Routt Catholic High School hosted their 3rd Annual Ultimate Routt Day on Thursday, April 1, 2021.
Historically, April 1st has been Founders Day at Routt. Celebrations on this day go back to 1905 when, dressed in their best, students would spend the afternoon at the Routt family residence on South Main Street in Jacksonville.
The large north parlor of the house was used as a social room and the first hour was devoted to a program featuring class representatives paying homage to their beloved founder, William Routt, on his birthday.
After the presentations, students were free to spend the rest of the afternoon enjoying delicacies prepared by Martha Routt, admiring the family library, listening to music in the living room, or playing billiards on the third floor. As a perfect ending to any great day, a professional group photo was captured before the group dispersed.
Since the early 1900s several events have taken place on April 1st to commemorate this special day, but in 2019, Ultimate Routt Day was established. The 2019 event was celebrated with students, faculty, and staff of Routt Catholic High School. There was a cookout for lunch, games and activities in the afternoon, and a service fair that was organized entirely by the students. As William Routt would have wanted, an all-school picture was taken to remember the special day.
The entire Routt community also took part in Ultimate Routt Day, participating in a dedicated day-of-giving where 143 individuals made financial gifts to the school, raising over $12,500.
One year later and plans were well underway for the second annual Ultimate Routt Day but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all in-person plans were canceled. Despite that, the day of giving plans moved forward and once again, the response was thrilling: 154 individuals made gifts totaling over $15,000 for Routt Catholic High School.
On April 1, 2021, the students, faculty, and staff of Routt Catholic High School once again celebrated Ultimate Routt Day.
The day included a number of pandemic-friendly activities: lunch, music and yard games, an all-school picture, a kickball tournament, and concluded with sweet treats from the Safeco Ice Cream Trolley.
“The resiliency our students have shown over the last 12 months has been nothing short of inspiring,” says Routt Development and Enrollment Director, Colleen Doyle.
“We were thrilled to be able to plan a day like this, not only to thank them for all they’ve done this year, but also to celebrate who they are as students, who we are as a school, and the rich traditions that we are so lucky to follow.”
“Our goal for the day of giving was 200 individual gifts. I’m thrilled to share that, with some gifts still coming in, we surpassed that goal and are at over 230!! The impact these individuals have made on our school is incredible and we are so thankful for the support!” said Doyle.
The school is still collecting contributions. Donors can send cash or check to Routt Catholic High School with a note indicating it’s for Ultimate Routt Day or go to RouttCatholic.com/ultimaterouttday. All gifts – no matter the size – are welcome.
For questions or more information, contact Colleen Doyle at cdoyle@routtcatholic.com.
