Magis is a Latin term that means more. The term is a favorite of Jesuits, who feel that we are all constantly called to do Magis, or more. The REACHing MAGIS Program is our effort to do more to prepare students who have been traditionally underrepresented at Saint Ignatius High School for the academic, social and spiritual challenges they may encounter as students in a college preparatory high school setting.
Founded in 2002, REACHing MAGIS is a supplementary educational enrichment program that takes place on Saturdays throughout the fall and concludes in the winter. With an understanding of how critical the middle-school age years are in determining the trajectory of secondary as well as post-secondary education, REACHing MAGIS is devoted to developing young men to achieve academic excellence, be open to growth, to be religious and committed to a life of service and justice.
On Saturday, December 21, the REACHing MAGIS Class of 2019 officially graduated from the program. The ceremony took place in Rade Dining Hall as 32 young men received their diplomas. Our 5th grade participants were formally welcomed into the program as well.
Le’Charles Bentley ’98 offered words of wisdom as the keynote speaker, elaborating on the mission of Saint Ignatius High School with an emphasis on how becoming a true Man for Others requires a man to find God first.
Mr. Bentley’s contributions continually benefit the REACHing MAGIS program. The Fifth Grade Leadership Academy, a program that supports 35 future leaders from the Greater Cleveland area, is named in his honor. The Verneda Bentley Endowed Scholarship Program, established by Mr. Bentley to honor his mother for her encouragement of and commitment to his high school education, provides substantial scholarships for select REACHing MAGIS graduates who have enrolled at Saint Ignatius. Because of Mr. Bentley, 13 students have earned the chance to attend this institution and to better themselves as young Men for Others.
“I’m very appreciative of Mr. Bentley and his family for how they have helped Saint Ignatius High School grow and the emphasis he has put on the REACHing Magis Program,” stated Christian Sanders ’10, Director of REACHing MAGIS.
Mr. Sanders would like to thank Dr. Deborale Richardson-Phillips, Janine El-Amin and Shannon Fujimura for their imagination and organization of this graduation celebration. He is also grateful for REACHing MAGIS’ entire teaching and administrative staff for their efforts developing and molding these young men on a weekly basis.
“It is pleasing to see these young men on the path to become their best selves. I am excited for all that our REACHing MAGIS students will be, and I’m especially excited for the scholars who seek admission to Saint Ignatius”, said Mr. Sanders.
Congratulations, REACHing MAGIS Class of 2019!