Steps for Students tops 10,000 participants, raises $1.1M as Catholic education takes center stage

Anna Salinas (center), a parishioner at St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish in Spring, smiles with her family after finishing the Steps for Students 5K Run/Walk on Feb. 14 in Houston. More than 10,000 were registered with more than $1.1 million raised to benefit Catholic education in Galveston-Houston. (Photo by James Ramos/Herald)HOUSTON  — Near the final stretch of the 5K route, Anna Salinas spotted something she never expected to see: a cheering section made up of her entire family, holding homemade signs and waving them high as she ran toward the finish line. 

Salinas, a St. Ignatius of Loyola parishioner in Spring, has no children currently in Catholic school. She signed up for Steps for Students simply because she believes in Catholic education and wanted to show her support. But her family had other plans. They kept their appearance a secret until the moment she arrived, rounding the corner to discover a full crowd shouting her name. 

“I didn’t expect any of them here because I did not tell them,” she said, laughing as she caught her breath. “They were supposed to be busy, but they made time.”  

Her family said it was the perfect chance to return the favor after years of her faithfully attending every game, concert and school event they had as kids, and now even with her grandchildren.

“She is always there, so we just wanted to be here,” one family member said.

Salinas, who ran the entire 5K, crossed the line smiling and surrounded by posters celebrating her effort. It was a snapshot of what Steps for Students has become over its 21-year history: a place where school pride, family love and support and the spirit of Catholic education meet on the streets of downtown Houston that Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14. 

A City of Houston proclamation also designated that day as Roslyn “Roz” Hill Day, honoring the woman who helped start and grow Steps for Students into the runaway success it is today.

This year’s Steps for Students drew 10,918 registrations and raised $1.1 million to help the 55 Catholic schools across the Archdiocese offer tuition assistance, enhance academic programs and meet campus needs.

St. Jerome School in Houston earned the David Guite Spirit Award for exceptional school spirit and involvement. St. Peter Catholic High School received the President’s Cup for outstanding participation by a high school.

St. Francis de Sales School was named the “Steps Superstars” winner, the top overall school in the Catholic School Village competition. Our Lady of Guadalupe School in Houston won “Best Bites” for the best-tasting food. Our Lady of Fatima in Galena Park took home the “Cleverly Creative” honors for its booth design, and Our Lady of Fatima in Texas City won “Best Steps Spirit.” St. John XXIII High School earned the School Spirit award for its cheerleaders, mascot and chants. 

Race results included several standout runners. Isaac Knape was the overall male winner, and Madison Laborde was the overall female winner. In the masters division, Aaron Knape won the male category, and Tania Rangel won the female category.