The students at Nativity School of South Los Angeles, 90% of whom live at or below the poverty line, must often rely on the generosity of others to provide them the opportunity to attend Nativity’s high-performing elementary and middle school that is a feeder to the region’s best high schools and colleges. However, in the spirit of gratitude for all who help them, they have decided it’s time to give back.
They are paying it forward to others by having a “Giving Back Challenge for Breast Cancer.” This year, about 30 Nativity students will participate in the Revlon Walk-Run for Breast Cancer on Saturday, May 11, with a goal of raising $1,000 for cancer research. To raise that amount, as well as the $30 per person entrance fee, they are holding a series of fundraisers at their school, including an upcoming Scholastic Book Fair (March 18-22).
A Pep Rally to formally kick-off this Giving Back Challenge will be held on Thursday, March 14 at 11:00 a.m. at the Nativity School campus. Students will honor those they know who have been affected by breast cancer, followed by a skit about the Book Fair and the importance of literacy, and conclude with a rousing performance of the song, “Go Make a Difference” by the Nativity Chorale.
“We are so proud that our students have looked beyond their own needs and have chosen to devote their energy and efforts to help others,” notes Nativity Principal Antonio Felix. “It shows that the lessons we teach here about character and commitment are making an impact.”
Nativity’s tradition of educational excellence stretches back nearly nine decades, all the way to its founding in 1925. Since then, Nativity’s safe and welcoming campus on the corner of Vermont and 56th Street, in the heart of South Los Angeles, continues to be a beacon of hope for families at the lowest economic margins who nonetheless want their children to have access to the highest quality education and culture of character development that Nativity is known for. One of the only inner-city Catholic schools to boast full enrollment, Nativity is recognized in the community and throughout Los Angeles as the forerunner of innovative educational programs, strong student engagement and a 100% graduation rate. Students are challenged with high academic standards using a comprehensive, inquiry-based curriculum, providing them the education and character they need to succeed in life. Nativity also provides a proven pathway to college: 98% of our students who attend Catholic high schools graduate and attend college.
The mission of Nativity School is to challenge students to realize their potential by providing a quality Catholic education for youngsters regardless of their family’s economic level, thus fostering students’ appreciation of continued education.
For more information about the event or Nativity School, please contact Kathleen Felesina at 323/745.4542 or kfelesina@nativityla.org
