DuBois Central Catholic School awarded DuBois Chamber of Commerce Community Cup

By Melanie Sisinni with DuBois Central Catholic School
02/27/2024

         During the DuBois Chamber of Commerce Business Bash on January 27th, DuBois Central Catholic School received the DuBois Chamber of Commerce’s 2023 Community Cup. This prestigious award, presented annually, honors local businesses, civic groups or nonprofit organizations that actively contribute to improving the local community. DuBois Central Catholic was selected for its enduring commitment to fostering a culture of charity and service among its students and faculty.

         School President Gretchen Caruso accepted the award on behalf of the school.

         “It is truly humbling to be acknowledged for carrying out our school’s mission,” said Caruso during her acceptance speech. “When our students and faculty participate in school-sponsored community service projects and volunteer service hours, they are fulfilling the school’s educational mission ‘to be formed in Gospel values and Christian attitudes, taking these values and principles to the community.’”

         Amber Winkler, director of marketing and admissions at DuBois Central Catholic, describes her experience working with the school as unlike any other.

         “I have not really experienced a group like Dubois Central Catholic that has been so community-involved. They have an overall community mindset,” said Winkler. “It was nice to see that our kids — not just the professionals that work here — but our kids were being acknowledged for what they’ve done.”

         Winkler described some of the service projects students have participated in this year, from fundraising for Penn State’s THON program and ringing bells for the Salvation Army to starting a pro-life group on campus which has raised money for a new crisis pregnancy center in development in the DuBois area.

         “They never cease to amaze you with their ideas and how creative they get,” said Winkler.

         Winkler said when the football players heard news stories about Mason Martin, they immediately wanted to step up to help and offer prayers. Martin is a Karns City High School quarterback who suffered a significant brain bleed during a game in September 2023.

         “They had purple tee shirts with his football number,” said Winkler. “Students wore purple and gold that day to school and brought in funds that were then sent to the Martin family. As the need arises, our students rise to that challenge and want to serve. They want to be a part of the community and make a difference.”

         Students at DuBois Central Catholic High School are required to perform 20-40 hours of service a year, while many perform more. However, students of all ages are involved in service. Kindergarten students spent a day cleaning up school grounds and recycling, while middle school students recently participated in an assembly where students pretended to audition for “The Voice.” Students lip-synced to songs and raised funds for the United Way campaign.

         “A lot of our events are offered through the school because we support that in such a high capacity through our theology coursework,” said Winkler.

         DuBois Central Catholic School upholds a steadfast commitment to academics, faith and leadership, fostering an environment where students are encouraged to cultivate virtues of service, compassion and empathy. Students actively embody their faith through meaningful service initiatives, extending their impact to local communities, parishes and even overseas endeavors. The enduring mission of service at DuBois Central Catholic stands as a cornerstone of Catholic education, ensuring that students will continue to embrace the values of giving back and making a difference throughout their lives.

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