DePaul Cristo Rey seniors achieve 100 percent college acceptance for second straight year

For the second consecutive year, DePaul Cristo Rey (DPCR) High School seniors have achieved a college acceptance rate of 100 percent. The senior class of 39 individuals met the school-wide goal months in advance of graduation and has earned nearly $1.7 million and counting in merit-based college scholarships. 

“To do something this significant one time is an accomplishment,” DPCR Principal Andrew Farfsing says. “To do it twice creates a tradition.”

Last year’s graduating class was the school’s first since DPCR opened in 2011 as Greater Cincinnati’s first new Catholic high school in 50 years, and all 48 seniors were accepted to college. Farfsing acknowledges the first two classes have set the bar high, but he’s confident future classes can continue the legacy.

“With our school's focus on college-preparation and the commitment and zeal of our teachers and students, I have no doubts future classes can reach that bar,” he says. 

Students have committed to universities like Purdue and Xavier so far, but not everyone has finalized his or her decisions. 

Paige Yaden, for example, has been accepted to five colleges and is weighing her options. 

“For me, being accepted to five schools is awesome,” she says. “A few years ago, I didn’t think I would be accepted anywhere. My freshman year grades were bad; sophomore year was worse. But I got it together junior year and have been on the honor roll every quarter this year.”

Students like Maggie McDonald, who will attend XU’s School of Nursing, credit their teachers’ compassion and dedication for pushing her classmates to strive for greatness.

“The teachers make everything happen here,” McDonald says. “They love us. They made sure we knew we had this goal, and they wanted us all to get accepted. I was proud of everybody for reaching this point. There were some students in the beginning who slacked off, but as they started to believe we could do it like the seniors last year they really started working.”

According to the Cristo Rey Network, which comprises 30 schools nationwide, 96 percent of its student population comes from families with an average annual income of $34,000.

Do Good: 

• Support DePaul Cristo Rey's mission and learn about ways to give.

• Learn about volunteer opportunities at DPCR.

• Connect with DPCR on Facebook.