Now in its 19th 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.

2023 Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann CEF School of Excellence

Holy Cross Catholic School

From their multi-age Faith Family program to their new STREAM classroom and "Be Holy Cross" mantra, Holy Cross Catholic School is bringing the truth, beauty, and goodness of Catholic education to families throughout their Overland Park community.

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: 

  • Joyfully Catholic
  • Diligently Achieving
  • Intentionally Self-Giving
  • Prudently Managed
  • Forwardly Thinking

The 2024 Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann CEF School of Excellence will be announced in August and honored at this year's Gaudeamus benefit gala on Saturday, October 12th at the Overland Park Convention Center.

Join us at Gaudeamus on October 12th!

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.

PAST AWARD RECIPIENTS

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 Catholic Education Foundation: Bringing high-quality, faith-based education to all children, regardless of their financial situation.

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Kyle and Nicole Hill and Jake and Ashley Rieke

Meet our 2022 Gaudeamus Chairs

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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