The Rev. Robert E. McLaughlin Faith Foundation challenges its supporters to invest in hope. 

It’s named after Rev. Robert E. McLaughlin, who devoted his career as a priest to improving the lives of young people. Since Fr. McLaughlin’s death in 2005, the Foundation started in his honor has offered financial support to organizations whose primary purpose is the betterment of young lives. Leo High School has been the recipient of McLaughlin Foundation grants for the last four years.

This year, the Foundation is also recognizing Leo Principal Shaka Rawls, whose commitment to bettering the lives of his students embodies the “spirit of hope” philosophy that informs the McLaughlin Foundation’s operations. 

Mr. Rawls will be honored at the Foundation’s annual golf outing and dinner at Park Ridge Country Club on Monday, Oct. 3, along with Helen Bruns Ryan, a generous, longtime supporter of Josephinum Academy. 

“It is not the things we get but the hearts we touch that determines our success in life.” The Foundation used that quote from Fr. McLaughlin in citing Mr. Rawls’ accomplishments at Leo, including a 60-percent enrollment increase and 100-percent graduation rate.

And this, from St. Ignatius Loyola: “Love ought to show itself more by deeds than by words.” Leo High School’s motto is Facta non Verba: deeds, not words.

“I very humbly accept this honor on behalf of Leo High School,” Mr. Rawls said. “It may be presented to an individual, but it recognizes the team effort that’s involved with everything we do at Leo.”