Alliance for Catholic Education
Jacksonville
Life in the City
The Jacksonville community enjoys their sunny beaches and convent living year round! On a Tuesday night, you’re sure to find them playing trivia at the Southern Grill. Spontaneous adventures are crucial to DUUUUUVALLLL!
ACE Jacksonville
Lauren Gavalas
Bishop Kenny
HS Math
Jace Kruer
St. Patrick
MS Science
Lizbeth Lozano
Bishop Snyder
HS Math
Kathleen Polking
St. Patrick
3rd Grade
Dylan Taylor
Bishop Snyder
HS Science
Hometown
Athens, Greece
Undergraduate Institution
University of Notre Dame
Undergraduate Studies
Majors: Mathematics
Minor: Education, Schooling, and Society
What is the one thing that you love most about your ACE school? Why?
Something I love about my school is how much it encourages students to care about and engage in their own education.
Hometown
Edgewood, KY
Undergraduate Institution
University of Notre Dame
Undergraduate Studies
Major: History
How do you hope to grow in your experience as an ACE teacher?
I hope to not only grow in the faith, but as a man that lives to serve others.
Hometown
Smyrna, TN
Undergraduate Institution
Yale University
Undergraduate Studies
Majors: Statistics and Data Science & Psychology
Minor: Education Studies
Why did you say "yes" to serving as a Catholic school educator through ACE Teaching Fellows?
I said “yes” to serving as an ACE teacher because I believe learning cannot be separated from the person. It is deeply tied to each student’s dignity and identity in Christ, and I hope to accompany my students in their academic growth and spiritual formation.
Hometown
Charlotte, NC
Undergraduate Institution
Catholic University of America
Undergraduate Studies
Majors: Drama
What is one of your favorite memories from your first year in ACE Teaching Fellows?
One standout memory from my first year in ACE is the election of Pope Leo XIV. After learning about the conclave process, my class was super excited and we started watching the livestream in the background as we went through our normal daily routine. After hours of looking up to see pigeons landing on the chimney and the occasional black smoke, I had my back turned to the screen, reading to my class. I was suddenly interrupted by a chorus of third grade shrieks and shouts... "WHITE SMOKE!!!" We spent the rest of the day watching and celebrating. It was so special to be able to witness such a momentous occasion for the Church and the world through the eyes of my students.
Hometown
Cypress, TX
Undergraduate Institution
University of Notre Dame
Undergraduate Studies
Majors: Science Preprofessional Studies & English
How do you hope to grow in your experience as an ACE teacher?
As Proverbs 3:5 directs, I'm looking to "lean less unto my own understanding" and open my heart to the beauty around me.