At Pius XI Catholic High School, we believe that transformational education begins with transformational educators. The teachers and faculty who walk our halls each day are more than just instructors; they are mentors, guides, and, in many ways, the original educational influencers. In a world where young minds are constantly shaped by digital trends, it is our dedicated educators who lay the foundation for lifelong learning, moral character development, and faith-driven leadership.
Yet, as the cost of delivering a high-quality Catholic education rises, so too does the challenge of attracting and retaining the very teachers who make delivering on our mission possible. Today, faculty salaries and benefits represent a significant percentage of our operating budget, and rightly so—because having the right educators in our classrooms isn’t just important, it’s essential.
Nicholas Parchia '26 credits educators like Science Instructor Mrs. Patty Hupfer Riedel, who has been serving Pius XI for 38 years, and Theology Instructor Mr. Kevin Dineen who has been on staff for four for their teaching styles that spark the type of engagement and critical thinking that builds connections, knowledge, and confidence so he and his classmates can thrive beyond the classroom.
"Mrs. Hupfer Riedel takes a complicated subject like chemistry and breaks it down. She’s so patient and you have fun while she does it. And, I loved Mr. Dineen’s Morality and Ethics class. Instead of speaking to us, he allowed us to speak with each other on topics. It made the class interactive and I think it allowed us to really understand each other better."
Donate today to help Pius XI continue to be a place where inspiring teachers are a light for our students!
Pius XI serves as beacon of hope, grounded in faith and love, as we help build futures. By investing in our mission, you are helping our faculty nurture current and future Popes as they grow in an environment rooted in the tradition of our founders— the Pallottine Fathers and School Sisters of St. Francis.
My goal as a teacher is for every student to develop into the best versions of themselves while being there to support them every step of the way. I had the opportunity myself to attend Catholic schools from preschool through my senior year of high school. I am a major proponent of Catholic education and am looking forward to continuing my career at Pius XI High School. Pius XI is more than a school. It is a second home. - Mr. Kevin Dineen
International student, Wenbo Zhang ‘26, watched his older sister, Wenxiao Zhang ‘18, embark on the Pius XI journey first and dreamed of following in her footsteps since he was ten years old. One of the things that attracted him to Pius XI is how invested the faculty is in seeing students excel. “Everyone here really cares about the students and their
success, not just now but in the future.”
Every Pius XI teacher plays a role in shaping the futures of our students. They create life-changing experiences, forge lasting memories, and set the tone for the vibrant, faith-filled community that makes Pius XI unique. Eliza Rhodehamel ‘26 noticed this when she transferred to Pius XI halfway through her freshman year.
I noticed right away that teachers here connect differently with students. Mrs. Hupfer Riedel is not only interested in our school life, but also our outside life. It makes me feel cared about as a person, not just a student, and I find myself wanting to work harder because I care more about my academic success when I am cared about as a person.
Their influence is immeasurable, but their presence is not guaranteed unless we ensure that Pius XI remains a place where the best and brightest educators can flourish.
Each child is unique. We have an opportunity at Pius XI to learn about the children in our care and that is one of the best parts about being a teacher. I told the students on one of the Kairos retreats YOU are very important to us teachers. YOU have made me burst with pride. YOU have made me love my job. My students inspire me. - Patty Hupfer Riedel
We invite you to invest and answer the call to support Pius XI Catholic High School—your gift helps make our school stronger. A place where those called to teach and inspire feel valued and motivated to shape the minds of the young people in our care.
Have you ever thought about leaving a lasting legacy to Pius XI Catholic High School? Have you included Pius XI in your will or estate plans? Visit our legacy giving page to share your legacy intentions.
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