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Chaminade Julienne Day of Giving

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$71,570

415 Supporters

102% of $70,000 goal

Monroe Welborne '95

Fundraiser since Mar 2021

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$1,890

19 supporters

94% of $1,995 goal

Monroe Welborne '95's Story

The class of 1995 was from different social, economic, racial, and religious backgrounds. Inner-city, Country and Suburban kids had united in a way that would forever bond us. From day one, we were quick to realize that we had far more in common than what was perceived as differences. Our parents covered every spectrum from prominent to blue-collar. Our athletic and academic prowess was duly noted, and we would forever have one another’s back. This journey as ONE was just beginning and we would be tested in ways that we’d never imagine; however, this Sister/Brotherhood would, and still is standing the test of time.

The next 4 years would see Mrs. Wheeler become my in-school mom, forever reminding me of what I was capable of and that she WOULD NOT accept anything but my best. Coaches Place and Ricutto were firm in helping me appreciate the opportunity, as well as, instilling a work ethic in me. Brother Ed told us about what the internet would become, and Sister Kim humbled me in front of my peers in a way that only she could. 😊 Foreign languages, sporting events, exams, projects, parties, and YES…MASS, had molded us and the 4 years would fly by. Before we knew it, it would be time for these Eagles to spread our wings.

The 25 years since graduation has been a roller coaster ride for me and I am sure my brothers and Sisters have experienced their share of ups and downs as well. As a result of a reckless lifestyle and poor decisions compounded, I served a lengthy period of incarceration. Those days were dark for me. I felt like a failure on so many levels and I did not see any light at the end of the tunnel. All of the lessons I had learned at CJ seemed so distant and I will be the 1st to admit that I was so ashamed of myself that I just all but buried the experience. Many of you reached out but I was so embarrassed and disgusted with myself that I was quick to disregard the fact that I was still embraced by the CJ family.

Time went on and after 15 years, I was released in 2015. Not knowing what to expect, I moved to Columbus, and wouldn’t you know; I was IMMEDIATELY reminded that my CJ family was there for me. No judging, no questioning, no embarrassing questions; there was only love and an outpouring of support. Phone calls, text messages, social media requests….My brothers and sisters (peers, older and younger) were reminding me of the bond that we forged so long ago. I went back to school in 2016 and quickly completed my Degree in 2018. I am now employed by the very agency in which I served my time (DRC) and I serve as an inspiration for those I once sat with behind bars.

As you know, the summer of 2020 saw our country in the midst of a pandemic, as well as a visible social divide. Races were being pitted against one another and Social justice stood out in every aspect of our life. I received a message from my Brother John Puckett, head football coach at Vandalia-Butler High School, and he said; “Come talk to my kids.” I had done other speeches and given talks on the behalf of the Department of Corrections, but this was different. My brother invited me into his sanctuary to share a message. For him to believe in me after all these years and after all my shortcomings said so much about the strength of the bonds formed in the 90’s at CJ.

After that engagement and after the unrest from the shooting of George Floyd, I took to LinkedIn and created a group called CJSTRONG. I penned a message to many of my White brethren from CJ and shared with them that it is time for us to become agents for change and how much having them in my life meant to me. It is easy to identify with those that look like you, but the bond I shared with them was NO DIFFERENT. I knew them and they knew me. Our struggles were one and the same and furthermore; I know our CJ family stretches far and wide. Our day-to-day diversity experience was something that we became accustomed to but many people in this world we live in have not been afforded that opportunity. If we could be to others what we had been for one another, things could begin to look different.

Our group has grown to roughly 100 members and I pray that it will continue to expand. I am certain that our network could not only provide endless layers of support for one another but for our extended family as well. Furthermore, I know for a fact that the little Catholic School downtown has done us all some good in one way or another - socially, economically, or professionally; CJ has had an impact.

In knowing this, I am going to do better at giving back to the place where it all started. I am in no way financially secure, but I am certain that any little bit will count. My family relied on the Summer work program, grants, and financial aid to get me through and the ROI (Return on Investment) has benefited me in more ways than I could ever imagine. I have a family that spans the Globe and bonds that are forever cemented; for this, I am eternally grateful. So I ask each of you to not only remember where we started but to also know that we are helping other youngsters who will like us, carry on the legacy. I thank you all and God Bless!

Remember…..Eagles Soar High!


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Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School

A 501(c)(3) Public Charity

EIN 31-0832408