2nd Annual “Let There Be Light” Gala 

Fiat Classical Academy gathered together students, families, benefactors, friends, community members, faculty, and staff for our second annual “Let There Be Light” Gala on Saturday, April 11. It was an evening of encounter with beauty, truth and goodness.

We welcomed nearly 400 guests from across the Tri-state to the Lawrenceburg Event Center. Students greeted guests as they entered. Before the Gala program began, guests perused our curriculum tables, talked to faculty, appreciated student artwork, and enjoyed conversation and fellowship with each other over a drink during our reception hour.

Kate Iadipaolo, cofounder of Fiat, was the mistress of ceremonies and introduced Father John Hollowell, pastor in solidum of the Catholic parishes of Dearborn County and board member of Fiat Classical Academy. He gave opening statements and began with a prayer before everyone enjoyed a delicious dinner, conversation, and fellowship.

Mr. Brad Macke, Head of Mission, reflected on the sad current reality that approximately 9 out of 10 Catholics are leaving the Faith and how FCA provides a solution to this problem by surrounding young people with a strong community of Catholic adults who have consensus, certainty and credibility in their Catholic Faith and way of life. 

Brad Macke shared our goal of raising $225,000 and the generous matching gift fund of $44,500 to be matched dollar-for-dollar by donations of at least $900 (which equates to $75 a month). Brad also shared concrete giving opportunities of how the generosity of our partners will be used for the upcoming school year including purchasing a microscope for Biology class, supplying financial aid for families, and preparing to graduate our first class of seniors in the spring of 2027.

After dinner, Adam Iadipaolo spoke about life at Fiat and how our school culture fosters authentic community and deepens our students’ relationship with God. He shared examples of how specific faculty members integrate the faith into their classrooms and how students themselves speak to the way the Catholic faith comes alive in the hearts and minds of those at FCA. He shared how each faculty member educates our students through interpersonal engagement that fosters a deep encounter with their studies. 

The students then chanted the Regina Caeli, a traditional Easter prayer, as well as the Magnificat in a round under the direction of Clare Wilson, music and history teacher, for the contemplation and enjoyment of our guests.

They were followed by three testimonials that beautifully articulated how Fiat Classical Academy has impacted and been impacted by the community that has formed around her. Brian and Kelly Ante, Fiat parents, spoke about how Fiat has challenged their daughter academically and helped her find direction and discern what is worth pursuing. They spoke about how their next oldest daughter will be enrolling in Fiat next year! Lilly S., a junior at Fiat, described how each class has challenged her to grow in ways that have expanded her abilities, confidence, and comfort zone as well as encouraged friendships and growth in her sister who is a sophomore.

Lastly, Todd Uterstaedt shared why he has been an encouraging benefactor of Fiat Classical Academy from the beginning. Despite not having any children who could go to Fiat and living on the east side of Cincinnati, he has become an enthusiastic supporter because our school integrates the Faith into the fabric of daily school life. Fiat encourages relationship and learning without being dependent on and distracted by the prevalence of digital technology. When he saw the commitment to daily prayer and the integration of the Catholic intellectual tradition into every class, Todd and his wife felt called to be a part of Fiat Classical Academy in whatever way they could.

This portion of the Gala was concluded with a keynote address by Dr. Ryan Hanning. As a professor, writer, homesteader, and Catholic speaker, Dr. Hanning spoke about the importance and need to restore Catholic culture in our world today. He spoke about how schools like Fiat Classical Academy give hope to the Church’s present and future as we prepare students to live in the world as men and women of faith.

A promotional video about the school was shown at the event.

Thanks to your generosity, we as a community exceeded our goal by raising over $232,000! This positions Fiat Classical Academy to continue flourishing in our mission of a beautiful and profound classical Catholic education for young men and women, leading them to communion with God in all that they do!

If you could not attend, but would like to be a part of our Catholic educational mission, you can still give financial support to help propel us into next year.

In gratitude, two Masses will be offered in Dearborn County this year for the benefactors of Fiat Classical Academy.