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Where We Serve: Pensacola

Quick Facts

Life in the City

It is impossible to live in Pensacola without frequently enjoying its lovely beaches!

For more information about ACE, including how to apply, click HERE.

Pensacola
Pensacola is a small city with a great beach. It’s probably most well-known for the large Naval base (which is located just a few miles down the road from St. John’s). It has a lovely historic district and down at the beach, it has a great boardwalk full of shops and eateries. The weather in P’cola is wonderful. Hot summers and mild winters—it can get cold from time to time, but just enough to make one appreciate the usual climate.

Teachers Serving This Community

  • Anna Elizabeth

    Anna Elizabeth | ACE 19

    Teaches PreK-8 Foreign Language at Little Flower

    Why did you say 'yes' to serving with ACE?

    I knew I wanted to be a teacher, and couldn't imagine a better preparation than the one ACE provides. Learning how to be a teacher and serving an under-resourced school while being so well supported and nurtured in all aspects of life - not just professionally, but also spiritually and through community - truly seemed like the perfect way to start my life after college.

    Background

    B. A. Spanish with minors in Education and History, Macalester College
    Originally from Minnetonka, MN
  • Ryan Schwab

    Ryan Schwab | ACE 18

    Teaches 4th Grade at St. John the Evangelist School

    What is your favorite teaching moment?

    I had a student who was not doing what he was supposed to be doing. I walked over towards his desk and opened my arms and said in a bit of a sarcastic way, "Hey buddy, do you really think you're doing what you need to be doing?" Before I got to "....really think you're doing what....." the student understood my open arms as an invitation to a hug. He wrapped his arms really tight around my waist and I couldn't help but not be upset anymore. I hugged him and asked him to get back to what he needed to be working on.

    Background

    B.A. Political Science and Theology, University of Notre Dame
    Originally from Ironton, OH
  • Paul Hotovy

    Paul Hotovy | ACE 18

    Teaches High School French and Social Studies at Pensacola Catholic High School

    What is your favorite Community story?

    Ryan took me thrifting on a Friday night in P'Cola. We drove around, checking out stores that were closed. Finally, we came back home. Surprise! A birthday party for who? Me? Yes, a birthday party, complete with Nutella, argyle socks, and ducktape. Why was I so shocked. Well this was January 30 and my birthday is June 25.

    Background

    B.A. History, University of Notre Dame
    Originally from Omaha, NE
  • Meghan Kerr

    Meghan Kerr | ACE 18

    Teaches 5th Grade at Little Flower Catholic School

    What has been an ACE summer class that you've enjoyed so far?

    ACE has shaped my spiritual life by proving to me that my work can be prayerful, without actually praying. I've come to learn how the service we do is considered a form of prayer, and is a great one at that. I also have learned the importance of communal prayer, and how the Holy Spirit reveals itself through it.

    Background

    B.A. Theology with minors in Philosophy and Information Technology , Saint Louis University
    Originally from Lisle, IL
  • Catherine Toupin

    Catherine Toupin | ACE 19

    Teaches High School Language Arts at Pensacola Catholic High School

    Why did you say 'yes' to serving with ACE?

    I liked the opportunity to not only receive a Master's Degree and certification, but also that the program emphasize faith and service. I think the emphasis on being servants rather than saviors provides a great perspective as a teacher and gives us the positive foundation necessary to be truly influential in our students' lives.

    Background

    B.S. English with minor in Communication, Univ of IL Urbana-Champaign
    Originally from River Forest, IL
  • Anna Elizabeth
  • Ryan Schwab
  • Paul Hotovy
  • Meghan Kerr
  • Catherine Toupin

Schools We Serve

ACE teachers serve at the following schools: