Stories of achievement, growth and community.
Independence Mission Schools is a network of 14 Philadelphia-area neighborhood K-8 Catholic schools steeped in rich individual histories and backed by the support of an independent nonprofit organization. Committed to the academic, spiritual and emotional achievement and growth of our students, we fiercely believe in the life-changing impact of Catholic school education — for all.
For Those That Came Before: Jemima and Solomon Oduwole Reflect on Their Time at St. Barnabas
A "Part II" of sorts to last month's episode that featured St. Barnabas alumna, Deborah Oduwole, this installment of Strong Minds Loving Hearts features two more Oduwole siblings, Jemima and Solomon.
Just a first grader when her brother, Solomon, was in eighth grade, Jemima Oduwole is currently in her junior year at Drexel University where she is pre-law and gearing up for the LSATs.
On a similar path and just a few steps ahead, Solomon is currently at Georgetown Law in Washington, D.C. A J.D. candidate, he recently secured a staff position on The Georgetown Law Journal.
For both of these high achievers, the journey started at St. Barnabas. Here, they both developed a passion for civics and built a foundation that has propelled them to incredible heights.
We can't wait to see where their academic and professional careers take them next.
25 Aug 2026
Howley Scholar, Deborah Oduwole, Reflects on 9 Wonderful Years at St. Barnabas
Today, Deborah Oduwole is heading into her junior year at Saints Neumann Goretti High School in south Philadelphia. She's taking a few AP courses this year. She's on student council. This summer she participated in the STEM Scholars program at The Franklin Institute where she conducted a study on the relationship between sugar-sweetened drinks, diabetes and food deserts. SAT and ACT test prep work has her starting the college exploration process. St. Joe's? Drexel? We'll see. Before embarking on this path, Deborah was a student at St. Barnabas Catholic School. Kindergarten through 8th. All nine years—appropriate for the last of nine Oduwole siblings who graduated from St. Barnabas. (You read that right. Nine.) At St. Barnabas, Deborah participated in the St. Katherine Drexel Program, where she and four other 6th grade girls endeavored in rigorous high school test prep. Layered on, Deborah earned a scholarship from the Howley Foundation. In this episode of Strong Minds Loving Hearts, Deborah sits down with her first grade teacher now St. Barnabas principal, Becca Lord, for a heartwarming conversation that explores the St. Barnabas community, Deborah's fond memories and her limitless potential that all started right here on Buist Ave in west Philadelphia.
12 Jun 2026
From St. Martin de Porres to St. Joe's Prep and Beyond
Silas Griffin is out to do great things. In fact, he's been doing great things since elementary school at St. Martin de Porres, an Independence Mission School. From SMdP, Silas enrolled at St. Joseph's Preparatory School where he excelled academically (National Honor Society), athletically (volleyball) and socially (various leadership roles in the Black & Latino Culture Club).
Next, Silas is headed Greensboro, North Carolina in the fall, where he'll begin his electrical engineering degree at North Carolina A&T.
His biggest champion since day one? His mother, Selena Gilbert—who just so had the pleasure of interviewing him for this episode of Strong Minds Loving Hearts.
31 Mar 2026
From Charter Challenges to Howley Scholarship Success at St.Rose of Lima
By the time her daughter, Hayah, was in fourth grade, Monique Coates was seeking change. At a local charter school, Hayah had done well; her grades were fantastic — predictably fantastic. That apparent lack of challenge coupled with the general environment spurred Monique and Hayah to make a move: starting in fifth grade, Hayah would attend St. Rose of Lima Catholic School in West Philadelphia.
At St. Rose of Lima, Hayah blossomed. Challenged by her teachers, she discovered and developed a dedicated work ethic, made strong friendships, immersed herself in school activities and even picked up the violin after a false start with the cello.
Today, Hayah is an eighth grader looking towards a future she and her mother couldn't have imagined four years ago: A four-year Howley Scholarship to Merion Mercy Academy, one of the top private all-girls high schools in the region. Candidly, Howley Scholarships are a big deal. They're awarded to students who demonstrate a high level of academic achievement and have the potential to be a leader at their chosen high school.
Tune into this intimate conversation between mother and daughter as they talk about Hayah's transition to St. Rose of Lima, why a Muslim family would choose a Catholic school, how game-changing a Howley Scholarship is, and much, much more.
13 Mar 2026
You’ll Always Be One of My Kids: A Chat with St. Martin of Tours Teachers, Christine & Rick Conti
Christine and Rick Conti love their students.
Christine loves them as kindergarteners. Rick loves them as fourth graders. But that love doesn’t stop when their students move on to first grade or fifth grade or even when they're in high school or college. As both Christine and Rick like to say…
“You’re always going to be one of my kids.”
That passion for teaching, mentoring and guiding young people in and beyond the classroom radiates throughout the halls of St. Martin of Tours. It has for years. Christine's actually an authority on that matter: she graduated from St. Martin of Tours and did her student teaching here. Rick can attest too, too, having attended St. Donato’s, now St. Frances of Cabrini.
And did we mention they’re married?!?!
The Conti’s embody everything a parent could want for their child’s education and they are the true essence of the types of teachers you’ll find throughout the entire Independence Mission Schools network.
