The Cristo Rey Network established the Outrageously Bold Award two years ago to recognize individual exemplary performances and outstanding results at each CRN school. It celebrates those who dream big, and lead with courage, purpose, and heart. It was inspired by CRN founder Fr. John Foley’s words:
“…May we have faith in a dream so ambitious as to border on the delusional. May our hope be so outrageously bold that we are afraid people will laugh at us if they knew what we hoped for.”
The recipient of this year’s award at Cristo Rey Birmingham is Sarah Evans, a teacher in the English / Language Arts Department since 2016. Sarah has overseen our juniors in the AP Composition course for years, and this year will add the AP Literature course to her list.
She is excited to “engage with the students over classic and modern literature and continue to build their writing and critical thinking skills” with this course. Sarah’s students know her for her creativity in the classroom and for how she makes each student feel genuinely seen, cared for, and encouraged.
In addition to being a classroom teacher, Sarah is a second-year participant in the Teacher Leadership Academy, a program in conjunction with the Cristo Rey Network and Boston College. This program allows teachers to learn how to lead teams effectively and creates more school leaders that are learning the consistent language, techniques, and processes as administrators in the CRN.
Sarah says this opportunity has been rewarding and has allowed her to “gain confidence in leading my department, completing instructional rounds, planning and facilitating professional developments, and mentoring teachers who are new to the profession and Cristo Rey.” As she enters into year two of the program, she looks forward to continuing to lead her department and learn as much as possible about mentoring teachers based on their specific classroom needs.
Everyone at CRB is fortunate to have Sarah, and they are honored to call her their 2026 Outrageously Bold awardee!
Read more about our history of education ministry in Birmingham
