On Thursday, October 22, 2009, Bishop High School hosted its annual Adopt-A-Student Report Card Luncheon. 

The luncheon was held in the school’s library decorated with memorabilia from the era of Santa Barbara Catholic High and Bishop Garcia Diego High School.  Guests were greeted by Sr. Theresa Reis; Director of Development, Lori Willis; Director of Advancement and our very talented student Ambassadors.

Our thirty-five guests enjoyed a wonderful lunch catered by Karleskint Catering Company.  Dr. Paul Harrington welcomed guests and introduced Dr. Sean Kelly, Bishop High’s Science Department Chair. Dr. Kelly spoke about his love for teaching science and the new STEM program coming in 2010.  He also explained to guests the importance of maintaining a diverse student body and supporting students eager to enter Bishop’s college prep program regardless of financial need. 

Key note speaker Bishop student, Luis Ortiz ’2013 stole the show!  He
told a story about his uphill climb to make his dream of attending Bishop High a reality.  He said “he was here today because of a miracle; and the miracle Is, I have the support from my family, friends and donors who never gave up on me and believed in me.” Chief Cam Sanchez, from the Santa Barbara Police Department, Marc Fidel from Santa Barbara Jr. High School’s CORE program, Rudy Gill Counselor at Santa Barbara Jr. High School and current Bishop parents Jesus and Ana Landeros each spoke on behalf of Luis and his amazing transformation. 

The school was also honored to have Carmen (Spence) Pagliotti, Class of ’34 at the luncheon.  Carmen donates annually to our Adopt-A-Student program and she will tell you, as she had told our students, how important it is to attend college.  “I am one of the alumni who graduated in 1934, probably the oldest of all our students in existence. A Bishop High education ensures that all kids will Go to college”!

Fr. Tom Elewaut ended the luncheon with a recap of the school’s goals and accomplishments while acknowledging the continued support and generosity of our ever widening Bishop High School community.

Thank you to Karleskint Catering Company, Robitaille’s Candies and B & H Flowers for assisting with this “thank you” luncheon, as well as to our Bishop parents and school ambassadors who assisted to make this event a success.