"I've just started visiting the area grade schools and we're getting a fantastic reception from the kids and families," says Mike Palmer, McGivney principal. "Our faculty is focused on providing a strong academic environment integrated with equally strong principles of faith formation for our students. Our new classrooms are state of the art."

Anonymous donors made available a $1,000 scholarship and a free iPad2 to each of the first 40 students to sign a letter of intent to enroll at Father McGivney.

"This scholarship and technology package underscores the benefits and tools we can offer our students," says Palmer.

"We have 10 kids so far who have enrolled, and we have just started recruiting," says Doug Villhard, president of the Father McGivney board. "Our goal is to have 40 freshmen for the first year. For six years our dream was to get to the point where we could start enrolling students," Villhard said. "We're now there thanks to the support of generous individuals and hard working staff and volunteers."

An open house was held Nov. 13 for prospective students and their families to tour the remodeled classrooms. Tuition is expected to be $6,000 a year. For more information or to make a donation visit the website www.mcgivneygriffins.com.