South Central Los Angeles

South Central Los Angeles is a community with three first-year teachers and three second-year teachers.

Carolyn Leary
University of Notre Dame, 2011
Immaculate Conception School, 2nd Grade

Emily Crosby
University of Notre Dame, 2011
St. Bernard, MS Language Arts

Megan Gober
St. Mary's School, 3rd Grade

Tomas Gallegos
University of Notre Dame, 2011
St. Michael's Elementary, MS Language Arts

Kevin Donohue
University of Notre Dame, 2010, BA History and minor in Theology
St. Michael Catholic School, 5th grade
Boy’s Basketball Coach, Soccer Coach, and Community Service Director

Linette Aguirre
University of Notre Dame, 2010, BA Philosophy & Theology
St. Michael Catholic School, 3rd grade
Girl’s Volleyball Coach

What is unique about your community?

Since our community is located in Los Angeles, we have the unique opportunity of having two other ACE communities within 20 minutes of us. Also in LA we have a strong relationship with the ACE Advocates in the area through service projects and retreats. Our townhouse is located on the University of Southern California’s campus, which can make for a fun change of pace during Fall football games. There are 5 ACErs currently living in our beautiful home and we open it up to as many visitors as we can throughout the school year.

Schools served in South Central Los Angeles

Immaculate Conception School
St. Bernard
St. Mary's
St. Michael School

Provide a brief description of South Central Los Angeles:

Los Angeles is a bustling city filled with countless activities to get involved in. It offers everything from the best places to shop, like Rodeo Drive, to traveling along the beautiful Pacific Coast Highway. The San Gabriel Mountains and Pacific Ocean are located just minutes away. South Central Los Angeles is a melting pot of many different cultures. On any given Sunday there is Mass said in 38 different languages. The Latino communities at our school parishes are very welcoming to the ACE teachers. The parents of our students are thankful for the talents that we bring to their children.

What do you like most about South Central Los Angeles?

Our house is located about 20 minutes from the beach. We all enjoy the sunny weather with 75-degree days in January. In addition, we are close to the Dodgers’ Stadium and the Rose Bowl. Some of us enjoy exploring the outdoors and taking advantage of the National Parks like Sequoia and Yosemite that are only a few hours away. Others like to explore parts of Hollywood, Pasadena, or even a beautiful drive South to San Diego or Orange County. There is something for everyone in this wonderful city, but get ready to wait in endless traffic!