"It is not how much we give but how much love we put into giving."  Mother Theresa

Thank you for your dedicated and loving support of our school and its students.  We are blessed by many gifts and rightfully proud to share this annual report.  It reflects financial donations, pledges and gifts-in-kind received during the 2006/2007 fiscal year.  Each gift has propelled the school toward achieving ambitious goals.  Your combined gifts raised an historic $251,350 for the annual fund and $50,603.64 within the category of restricted gifts.  Regardless of the amount, your financial support affirms heartfelt appreciation for Roanoke Catholic School and the traditions of excellence reflected within the school community.

Last year was replete with success and underscores vitality.  This fall we welcomed a record 61% increase in the number or new students, which in turn increased net enrollment.  The class of 2008 again advanced the tradition of academic excellence by gaining admission to some of the nations leading colleges and universities.  During the past five years our graduating seniors have garnered over $8,874,371 in collegiate tuition aid.  Current results of mean SAT scores for th class of 2008 reflect 571 for critical reading, 571 for math and 574 for writing.  Last spring, RCS joined the Richmond Catholic schools as first in th nation to achieve recognition for accreditation as a school district of educational excellence by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

The school's extensive athletic program includes some fifty teams in fourteen different sports and has a combined staff of over a hundred individuals serving as volunteers and coaches.  The school participates in over seven hundred athletic events annually, which are fielded by approximately five hundred students.  Approximately 85% of our students participate in sports during the academic year.  During the past several years our Upper School teams have won a host of divisional and state championships.  Girls' Cross Country, Boys' Lacrosse, Basketball, Baseball, Football, Boys Cross Country, Indoor Track, and Wrestling have each been recognized for outstanding athletic achievement.

Our objectives now cite the next phase of initiatives to enhance programs and facilities.  We seek to raise the final $350,000 in order to tap funding from the challenge pledge of $750,000 made by the diocese and supported by our Bishop.  Please consider making a leadership gift for this matching campaign during this fiscal year.  Your gift will carry an exponential effect by advancing the school ever closer to being able to acquires this diocesan money.

The current phase of our campaign will define the borders of the campus.  New signage, lighting and landscaping, visible from Interstate 581 will dramatically improve the school's downtown presence.  Work to clear overgrowth from the eastern side of the campus has begun.  We plan to renovate the exterior of the Upper School building and review the master  plan.  This renewal for the school is crucial and will only be achieved through your generous, prayerful and loving support.

Ray-Eric Correia
President
March 2008