, KS
2012 – St. Matthew Catholic School, Topeka, KS
2011 – Resurrection Catholic School at the Cathedral, Kansas City, KS
2010 – Our Lady of Unity Catholic School, Kansas City, KS
2009 – Resurrection Catholic School at the Cathedral, Kansas City, KS
2008 – Mater Dei Catholic School, Topeka, KS
2007 – St. Patrick Catholic School, Kansas City, KS
2006 – Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic School, Seneca, KS
2005 – Christ the King Catholic School, Kansas City, KS
The 2022 Gaudeamus gala chairs were Kyle and Nicole Hill and Jake and Ashley Rieke.
Jake Rieke and Nicole Davila Hill are grandchildren of Tom and Mickey Zarda, one of CEF's founding families.
Jake Rieke, COO of Ernie Rieke Equipment, is a graduate of Saint Thomas Aquinas High School and serves as the Grand Knight of St. Joseph’s Knights of Columbus council. Ashley, an event coordinator, is a graduate of Bishop Miege High School and has served as co-chair for the school auction at St. Joseph Catholic School in Shawnee, where their three children attend elementary school.
Kyle and Nicole Hill are both graduates of Saint Thomas Aquinas High School. They have two young sons and are accomplished entrepreneurs. Together, they run Hill Homes KC, a remodel and home design company, and Kyle is the founder and CEO of Tywoo Technologies.
Both couples are members of the St. Joseph parish in Shawnee and share a passion for Catholic education.
The 2022 Gaudeamus committee included: Stephen and Joan Charbonneau, Andy and Stephanie Eilert, Brad and Katie Inman, Shannon Lillis, Darren and Janet Lovick, Mary Parrigon, Colin and Micala Quinn, Tom and Katy Rottinghaus, Chris and Megan Schumm, John and Rose Shaw, Jolynn Taratino, and Jeff and Amy Zeller
Together, they helped us recognize our founding leaders and celebrate 25 years of Catholic Education Foundation’s impact at the 2022 Gaudeamus benefit gala.
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The Catholic Education Foundation provides scholarships for low-income students to attend K-12 Catholic schools. We’re working every day to make high-quality, faith-filled education possible for children most in need.
Each summer, CEF-supported schools throughout Northeast Kansas apply for the award, submitting stories of faith, community, and academic growth. The comprehensive applications are evaluated by leadership from CEF and the Catholic Schools Office of the Archdiocese based on five main criteria: Joyfully Catholic, Diligently Achieving, Intentionally Self-Giving, Prudently Managed, and Forwardly Thinking.
We're thrilled to be recognizing the St. Patrick community during this year's gala on October 23rd.
Our Lady of Unity Catholic School in Kansas City, KS was selected as first finalist, followed closely by the second finalist, St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Catholic School in Garnett, KS. Both schools have worked hard to support families and students this spring, and the recognition is a testament to their commitment to growth, innovation, and Catholicity throughout the 2019-20 school year.
