ANTONIAN ONCE AGAIN NAMED

 ONE OF TOP FIFTY CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOLS IN THE

 UNITED STATES

SAN ANTONIO, September 27, 2006 – For the second time in three years, Antonian College Preparatory High School has earned the designation as one of the top 50 Catholic high schools in the United States in the 2006 Catholic High School Honor Roll, an independent project of the Acton Institute for the Study of Religion & Liberty, an international research and educational organization based in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  Antonian was also named one of the top fifty Catholic high schools in the United States in 2004 and, in 2005, was named a category leader in Catholic Identity.

The primary goal of the Honor Roll is to encourage schools to educate students as effectively as possible, in a way that integrates Catholic faith and prepares students for active engagement with the world.  By supporting this constructive competition, the Honor Roll provides insight into the character of Catholic secondary education and calls everyone to improve the academic and spiritual formation given to America’s youth.  In promoting rigorous education, the Honor Roll desires to better prepare students for fruitful vocations in politics, business, and the Church.  Building on the success of the program’s previous two years, this year’s Honor Roll will continue to serve as an invaluable resource for students, parents and benefactors. 

In keeping with the Second Vatican Council’s dual stress on the “earthly city” and the “Kingdom of God,” the Catholic High School Honor Roll recognizes schools that both embrace a vibrant Catholic identity and instill an appreciation of the social, political, and economic dimensions of the world that students will engage as it measures a school’s strength in three primary categories:  Academic Excellence, Catholic Identity, and Civic Education.  By recognizing the nation’s top 50 high schools, the Honor Roll promotes quality Catholic secondary education.

The Most Reverend Jose H. Gomez, Archbishop of San Antonio, released the following statement regarding the designation, "I am grateful that Antonian College Preparatory has been commended for its educational excellence and been named to the 2006 Catholic High School Honor Roll.  Being recognized nationally is a well-deserved honor and I congratulate all of the administrators, faculty, staff, and students for their hard work.  Their commitment to Catholic education has helped make Antonian College Preparatory a success.” 

Upon hearing of the designation, Sister Carla Lusch, SSND, Superintendent of Catholic Schools stated, “It would come as no surprise to those of us who know the caliber of Antonian’s academic and religious programs to see the school receive this recognition.  I am especially grateful to Acton Institute for creating an award that recognizes not only academic success but also those aspects of the secondary school that reveal its Catholic identity and the living out of that identity.  Twice received, Antonian students and faculty now face the challenge of continuing to deepen their engagement in the academic, religious, and civic preparation of each and every student at Antonian.” 

Antonian Principal Gilbert L. Saenz expressed the following, "This award affirms our long-standing belief that the Antonian community—parents, students, and teachers—is a true example of a Catholic community of faithful believers, dedicated learners, and Christian servants.  I congratulate them for this distinction and award."