“A Wonderful Idea whose Time has Arrived!” When I saw these words staring at me from a colorful billboard, I thought of Nativity Prep. As it began its second year, I arrived at Nativity Prep which had just fifteen students spread between two grades, fifth and sixth. However, the Oblates and other supporters had plenty of ideas to keep this new endeavor moving forward.
The first lesson learned was keeping a young enthusiastic faculty, with little experience, invigorated. As its new Development Director, I welcomed their smiling, happy faces each day hoping that their pleased faces would remain as broad… at least until their first paycheck arrived.
As I stared back at that billboard, I became more convinced that the words and meaning were so apropos for our wonderfully different undertaking. Nativity Prep was a dream that arose to celebrate Salesianum School’s 100th birthday. Supporters of Nativity saw it as the perfect gift to the city of Wilmington with its long commitment to education.
Nativity Prep, the perfect idea, would open doors for low-income bright students, providing them with plenty of opportunities to apply and succeed in the many Delaware private high schools. Indeed, I thought, how it could not succeed. Nativity Prep was already the perfect solution to many inner-city, Catholic middle schools. Nativity provided daily discipline filled with difficult work from students, willing cooperation from parents, and an energized faculty.
It’s now twenty years later and Nativity Prep is ingrained in Wilmington’s skyline.
It’s now twenty years later and Nativity Prep is ingrained in Wilmington’s skyline. Its graduates are matriculating in many area private high schools, which today eagerly seek Nativity graduates. Over these past twenty years, with the continuous help of generous supporting donors and dedicated teachers, Nativity Prep can place graduates in almost every local private high school with the opportunity to continue their education in college and beyond.
I still have anxious moments, but I remain confident that Nativity Prep’s time is now, and its idea is here to stay.
We thank God, and all our fellow believers every day!
Rev. Richard DeLillio, OSFS
Nativity Prep Development Office
Wilmington, Delaware
To read more of Fr. Delillio’s reflections or subscribe to his weekly blog visit: “A Moment From DeSales”
