Catholic schools all over the nation celebrated Catholic Schools week during the week of January 26 to February 1. At Padua, each day had a special meaning for celebration. This year, the students, with the help of Mr. Sheehan and Mr. Wills, who conducted this project, decided to do something even more special for the teachers.

For the past month, students were working on letters showing their gratitude to their teachers that would be given to them during an APS meeting. APS stands for Advocacy Program for Success and promotes a deeper understanding of self and community within small groups. On Thursday, January 30, during a special session of APS, each teacher and faculty member was given a folder of letters written by the students that expressed their appreciation for the teachers and everything they do for them. “I was very surprised and shocked when I read the letters! I did not expect it in the least, but I am very thankful that I have such wonderful students to teach,” said Mr. McAteer. Sophomore, Mackenzie Scully, feels that she owed something to her teachers for the job they do. The students worked very hard to show their appreciation to their teachers through the letters they wrote.