Aim Higher Alumnus Returns to Share Gratitude

Isaac Garcia, Aim Higher Alumnus, shares his gratitude for the life-transforming gift of Catholic education.

In 2018, the Aim Higher team went looking for a scholar story for that year’s Night of Light. We hoped to capture just a glimpse of how when a student is given access to the right environment, that the spark inside them could be fanned into a flame which would turn into beacon of light for others. Isaac Garcia’s passion to serve others started in his middle school years at Community of Saints Catholic School. His story was initially shared at Night of Light 2018.

Six years later, Isaac returned to the stage and delighted our 2024 Night of Light guests. Now a proud former scholar of the Aim Higher Foundation, a graduate of Cretin-Derham Hall and a student at the Dougherty Family College, Isaac is a shining example of how, when students are given the right tools and right environment, they can become the very best version of themselves.

Isaac shared, “It is difficult for me to express just how grateful I am to be here tonight. I believe Catholic education has not only changed my life for the better, but set me on a path to BE the positive change for others. And I must be clear! I do not think I am special in this. Catholic education instills a set of values that makes it easy for EVERYONE to be a living example of what they learn.”

He continued, “I believe my story, is just another of so many, that proves the overwhelming benefits of Catholic education. As an Aim Higher Scholar, I began my education at Community of Saints Regional Catholic School.  Here, I founded a non-profit with the goal to help the homeless community, and bring just a little hope to someone in need. We hand out thousands of items necessary  to stay warm each winter.  This laid the foundation for me to confidently transition to high school at Cretin Derham Hall where I began a yearly partnership with the St. Paul East Side Salvation Army.   Every summer, we hand out hundreds of backpacks filled with school supplies and daily essentials to kids and families in need.”

That Catholic high-school experience, Isaac noted, made his decision easy for his step into college. “I am a proud freshman at Dougherty Family College, (the Minneapolis campus of the University of St. Thomas). As a freshman with plans to study business, and transition into local politics, I also returned to my roots, and now assist St Matthew’s parish as a council member with goals of youth outreach.”

Isaac appealed to Night of Light guests, “I say all of this to paint a picture of what you are being asked to invest in today. Catholic education is far more than just top tier education. It is an opportunity to be part of something bigger than individual achievements.”

“Catholic education offers belonging……..purpose. It is long-term investment in community. It is truly extended family.
And it is a chance at a better future for us all to aim higher.”