Union Catholic family gives thanks and gives back

Dan and Cindy Ritchey have always been grateful for how instrumental Union Catholic’s Success Program was in the development and success of their daughter, Alex, a member of UC’s Class of 2017.

As a result, they’ve found ways to give back to the school as a way to show their appreciation for the profound impact Union Catholic had on Alex, who worked tirelessly to earn Honor Roll Status all four years and went on to make the Dean’s List at Kean University, where she recently graduated.  

In January of 2018, Mr. and Mrs. Ritchey founded the Success My Way Scholarship to recognize students who took advantage of the opportunity UC offers through the Foundations and Success Programs, and flourished academically and personally the way Alex did. 

Then this past year, Dan and Cindy added a second Success My Way Scholarship, so now two UC students each receive $500 scholarships to help with college expenses.  

“We went to all the awards banquets and of course to Alex’s graduation, and we’d watch all the scholarships that were being awarded to the students,’’ said Dan Ritchey, a Vice President for a real estate management company. “There wasn’t a scholarship given for students who overcame obstacles and had to really navigate their way through four years to graduate the way Alex did. So we wanted to recognize students who came to Union Catholic and overcame some difficulties and were able to spread their wings and fly.''

Sending Alex to Union Catholic was the best decision we could have ever made, she had so much success at Union Catholic. They laid the foundation, and Alex worked very hard, so we wanted to make sure that students in the Success Program were recognized for all their hard work.’’ 

The Ritchey’s, who live in Colonia, also recently showed their continued support and commitment to the school by leaving a gift for Union Catholic in their estate planning.     

“We wanted to make sure that we could continue to show our support for the school, and this was a great way to do that,’’ said Cindy Ritchey. 

Alex said she always felt that Union Catholic would be the best place for her.

“A group of Ambassadors from UC came to my school (Our Lady of Peace in Fords) to talk to us about Union Catholic, and then we came to the Open House,’’ said Alex, who was a teacher’s assistant and a member of several clubs during her days at UC. “ I knew right away that UC is where I belonged,’’ said Alex.

Alex is now preparing for graduate school at Kean, where she plans to study exercise science. Her goal is to one day  work in a cardiac rehab. 

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without all the support and guidance I received at Union Catholic, and the great community,’’ said Alex. “So I’m just very thankful to all the teachers and everyone at Union Catholic for everything. UC really is the place to be!’’

The Union Catholic community is forever grateful to parents like Dan and Cindy Ritchey. Their unwavering commitment to the future of Union Catholic is greatly appreciated.