Alliance for Catholic Education
Tucson
Life in the City
An ACE placement in Tucson is a gift! The city is surrounded by the incredible Catalina, Rincon, Santa Rita, and Tucson mountain ranges. Whether it is a day trip to the top of Mount Lemmon, a hike through Saguaro National Park, or a sunset visit to Gates Pass, the natural beauty of the area never fails to impress.
We enjoy authentic Tucson experiences such as delicious cultural food, the classic Tucson Rodeo, and taking in the wide variety of desert wildlife. In the heart of downtown stands the beautiful St Augustine Cathedral, representing faith in Christ as the core of all we do.
ACE Tucson
Ava Blonigen
St. Augustine
HS Social Studies
Diego Cantu Soto
Santa Cruz
5th Grade
Dani Peña Valinotti
San Miguel
HS Math
Jackie Perez
St. John the Evangelist
5th Grade
Emily Stucky
St. John the Evangelist
MS Social Studies
Hometown
Paynesville, MN
Undergraduate Institution
College of St. Benedict
Undergraduate Studies
Major: Social Science
Minor: Secondary Education
Why did you say "yes" to serving as a Catholic school educator through ACE Teaching Fellows?
I said yes to ACE because they are built on strong values of faith, connection, and education. These are values I hold dearly and hope to expand on in the next two years.
Hometown
San Antonio, TX
Undergraduate Institution
Texas A&M University
Undergraduate Studies
Major: Telecommunication Media Studies
Minors: Youth Development
What is the one thing that you love most about your ACE school? Why?
What I love most about Santa Cruz Catholic School is the way we are a family. From the moment I stepped in, I noticed a community that truly cares for one another. Truly, I have been blessed to develop meaningful relationships by working alongside wonderful teachers, a supportive principal, and amazing students, who bring the best out of me through their support.
Hometown
Asuncion, Paraguay
Undergraduate Institution
University of Notre Dame
Undergraduate Studies
Majors: Chemistry & Mathematics
Minors: Catholic Social Tradition & Theology
Why did you say "yes" to serving as a Catholic school educator through ACE Teaching Fellows?
It made sense in my life. I have been in a providential path that led me to discover ACE and its mission. In a broad view, it was both a logical choice and a providential one.
Hometown
Canadian, TX
Undergraduate Institution
University of Notre Dame
Undergraduate Studies
Majors: Spanish & Psychology
Minors: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
What is the one thing that you love most about your ACE school? Why?
One thing I love most about my ACE school is the sense of unity and support among the faculty and staff. Everyone brings a positive, energetic attitude to their work, and there is a genuine willingness to help one another whenever a need arises. This spirit of collaboration reflects our shared mission and reminds me what it means to be united in Christ.
Hometown
Indianapolis, IN
Undergraduate Institution
University of Louisville
Undergraduate Studies
Majors: History & Education Studies
What is the one thing that you love most about your ACE school? Why?
I love how everyone at my school really wants to support one another, and make each other better. I entered the year as an outsider in my community, and I left it as a real participant in the school.