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I have always embraced the challenge to effect change in the lives of the young people whose parents make the choice and sacrifice to send them to Catholic school. The privilege of educating the young men at All Hallows is extremely rewarding. Is there anything more satisfying than having a senior on his way to college with a full academic scholarship thank you for providing him with the means (education) to no longer be a part of a nightmare but have the opportunity to live the American dream?
My role as president of All Hallows High School, a Catholic high school in the poorest Congressional District (16th) in the United States, gives new meaning to multi-tasking. Our enrollment has been steadily rising over the past 10 years – up 42% to 660! Tuition is a relatively low $5700 but 78% of our families need assistance. Within the context of our spiritual base as a Catholic school sponsored by the Congregation of Christian Brothers, we offer an education that is a proven success. Graduation rate and college acceptance varies from 98% - 100%.
When All Hallows was founded in 1909 the motto, Pro Fide et Patria, was selected. It is a privilege to see these dual and complementary purposes carried out every day. Poverty is an obstacle for many of our students and their families but it is never accepted as an excuse for failure at All Hallows. As a Catholic school we are fortunate to be able to work within a context that recognizes the spiritual dimension of each person. With a personal greeting and handshake each morning and afternoon, each student knows that he is valued at All Hallows. He also knows that we will take every reasonable measure to make certain that he is physically and emotionally prepared for school.
As part of the multi-tasking referenced above, I work with our alumni and friends to raise the funds necessary to provide an education that is second to none. The demographics and ethnicity have changed over the years, we are currently 73% Hispanic and 25% African American, but the over-riding factor is that the alumni and the current students are all All Hallows men. Working together we have a proven recipe for success - financially, academically and spiritually.
There is an atmosphere and an environment that permeates our hallways and infects all of us at All Hallows. Imagine an inner-city school with statistics that rival any suburban school – even better than imagining - I invite you to visit All Hallows. We may make you a Champion of Change after your visit. I would be glad to show you that a Catholic inner city education is viable financially and invaluable academically for both God and country!
Paul Krebbs has been the President of All Hallows High School for the past nine years, and also serves as the CEO of the school, working closely with the principal and the Board of Directors to maintain the standards of excellence that have become associated with All Hallows.