Dear Saint Andrew Catholic School Parents:

The following individuals have answered the call to serve, by volunteering to be considered for the open positions on the Saint Andrew Catholic School Advisory Council. These individuals would be representing the school for a three year term on the board, and advising administration.

Below is a listing of the candidates and their responses to the Advisory Council Questionnaire.

Please prayerfully consider all the candidates, and vote for your TWO choices on the ballot below.

For ballot verification, please type your full name in the text box at the bottom of the survey.

Thank you!

lott
BRIAN LOTT

Why do I value Catholic Education?
Before my daughter was old enough to attend Saint Andrew, I attended a school Mass because my niece was doing a reading.  I remember being overwhelmed by the feeling in the church throughout the Mass and thinking yes, this is Emma’s school.

First and foremost, I value Catholic education for the faith formation it provides. Organized prayer throughout the day as well as our faith being interwoven in daily lessons are crucial to developing the whole child.  Catholic schools have a history of strong academics which is very important, but the spiritual development accomplished through learning our faith, acts of service, and growing up in the small family environment are paramount.

Detail past and present activities at school or parish?
I hope to serve on the advisory council in order to contribute more to Saint Andrew.  In the past, I have volunteered at the fall festival and assisted with class auction projects.  I am also a member of the Knights of Columbus and have enjoyed various speakers brought in by the school and parish.

What personal gifts would I bring to the council and school?
I believe I would bring a balanced point of view to the advisory council.  I have a vested interest in making Saint Andrew the best it can be for many years to come.  My daughter started in PreK and is in 1st grade; my nieces started in Kindergarten and are currently in 4th and 8th; and my wife is an alumna so the reputation of our school is quite meaningful to my family. 

In addition to my personal connection to the school, I have been a public school teacher and administrator for many years. Currently, I serve as a principal for a large K-12 charter school. Daily, I work with students, teachers, parents, and the community in order to celebrate our successes and make improvements where necessary as the school continues to grow. I also believe that I am an approachable, friendly person who people would feel comfortable coming to with concerns and suggestions.
sober
TRAVIS SOYER

Why do I value Catholic Education?
The heart of the mission of Catholic Education is to instill the Catholic faith in its students and in the communities respective schools serve.  This Christ-centered, faith based method of educating our young people is what I value most in Catholic Education.  Not only are students challenged academically, but they are taught respect and to live the teachings of Christ in their day to day lives.  The minds and spirits of the students are nurtured and enriched, and the students are put on a path to be productive and successful Catholics in their own communities.

Detail past and present activities at school or parish.
I have become increasingly involved in the Saint Andrew community over the past two years.  Although my wife and I have been members of the parish for over ten years, it’s been since our oldest child started at Saint Andrew School last year that our activity has picked up.  I currently serve as a parent member of the SAS Enrollment Committee and have volunteered at varied school events, including the Mother/Son Dance.  At church, we regularly attend Mass at either 8:30am or 10:30am on Sundays.  Outside of involvement directly in the school and parish, I am a youth baseball and basketball coach and consistently have multiple SAS students on the teams that I coach.

What personal gifts would you bring to the council and school?
It is my hope that I can translate my current experience working in higher education at TCU and previous experience in technology consulting to move Saint Andrew forward over the next three to five years.  Our family is committed to the Saint Andrew community during the next decade or more, and I believe I have relevant professional experience to help the school set out a forward-looking strategy over that time.  My graduate business education at the University of Notre Dame reinforced my belief that Catholic values do not have to be sacrificed in the name of progress.  I believe I can bring my perspective and experience to the Advisory Council such that the school administration will know that they have a strong partner and advocate for Catholic education.
steele
KERI STEELE


Why do I value Catholic Education?
My husband and I choose Catholic Education because we value the Christ-centered curriculum at Saint Andrew Catholic School.  Over the last 7 years, we have seen our two children grow academically, spiritually, and socially.   In an increasingly secular world, a Christian education is invaluable for the development and preparation of our children.

