MADISON – St. John the Baptist Catholic School in Madison joined its counterparts throughout the country to celebrate Catholic Schools Week on Jan. 29 through Feb. 2.

The theme for 2018 is “Catholic Schools: Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed.”

“Catholic schools use this week to celebrate faith-based education, as well as the school’s unique educational opportunities each year,” St. John Principal Sherry Lewis said.

“The week kicked off with students wearing their uniforms and showing their school spirit at Masses on Sunday,” Nikki Rohling said. Rohling serves as a member of St. John the Baptist School Board.

“On Jan. 29, student ambassadors visited and expressed their gratitude to local government leaders, Madison city firefighters, Madison Police Department, Madison Public Library librarians and others in the community,” Rohling said.

Mayor Paul Finley set aside time from his work schedule to meet with one group of students. St. John Students Lucien Penot, Brynn Donahue, Sydney Brisk and Brendan Bullock visited with Finley at City Hall.

“We are thankful for everything this community provides to us, so we want to make sure the children in the school take time to thank these people in our community,” Lewis said.

In addition to Community Appreciation Day, students used each day during Catholic Schools Week to celebrate numerous facets of their daily lives, including fellow students, vocation possibilities, teachers in the faculty, school staff and caregivers.

Serving children in K4 through eighth grade, St. John the Baptist Catholic School is located at 1057 Hughes Road. Founded in 1996, St. John is sponsored by the Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama. The school holds accreditation from AdvancED (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools) and membership in the National Catholic Education Association. For more information, call 256-722-0772 or visit stjohnb.com.

Schools and communities observe Catholic Schools Week across the country each year. For more information, visit the National Catholic Educational Association’s website at ncea.org/CSW.