Though Dimitri Gonzales, an eighth grade student at Our Lady of Hope, has always recognized
the importance of Holy Thursday and the Stations of the Cross reenactment of Jesus’ walk to
Calvary, he also couldn’t help but envy the students who played the role of soldiers. He wanted
to play that role himself. This year, as an eighth grader, he had the chance. His mother,
Stephanie Gonzales, was proud.

Mrs. Gonzales is also deeply grateful that Dimitri, as well as his three brothers—Gabriel, Victor
and Julian—are receiving their education at Our Lady of Hope. According to Mrs. Gonzales,
“Dmitri had the confidence to ask for the part because of his teachers’ support and
encouragement. The teachers know my kids,” she continued. “They look out for them.” She
adds that the school also knows what she expects of her children. They reinforce the faith she
teaches at home.

Though teachers and staff are part of what makes Our Lady of Hope special, family is as well.
The Gonzales boys have not only had each other, the school has also been filled with cousins.
Some are still there; others have graduated. “It’s one big family,” says Victor. “I like knowing
everyone has my back,” agrees Gabriel. “Nobody wants to come to school to be bullied,” he
concludes.

“Every moment at school is a teaching moment,” says Tammy Neeb, inclusive education specialist and instructional coach at Our Lady of Hope. “I’m there to support the teachers,” she continues. “I’m there to encourage the students to dream big, live into their ideas, to become successful inventors of the lives they deserve.”

Ms. Neeb believes deeply in creativity itself as the teacher.  It’s her job—and passion—to encourage it.  One of her recent inspirations is that Our Lady of Hope students “Be Like”… and then leave it up to the children to identify with Saints who lived a life they want to reflect. Some choose St. Michael, others St. Peter, a few will look to St. Joan of Arc.  “I want to encourage the children to be Daring Disciples,” Ms. Neeb explains.  “I want them to walk through Lent knowing Jesus, and His Disciples, also walked through these holy days. Yet I also want the students to realize it took daring to be a Disciple of our Lord.”