The board of directors of the Shenango Valley Catholic School System is pleased to announce that it
has met its first fundraising goal in advance of its July 31st target date. Through the generosity
of the donors and the community supporting Kennedy Catholic schools, $484,000 has been raised
toward its first $400,000 target.
Having met this milestone, SVCSS is assured of being able to maintain schools for all grades, pre-k
through12, for the 2022-2023 school year. Above all and always we are grateful for the opportunity
to continue our mission as a regional college preparatory Roman Catholic school system providing
spiritual inspiration, exceptional academics, and extra-curricular activities as all of us strive
“to serve Christ” (Christo Servire).
The board would like to acknowledge the extensive involvement from current families, faculty,
administration, staff, alumni, the SVCSS Advancement Committee under the direction of Chief
Executive Mr. Peter Iacino, the Diocese of Erie, and Erie Catholic Schools Office.
Mrs. Elizabeth Yanelli-Shreckengost, SVCSS Board Chairperson said, “The board is extremely grateful
for the tremendous effort made to ensure the future of Catholic education in the Shenango Valley.
The level of response demonstrates the commitment of all those who value and want to continue the
education of young people in a Catholic educational institution.”
SVCSS continues to work very hard on plans to develop a sustainable future for Catholic education
in the Shenango Valley. The board acknowledges that more work needs to be done going forward toward
raising a second $400,000 fundraising goal by December 2022. Demographic and economic challenges,
including those resulting from Covid-19, have required swift action on the part of the schools and
community to come
together to raise the necessary funding.
“It is impressive to see the community come together so quickly to secure Kennedy Catholic High
School. I am hopeful the recent momentum will continue to build so that k-12 Catholic education
continues to be an option for families in the Shenango Valley,” said Jim Gallagher, Superintendent
of Schools for the Diocese of Erie.
The board would like to acknowledge the concerted efforts of Mr. Pete Iacino and the SVCSS Events
and Advancement Committee for spearheading this effort. As an example of their work, a Christmas in
July fundraiser is being held on the grounds of Kennedy Catholic Middle/High School on Sunday, July
24, from 1-6 pm and will include a spaghetti dinner, bake sale, raffle baskets, silent auction,
50/50 raffle, and kids zone activities, with all proceeds benefitting Kennedy Catholic Schools.
All of these efforts could not have been possible without the support of Bishop Lawrence Persico,
the Board of Members of the SVCSS, and Erie Diocese Catholic Schools Office. SVCSS looks forward to
working collaboratively with all interested stakeholders to ensure the ongoing future success of
the Kennedy Catholic schools.
Inquiries regarding SVCSS may be directed to Nicole Perry at Kennedy Catholic School at
724-346-5531 or nperry@kennedycatholicschools.org.
Inquiries regarding the Diocese of Erie can be directed to the Catholic Schools
Office at 814.824.1220.