Photo: Head of School Catherine Oliver stands with a group of eager students at Christ Episcopal School, the Medium Business of the Year in 2025, a Gary Justice Business Excellence Award.
Christ Episcopal School named Medium Business of the Year
By Kelly Augustine, Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce
The Nacogdoches County Chamber board of directors has named Christ Episcopal School as the 2025 Medium Business of the Year, a Gary Justice Business Excellence Award, sponsored by Regions Bank. Head of School, Catherine Oliver, and some of the school’s staff, faculty, school board, and parent volunteers will be recognized at The Chamber’s 103rd Annual Meeting & Membership Banquet on Sept. 23 at The Fredonia Hotel & Convention Center.
Established in 1948, Christ Episcopal School (CES) is the oldest accredited school in Nacogdoches, educating youth from pre-school through fifth grade. Over the past 77 years, CES has built its reputation as a partner in the community.
Local business leader, Francis Spruiell, described the school as “a long-standing asset, graduating children who finish at the top of their classes in high school and move on to rewarding careers.”
Spruiell expressed her appreciation for the school fostering a ‘giving back’ atmosphere for students at a young age. “Theirs is a service-learning environment, and the students volunteer with our local organizations such as the Humane Society, Nacogdoches HOPE, Love INC, the Veterans’ Association, and CASA,” she said. “Christ Episcopal School is growing future chamber of commerce leaders, who will make our community successful.”
During her 10 years at Christ Episcopal School, Oliver is always delighted by how CES is held in high regard in many people’s hearts, and that many recognize its accomplishments as a Christian private educational institution.
“Throughout the years, we have had top-notch educators and administrators involved, as well as many devoted board members, whose involvement have been incredibly valuable and appreciated,” she said.
“Being able to incorporate the love of Christ throughout our days makes such a difference in the lives of our students,” Oliver said. “Weekly chapel with our priest, Father David Butorac, and weekly Christian education classes add a spiritual safe space for everyone to experience.”
She describes the CES annual auction as an extravaganza and thanks the parents and volunteers who are involved for their work in making it a night to remember. She also thanks any and all school and community members who have worked at or purchased pumpkins from the annual CES Pumpkin Patch. It provides families and individuals a place for fall enjoyment and memories.
“I have so many people I’d like to thank and I would like to start with the chamber of commerce for honoring the school with this award,” Oliver said. “I thank the Christ Episcopal Board of Trustees for their commitment to making CES its very best. They work very hard to make that happen.”
She appreciates the decades-long commitment of Business Coordinator Sandi Hopson, who has made an invaluable difference. “I’d like to thank the members of Christ Episcopal Church for their support, and the many businesses, individuals, and entities who generously donate to the school,” Oliver added.
Major donors for the school include the Massey Rose Foundation and the Charles and Lois Marie Bright Foundation. The Nacogdoches Junior Forum has awarded grants to the CES gardens, creating a beautiful outdoor setting for learning.
Oliver thanks Beverly Rase as an encourager who saw her potential while teaching second grade in Austin, and offered her the administrator position at Kirby High School years ago. She notes the continuous support from her family, husband John, and children Walker and Sarah, who “understand how much I love the CES students and how I make them and the school my main priority,” she said.
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