Dear editor,

On April 21, St. John the Baptist Catholic School celebrated One Heart at a Time, a gala event at the Meritage Resort at Napa. The evening was dedicated to the recognition of our school's 95 years of educating children in the Napa Valley. We paid special tribute to the more than 2,000 alumni and alumni parents the school has produced. This extraordinary evening featured lively music, a champagne reception, a superb dinner and silent and live auctions.

On behalf of myself and fellow honorary chairs, Dr. Joseph and Julieanna Pramuk, Bill and Mary Dodd, Richard and Mary Lonergan, Caroline Bettencourt Gerlomes and Jeff Gerlomes, Katie Bettencourt Batt and Richard Batt, Father Gordon Kalil and my husband, Robert Jordan, I would like to thank the Meritage Resort, our incredible sponsors, parents and families and generous community donors for their support of the event. Finally, I recognize the remarkable talent and dedication of our gala co-chairs, Trish Tortolani and Judy Franzino, without whom the evening wouldn't have been possible.

Father Gordon and I also offer a special thank you to Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, for attending the event and honoring the school with a Congressional Record for its 95 years of contributing to the Napa community. What a delight to see Rep. Thompson present this Congressional Record to one of our eldest living alumni, Vivian Biava, alumna of the class of 1925!

One Heart at a Time provided us an excellent opportunity to promote, support and celebrate St. John the Baptist Catholic School's 95 years of gifts and giving! Proceeds from the event will support the important programs and activities of St. John the Baptist Catholic School, such as enhanced technology, updating of curricular materials and resources, scholarship funding and more!

Since 1912, St. John the Baptist Catholic School has been an important part of the intricate fabric of the Napa Valley, providing a faith-filled, nurturing and highly academic environment. It is here that children enrolled in pre-Kindergarten through the eighth grade receive a solid Christian foundation, build bright futures and become valuable participants in their community. One Heart at a Time provided us an excellent opportunity to promote, support and celebrate our incredible school. Thank you!

Nancy Jordan

Principal, St. John the Baptist Catholic School