Sister Rosa Maria cited as ‘champion’

Sister Rosa Maria Ruiz, C.F.M.M., superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Tucson, was among nine Catholic educators from around the nation celebrated as “Champions of Change” at a White House ceremony on Jan. 25.
The nine, cited as “leaders in Catholic education” as part of the Administration’s program of “Winning the Future Across America,” participated in two panel discussions about the innovation and importance of Catholic education, and the challenges faced.
Sister Rosa Maria, who has been involved in Catholic education for 50 years, said the key was to meet the trust of the children – “we better do a good job of taking care of them” – by ensuring well-trained teachers who are well-grounded in the faith.
She said building Catholic identity in the schools was a challenge, noting there are no Catholic colleges in Arizona.
She cited the ongoing pilot study with Notre Dame University, ACE Academies, and its positive impact on the children in the three Tucson schools in which it operates.
The honorees were nominated for the recognition by the National Catholic Education Association.