Holy Name School receives improvement funds

ESCANABA - Holy Name School in Escanaba recently received a $7,000 grant from the Diocese of Marquette.

According to Pam Erickson, diocese official, the grant is to allow the school to improve in one of five areas laid out by a strategic plan for Catholic schools. Holy Name has chosen to work on the goal of increasing Catholic identity.

"The grant is part of the legacy of faith endowment fund for the Diocese of Marquette," said Erickson. "That was started by Bishop (James) Garland... and each year a certain amount of money from that endowment goes to grants. This year a lot of that money went to fund the strategic plan."

Holy Name Principal Joe Carlson said the school is considering using some of the money from the grant to bring in a well-known clinical psychologist as a public speaker; Dr. Ray Guarendi, Canton, Ohio. Guarendi is the father of 10 adopted children and has appeared on Oprah. He came to speak at Carlson's old school, St. Mary's in Gaylord.

According to Carlson, Guarendi gives two main talks: "You're a better teacher than you think," and "You're a better parent than you think."

Carlson said the 'better parent' lecture would be open to the community. He and Guarendi's people have yet to work out a date, time or venue.

"I have talked to him and he'd like to come up, but we're just trying to find a date and a place," said Carlson. "He's a very comical and lighthearted, but practical speaker."

Carlson said his first-hand experience with Guarendi at his previous school is what is motivating him to get Dr. Ray here.

"We had phenomenal results," said Carlson. "He's very positive and motivating too, (which leaves you with) a boost in confidence."

Carlson said the students would have a chance to meet Guarendi to, and hopefully he would give a little talk to them, but the idea is a trickle-down effect.

"I'm thinking if we can inform and educate the teachers and parents, and teach them how to handle different situations - I think it would have a great effect on the students," he said.

This summer, Holy Name School office is open Tuesday through Thursday from 2 to 4 p.m. School officials can be reached at 786-7550. For more information about Dr. Ray Guarendi, visit his Web site at www.drray.com.

Erickson said the diocese gives legacy of faith grants out each year as part of Bishop Garland's endowment. Each of the nine catholic schools within the diocese receives the same amount.