Alliance for Catholic Education
Louisville
Life in the City
Louisville is a city rich in history, culture, and community. Home to the world-famous Kentucky Derby and the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, the city proudly honors its traditions while continuing to grow and evolve. From its vibrant arts and music scene to its diverse restaurants, local businesses, and bustling farmers markets, Louisville offers something for everyone.
Nestled along the Ohio River, Louisville serves as a gateway between the Midwest and the South, blending influences from both regions into its own distinct identity. The city’s many neighborhoods each contribute their own character, stories, and attractions, creating a welcoming and dynamic place to live. While Southern hospitality remains a defining feature, Louisville is equally known for its innovation, creativity, and strong sense of community.
ACE Louisville
Riley Bock
St. Martha
4th Grade
Colin McElroy
St. Nicholas
3rd Grade
Lizette Mendez Ramirez
Presentation Academy
HS Social Studies
Daniel Stracensky
DeSales
HS Social Studies
Megan Zelch
St. Rita
4th Grade
Hometown
Los Angeles, CA
Undergraduate Institution
University of Notre Dame
Undergraduate Studies
Major: Neuroscience and Behavior
Minor: Education, Schooling, and Society
What is one of your favorite memories from your first year in ACE Teaching Fellows?
My favorite memory from my first year in ACE was our first snow day! Being from California, I never had a snow day growing up. When school was called off in the wee hours of the morning, my housemates and I had a snowball fight in our front yard, made snow angels, and watched a Christmas movie all before the sun came up. We had so many moments as a community where we got to re-experience child-like joy, and this was one of my favorite examples of that.
Hometown
Apex, NC
Undergraduate Institution
Appalachian State University
Undergraduate Studies
Major: Business Management
Minor: Supply Chain Management
Why did you say "yes" to serving as a Catholic school educator through ACE Teaching Fellows?
I said yes to serving as a Catholic school educator through ACE because I want to give back the love I have received from the many teachers, coaches, and mentors who shaped my life. I have been fortunate to have people who supported and believed in me in the way that Christ calls us to love one another, and that experience has profoundly shaped who I am today. I feel a deep joy whenever I am able to help those around me or bring a smile to someone's face, and ACE Teaching Fellows felt like a meaningful opportunity to extend that same love and encouragement to students who need it.
Hometown
Monterey, CA
Undergraduate Institution
University of Notre Dame
Undergraduate Studies
Majors: Political Science & Psychology
What is the one thing that you love most about your ACE school? Why?
One thing I love most about Pres is it's commitment to social justice and diversity. At Pres, students are encouraged not only to succeed academically but also to think about the world around them and consider how they can use their talents to serve others. I appreciate being part of a community that values compassion and the dignity of every person.
Hometown
Medina, OH
Undergraduate Institution
University of Notre Dame
Undergraduate Studies
Majors: History & Classics
What is one of your favorite memories from your first year in ACE Teaching Fellows?
One of my favorite memories is when Louisville had a snow day. Our whole community got up early and received the news, and then we went outside and frolicked in the church parking lot playing in the snow. The rest of the day was spent relaxing and having fun with each other.
Hometown
Ellwood City, PA
Undergraduate Institution
Villanova University
Undergraduate Studies
Majors: Environmental Studies & Humanities
Minors: Peace and Justice & Business
Why did you say "yes" to serving as a Catholic school educator through ACE Teaching Fellows?
I said "yes" to ACE because I desire to cultivate a space for young people to learn to how to critically think about the world. Along with this, ACE combines my passion for leadership and empowering others with direct, impactful service. This 2-year opportunity ultimately allows me to explore this intersection, the field of education, and grow in my faith in close community with others.