Brainpower Connection Schools Celebrate Catholic Schools Week 2026

Since 1974, National Catholic Schools Week has been observed in the last week of January as an annual celebration of Catholic education in the United States. This year's celebration, hosted from Sunday, Jan. 25 - Saturday, Jan. 31, was themed "Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community."

The University of the Incarnate Word's (UIW) commitment to supporting quality Catholic education at various grade levels is demonstrated through the Brainpower Connection - a program comprised of six Catholic institutions ranging from Pre-K to high school (Blessed Sacrament Catholic School, St. Anthony Catholic School, St. Mary Magdalen Dual Language Catholic School, Incarnate Word High School and St. Anthony Catholic High School).

The program's statement reads that "We (Brainpower Connection schools) commit ourselves to coordinate programs and activities and to integrate resources among our member institutions to enhance the faith and the learning experiences of our students, faculties and staffs" (uiw.edu).

Every Brainpower Connection school hosted a variety of different events in celebration of Catholic Schools Week, demonstrating the unique and beneficial impact Catholic education can have within their lives.

Blessed Sacrament Catholic School students were visited by Texas Highway Patrol Troopers, who came to campus in their helicopters and vehicles. The Texas Department of Safety officers spent time with students to inform them about their chosen profession, along with seeing the grounded and aerodynamic tools that help them keep their communities safe.

St. Mary Magdalen Dual Language Catholic School (SMMS) hosted a Vocation Panel featuring Rev. Tim Eden, S.M., EdD; Mrs. Melisa Walters, SMMS '88; Sister Emmanuela Pieczykolan and Joseph Cuellar, SMMS '14, who currently serves at UIW as a Strength and Conditioning Coach. The panel was an opportunity for students to explore their faith and listen to the wisdom of various community members.

Incarnate Word High School (IWHS) hosted a special Mass to celebrate the importance of faith and community. Additionally, IWHS honored Gloria Medrano, teacher of Science and Science and Aviation department chair, for her 34 years of service as a dedicated educator and her commitment to the school's mission.

Finally, St. Anthony Catholic High School concluded the week's festivities with its second annual Cowboy Breakfast. Students and families gathered in their best western attire to enjoy a delicious breakfast as a Hive community.

Whether celebrated at the Brainpower Connection schools or beyond, the significance that a Catholic education can make within communities and its students is undeniable.