St. Cecilia Parish

What's Right with the Region was a great success!
Thank you to all of you who have supported this event!

The thirteenth annual What's Right with the Region! awards celebration was a great success! A sold out crowd of more than 500 people applauded the inspiring work of 20 organizations and individuals who are making a positive impact in the St. Louis Community. The prestigious Leadership Award was presented to John Vatterott, and the story of his work to improve access to quality education and for those less fortunate brought the audience to their feet!

Thank you to everyone for your support!

2010 Leadership Award Winner:

John Vatterott

John Vatterott is a lifelong champion of education and those less fortunate. The founder of Vatterott College has dedicated his career to improving student performance and graduation rates through his involvement with Cardinal Ritter College Prep, Loyola Middle School and Access Academies, among others. He also helped found the Paulyn House, which serves the homeless in East St. Louis. His ongoing involvement with and contributions to more than a dozen nonprofit groups make him one of our region's most committed and effective philanthropic leaders.

2010 WRWR Honorees

Improving Racial Equality and Social Justice
Center for Survivors of Torture & War Trauma
St Cecilia School and Academy
St. Francis Xavier (College) Church
St. Louis Internship Program

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St. Cecilia is synonymous with the young and vibrant Hispanic Community of St. Louis City. This parish, which once welcomed and assisted German immigrants to the St. Louis area, now welcomes members of the Hispanic population.

St. Cecilia assists its parishioners with education, jobs, health care, financial aid and integration into the community, as well as operating a food pantry. The success of its programs shows in the increasing numbers of its students who are admitted to and attend private high schools, families who have gained access to loans and housing, and overall reinvestment in the community. St. Cecilia's school follows the Nativity-Miguel model of education, designed to assist low-income students to break the cycle of poverty and to achieve success throughout high school and into college. Last year, 86% of high school seniors who had previously attended St. Cecilia went to college.

Last year, the Mexican version of the traditional Friday Night Lenton Fish Fries at St. Cecilia School and Academy drew thousands of people from all over the region, helping to build relationships and foster a sense of pride for its community. >photos

St. Cecilia has gained national recognition on CNN's "Latino in America" for its positive community impact and successful blending of cultures. In 2009, St. Cecilia received the "Organization of the Year" award from the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.