Testimonials

I graduated from St. Cecilia School in 2014. I have very good memories of my time there. Some of my favorites include going to mass every week with my class, getting to act as a guide/mentor for the younger students, and last but certainly not least, mileage club. One of my favorite activities we did during school was a crime mystery investigation in 3rd grade, where our class yarn owl was “stolen” by one of the parents. It encouraged a large amount of teamwork among the class as we tried to solve the mystery and it was fun for all of us. 

St. Cecilia's learning environment is set up in a way that benefits the students tremendously. I felt that I was extremely prepared for going to middle school as far as the learning curriculum was concerned. Lastly, I felt like everything was connected to our catholic faith. Learning in a faith enriched environment allowed me to get the best of both worlds and brought me closer to God. I will always cherish the memories I made at St. Cecilia. My time there made me a better person and helped to prepare me for my faith journey. 

Connor Hamers
Former St. Cecilia student


When our family moved to Ames from a small town in western Iowa, we immediately began looking for a place to send our 4-year old son to preschool. We were drawn to St. Cecilia because it was close to our home, but quickly realized it was the place for us for more than just that reason. We enrolled our son two weeks before school began, but I was still unsure how we were going to get him home each day. I immediately was able to connect with a family that offered to help and continued to carpool with us for 3 years. Had it not been for that family, we may not have been able to send our children to St. Cecilia. St. Cecilia is full of families and staff that go above and beyond the meaning of community. They are a community of friendship, selflessness, and faith. 

Each day when our children went to school they were met by teachers and staff who cared for them and wanted them to succeed in every aspect of learning. Teachers reached out if that had a concern, they celebrated successes and encouraged leadership skills. Our Catholic faith was embedded in everything that they did. Our children learned how to live like Jesus did. If you want to see children excited about their faith, just go to an all-school mass. You will leave with a smile, a full heart and a belief that our world is headed in the right direction. 

While our children became a part of the school community, our entire family did as well. We were invited into the school to observe student projects, to be mystery readers or classroom volunteers. Various activities were planned by the Family School Association, which allowed families to connect with each other outside of school hours. Community activities were organized as well to promote St. Cecilia School and share our love for Jesus.

We will forever be grateful for the years we spent at St. Cecilia School. For the quality of education, the kindness we felt each day and for helping our children to grow in their faith – thank you St. Cecilia School. 

Rita Hamers
Former St. Cecilia parent


I am a 1969 graduate of Saint Cecilia. I considered Saint Cecilia my second home.  Mass six days a week, confession on Saturdays, being an altar server, student representative to the Parish Council in eighth grade, raising funds to support the Pagan babies, participation in sports, science fairs, etc...

The influence of Saint Cecilia still guides much of my decision making at age 68. I learned the importance of a foundation on faith, social justice, servant leadership, the importance of stepping up to help wherever the need arises and the importance of community. I went on to get a Bachelor's degree in business management from Cardinal Stritch University. I lived in the Twin Cities for 43 years.

I spent my adult life like the guy at the circus trying to keep mulitple plates spinning. Those plates were spending time with my family, being an advocate and working with Youth Ministry, coaching the soccer team at the parochial school, serving as the Chairman of the Pastoral Council for seven years, working with the local food shelf and organizing youth activites to get middle schoolers engaged in the church.

The rewards from these efforts have resulted in many lifelong friendships and contact with hundreds of wonderful families over the years. The bonus is now I get invited to multiple weddings and family celebrations. It has been a wonderful life that began with the foundation Saint Cecilia gave me.

Jim Moldenhauer
Class of 1969