Testimonials

Presentation to St. Pius V on May 21, 2006
by David G. Tajkowski, Cabrini parent and Athletic Director of Cabrini's Sponsors Club

Good morning. My name is David Tajkowski and I am up here to share some of my experiences with the St. Frances Cabrini Academy; my wife Tina and I have been involved with St. Frances Cabrini since its formation. Our daughter Ava was in the initial Kindergarten class in August 2003; Declan joined her at Cabrini this year, and Anton will be there in 2007. I've been coaching soccer and baseball for Cabrini, and I'm currently the Athletic Director for the Sponsors Club. Tina is the chairperson for the school's Walk-a-Thon and the secretary of the PTO.

We believe in the value of Catholic education, but we did not have any ties to the School at St. Pius, so we visited some of the other nearby parish schools in attempt to find the right one for Ava, Declan, and Anton. Like everyone else, we were looking for quality teachers, a clean and hospitable environment, and a community in which we were comfortable. Pure and simple, Cabrini blew away the competition. I can't really recall anything specific about what we saw or heard; we just knew it was right. And we have not been disappointed!

Our kids are challenged academically by a very talented group of teachers. Having only primary students so far, I have not had to the opportunity to get to know the entire faculty. But from conversations with other parents, I know they're all great. During Cabrini's first year, I asked a seventh grade student we knew, how Cabrini compared to St. Pius' school, and her response was immediate: Cabrini was a lot harder. Needless to say, she didn't get much sympathy from us. Last year, my daughter's teacher left the area to be closer to her family, and she asked us for a letter of recommendation. She was a very good teacher, and I was happy to write one. I finished the letter with something like I regret that she will not be able to teach my other two children, the highest compliment I could think off. Well Mrs. DePriest made a liar out of me; she hired an even better teacher as her replacement.

The students are also challenged when it comes to their spiritual and moral well-being. I don't get a chance to drop my kids off in the morning too often, but whenever I do, I'm impressed by the goings on at Morning Prayer. Except for the praying part, there's not a lot of talking; it's all about action. If there is a problem in the school, the neighborhood or the world, Mrs. Depriest has concrete ideas about what the school community can do to help. Whether it's restocking the food pantry at St. Pius or St. Wenceslaus, soothing the pain of Hurricane Katrina victims that attended Cabrini for a time, or addressing the inevitable conflicts that occur on the playground, the school community works to solve them. This parish frequently lobbies our government, encourages neighborhood development, and supports those in need; this call to action is embraced by our students as well.

So why am I speaking to you this morning? The Marketing Committee has asked school parents to speak to all of Cabrini's supporting parishes right now because it's enrollment time, and there are many things you can do to help us. If your children or grandchildren are nearing school age, then check out Cabrini; I think you'll be impressed. There are ways for everyone else to help, too. There are new brochures like this one in the back of church, please take one and give it to the family moving on to your block. Spread the word, tell your friends and neighbors about the good work the school is doing. You can fill that open space in your yard previously occupied by a St. Pius Fish Fry yard sign with a Cabrini sign. If a friend or neighbor wants to know more, encourage them to contact Mrs. DePriest or me or any of the school parents, I don't think any would hesitate to share their feelings. And lastly, keep your eyes on the bulletin; during the school year, there are many events and opportunities to get to know the school better and to help support it.

I was working on the sports program this week, and one of the parents said that she wasn't so sure that she wanted a completely full school because it's such a special place now, well I believe a full school would be one more thing to be proud of. I am very happy that we send our kids to the Cabrini Academy, and I want everyone to know that the school is providing a solid moral, religious, and academic foundation to the children of this parish, and with everyone's help, it will continue to do so. Thank you.