Now if they could only agree on what to have for dinner tonight…
28 Jan 2026
Generational Change: A Conversation with Quincy Harris and Mr. Leonard at The DePaul School
"That one decision changed the trajectory of my life and my sister's life. My mom and dad weren't rich. But this investment changed generations of our families lives."That's how media personality and business strategist, Quincy Harris, thinks back on his experience at The DePaul School. Family. Connection. Community. Expectations. Achievement. Safety. Confidence. All of those attributes — and countless others — were formed here.And the man who played an integral role in forming them in Quincy? He's still at it.For over 45 years, Mr. Leonard has been a rock at The DePaul School. He's taught hundreds (likely thousands) of students who have gone on to achieve incredible things. He's challenged them. He's guided them. He's shaped not just their minds, but their character. Tune in as Quincy and Mr. Leonard catch up, share stories and dig into just how life-changing an IMS education can be.
17 Dec 2025
Graduating to New Heights: Inside the IMS High School Readiness Program
Graduates from our 14 schools go on to attend some of the Philadelphia area's top archdiocesan, independent, magnet and charter high schools — often on merit based scholarships. One of the high schools where we've developed a strong pipeline? Philadelphia's Cristo Rey, where IMS students accounted for 24% of 2025's incoming ninth grade class — a data point that delights director of admissions and family engagement, Evelin Roman.
Key to this high school achievement is our network-wide High School Readiness Program that starts prepping and working with students and their families as early as fifth grade. Each of our 14 schools has a high school readiness coordinator on staff. At St. Veronica, that's Carmen Irizarry.
In this episode of Strong Minds Loving Hearts, Evelin and Carmen dig into the transition from elementary school to high school and how IMS is preparing its students and positioning them for success.
25 Nov 2025
Malachy Proud
When Mary Holmes brought her daughter, Queenie, to St. Malachy Catholic School for her first day of kindergarten nearly 20 years ago, she stayed -- the whole day. That day turned into years of volunteering at the school which turned into countless full-time jobs -- from assistant to the principal to her current role as a 4th grade teacher -- all while earning his master's degree at Lincoln University.
Today, the family legacy at Malachy continues. Queenie, currently at LaSalle University studying criminal justice, has her daughter enrolled in Pre-K.
In this episode of Strong Minds Loving Hearts, St. Malachy principal, Betsy Rafferty, chats with Mary, Queenie and a few other "guests" who were up past their bedtime and couldn't resist playing with the mics. :) Together they recall heartwarming memories and dig deep into what makes this place so magical. So grab a box of tissues and get ready for all the feels.
20 Oct 2025
St. Rose of Lima to Malvern Prep: How the Right Environment Unlocked One Student's Potential
Today, Spencer is thriving at Malvern Prep, taking on honors classes, joining new clubs, and growing as both a student and a young man. How he got there had a lot to do with where he came from: St. Rose of Lima Catholic School. At St. Rose, Spencer discovered his love for music, theater, and learning — and built the confidence that helped him take this next big step.In this episode of Strong Minds Loving Hearts, St. Rose Principal, Charles Arroyave, sits down with his former student for wide-ranging conversation that spans inspirational teachers (shout out to Mr. Jones!), fond memories, formative moments and how Spencer, taking on Sebastian in St. Rose's rendition of The Little Mermaid, kept his cool when the mics went out.
17 Sept 2025
What Makes The DePaul Catholic School so Magnetic?
Today, Nate Brookins teaches fifth grade at The DePaul Catholic School. Before that, he coached basketball at DePaul — all while sending his kids to the school. And even before that, Nate was a student at DePaul. In this episode of Strong Minds Loving Hearts, Nate talks with DePaul Principal Colleen McKenzie about what's so magnetic about this place. Together, they reflect on traditions like the Turkey Bowl, the long-lasting influence of teachers like Mr. Leonard, and why Nate chose DePaul for his own children.This from-the-heart conversation reveals the power of a Catholic school education, the bonds that last through decades, and how teachers and leaders at DePaul continue to shape not only academic success but also strong character and lifelong confidence.
26 Aug 2025
From St. Helena-Incarnation To Yale University: An Alum’s Journey
In this episode of Strong Minds Loving Hearts, Principal Nick Huck sits down with St. Helena-Incarnation Catholic School alumnus, Jason Jiang, to reflect on his journey from the classrooms of St. Helena to LaSalle College High School and now to Yale University on a full QuestBridge scholarship.
Jason shares how the supportive teachers and close-knit community at St. Helena-Incarnation shaped his confidence, curiosity, and commitment to growth. He talks about navigating high school, discovering passions like debate and music, and taking on the challenge of completing his college applications as a first-generation student.
Alongside Principal Huck, Jason reflects on the importance of community, resilience, and saying “yes” to opportunities—offering advice for current students who are preparing for their next steps.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
Jason’s path from St. Helena-Incarnation to LaSalle and Yale
How St. Helena-Incarnation prepared him academically and personally
The role of supportive teachers and community in his success
Behind-the-scenes of earning the QuestBridge scholarship
Advice for current and future St. Helena-Incarnation students
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