By Jessica Easthope

Come graduation day at St. Francis College, one student with cerebral palsy will walk across the stage, grab her diploma, and look out to the crowd – all without her crutches.

She’s sharing what the moment will mean for her future and for other students just like her.

By Currents News

Third- through eighth-grade students walked from Blessed Sacrament Catholic Academy to Highland Park as part of their annual Walk-a-Thon.

Joining them in their efforts to raise money for the Brooklyn school were members of the 75th Precinct and the Cityline Ozone Park Civilian Patrol.

More than 100 students were asked to pledge a minimum of $25 for the end-of-year event so that Blessed Sacrament can make much-needed repairs over the summer.

After reaching Highland Park, the students played sports including basketball and volleyball, showing the power of working together and being part of a team.

“It just feels good… at the same time,” one student said.

“We get to… leave each other,” another added.

Pre-K and second-graders also walked around the rectory as part of the fundraiser.

PROSPECT HEIGHTS — Pope Leo XIV got a special video greeting from several hundred middle school students assembled for a Mass celebrated by Bishop Robert Brennan in the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph. 

It was the second graduation Mass this year for eighth graders in the diocese completing their elementary school education.  

The co-cathedral was filled on May 8 with students from 35 schools or Catholic academies in the Diocese of Brooklyn. The day also marked the first-year anniversary of Pope Leo’s pontificate. 

To celebrate the milestone, Father James Kuroly, director of the Youth and Young Adult Ministry in the diocese, led the students in a video message to the first American-born pontiff. 

“Pope Leo,” they all shouted, “we love you!” 

The youthful congregation was supplemented by teachers, chaperones, administrators, and parish pastors. 

During his homily, Bishop Brennan made note of the concurrent cause for celebrating Pope Leo’s first full year leading as pontiff. 

“There’s a guy who went to a Catholic school in an American city, and God asked him to lead his universal Church,” Bishop Brennan said. “That’s pretty incredible when you think about it. 

“When he was in the eighth grade at a public school in Chicago, do you think he ever thought about being the pope? So, we pray for him in a special way today, too.” 

The graduation Mass was bittersweet for Ashley Civitano from Holy Family Catholic Academy in Fresh Meadows. She plans to attend Monsignor McClancy Memorial High School in East Elmhurst. 

“I’ve been in the same school since kindergarten,” she said. “So, moving to a different school and being with completely different people is kind of scary. But it’s also exciting, because I’m going to meet new people, make new friends, and have a new beginning.” 

Ashley’s classmate, Isabella Leyva, expressed similar feelings as she prepares to enter St. Francis Preparatory School, also in Fresh Meadows. 

“Throughout the years, we’ve made a lot of memories,” she said. “Since everyone’s parting ways and going to their high schools, it’s definitely going to be a big change. I’m just going to miss them.” 

Fabrina Elie from St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy in Prospect Lefferts Gardens said she thinks a lot about entering Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School in Fort Greene, and even beyond. 

“I get a little shaken when I think, ‘What am I going to do in my career, and what am I going to do for a living?’ ” she said. “But my teachers helped me. They let me know that God will help me get through it. God has already made a path for me. 

“He already knows that I’m going to succeed.” 

During the homily, Bishop Brennan also reminded students that God keeps his promises, but that doesn’t make students immune from tough times. What is certain, the bishop said, is a friendship with Jesus Christ, who will be with them always. 

Bishop Brennan also reminded them that they are loved “beyond belief” by their families, the people at their schools, their bishop, and the creator God in heaven. 

He urged the grads to stay connected with the faith through the vibrant youth programs at local parishes. He referred them to a website that links users to the organizations. 

A similar gathering occurred on May 1 at the Co-Cathedral, but with 32 schools. 

The 2025-2026 school year was the third year in which two Masses were scheduled to accommodate the more than 1,000 students destined for high school.

By Jessica Easthope and The Tablet Staff

The New York State Catholic Conference has expressed hope that private school choice could expand across the state next year after Gov. Kathy Hochul reportedly said she intends to opt in to a new federal program.

Effective on Jan. 1, 2027, the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (FSTC) program allows anyone who pays federal taxes to claim a dollar-for-dollar credit of up to $1,700 for donations made to Scholarship Granting Organizations. However, it’s up to each governor to choose to opt in to the program.

At a private gathering of Orthodox Jewish leaders on May 7, Hochul reportedly said she intends to do so. If that intention holds, she would be the second Democratic governor — Colorado’s Jared Polis was the first — to greenlight the program.

In a May 11 statement, the NYSCC said that Hochul’s support of the program “is welcome news for hundreds of thousands of New York children and their parents, who struggle daily to afford their educational expenses.”

“Governor Hochul clearly recognizes the value of a diverse education landscape that allows parents, regardless of their income, to direct the education of their children,” the statement continued.

Emma Wallner, a spokesperson for Hochul, confirmed to The Tablet that the governor supports the program, but poured cold water on the idea that it’s a done deal.

“Governor Hochul is supportive of the federal tax credit scholarship and its potential to help New York students and schools,” Wallner said. “Our office awaits information from the federal government on the program and will thoroughly review the details of the policy for poison pills that could harm New York’s education system.”

Responding to Hochul’s comments, Bishop Robert Brennan said he was encouraged to hear that she was considering opting in.

“We are heartened to hear the news of the Governor’s intention to opt into the Federal Tax Credit,” Bishop Brennan said in a statement. “Many students and families here in Brooklyn and Queens are counting on scholarships more than ever.”

John Notaro, executive director of Futures in Education, noted that the program “could unlock tens of millions of dollars in new scholar funding each year.” Futures in Education is a nonprofit that covers tuition for approximately 3,000 students in Catholic schools and academies in the Diocese of Brooklyn.

“Now is a critical moment. Thoughtful, respectful engagement can help ensure the Governor follows through by officially opting New York into the program,” Notaro said in a May 8 statement. “We encourage you to visit nyscatholic.org and urge Governor Hochul to make New York’s opt‑in official so these dollars can benefit New York students and families.”

Senator Ted Cruz, who authored the bill, said Hochul’s openness to opting New York into the program is a “massive victory” for the state’s students.

“I was proud to author this landmark school choice bill — the largest in American history — and now millions of NY kids will benefit,” Cruz said in a statement.

Under FSTC, people can donate to Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs), which are nonprofit groups that award scholarships to eligible students — mostly from lower-income families — to help pay for private school.

However, if Hochul does not opt in, donors will be unable to get the new tax credit for donating to a state SGO. In that case, New York taxpayers will only receive the credit if they donate to an approved out-of-state SGO.

Proponents of Catholic education clamor for Hochul to join the program.

Deacon Kevin McCormack, superintendent of diocesan schools, has touted the positive impact FSTC could have locally. Specifically, he said funds from the program could bring vast improvements to Catholic school affordability.

“We have 1.5 million Catholics in Brooklyn and Queens,” he explained. “Let’s say we get a fraction of that. You can do the math — 100,000 people giving $1,700 is a significant amount of money.

“And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.”