Bright Lights of Catholic Education
Reflection by Dr. Steven F. Cheeseman, NCEA President/CEO
The Diocese of Palm Beach is home to schools where faith and learning come alive, and during my Bright Lights Tour, I had the privilege of experiencing that energy and dedication firsthand. From innovative classrooms to joyful students and welcoming communities, every stop on the tour showcased the vibrant spirit of Catholic education in the diocese.
Established by St. John Paul II in 1984, the Diocese of Palm Beach encompasses five counties—Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee. Under the leadership of Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito and Superintendent Gary Gelo, the diocese is home to 20 schools, including two Catholic Private Schools, three Catholic High Schools, three Catholic Preschools and twelve Catholic Elementary Schools. These schools are dedicated to forming the whole child—mind, body, and spirit—through a curriculum that integrates rigorous academics with faith formation and moral development, preparing students to be leaders and Christian stewards in the Church and the wider community.
My first stop was the amazing John Carroll High School in Fort Pierce. The energy there is just fantastic! I was so impressed by their dynamic science teacher, who is literally bringing learning to life. I saw species of fish I had never even heard of, and he even built an aviary on campus for the students to use. It’s inspiring to see a school that’s not only growing but also living out its mission with such creativity and joy. The students and leadership were so welcoming, and it was a real treat to join their weekly Liturgy of the Word. The students who led the prayer and reflection mirrored the incredible spirit of faith radiating from every corner of the school.
Right next door, I had the pleasure of visiting St. Anastasia Catholic School, a place with a rich history and a beautiful vision for the future. The most incredible part of my visit was seeing their commitment to inclusion, with plans for a new school for students with special needs. It’s a powerful statement about how they truly live the Gospel message of welcoming everyone. I was also touched by the seventh graders’ Living Wax Museum, which was not only a brilliant academic project but also a beautiful way to raise money for the local food bank. Seeing students bring historical figures like “Babe Ruth” and Michael Phelps to life for such a wonderful cause was phenomenal! Those leading the tour had to basically drag me out of the room.
The tour then took me to St. Joseph Catholic School in Martin County. The atmosphere was so vibrant and joyful! I learned about their new Bongino Family Innovation Lab, and you could feel the pride they have in serving their students. I was inspired by their dedication to the Hispanic community and their exciting plans to expand the school following the purchase of a neighboring building. This is a community that is clearly growing and thriving because of its unwavering commitment to its students and families. On this trip, I even got to try out the playground, as Superintendent Gary Gelo and I enjoyed some recess time on the swings!
My visit to Cardinal Newman High School was yet another highlight. This school is a true testament to the strength of a diverse and faith-filled community. I was excited to see their newly renovated academic building and their state-of-the-art innovation classroom. It’s clear that they are committed to giving their students a top-notch education that prepares them for the future.
The tour concluded at Rosarian Academy, a school celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025 and alive with energy and creativity. I had an absolute blast in their Innovation Center, where students showed me their impressive Lego Robot program. And what can I say about the first and second graders? My heart was so full when they presented me with handmade birthday cards and sang me a birthday song! It was a perfect reminder of the simple, beautiful faith that is at the heart of our schools.
The Diocese of Palm Beach is a vibrant example of everything that makes Catholic education a “bright light.” From the passionate educators to the joyful students and dedicated families, it’s clear that these communities are not just teaching subjects. They are forming hearts, minds, and souls for a lifetime of faith and service. What a gift to have witnessed it all firsthand!
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.
