More than 100 voices raised in friendship and celebration marked the 2nd Annual Cultura Vitae dinner at St. Mary’s Catholic School on Friday, Feb. 25.
The “Culture of Life” gala brings together a community of students and families that spans 26 zip codes and a 50-mile radius with one encompassing bond – a quality education rooted in strong academic and Catholic principles. Sharing that bond was guest speaker and First Lady of Texas, Cecilia Abbott.
Having Abbott as the guest speaker sends a big signal from the governor’s office of the importance of Taylor to Texas, according to Kevin Stuart, high school headmaster at St. Mary’s.
“The significance of this event for the community shows the true spirit of Taylor, that we welcome curiosity and intelligence with hospitality and friendship,” said Stuart.
Many parents make the drive from as far as Temple, Cedar Park and Thorndale to bring their children to school at St. Mary’s every day.
The Cultura Vitae event helps raise funds for the high school expansion, which is scheduled to begin preliminary development next year.
“Our high school enrollment doubled from last year to this year,” said Stuart. “This demonstrates the value of education in our town. The high school is a priority for us all.”
While St. Mary’s Catholic School celebrates its 125th anniversary this year, the high school is new. It opened in the previous school year as part of the Chesterton Network of Schools, an international Catholic curriculum program.
Stuart recalls the search for a high school program that would complement the successful pre-kindergarten through eighth grade curriculum of the school.
“We chose to apply to the Chesterton Network of Schools because it’s an authentic Catholic school,” said Stuart. “I don’t want my children to grow up to be future ex-Catholics. Having a deep, rich Catholic education is second only to strong parental guidance in achieving that.”
“Not many towns this size can claim a wealth of great schools like Taylor ISD and the Legacy Early College High School and St. Mary’s – the oldest private school in Williamson County,” added Heidi Altman, head of school and principal.
Cultura Vitae (Culture of Life) accurately describes the philosophy and curriculum of St. Mary’s and the Chesterton Network Schools, according to Altman.
“We teach the fullness of life through the lens of art, music, history, science...our kids study all the masters as if they were apprentices to the great thinkers from Plato to Pope John Paul II,” said Altman.
Abbott also believes in the values of a classic Catholic curriculum. As a former Catholic school principal, Abbott is still involved in education, and her passion is evident when she speaks.
“Not only does a Catholic education provide incredible academic curriculum, but it also teaches us the importance of service to God and our neighbors that inspires our minds, hearts and spirits to make a difference in the world,” said Abbott.
The First Lady enjoys ties to Taylor through her dedication to teaching and through her family. Gov. Greg Abbott’s father graduated from high school in Taylor, and his grandfather preached at First Christian Church in Taylor.
Mayor Brandt Rydell presented Abbott with framed historic photos of the church and pages from a historical publication referencing Mr. A.G. Abbott’s achievements as pastor. The mayor also presented the First Lady a Key to the City.
Abbott says she is grateful for the unique lessons, values and teachings that Catholic education provides to so many students.
“I am thankful for the incredible community of St Mary’s Catholic School in Taylor,” said said, “for their commitment to fostering faith, service and learning in the lives of so many students.”