Detail past & present activities at school or parish.
·      Class Liaison for Mrs. Meza 2012-2013 school year.
·      Tour guide for kindergarten open house & Catholic Schools Week 2012-2018.
·      Co-Chaired Auction 2013.
·      Class Liaison for Mrs. Louden 2013-2014 school year.
·      Created Spirit Shop with Tricia Schwartz. Co-Chaired 2013-2015.
·      Co-Chaired $5,000 Raffle at Auction 2014.
·      Served on the 60th Anniversary Committee 2014.
·      Co-Chaired Prize Booth at Fall Festival 2014.
·      Co-Chaired Los Vaqueros Dinner at Fall Festival 2015.
·      Co-Chaired Auction 2016.
·      Co-Chairing Class Projects 4th-8th Grade Auction 2018.
·      Co-Chairing Adult Wildcat Party Auction 2018.
·      I usually help Rose Hall, SAS Development Director, with getting ads, underwriting, & donations for the auction every year.

What personal gifts would I bring to the council and school?
With the opening of my husband’s new practice I will be working full time, but this opportunity on the council will allow me to support and give back to Saint Andrew Catholic School during my children’s last 3 years.  I have been very active in fundraising over the last seven years, and will continue to advise and support the fundraising efforts.  Additionally, I feel my positive attitude, welcoming spirit, and my enthusiastic support for Catholic Education will be a welcome addition to the advisory council.
stewart
LORI STEWART

Why do I value Catholic Education?
A Catholic school education goes beyond the core curriculum. A Catholic Education is important because it keeps God in our schools. It strengthens the values of our children and faith, and it has a huge effect on our children and helping them bringing togetherness in society. These life values provide a healthy self-esteem, confidence, respect, compassion and thought for others. While I wanted my child to have a higher standard of academics, it was not the most important. The most important benefit is to instill purpose, values, and a Christian mission in his life. I love the fact the he comes home talking about God and Jesus, where in a public school students are not even allowed to say the Pledge of Allegiance or a near mention of God.

As a parent I was looking for a quality education where my child would be in a caring community where my child is accepted, respected, and never lost in a crowd. I liked that faith is in every aspect of the school, curriculum, faculty, and activities. Students not only grow academically but in their faith lives. In this learning environment it allows the children to bring out and to develop their God given talents.

Detail past and present activities at school or parish?
For the past 5 years I have been selected to serve as a Homeroom Coordinator. As a working mom I have truly felt so blessed to work with all the wonderful teachers, parents, and students as it has allowed me to be a part of this wonderful community. As a Coordinator I have been tasked with coordinated class projects, field trips, coke sales, Thanksgiving social ministries boxes, plan parties, and my favorite part working with the students on creating handmade gifts for the teachers.

For 2 years, I severed the community leading up the “Scouting for Food” program through Cub Scout Troop 97 (Saint Andrew’s boys). Scout Troops would go door to door in our community collecting food. All of the food collected went directly to the Food Pantry.

Acting VP of Standing Communities for Home and School. 

Volunteered with Woman of St. Andrews and helped at several SAS Auctions. 

In September I started RCIA at Saint Andrews Parish and it has truly been such a wonderful faith journey. I am so excited to be able to be a part of this wonderful community and officially be Catholic. I look forward to being able to serve on the RCIA Team in some compactly in the future.

What personal gifts would I bring to the council and school?
I am an all-encompassing thinker. I am able to assess situations from all directions and perceive issues before they arise while also creating solutions. I like to improve programs that I am involved in and constantly thinking of ways to make them better. Communication and organizing programs is something that comes natural to me. I deeply care about Saint Andrew’s Catholic School and the experience of each student and staff member.

Question Title

* 1. Select TWO candidates from the following list:

Question Title

* 2. For ballot verification, please type in your full name.

Please click the DONE button to submit your ballot.

T