Most gatherings of business professionals are devoted to improving their businesses in some way, usually by increasing profits or productivity. The routine was different in Cherry Hill a couple of weeks ago as executives, managers and business owners gathered to listen to someone with no business expertise, no business training and no business experience.
Cate Van Es, who has yet to graduate high school, was the speaker at the monthly breakfast meeting of the Catholic Business Network of South Jersey, held Feb. 14 at the Woodcrest Country Club.
The 18-year-old student acknowledged being unsure of herself when she was first asked to speak to the gathering. “What could professionals learn from me?” was her first thought, she told the crowd of individuals who would shortly leave the country club to spend the rest of their day making business decisions.
What she offered was a testimony to the kind of education offered by her school, Camden Catholic in Cherry Hill, and other Catholic schools — and a reminder that character, values and flexibility can be more important to employers than specialized training in an era where skills and knowledge constantly have to be updated.
She was introduced by Dr. Bill Watson, superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Camden.
“I have not only been taught many times about what values are important but also how to put them into practice every day of my life,” Cate said. “Honesty, trustworthiness and dependability have been instilled as the most important characteristics to look for in myself and others.”
Cate, who is currently volunteering with the Catholic Charities Income Tax Assistance Program, said her 13 years of Catholic school have taught her that “service to others, the church, and your community is an important part of everyday life.”
“Catholic school has also gifted me with grit and accountability,” said Cate, who has applied to the Air Force Academy.
“My teachers, as well as my parents, have taught me to take responsibility for my actions and to always be someone others can count on. They have taught me that I am in charge of my destination and must be my own advocate,” she said.
She finished by saying she is “truly blessed and thankful” for her Catholic education.
She received a standing ovation.