Some came wearing funny hats, while others came grasping the hand of a grandparent. Still others brought spelling words swimming around in their heads, or what might be the answer to a question posed at a "knowledge bowl."

But the one thing students from all the Catholic schools in the Diocese of Dodge City shared when they came to school Jan. 1-Feb. 4 for Catholic Schools Week was the desire to have a fun time, and based on what the SKR witnessed over the week, they weren’t disappointed.

Events ranged from devouring strawberry sundaes, to sewing quilts, to taking part in a "knowledge bowl" in which teams of students tested their wits. There were spelling bees, where students were asked to spell words that would test a Catholic newspaper editor. There was even a day spent at the Cosmosphere museum in Hutchinson – an event that couldn’t be limited to a half-page of coverage.

There were activities that had children creating blankets and valentines for the elderly, and several schools had days honoring grandparents with musical presentations and shared lunches.

And of course there was Mass – song and praise and celebration of the Eucharist, the foundation on which their schools are built.

The SKR was fortunate to be able to visit each school in the diocese over the week. Though only one event is recorded from each school, the celebration was week-long, each day honoring Catholic schools, their students, teachers and parents, in a new way.

For those taking a gander at these pictures who didn’t go to Catholic school or who don’t have children in Catholic school, look at them as a celebration of hope, a hope that is present in the hearts of students, teachers and parents from all schools, Catholic, public, and private.