FORDHAM PREP 2021 ANNUAL GIVING REPORT
AN INTERVIEW WITH …
ROSE CAIOLA- MUSACCHIA P ’ 22
Current Parent & Member – Board of Trustees
Can you name the ways in which you are engaged with the Prep community ?
I am a supporter , volunteer , and member of the Board of Trustees .
Why do you feel connected to the Prep ? Why are you engaged ?
From the first moment I walked into the school , I knew it was a special place . During his first few months of his freshman year , I began to see a change in my son ’ s ( Carmelo ’ 22 ) behavior . He was more engaging and happy . There ’ s a bonding among the students and teachers that naturally exists and with each year that passes those bonds become stronger — it ’ s a wonderful thing to see . The school has changed my son ’ s life dramatically . I am engaged because the Prep ’ s mission keeps me engaged .
Is there a program or initiative at the Prep you are passionate about ?
That ’ s a tough question ! There are so many amazing programs and initiatives . The junior Emmaus retreat is a life-changing event . It provides an opportunity for students to become more aware of themselves along with their human and Christian potential . It challenges students to fully embrace the true meaning of their lives . At the end they come together to share and express the ways in which the retreat changed them .
The social justice program gives students the opportunity to come together to discuss specific issues related to legislation , environmental sustainability , immigration , poverty , human trafficking , and racial justice . They learn about how Catholic Social Teaching impacts their understanding of these issues .
There is a compassion that goes into the teaching philosophy which respects all views . I don ’ t think you find that at other schools .
We are also working to expand our Civics education program where we can give students the opportunity to engage in civil dialogue , robust debate , and develop skills to become educated and engaged citizens .
I am also grateful that the Prep invites parents and guardians to pray together weekly .
Why is it important to you to give back to this community ?
Our community has given my family so much . Committing to be a Trustee is not a position I take lightly . I only engage in opportunities to which I feel connected and the Fordham Prep community is one of them .
How would you encourage other alumni / parents to get involved ?
There are many ways to get involved ; there are parents / guardian clubs , weekly prayer , athletics programs , service programs , community outreach programs and more ! We also engage in many ways with our alumni . So many eventually return to the Prep ! I recently met an alumnus football player who has a two-year-old son and is already preparing him to apply . That is a testament to the strength of our community .
In what areas do you hope to see the school deepen its mission in the coming years ?
I am excited to see the growth of our athletics program and the incorporation of mindfulness into athletic training . I am also excited to see the growth of the Civics Education program .
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