Inclusive Catholic education in action
Embracing All Learners
When hundreds gathered for Embrace the Brew, an annual celebration of inclusion in Catholic schools hosted by Embrace, Bishop Miege was front and center. The evening honored the mission of helping schools open their doors to students of every ability. Class of 2024 alumna Lola Kernell shared her story while other Miege students and staff were featured in a moving video. These stories of perseverance and faith capture the heart of what inclusive education means: a community where every student is seen, supported, and celebrated.
Bishop Miege Leads the Way in Inclusive Catholic Education
Joy filled the room as families, educators, and supporters came together to witness what belonging really means at this year’s Embrace the Brew. Bishop Miege stood as a vivid example of a school where faith and inclusion go hand in hand, showing that Catholic education can embrace every learner.
Lola Kernell’s Powerful Testimony
One of the highlights of the night came from Bishop Miege Class of 2024 graduate Lola Kernell, whose moving testimony brought the audience to its feet.
“The words of Matthew’s Gospel mean a lot to me, because as a student with Down Syndrome, I was accepted and supported in my Catholic school. I was able to learn, grow, and share my gifts because my school opened its doors to me, just as Jesus opens His arms to every child.” – Lola Kernell, Class of 2024 Alumna
Lola shared how, for years, she had to leave her Catholic school each day for public-school services — riding buses alone, even eating lunch on the bus.
“What I wanted the most was simple: to be fully part of my Catholic school community. That finally became possible thanks to Embrace. With their support, a resource teacher was hired, Mrs. Hurlbert, and she created a peer mentor program. For the first time I could stay all day, and it changed everything.”
That change opened the door to everything from theatre productions and Campus Ministry to leading a service project and being elected Prom Queen.
“Being part of everything gave me confidence, joy, and a deeper faith. Today, I’m in college using supports when I need them. I work at my dream job as an Advocacy Coordinator for the Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities, where I testify in Congress and speak about inclusion and disability rights.”
Her message to the crowd was clear.
“Our schools should be places where every child belongs, no matter their ability. Every child deserves to learn. Every child deserves to participate. Every child deserves to be part of their parish community.”
Stories of Support and Belonging
The evening also premiered an Embrace video featuring our robotics, cheerleading, and football teams and coaches, as well as three Bishop Miege students with their families.
For Principal Maureen Engen, working with Embrace has brought so many moments to celebrate to Miege.
“In 45 years of education, this partnership with Embrace has been my greatest joy,” Mrs. Engen said.
For the Anderson family, the journey to Catholic education wasn’t easy. When their son was entering first grade, they began searching for a school that could also welcome their daughter, Harper, who has Down Syndrome. As they called Catholic school after Catholic school, they kept hearing no. But then they found St. Agnes — where they met Kim Hammers, now the executive director of Embrace, and the Kernell family. This became the start of their family’s journey with inclusive Catholic education, allowing Harper to thrive in a community that embraces every student.
“I think the most impactful part of having Harper in a Catholic school system is the fact that she’s surrounded by people that understand the sanctity of life and how we all deserve to be treated well and respectfully.”
— Nicole Fearing
This experience became the foundation of their family’s journey with inclusive Catholic education, shaping the way Harper thrives in a community that embraces every student.
We know Embrace will continue to have a powerful impact at Miege this school year and for many more to come.
