Giving Day Promotion
We were asked to create a collection of video testimonials to support Giving Day, a fundraising event for Our Lady of Victory. The purpose of these testimonials was to showcase the impact of the school's education, the community it fosters, and the benefits of supporting the institution. The videos would feature students, teachers, and parents sharing their experiences and success stories, highlighting the value of a classical education and the importance of funding scholarships, recruiting high-quality teachers, and providing for facilities expenses. By sharing these testimonials, the goal was to inspire donors to contribute generously and help form the next generation of joyful Catholic leaders.
Mary Clay Cotter, a sophomore at Our Lady of Victory (OLV), shares that initially, she was not excited about attending OLV, as she wanted a "normal" high school experience. However, she soon discovered that the OLV community offered something greater than traditional high school experiences. The school's focus on formation and community-building activities, such as Formation Fridays, help students grow as human beings. The house system at OLV provides a smaller community within the larger school, allowing students to have a sense of belonging and the opportunity to lead and contribute their ideas. The houses compete in friendly competitions, fostering a sense of camaraderie and teamwork among the students.
Listen to Alex Crane delve into the question of truth in the modern world and its significance in education. The modern world often denies the existence of truth, leading to a hunger for truth that is often abandoned and left unsatisfied. Our Lady of Victory (OLV) aims to address this hunger by providing a classical education that focuses on higher ends and the formation of a person's character and virtue. “I became disillusioned with the secularization of education and the utilitarian focus on getting into a good college and securing a well-paying job. Classical education, with its emphasis on higher ends and the formation of a person's character and virtue, offers a more fulfilling approach to education.” G.K. Chesterton's work brings an immensity of joy to the classical curriculum, which blends well with the classical education tradition.
Mary Clare Cotter discusses the benefits of a classical education, which she believes focuses on teaching students how to think and learn. They emphasize the importance of learning from great books and understanding the roots of Western civilization. She mentions the significance of community in education, as it fosters a supportive and collaborative environment for students to grow and learn.
Chris Stefanick knows the importance of Christian formation in a supportive and loving community that experiences truth and goodness not just through books, but in the world around them and in their interactions with others. He shares his family’s experience of driving his son, Joseph Stefanick, to Our Lady of Victory (OLV) despite the chaotic nature of their life, which includes having six children, grandchildren, and three dogs. They believe that the daily mass and the school's focus on forming well-rounded, joyful disciples of Jesus Christ make the drive and investment worth it. Joseph is excited about school and enjoys learning, which he attributes to the positive environment and strong community.
Brian DeLauro shares his experience of raising a large family and the challenges that come with it. He recognizes the importance of community and the support he receives from Our Lady of Victory (OLV) in his journey. Brian mentions that seeing other fathers at OLV with the same goals and struggles provides a sense of camaraderie and support. The community at OLV fosters a sense of belonging and encourages families to celebrate and live life together, rather than in isolation. Initially, Brian and Meghan didn't think it was possible to provide their children with a Catholic education due to distance and financial constraints. However, they realized that "all things are possible with God" as new opportunities emerged.
