Riders

Meet the Riders

		Karl Hendrickson Undergraduate school: Truman State University (Kirksville, MO) ACE location: Mobile, AL ACE school: McGill-Toolen Catholic High School Subjects taught: Physics & Precalculus Why I decided to ride on the Tour: I am excited for the opportunity to challenge myself for the ride itself, but I am also excited for the opportunity to meet and network with many other people dedicated to Catholic education in our country. The tour is a great way to unite both of these opportunities.
		Mary O’ Leary Undergraduate school: St Patrick’s College. Drumcondra, Dublin 9, Ireland, ACE location: Fort Worth, Texas ACE school: All Saints Catholic School, Fort Worth Subjects taught: 1st grade, all Subjects. Why I decided to ride on the Tour: I want to do more!!! As a teacher the lack of the most basic resources, such as books, science and math equipment is frustrating. These are essentials that I took for granted while teaching in Ireland. I have taught in two of the most under-resourced schools in Fort Worth, Our Mother of Mercy, and All Saints Catholic Schools. I have learned much from this experience and have made many friends here. Staff and parents dedicate their lives to helping these schools as they believe that the academic, moral and religious education provided by them to their children is vital. Their dedication is endless. I always feel that there must be something else I can do to help these schools keep their doors open. And this trip gives me a chance. This trip is important to me as it gives us a chance to make people realize the importance of these schools and the problems that many of Catholic Schools in the American Education System face. At the same time I can do a little more in alleviating the financial difficulties of these schools which have come to mean a lot to me. I have endeavored to raise money for both of these schools. It will be a piece of cake to bike across Ireland after this!
		Tony Hollowell Undergraduate school: University of Notre Dame ACE location: Pascagoula, MS ACE school: Resurrection Catholic Middle/High School Subjects taught: Geometry, Biology, Physics, Anatomy and Physiology, Religion Why I decided to ride on the Tour: I have ALWAYS wanted to ride my bike across the country! I love the challenge that it will pose, but it is so much more than the challenge. This tour is unique because we will be given the opportunity to share the challenges and the joys that we have faced in under-resourced Catholic schools while also learning from the many communities that we will meet and encounter. And to the Rocky Mountains, I say, “Bring it on!”
		Nathan Patla Undergraduate school: University of Portland, Oregon ACE location: Baton Rouge, LA ACE school: St. Michael the Archangel High School Subjects taught: Physics, Religion I, Algebra I Why I decided to ride on the Tour: Who wouldn’t want to go on a cross country bike ride with phenomenal people and raise money for Catholic Education?
		Liz O’Connor Undergraduate school: The University of Scranton ACE location: Nashville, TN ACE school: St. Edward School Subjects taught: 7th Grade Life Science, 8th Grade Physical Science, and 7th Grade Religion Why I decided to ride on the Tour: The bike tour is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to give back to the Catholic community, a community that has given me so much. It is a challenge of my own strength, faith, and commitment, as well as a challenge to people all across America.
		Chelsea Madison Undergraduate school: University of Notre Dame ACE location: Mobile, AL ACE school: Little Flower Catholic School/Elementary Subjects taught: 3rd Grade Self-Contained Why I decided to ride on the Tour: Little Flower Catholic School is a wonderfully diverse school in every way possible: racially, economically, spiritually, you name it, and it serves a city that has faced segregation issues for many years. However, the school is facing financial difficulties and may have to close in the next few years. This bike trip is an excellent opportunity to help me contribute financially to my school, and also raise awareness of the good that Little Flower does. Also, I needed a challenge to compete with being a first year teacher, because so far, that’s been the most challenging feat in my life!
		Nick Williams Undergraduate school: University of Notre Dame ACE location: Phoenix, AZ ACE school: St. John Vianney School (Goodyear, Arizona) Subjects taught: 5th Grade – language arts, social studies, math Why I decided to ride on the Tour: I was looking at my monthly planner and saw some openings during June and July and I thought, “Why not do a 3600-mile bike ride?” I’m joking – the bike ride itself is going to be an awesome physical test for me personally, and that challenge was the initial motivation. More importantly, though, I have come to realize that this tour can be a vehicle for a group of to raise awareness for the struggle that many ACE teachers communities face when trying to provide a Catholic education for their kids. I am excited to share our views on Catholic education, meet wonderful new friends, and foster some support for our ACE schools that so desperately need it.
		Nick Huck Undergraduate school: University of Richmond, VA ACE location: Atlanta, GA ACE school: Our Lady of Mercy Catholic High School Subjects taught: Chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology, Geometry Why I decided to ride on the Tour: I believe in Catholic schools and the difference these schools make. The trip provides a unique avenue of raising support and awareness of Catholic schools. Also, the adventure of biking across the country is an exciting challenge. Put the two together and it should be a fantastic trip!