The ECCSS Fund is the foundation of our annual giving efforts, providing flexible support where it's needed most throughout the year. Gifts to the ECCSS Fund strengthen every aspect of our schools, helping us provide exceptional Catholic education, expand opportunities for students, and respond to emerging needs across our campuses. Every gift has an immediate impact, ensuring our students have the resources they need to learn, grow, and thrive each day.

Donors may also choose to support the St. Leo Fund, which provides the same flexible support for St. Leo School's students and programs. Together, these annual funds help ensure that our schools continue to thrive while meeting the greatest needs of each community.

Supporting our schools is easy. One-time and recurring gifts may be made securely online, by mailing a check, through gifts of appreciated securities, or by visiting the Advancement Office. If you're considering another type of charitable gift, we'd be happy to discuss the options available.

Pennsylvania's Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program offers businesses and eligible individuals a unique opportunity to redirect a portion of their state tax dollars to support Catholic education. Participants may receive Pennsylvania tax credits of up to 90%, making EITC one of the most impactful and tax-efficient ways to support Elk County Catholic School System.

EITC contributions help fund the Legacy Scholarship Program. Because tuition does not cover the full cost of an ECCSS education, these scholarships help bridge that gap for all students while providing additional assistance to families with demonstrated financial need. Your participation helps make a Catholic education more accessible for local students and strengthens our schools for generations to come.

Getting started is simple. Our Advancement Office will connect you with an experienced EITC consultant who will guide you through every step of the enrollment process, from determining eligibility to completing your application. Whether you're participating for the first time or renewing your commitment, we're here to make the process as easy as possible.

Named and endowed scholarships provide lasting support for students while honoring the values, memories, and people who have made a difference in our community. Whether created to honor a loved one, recognize a family, celebrate a teacher, or reflect a donor's passion for Catholic education, these scholarships create opportunities for generations of students.

A named scholarship fund may be established with a minimum commitment of $10,000, which may be fulfilled through a one-time gift or a multi-year pledge. Endowed funds are invested to provide sustainable scholarship support year after year, creating a lasting legacy for both the donor and the students whose lives are impacted.

Donors may also choose to contribute to an existing named scholarship fund, helping strengthen scholarships that already support students and honor the individuals and families for whom they were established.

If you're interested in establishing a named scholarship or learning more about existing scholarship funds, our Advancement Office would be happy to discuss the opportunities available.

A memorial or honor gift is a meaningful way to celebrate a special person or remember the life and legacy of a loved one while supporting the mission of Elk County Catholic School System. These thoughtful gifts create a lasting impact for our students and schools while honoring those who have made a difference in our lives.

Individuals honored through memorial or tribute gifts are remembered in the prayers and intentions offered during our weekly school liturgies. Memorial and honor gifts may also be directed to a specific school, program, or fund, according to the donor's wishes.

Strong schools help build strong communities, and the support of local businesses, organizations, and foundations plays an important role in the success of Elk County Catholic School System. Corporate partners help provide exceptional educational opportunities, strengthen student programs, and ensure that Catholic education remains accessible to families throughout our region.

Through annual charitable support, our business partners invest in the students, families, and communities we serve. Their generosity provides flexible funding that strengthens every aspect of our schools and helps us respond to both everyday needs and new opportunities.

Many employers also offer matching gift programs, allowing employees to double or even triple the impact of their personal charitable contributions. We encourage donors to check with their employer to see if their gift is eligible for a match.

A planned gift is a meaningful way to ensure that your values and commitment to Catholic education continue for generations to come. By including Elk County Catholic School System in your will, trust, retirement account, life insurance policy, or other estate plans, you can create a lasting impact on the lives of future students.

Planned gifts of every size help strengthen the long-term future of our schools while reflecting your personal legacy and charitable goals. Individuals who remember ECCSS through a planned gift are welcomed into our Legacy Society, recognizing their enduring commitment to the mission of Catholic education.

If you're considering a planned gift, we'd be honored to have a confidential conversation with you and your professional advisors. If you have already included ECCSS in your estate plans, we hope you'll let us know so we can thank you for your generosity, welcome you into our Legacy Society, and ensure we understand your intentions for your gift.

