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Life in the City

Santa Ana, California is a vibrant, diverse city in the heart of Orange County. Known for its rich Latino culture, welcoming neighborhoods, and incredible food scene, it offers a strong sense of community and a lively local vibe. From art festivals to taco trucks, Santa Ana blends creativity, tradition, and connection—making it a great place to live, work, and grow.

ACE Santa Ana

HometownJack Clark

Scranton, PA

Undergraduate Institution

Boston College

Undergraduate Studies

Major: Political Science

Minors: History and Religion & Public Life

What is one thing that you love most about your ACE school? Why?

My school is an all-boys school so the opportunity to connect with and take part in the formation of young men is an invaluable experience.

HometownBrendan McKeegan

Spokane, WA

Undergraduate Institution

Gonzaga University

Undergraduate Studies

Major: English

Minor: Economics

If you had to pick one word to describe your ACE experience thus far, what would it be? Why?

Electric. At many moments during my ACE experience I have felt electrified by how much I have seen others in my community grow, how I have grown, and how my students have grown.

HometownEllie Poling

Marco Island, FL

Undergraduate Institution

Georgetown University

Undergraduate Studies

Majors: Mathematics and Government

Minor: Justice & Peace Studies

How do you hope to grow in your experience as an ACE teacher?

I hope to grow in the kind of strength that doesn’t always look like control or composure, but instead looks like staying, listening, and beginning again. I know this year will challenge me in ways I can’t fully anticipate, but I also know that challenge can be holy. I want to grow in the way I see my students, not for who I think they should be, but for who they are and who they’re becoming. I want to become a teacher who leads with both conviction and compassion, someone who creates a space where rigor and relationship go hand in hand. I also hope to grow in my faith by leaning on grace more often, by praying through both exhaustion and joy, and by letting myself be shaped by the wisdom and resilience of my students, my community, and this sacred calling to teach.

HometownKathleen Walsh

Chicago, IL

Undergraduate Institution

University of Notre Dame

Undergraduate Studies

Major: Mathematics

Minor: Theology

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 Teaching Fellows because I wanted to respond to God’s call to serve where I felt most needed and to help transform the hearts, minds, and lives of my future students.

HometownShannon Williams

Lombard, IL

Undergraduate Institution

Saint Mary's College

Undergraduate Studies

Majors: English Literature and Secondary Education

If you had to pick one word to describe your ACE experience thus far, what would it be? Why?

Transformative. Spiritually, emotionally, and academically, I believe ACE has pushed me beyond what I thought was possible. Having a sounding board of experienced teachers and engaging in conversations with fellow members of ACE has been one of the most impactful aspects of the program.

Interested in ACE Teaching Fellows?

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