Wednesday, August 15th , 2018 marked the Grand Opening of our new Cristo Rey De La Salle East Bay High School, St. Elizabeth Campus. Close to 200 clergy, donors, elected officials, community leaders, supporters, parents, friends, faculty, and staff welcomed the inaugural class of 2022 to their first day of school. The 1st day of school began with an opening Mass at nearby St. Elizabeth church followed by a Ribbon Cutting ceremony on the steps of the new Cristo Rey campus which included a blessing by Bishop Barber. Guests then enjoyed a light reception and tour of the school.
Opening week activities did not end with the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting ceremony on Wednesday. On Thursday, August 16th, Cristo Rey De La Salle East Bay High School hosted an open house and community block party to invite the local business and resident community know that Cristo Rey was open for business. The community block party included student associates and parents, community groups, staff and faculty. There was food, music, and representatives from the media that had an opportunity to interview our student associates and their parents about their experience and excitement in being part of this brand new Catholic high school in the Fruitvale District of Oakland.
Friday, August 17th, concluded an exciting week at Cristo Rey De La Salle East Bay High School with a Pep Rally and Tree Dedication Ceremony honoring the legacy and history of St. Elizabeth High School, the site where the new school sits. St. Elizabeth High School Alumni participated in an end of the week pep rally with the current Cristo Rey student associates followed by a tree dedication ceremony in the garden area of the school to honor the rich legacy of St. Elizabeth High School and the new beginning of Cristo Rey De La Salle. This event concluded with an Alumni Reception that created an opportunity for alumni to gather for food, fun, and fellowship reminiscing on the wonderful memories shared as students of St. Elizabeth High School.
It was a great opening week filled with blessings and much promise as Cristo Rey embarks on providing a transformational educational and life experience for student associates and their families.