"I'm a reader! Sister showed me."

Earlier this year, Jacob graduated from Corryville Catholic Elementary School. He was one in a class of 11 remarkable students. Some were the first in their families to graduate from the 8th grade. Others, like Jacob, found unimaginable academic strengths and personal gifts during their years at the inner-city school in Cincinnati. Jacob learned he loved to read. Imagine that. Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur have been teaching at Corryville Catholic since its founding 134 years ago. And in a world where school dropout rates are among the highest, Corryville is one exception. As in the past, every member of this year's graduating class has gone on to high school -- many to private Catholic schools in Cincinnati. And, like those who graduated from Corryville before them, the odds are extremely good these graduates will continue their studies at colleges and universities across the country.

Corryville Catholic graduates have one thing in common: Their Notre Dame education has provided them with a strong academic and spiritual foundation. They go forward with great confidence in themselves, and a deeply seated belief in the goodness of God. They are true ambassadors of hope. We hear this in their own words:

"I am different today than when I first came to Corryville. The Sisters taught me to believe in myself." Janie

"I learned so many things from the Sisters, and I believe that miracles happen. God blessed me to come to this school." Rencie

"I've loved it at Corryville because the Sisters are like my dad. We have the same values. Work hard. Give back. And we believe in the goodness of God." Morgan

"Since I came to Corryville I found out I'm a reader! In the 5th grade Sister introduced me to adventure books and I came to love reading. I'm so proud. And I know God is good because I'm here. God gave me life." Jacob