Benson continues her annual Month of Giving with a donation that will assist the Good Shepherd School in opening a second facility on Desire Street.
Gayle Benson, New Orleans Saints and Pelicans Owner and Pelicans Governor, announced today a transformational contribution to the Good Shepherd School (GSS) to round off her annual “Month of Giving” efforts. The donation will assist the Good Shepherd School in opening a second facility on Desire Street, which will be known as The Gayle and Tom Benson Good Shepherd School – Giving Hope Campus.
The Good Shepherd School, founded in 2001 by the late Fr. Harry Tompson, assists low-income, urban adolescents in reaching their full potential by providing them with an extended day, year-round, quality faith-based education. In order to break the cycle of generational poverty, the school also provides support and mentoring throughout college and beyond.
“Education is the key that unlocks a world of possibilities,” Gayle Benson explained. “By supporting the Good Shepherd School, I hope to provide the children of New Orleans with more than just an education, but also a foundation for a bright future.” Every child deserves the chance to thrive, and through faith-based education, we can empower our youth to reach their goals for future generations. I believe in the Good Shepherd School’s work and vision, and as they prepare to expand into another area of town (Desire-Florida) to affect more children and families, I believed it was an opportune time to act.”
The accomplishments of New Orleans’ Good Shepherd School indicate a great commitment to academic excellence and the future prosperity of its students:
High School Graduation Rate: A remarkable 100% of GSS alumni complete their high school education within four years, demonstrating the school’s commitment to academic performance.
The GSS has produced 239 graduates, demonstrating the school’s long-standing impact on the lives of its students.
Attendance at College: Over 85% of GSS graduates are pursuing higher education, with the first 19 having already finished their degrees. More than 60 alumni are currently pursuing various college degrees, making great progress toward their academic and professional objectives. To date, GGS graduates have attended over 25 colleges, including 12 HBCUs.
Beyond Graduation: A significant number of GSS grads, 138 in all, are prospering in local Catholic, private, and charter high schools. This statistic demonstrates the GSS educational model’s long-term effectiveness and the favorable trajectory it has established for its students beyond their time at the institution.
The Good Shepherd School’s persistent dedication to enabling its students for a brighter future is reflected in its steady track record of cultivating academic performance, encouraging college attendance, and ensuring success beyond graduation.
“At a time when inner-city Catholic schools are closing at an alarming rate across the country, Good Shepherd School is defying the odds by partnering with the Giving Hope Foundation to open a second campus in the Desire-Florida community,” said Thomas G. Moran, Jr., President and CEO of Good Shepherd School. “This could not be done without the faith-filled generosity of Mrs. Benson, who serves as a shining example to others of what it truly means to be a partner in the Good Shepherd mission.”
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