Cristo Rey OKC Catholic High School graduates first class

When ninth grade students at Cristo Rey OKC Catholic High School filled the hallways as the inaugural class in 2018, a bell system had not yet been installed. School staff stood in the hallway and rang a bell by hand to signal class changes and dismissal times.

Now, four years later, they are the first graduating class from Cristo Rey. They processed through the hallway in their caps and gowns, each of the 56 graduating seniors armed with their own bell, to commemorate how far the school and its students have come in the past four years. 

“This year is so special because it’s the first big end-of-year celebration for our school,” Principal Kelsey Herman said. “It’s exciting to see this first group making plans and choosing their colleges.”

The college preparatory school has lived up to its title, accomplishing an impressive goal of 100 percent college acceptance rate for the first graduating class. 

Students and staff encountered expected wrinkles along the way; however, a year of exploring uncharted territory followed by a global pandemic was no match for Cristo Rey student’s resilience. The group only became more cohesive.

“Being founders of this first class is critical to their identity,” Herman explained. “They have grown together into their roles as leaders, they know they are unique.”

Senior Anthony Fraire echoed Herman’s sentiments.

“It means a lot to me knowing that I was part of the founding class and part of the process in making the school a reality,” he stated.

Senior Laura Martinez also is a member of the first graduating class.

“Going through amazing experiences and opportunities with the same people brings a sense of family and community to the entire class, making it feel a lot more than just going to school, but going to spend time with what I would call a second family,” she said.

This fall, Cristo Rey students will enter college with the advantage of four years of corporate work experience on their resumes. More than 70 companies have corporate partnerships with the school, allowing students to work five days per month as part of their academia. 

“I wouldn't be where I am now if I hadn't come to Cristo Rey. I have hands-on experience in different fields and that made my decision for college and choosing my major easier,” Fraire explained.

While the focus of the work-study program is to provide experience and opportunity to students, the benefits have been reciprocal. Corporate partners have reaped the benefits of their student workers’ knowledge and work ethic, and established relationships with them, making graduation a momentous occasion for them as well.

President Chip Carter commended students for their courageous decision to become part of the Cristo Rey family.

“These students took a huge leap of faith to decide to start at a new school, and it’s really remarkable,” he explained.

“We finally can say to our students, families, community partners and donors, we told you we would build these outstanding young men and women who will go to college and set the world on fire. And now we’ve done it!” 

The emphasis Cristo Rey places on preparing its students for college is evident, given the ratio of counselors to students. In addition to a social and emotional counselor, three college counselors and a newly appointed alumni advisor serve the student body of less than 300.

“We are that committed to getting these kids into college, helping their families, providing resources and assistance,” Carter said. “We support students during the transition to college and throughout their college careers.”

In the Catholic education tradition of educating the whole person – spirit, mind and body – the pillars of Cristo Rey’s mission are faith, knowledge, service and purpose. For Martinez, that mission was accomplished.

“Cristo Rey has impacted various areas of growth in my life. My skills, my faith, my academics, my social skills, and the list goes on,” she explained. “I quickly learned the importance of community and connections. I also grew tremendously in my faith, and being able to share that experience with classmates, who then became family, further pushed me on my own to allow my faith to grow.”

Some openings remain for the 2022-2023 school year. Students entering 9th or 10th grade that are interested in applying at Cristo Rey can get more information by calling (405) 945-9100 or visiting cristoreyokc.org/admissions.

Sally Linhart is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic. 


Enrollment open 
2022-2023
(405) 945-9100
cristoreyokc.org/admissions



The first graduates of Cristo Rey OKC Catholic High School in Oklahoma City.


On Decision Day seniors announced where they will be attending college and wore their new college gear. Photos provided.