The 20th ACE Summer in Review: A Photo Essay
ACE Communications Intern Johann QuaHiansen Reflects on the Summer
The Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE) is constantly on the go especially during June and July at the University of Notre Dame. These so-called "ACE Summers" are looked back upon with fond memories for teachers, principals, and Catholic school supporters. What makes these brief weeks so special? The following pictures will tell the tale as ACE celebrates its first 20 years.
After a year of teaching at locations all over the country, some people haven’t seen their friends in many months. This joyful scene is recreated dozens of times as ACErs also meet new community members for the first time.
Paired walks and retreats like Midsummer Retreat offer opportunities for people to really get to know each other and reflect on their spiritual growth.
The ACE Advocates sponsor an annual retreat for the graduating class on the shores of Lake Michigan. This is a prime opportunity to celebrate two wonderful years and reflect on moving forward.
The Commencement ceremony is very small and personal for the ACE family. Students from the Remick Leadership program and the M. Ed. Program formally walk across the stage and receive their diplomas.
Father Sean McGraw, the other co-founder of ACE blesses the candles of members of the English as a New Language (ENL) 8 cohort at the Grotto. The ENL program provides training so teachers can get certified in English as a Second Language or its equivalent with two weeks of class at Notre Dame and online classes for a year.
The annual Powderpuff game between first and second years is a sight to behold. Most ACE activities begin with prayer and some motivation.
Out on the field, the game can get intense but it’s an opportunity for the cohorts to bond together.
ACE teachers do plenty of work and collaborate in group projects throughout the summer.
Run entirely by ACE teachers, ACEStore has a three on three community bracket and a five on five component.
The ACE staff fields a team each year with Father Sean McGraw looking to find an opening while spectators look on.
The ACE talent show held at the end of each summer shows individuals in a new light. Whether it’s the ukulele, Muppet voices, film editing or incredible voices, the audience gets blown away.
ACE Teachers hit the ground running with classes in everything from technology to classroom management and how to teach content. First year teachers get a week on campus before the veterans return to build their community.
This is the first year that an ACE in Chile (ChACE) reunion dinner was held. Seven teachers will be sent for 18 months to Santiago, Chile where they will teach English at schools supported by the Congregation of the Holy Cross. This is the 13th year for the program and this photographer is excited about the adventures to be had.
Father Lou DelFra is a shining example of devoted faculty and staff members who support the program. His homilies have given many people the little boost they need.
New ACE teachers experience many emotions as they listen to a whirlwind of speakers and learn from a myriad of sources. They are not alone in their journey with many levels of support around them.
Dr. Susie Beesley is just one of countless teachers inspiring ACErs in how to treat their students and how to best help them realize their true potential. Catholic schools educate the whole child by reaching their mind, body and brain.
Each summer, the new ACE shirt is revealed. The color is a closely guarded secret. This year’s revelation had a twist with the ACE Bus also being unveiled for the national Fighting for our Children’s Future bus tour. Father Tim Scully, one of the co-founders of ACE is very approachable and takes time to check on ACErs.
Communities take a photo in the new shirt with some surprising results. After taking a beautiful picture of the ACE Mobile community in St. Mary’s Lake, the group launched into an impromptu water fight. Though wet, everyone’s had a great time.
The Alliance for Catholic Education also hosts several conferences during the summer bringing in speakers and educators from across the country. In this Play Like a Champion conference, coaches and administrators are shown the importance of good sportsmanship.