“Knights in Rio” Takes Off
      Students, friends, parents, and monks gathered in the Palace on Wednesday night, January 11, to kick-off the 17th Annual Night of Knights which will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2006. Fr. Richard, Monastic Chair of Night of Knights 2006, announced the theme of this year’s event, “Knights in Rio”. Fr. Richard explained that Carnivale is celebrated in Rio much as Mardi Gras in New Orleans. He told the crowd to get ready for lots of color, samba music, and fun.

      A “Knights in Rio” trio, students Zach Lage, Zach Harvat, and Dan Whitaker demonstrated some Latin dance steps to authentic Brazilian music. Mount Michael yell leaders fired everyone up by leading the cheer, “Knight Power”. Door prizes were drawn with Michael Gibilisco ending up as the recipient of a room service breakfast to be delivered to his room by Mr. Ridder.

      Students departed for study hall and parents got down to serious business, as well. Larry and Cynthia Kritenbrink, General Chairs of Night of Knights, announced a net goal of $220,000 for the event which will create revenue for the school of $1,300 per student. Proceeds from the Night of Knights help bridge the gap between the tuition charged per student and the actual cost of his education.

      Revenues from Night of Knights come from underwriting, advertising, the silent and oral auctions, raffle ticket sales, and dinner tickets. Each family is asked to contribute auction items with a value of $150, sell four $100 raffle tickets, and assume the responsibility of serving on one committee.

      The Kritenbrinks stressed that financial success is only one goal of Night of Knights. It is an opportunity for the whole community to focus its efforts on a common goal. In that process, parents get to know their fellow parents, bonds of community are strengthened, and friendships are developed.