CENTRAL CATHOLIC CELEBRATES $1M GIFT FOR STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH
Jan Egbers, left, at the Central Catholic Highs School Saints Alive dinner auction on Oct. 24, where a $1M donation was announced from Egbers and Jim Bob Morris to expand the school’s counseling program. Egbers' nephew Chase Myers (center) and Chase's wife Katie lead the applause. (Provided photo/Rodger Singley)
BLOOMINGTON — At Central Catholic High School’s Saints Alive dinner auction on Oct. 26, school president Sean Foster announced a donation of a $1 million from Jan Egbers and Jim Bob Morris, parents of Central Catholic alumni to expand the school’s counseling program by establishing a wellness counselor position.
STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT CRUCIAL
In a recent (2023) national survey conducted by the CDC, 40% of high school teens said they experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Schools often lack the resources necessary to address these needs.
“Central Catholic . . . has provided my children and grandchildren with an exceptional education and opportunities.” — Jan Egbers
In a news release, the school said the the goal of the newly-endowed Egbers-Morris wellness counselor position is to “aid in Central Catholic students’ spiritual and personal well-being, academic success, and fulfillment of the school’s mission.”
“The generosity of the Egbers and Morris families will have a significant impact on the student experience at Central Catholic, and is also a legacy gift that will span generations,” said Foster.
Central Catholic High School president Sean Foster sharing information on the school’s Mission and Vision at Saints Alive 2024. (Provided photo/Rodger Singley)
CENTRAL CATHOLIC UNIQUE ROLE
Egbers saluted the critical role the school plays in the community: “Central Catholic is uniquely positioned as the only Catholic high school in McLean County and has provided my children and grandchildren with an exceptional education and opportunities.”
Morris added, “Our family has seen the complex need to provide this type of support . . . . This gives us the opportunity to partner with other organizations in our area to provide a more cohesive approach to student mental health.”
Though final results are still being tabulated for the Saints Alive dinner auction, net proceeds are estimated at $25,000 for the school’s VISION Capital Campaign initiatives. In addition, $125,750 was raised to close the gap on teacher salaries (as faculty earn 81-87% of what their public school counterparts receive).
