St. Rita of Cascia High School Wins #1 for Service

St. Rita of Cascia High School was recognized as the #1 high school in Illinois for community service. This honor was granted via the 2025 High School Challenge, hosted annually by the school’s volunteer app, Helper Helper. The distinction reflects the school’s commitment to the Augustinian values of truth, unity, and love lived out in service to others.

Director of Campus Ministry, Mr. Kieran Kellam, reported, “This year, we totaled 4,350 hours that were validated by an adult on site with over 67 different organizations. According to Helper Helper, we had an economic impact of $145,709.”

These hours included direct outreach to the poor, mentoring younger students, environmental projects, and other hands-on works of mercy that visibly strengthen the local community.

The award highlights St. Rita’s commitment to forming young men as servant leaders grounded in faith.

The achievement was made possible both through students’ admirable efforts and through the support of parents, faculty, alumni, and community partners whose collaboration made this statewide honor possible.

It also reflects the school’s long tradition of service learning, fostering in students a lifelong habit of generosity, civic engagement, and solidarity with those in need, both locally and beyond, for countless years to come.

Congratulations, Ritamen!