Catholic schools gala celebrates real talent in a virtual showcase

By Mary P. Walker | Senior Correspondent

Since 2009, the Diocese of Austin has celebrated Catholic Schools Week in January with the Saints and Scholars Gala. This event showcases the 20 Catholic schools, honors “unsung heroes” from each school community, and raises funds for tuition assistance.
Typically, 800-1,000 attend. With risks now associated with large gatherings and the anxiety and restrictions that stifle a party atmosphere, this year’s event will be hosted on a virtual platform on Jan. 23 at 6:30 p.m. The gala is free, and all are welcome to enjoy the online evening.  
Misty Poe, superintendent of Catholics schools, explained that while the gala changed formats, it will be joyful, lively and engaging. This Virtual Talent Showcase features entertainment by members of Catholic school communities. Acts include comedy, dancing, and musical performances. “Our students are great scholars, artists, musicians and athletes. We will be entertained in a lighthearted and uplifting way,” Poe said.
The event will be a combination of live content from the Pastoral Center, with prerecorded segments. Juliana Rueda, associate director of marketing and events, said the virtual format opens up the gala to those who may not typically attend. In addition, they will get to enjoy the talents of students and educators beyond their own parishes and school communities.
“The Virtual Talent Showcase is not just an event for Catholic school families. All in the diocese are welcome,” Rueda said.
One act, the Southside Juanderers, is a band of educators from San Juan Diego Catholic High School in Austin. The band’s name is a wordplay on the school’s name. Formed about four years ago, they came together when the teachers discovered they played instruments and shared a love of rock and blues. Since then, the Southside Juanderers have played at many school events.
While the pandemic is not funny, Catholic school students have found things to laugh about. Cash Loontjer, a fifth grader at St. Louis Catholic School in Austin, assisted by other students, will offer a comedy routine about the challenges of school life during these unusual times.
There will also be a time of reflection and appreciation for the blessings that Catholic education brings to Central Texas. Bishop Bill Wack of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee is the keynote speaker. Familiar to Austin, he was the pastor of St. Ignatius Martyr Parish and School before he was named bishop.
Also honored will be those whom Poe describes as “unsung heroes” of Catholic education. Each school community designates an individual or couple whose prayer, action and example have served their schools in exemplary ways. These heroes of Catholic education will be recognized throughout the event.
The Virtual Talent Showcase is designed to be fun and inspiring, and it is also a fundraiser. During the pandemic, schools incurred more expenses, including increases in support staff, technology for remote learning and new cleaning regimens. At the same time, some of the families they serve may be experiencing loss of income due to layoffs or reduced hours and are less able to pay tuition or contribute to offset the added expenses.
Presently, about one-third of diocesan Catholic school students receive some form of financial assistance. During the last school year, this amounted to $6.7 million. The financial goal of the Virtual Talent Showcase is to raise $120,000 through sponsorships and donations, which will be divided among the 20 schools for tuition assistance.
Those wishing to attend or sponsor the Virtual Talent Showcase may register online at csdatx.org/talentshowcase. Information on how to access the event will be emailed to those who register. In addition, individuals and businesses are needed to sponsor the event, and thereby invest in the benefits that Catholic education offers to students, families, the church and communities.