Prep Talk

What Does Horse Racing Have to do with Education?

Posted February 22nd, 2016

The Run for the Roses in early May’s Kentucky Derby is an American tradition that dates back to 1875. It’s the first leg of the Triple Crown of thoroughbred racing; a spectacle that draws people from all walks of life. Here at the Prep, we also have a long-standing tradition since 1959—of educating young men. Our students come to us from diverse backgrounds, and like the young thoroughbreds selected to run the race, they are well cared for. Years of love, training, feeding their minds and bodies, exercise and nurturing goes into each young man who walks through our doors.

The horses who win the Kentucky Derby have very special qualities. They love to run and to learn—often developing a close bond with their trainers and riders. They’re excitable, but they also have heart, and a burning desire to be out in front—to win at all costs.

At St. Augustine Prep, our students also display these qualities—but unlike the horses who train to run a single race, all of our students are winners, and they keep winning year after year. The lessons they learn here, the character they build, and the bonds they forge with their brotherhood of fellow students and teachers stays with them and continues to serve them throughout their lives.

The Derby might be a spectacle, but what’s more exciting to a parent or a teacher than to watch their children grow, play and learn? A child’s formal education is an opportunity to give them the very best we have to offer, and we form a bond with our parents as well as our students—coming together with them on many occasions to celebrate their accomplishments in academics, sports and spirituality.

Providing a high level of education requires commitment from both parents and teachers, and nurturing the quality of our education is the reason we created the Run for the Roses Gala and Fundraiser last year. We’ve had Galas before, but last year’s Run for the Roses was so successful we decided to start a tradition. Every spring we’ll come together in a fun, festive atmosphere that mirrors the exciting spectacle of the Derby—but for a greater cause—to raise funds that help us provide a premier educational experience to our young men.

Here are some of the enhancements the Gala funds help provide:

• Professional development for our dedicated and esteemed faculty to lead 21st century learning
• Academic scholarship and tuition assistance programs to provide the opportunity of an Augustinian Education for deserving students from diverse backgrounds to “Keep them in Blazers”
• Continued innovation in our curriculum including new technologies and unique skill development programs
• The campus master plan to expand and enhance the learning environment in the areas of athletics, faith formation, and the performing arts

Join us For FUN Night and a GREAT Cause on May 7^th!

As you can see from the pictures below, last year’s Gala was lots of fun, and we’re pulling out the stops to make this year’s event spectacular! It’s an opportunity to dress to impress (Ladies, wear your BEST Derby hat creation!), share cocktails and dinner with other parents, guests and faculty, and have fun. Dance the night away, participate in our raffle and silent auction, and let’s see what kind of “purse” we can raise to further the education of every Prep student! Register HERE.