From the President's Desk

Dear Friends-

There is a tremendous sense of excitement, pride, and momentum throughout the halls of Nativity Prep.

We're still celebrating the incredible success of Nativity in Bloom 2026 and the outpouring of support from our community. 

At the same time, we're already looking ahead to another exciting tradition — the Billy D’Antonio Summer Classic on August 1st. Planning is underway, and we are grateful for the continued enthusiasm surrounding this special event that brings so many supporters together on behalf of former Nativity teacher, Billy D'Antonio.

In the weeks ahead, our students will continue participating in performances, enrichment activities, field trips, and year-end celebrations leading up to Graduation for the Class of Saint Monica on June 16th — a meaningful milestone for our 8th graders as they prepare for their next chapter in high school.

None of this would be possible without you. Thank you for your continued generosity, encouragement, and belief in our mission. Your support makes a lasting difference in the lives of our students and families each and every day.

Be Blessed,

James C. Smith

President, Nativity Prep Academy

 

School Update

Jennifer Kremer, Principal

As we enter the final weeks of the school year, our Nativity community is filled with energy, gratitude, and excitement. From testing and projects to performances and graduation preparations, our students continue to grow academically, spiritually, and personally each day.

Because of your generosity, Nativity students learn in a safe, structured, and faith-filled environment where they are challenged, supported, and encouraged to thrive. This spring, students are completing IOWA testing, preparing for final exams, participating in enrichment activities, and continuing to live out our theme: Believe. Belong. Become.

Your support helps provide high-quality instruction, enrichment opportunities, meals, mentorship, and experiences that nurture the whole child. As we look ahead to summer programming and the next school year, we remain committed to helping every student grow in confidence, leadership, and academic success.

Thank you for believing in Nativity Prep and in the potential of every child we serve.

 
 

Student Support Services

Alexis Jones, Director of Student Support

This spring, student support activities have focused on reflection, perseverance, confidence-building, stress management, and preparing for transitions and new opportunities.

Our 8th graders are especially excited as they prepare for the transition to high school. Through our High School Prep program, students continue receiving support and encouragement as they begin this important next chapter. We are incredibly proud of all they have accomplished and look forward to seeing them continue to thrive.

They are off to: Our Lady of Mercy School for Young Women, Aquinas Institute, Bishop Kearney, McQuaid Jesuit, Northstar Christian Academy, Joseph Wilson Magnet HS, Edison Career & Technology HS, Odyssey Academy, and Rush Henrietta HS.

As the school year comes to a close, we remain committed to supporting students’ emotional wellness and helping them finish the year feeling confident, supported, and successful.

 

Graduate Support Program

Amy Stell, Associate Director of Graduate Support

Congratulations to our Nativity Preparatory Academy Class of 2022 on their upcoming high school graduations! We are so proud of you, and can’t wait to see what you do next. Remember, you always have a home at Nativity!


Some next steps for our graduates: Cheyenne Allen: Fashion Institute of Technology; Harley Bermudez: University at Buffalo; Dipjal Biswa: Monroe Community College; Jayden Capers: Central State University; Javon Davis: Military; Priscila DeJesus: Rochester Institute of Technology (Davitt Scholar); Prajal Parajuli: Monroe Community College; Deveron Pitts: Trade school; Riyadh Salem: Rochester Institute of Technology (Davitt Scholar)

We are so proud of our newest graduates and look forward to learning about more post-high school plans!

Congratulations also to Amisha Khadka (NPA 2020; Mercy 2024; St. Bonaventure 2028): Winner of the “Terry Bickel Student Life Award presented to the person(s) who have made the most substantial contribution to the area of student life.” One of only two students ever to receive this award, typically given to faculty, Amisha has been recognized for her work as a resident assistant and her involvement in student life at St. Bonaventure! (see photo below)

Programming Updates- Our last monthly study brunch for the school year was a success! Students are finding the dedicated time to do work and see old Nativity friends useful. Many students came to the May brunch who hadn’t come to one yet, so the news is spreading! We are still accepting donations to fund these brunches and look forward to starting up again in September! 

RIT Scholarship-We will officially have four Davitt scholars at RIT for the Fall 2026 semester (Branden, Dipesh, Riyadh, and Priscila). We are so proud of their hard work! This is gap scholarship was set up by Nativity's wonderful supporters, Mark & Maureen Davitt, to help cover their college tuition, room and board, and books! A great opportunity for all of our Nativity alumni!  

Our all-class reunion is June 14th! We'll enjoy food, lawn games, music, many Nativity friends! Email Amy Stell for more information about supporting this event.

 

Details Coming Soon!

 

Nativity in Bloom- A Night to Remember

What an incredible evening! Because of your generosity and support, Nativity in Bloom 2026 was a beautiful celebration of our students, community, and mission. Together, we raised more than $410,000 in support of Nativity students and families.

These funds will help ensure students continue receiving a tuition-free education, enrichment opportunities, and long-term support through high school, college, and beyond.

A special thank you to our event chairs, Mark & Maureen Davitt, whose generous paddle call match made an extraordinary impact.

Most importantly, the evening was a reminder of what makes Nativity so special — our community of supporters who help students believe, belong, and become.

 

Thank You, United Way Day of Caring Volunteers!

A heartfelt thank you to the amazing United Way Day of Caring volunteers from Rochester Regional Health for spending the day with us and helping make Nativity shine!

The team organized our book room, cleaned our van, and helped beautify the outside of our building—projects that make a meaningful difference for our Nativity family.

 

To learn more about Nativity or for any questions or comments, please email us here.

Our Contact Information
Nativity Preparatory Academy
15 Whalin Street, Rochester, NY 14620
(585) 271-1630
www.nativityrochester.org

FacebookInstagramLinkedIn
Give monthly. Change lives at Nativity—today and every day. 
 

You are being sent this email because you are a subscriber.
If you wish to update your Email Preferences or Unsubscribe, click *{{Unsubscribe}}*