Trinity Catholic High School is celebrating its 25th anniversary, marking a significant milestone since the graduation of its inaugural class in 2004. In the years since, more than 1,710 students have had the privilege of calling themselves Celtics. These graduates now
serve as leaders in their communities, parishes, and professions. This anniversary stands as a testament to Trinity Catholic’s enduring mission to educate and form compassionate leaders grounded in faith, integrity, character, and service.
The Class of 2025 proudly continues this tradition, with more than 96% of Trinity Catholic High School graduates going on to attend prestigious colleges and universities across the United States, complemented by a staggering total of $1,390,790 in scholarship awards.
This ongoing success provided an ideal opportunity for Trinity Catholic to establish the Lighting the Path: 25 Years of Catholic Education Endowment in commemoration of a quarter of a century of academic excellence. The creation of this fund comes at a pivotal moment as the community has matured, and alumni begin to return as parents; the demand for tuition assistance and program innovation has never been greater. As the fund grows, it will provide resources for scholarships, campus ministry initiatives, service-learning experiences, and faculty faith formation, ensuring that future students continue to excel academically while growing spiritually. Recognizing the importance of expert stewardship, Trinity Catholic partnered with The Catholic Foundation of Central Florida to responsibly manage and maximize the fund’s long-term impact.
Although the fund is still in its early stages, the vision behind Lighting the Path: 25 Years of Catholic Education Endowment is both transformative and enduring. It aims to ensure every deserving student has access to a Catholic education, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances, while supporting faith-based leadership programs and establishing permanent funding that will serve as a cornerstone for Trinity Catholic’s next 25 years and beyond. As Lou Pereira, President of Trinity High School, shared, “The Lighting the Path Endowment Fund safeguards Trinity Catholic’s future, providing the financial foundation and flexibility our leaders need to guide the school’s ongoing success.”
Many notable alumni continue to support Trinity Catholic High School, whether returning as staff to teach and lead in faith or giving back financially through donations or fundraising initiatives. Trinity Catholic hosts several fundraising events, including the “Jeans and Jersey” gala and the annual “Give4Marion” drive, which provide critical support for school programs and financial assistance to students.
The Lighting the Path: 25 Years of Catholic Education Endowment will supplement these efforts by generating annual income that helps bridge the gap between tuition and the actual costs of educating a student at Trinity Catholic High School. Because the fund’s principal remains invested and grows over time, it will provide a steady, perpetual support that enables Trinity Catholic to respond to emerging priorities, whether it’s new technology, an enhanced curriculum, or faith-based initiatives, ensuring Trinity Catholic remains responsive to the evolving needs of its students for generations to come.
Rev. John E. McCracken, Chairman of the Trinity Catholic Board of Directors and Parochial Vicar at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Wildwood, reflects on the spiritual significance of this mission: “As we move forward with our ‘Lighting the Path’ Endowment Fund, we thank God for gift of His Son, Jesus, who is the Light of the World. As His disciples, we are to continue to share His Light with others, especially the youth. This Endowment Fund can provide for future generations of students the opportunity to receive a Catholic School Education. May God inspire each of us to help in lighting the path for our students to come to know Jesus and his Gospel way of life. May Trinity Catholic High School continue to nurture faith, knowledge, and service in all students so they can bring to others the Light of Jesus.”
You can support the academic success and future of Catholic students at Trinity Catholic High in several meaningful ways: by making a direct gift or pledging a multi-year commitment to help the endowment reach its goal, and/or including Trinity Catholic in your estate or planned giving.
For more information, please contact Brett Holcomb, Director of Advancement, at (352) 622-9025 ext. 5110 or via email. You can also visit Trinity Catholic’s Advancement Office website for additional details.