As President of Elk County Catholic School System, Ted provides strategic leadership while working closely with the Advancement Team to strengthen relationships with alumni, families, donors, businesses, foundations, and the broader community. A proud ECC alumnus, he is committed to advancing the mission of Catholic education and ensuring the long-term success of our schools for generations to come.

Frankie leads the school's philanthropic efforts by cultivating relationships with alumni, donors, businesses, foundations, and community partners. She oversees annual giving, the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program, major and planned gifts, named and endowed scholarships, grants, donor stewardship, and advancement communications.

As an ECC alumna and longtime coach, Frankie is passionate about strengthening the future of Elk County Catholic School System and connecting others with meaningful opportunities to invest in the next generation of students. Whether you're interested in making a gift, exploring scholarship opportunities, or learning more about supporting our schools, she'd be happy to connect with you.

Melinda leads marketing, communications, and enrollment initiatives for Elk County Catholic School System. As a proud ECC alumna, parent, and former educator within our schools, she is passionate about sharing the stories of our students and schools, strengthening connections with current families and alumni, and welcoming new families into the ECCSS community.

Each winter, alumni from across the decades come together for one of our favorite traditions, Alumni Spirit Night. The evening begins by cheering on the Crusaders at a varsity basketball game before gathering for food, fellowship, and plenty of opportunities to reconnect with classmates and fellow alumni.

Whether you're returning to campus for the first time in years or catching up with lifelong friends, Alumni Spirit Night is a fun and meaningful way to celebrate our shared Crusader spirit while supporting alumni programs and initiatives. We hope you'll join us!

Each fall, alumni are invited to join students, families, and friends for Homecoming as we celebrate Crusader pride and cheer on our soccer teams. With family-friendly activities, school spirit, and the opportunity to reconnect with fellow alumni, Homecoming is a wonderful way to celebrate the traditions that continue to bring our school community together.

Whether you're catching up with classmates, introducing your own family to ECC traditions, or simply returning to support today's Crusaders, we hope you'll join us for this annual celebration.

Each fall, we celebrate alums who graduated 50 or more years ago during our annual Golden Grads celebration. This cherished tradition brings classmates back together to reconnect, reminisce, and celebrate the lifelong friendships and memories that began at Elk County Catholic.

The day includes Mass, fellowship, dinner, class photos, and a special welcome for the newest members of the Golden Grads. We are honored to recognize this milestone and celebrate the lasting impact these alumni have had on our school community.

Our annual Share Your Career program connects alumni with current juniors and seniors as they begin exploring college and career opportunities. Alumni from a wide variety of professions return to campus to share their educational journeys, career experiences, and advice, helping students better understand the many paths available after graduation.

Whether you're just beginning your career or have decades of professional experience, your story can inspire the next generation of Crusaders. We welcome alumni from all career fields to participate and encourage students as they prepare for the future. Interested in sharing your experience with our students? We'd love to hear from you.

Planning a class reunion is a wonderful way to reconnect with classmates and celebrate the friendships and memories that began at Elk County Catholic. Whether you're organizing your 5th reunion or your 50th, the Advancement Office is here to help make the process easier.

We can provide class lists, planning resources, and guidance as you organize your reunion. Contact us to request our Reunion Planning Guide or learn how we can help make your class gathering a success.

Each spring, graduating seniors are officially welcomed into the Elk County Catholic High School Alumni Association during the Alumni Pinning Ceremony. Held as part of the Senior Awards Program, this meaningful tradition symbolizes the lifelong connection our graduates share with generations of Crusaders who came before them.

Each senior selects an alumnus who has played a meaningful role in their life to present them with their alumni pin, creating a personal and memorable moment as they transition from student to alumnus. The ceremony celebrates the relationships, traditions, and shared experiences that unite Crusaders across generations and reminds our graduates that they will always have a place in the ECC family.

The Alumni Association is always looking for alumni who are passionate about staying connected and helping strengthen the Crusader community. Whether you're interested in serving on the Alumni Association Board, volunteering at alumni events, assisting with class reunions, or sharing new ideas, we'd love to hear from you.

The Alumni Association Board meets twice each year to plan alumni initiatives, discuss upcoming events, and support the mission of Elk County Catholic School System. If you're interested in becoming more involved, we encourage you to contact the Advancement Office or any member of our Alumni Association Leadership.