Blessed by Investments in Catholic Education
“I’m the luckiest mom ever,” says Kate Dorsey, mother of two and head of outpatient cardiology services at the University of Michigan Health West campus. Kate sends her sons, Cooper and Harry, to All Saints Academy where they receive tuition assistance from a variety of sources thanks to donor generosity. Their enrollment in the northeast Grand Rapids school has enabled them to benefit from quality, faith-based education while contributing to a community of faith and service.
Kate relocated to Grand Rapids from Whitehall to attend Aquinas College after high school. It was there that she was first introduced to the Catholic community and the Church’s dedication to service. “That’s where the seed was planted,” says Kate. “AQ just felt right…I was encouraged by the spirit of the people I met.”
When she graduated, Kate took a position at the hospital where she met Gina Moll, and the two quickly formed a friendship. Gina’s sons were older and flourishing at All Saints Academy and Catholic Central High School. Gina encouraged Kate to explore Catholic schools because of her family’s positive experiences. “I’ve made a lot of friends in Grand Rapids who have linked me to amazing opportunities, and Gina and her family are the reason why we ended up at All Saints Academy,” says Kate.
Eight years ago, Kate made the decision to send Cooper to All Saints Academy for kindergarten. Kate worked with the school to apply for financial aid, which includes grants from the school’s endowments at the Catholic Foundation of West Michigan. Kate was relieved and excited to see the admissions staff put together an aid package that made tuition affordable. Additionally, Kate was also grateful for before – and after – school childcare. “My job is demanding, so it’s been really, really tricky to navigate childcare,” she says. “It has been a blessing knowing my sons are cared for while I’m at work.”
Year after year, Kate’s confidence in her decision to send her sons to All Saints Academy continued to grow. Now, with Cooper in seventh grade and Harry in fifth grade, Kate can look back and see how influential the school has been in shaping her boys. “I’ve felt very good about that decision for all of these years because of the people I’ve met…We’re very grateful for the community. Walking into adulthood, I think they can see that discipline, devotion, dedication, and integrity are all important factors that will help lead them to success,” says Kate.
Cooper and Harry are very proud members of their school community, too. “Teachers challenge us because they know we can accomplish stuff and do good on tests,” says Harry.
“Everyone is really nice at our school and your friends help you no matter what,” says Cooper. “The teachers are always ready, and you can ask questions whenever you want. It’s just a fun, great, amazing school.”
Cooper and Harry are thriving at All Saints Academy — and tuition remains affordable — thanks to investments from the Catholic Foundation and the Catholic community in West Michigan. “I would encourage anyone who is seeking faith-based education to consider Catholic schools. I’ve been very impressed,” says Kate. Blessed by a supportive community that shares its resources to send her boys to All Saints Academy, Kate looks forward to one day giving back. “I truly hope to be a donor myself in the future,” she says.
“I don’t think there’s any better investment than in our children…to secure the future of who we are as a society and as a community.”
– Kate Dorsey
As originally seen in 2022-2023 Annual Report