For nearly seven years, Susan Felitto has been a dedicated volunteer at Cristo Rey St. Martin, supporting students through the college application process and serving on the Event Planning Committee. What began as working directly with students quickly grew into a deep connection to the school’s mission and culture.
Susan started volunteering in college counseling in 2019. “This has been my seventh year of the college counseling process,” she shared. “First, it really started with the students, but then it just kind of transcended everything, just being at Cristo Rey and being in that environment.” Wanting to do more, she later joined the Event Planning Committee, where she has volunteered for the past three years.
Susan says the school’s culture is what keeps her coming back. “From the minute I met one of the students for the first time, there was just something so special about the dynamic and the culture,” she said. “You could really feel it, and it made for such a rewarding experience.” She describes CRSM as collaborative, faith-based, and committed to excellence across students, staff, and volunteers alike.
Some of Susan’s most meaningful moments come from working with students on their college essays. “Their willingness to be completely open and vulnerable, sharing their personal stories, really struck me,” she shared. “When we finished their essay, and they felt so proud of it, it honestly gave me the chills.”
Through her work on the Event Planning Committee, Susan has also seen the impact of CRSM on a larger scale. Attending her first Elevate event was especially powerful. “Watching the story unfold made me very emotional,” she said. “To know I was even a small part of something that brings so much pride and joy was incredible.” Seeing the school’s strong outcomes has only deepened her commitment. “The numbers back it up,” she added. “Admissions, retention, college acceptance, it is so wonderful to see.”
Susan often brings friends and family to CRSM events and says the enthusiasm is contagious. “People quickly say, How could you not support this?” she shared. “It is such a great story.”
Reflecting on her experience, Susan shared, “In a time when so many things can make you feel hopeless, this really lifts me up. It is so empowering to be a part of.”
We are grateful for Susan’s continued dedication and the impact she has on our students and community.