Bright Lights of Catholic Education
Reflection by Dr. Steven F. Cheeseman, NCEA President/CEO
In the Diocese of Dallas, Catholic schools are more than centers of learning; they are thriving communities of faith, service, and academic excellence. Serving over 15,000 students across 36 schools, the diocese is one of the fastest-growing in the nation, encompassing nine counties and more than 1.3 million Catholics. Guided by Bishop Edward J. Burns and by Rebecca Hammel, who was superintendent at the time of this visit, the Catholic school system remains dedicated to forming students as leaders rooted in faith, equipped with strong academics, and inspired to serve a diverse and growing community.
What an incredible experience it was to visit the Diocese of Dallas! From the moment I arrived, I was absolutely thrilled to see the vibrant spirit of faith and service that permeates every level of Catholic education here. This visit was a powerful reminder that our schools are more than just places of learning; they are communities of grace, dedicated to forming “Saints and Scholars.”
My journey began with a truly inspiring service day that perfectly captured the heart of this diocese. It’s not every day you see principals, presidents, and education leaders rolling up their sleeves to give back to the community, and it was a humbling experience. We gathered early at Brother Bill’s Helping Hand, a food pantry in West Dallas, where we stocked shelves and helped distribute groceries, providing basket-to-car service for nearly 90 families. The teamwork and shared commitment to service were a beautiful reflection of the servant leadership that defines this diocese.
Next, I had the joy of visiting St. Cecilia Catholic School, a small but mighty school with a culturally rich and faith-filled community. You can immediately feel the warmth and history here; it’s a place where generations intertwine, with many current students being the children and even grandchildren of alumni. The school’s mission to shape “Saints and Scholars” is proudly displayed at the entrance and lived out every day. My visit was filled with joyful moments, including a special song from the Transitional Kindergarten and 3rd-grade students, and a dance performance from the 8th-grade young ladies practicing for their Cinco de Mayo celebration. It’s proof that a small school can offer big opportunities, from a fully equipped STEM lab and art room to inspiring outdoor prayer spaces.
I then had the pleasure of visiting Bishop Lynch High School, a co-ed institution with a thriving culture of belonging. Founded in 1963 and once staffed by Dominican priests and sisters, it has a rich history. What impressed me most was their incredible House System, which promotes leadership and mentorship. Each of the eight houses is named after a Dominican saint, and students proudly wear lanyards with their house color—a visible sign of their connection and camaraderie. As the students shared with me how they feel about the school and its traditions, they literally beamed with excitement. The school’s leadership is incredibly forward-thinking, and their focus on a strong strategic plan is preparing students for success both today and in the future. This commitment to excellence is clearly paying off, as the students recently won their state academic competition for the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools for the second year in a row!
The tour continued with a visit to the Notre Dame School of Dallas, a school that offers a truly remarkable model of inclusive education. I was blown away by the incredible teachers who staff this great school. I was particularly inspired by their “reverse inclusion” approach, where they invite students from other schools to visit and learn alongside their students with disabilities. This fosters a sense of community and social interaction that is so important. I was delighted to learn about their “Happy Flour” cookie club, which has blossomed into a full-fledged bakery operation where students bake and sell their delicious goods at a local market. I even got a chance to sample some of their work—it was delicious! Their vibrant art program, where student work is sold to fund school programs, is another example of how this school empowers its students to be creators and contributors. This school visit filled me with such joy and pride for the work our Catholic schools are doing.
My next stop was the distinguished Prince of Peace Catholic School in Plano. I was so impressed to meet two articulate and confident 8th-grade ambassadors who proudly led our tour. This three-time National Blue Ribbon School is a beacon of academic excellence. The new Welcome Center is a beautifully shared space between the parish and the school, and it truly reflects the spirit of hospitality and community that defines Prince of Peace. It was another inspiring example of what makes Catholic education in Dallas so special.
Finally, I want to shine a light on St. Mark Catholic School in Plano. This school is a powerful example of how academic excellence, innovative learning, and Catholic identity intersect to form outstanding students. St. Mark is a three-time National Blue Ribbon School with student scores ranking in the top 15% nationally, but their commitment extends far beyond test scores. Their SmartLab® and Lion Learning Lab provide hubs for project-based learning in areas like robotics, engineering, and digital animation, while the school’s Outdoor Learning Environment, “The Backyard,” extends the classroom into nature through gardens and a butterfly sanctuary.
What touched me most, however, was the way the St. Mark community lives its mission of service. During my visit, 7th- and 8th-grade students led the entire school in a heartwarming Make-A-Wish event for Chloe, a 3rd-grade girl they had never met before. Parents, teachers, and students dressed as Disney characters, guiding her through an interactive adventure across the campus that culminated in the joyful reveal that she and her family would be going to Disneyland. To see young people from preschool through 8th grade unite in such an expression of God’s love was deeply moving and inspiring.
My time in Dallas was an unforgettable gift. From the leaders who serve with humility to the students who learn and grow in faith, it’s clear that these schools are truly a bright light, shining with purpose and grace.
FACTS is dedicated to making educational dreams possible for families and students while enhancing the financial stability and affordability of education. Serving over 12,000 schools worldwide and more than three million students and families, FACTS provides a comprehensive suite of services designed to support administrators and learners alike in delivering exceptional educational experiences. FACTS works with many Catholic schools and dioceses across the United States and is proud to power the NCEA “Bright Lights of Catholic Education” tour, continuing its commitment to Catholic education for years to come.
