When I joined St. Catherine Labouré School in 2020, the school was facing a critical challenge: enrollment had been steadily declining for over a decade, and the future of the school was uncertain. The pandemic had only compounded existing struggles, and families were increasingly choosing other options.

I knew that behind the low numbers was a passionate, resilient community. We’d long been considered a hidden gem in the heart of Glenview, but it was time to let the secret out and share our story. I volunteered to help reshape how the school showed up to the outside world, starting with its digital presence.

I began by taking over the school’s dormant social media accounts, using storytelling and visual content to organically reintroduce the school to the wider digital community. I focused on authentic, everyday moments and drew on testimonials from parents, students, teachers, and alumni to show how being a Crusader had shaped their lives. By sharing their stories on social media, we strengthened the sense of belonging and helped foster even deeper relationships. Our follower count started to climb.

Just as we were beginning to find our groove and gain momentum, COVID-19 hit, forcing us to adapt quickly. But rather than lose the connection we had worked so hard to build, we pivoted to virtual platforms to keep the community spirit alive.

We organized creative, family-friendly virtual events like Drive-By Photos with Santa, Trivia Night, Read-Along, Gingerbread House Decorating Class, and even a Virtual Pet Parade that brought smiles to screens across town. As a Catholic school, we also created space for faith-centered gatherings like Virtual Rosary Nights, giving families moments of reflection and togetherness during an uncertain time.

These efforts not only sustained engagement, they deepened it. Even in isolation, we found ways to stay united, support each other, and remind our families that we were still in this together.

While navigating the challenges of the pandemic, we faced another critical need: encouraging parishioners to contribute to tax credit scholarships that would directly support student enrollment. The process was complex, requiring multiple steps that left many elderly parishioners confused or overwhelmed.

To simplify the experience, I created a clear, step-by-step instruction guide and an easy-to-follow video tutorial that broke the process down in plain language. This approach removed the guesswork and empowered more people to take action.

The results were remarkable. That year, we raised over $200,000 in scholarship funding: the highest amount raised among Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Chicago that year. It was a powerful reminder that with the right tools and communication, even the most daunting challenges can become opportunities for growth and generosity.

My role extended far beyond strategy and content creation. I was fully embedded in the life of the school and showing up wherever help was needed most.

I taught art and introductory Mandarin to students from preschool through 8th grade, bringing creativity and cultural exploration into the classroom.

I planned and promoted a school fundraiser that raised $12,000! It garnered so much attention it was featured on CBS News!

I led the planning and execution of our Oktoberfest celebration, a joyful community event that raised $25,000 for new classroom technology.

And to top it off? I even donned the school mascot costume to pump up crowds and bring smiles to students’ faces at pep rallies and events. Because sometimes, the best community engagement starts with showing up, in every sense of the word.