What Our Students Think Of Catholic School Education

January 18, 2020

The Clarion Herald posed the following three questions to students attending Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of New Orleans:

1. What teacher has had an impact on your life, and how did that happen?

2. What blessings have you received from your Catholic school education? Was there a challenging situation that your school (teachers or fellow students) helped you overcome?

3. How inspired have you been by the example of your parent(s) who have had to sacrifice in order to send you to Catholic school?

The response was overwhelming. The Clarion Herald received more than 150 submissions from across the archdiocese. The next few pages speak of the beauty of Catholic education more simply and poignantly than just about anything else we could dream of.

Thank you teachers, parents and students!

What a brotherhood

Terrance Williams

Sophomore

St. Augustine High School

Even though I haven’t been at St. Augustine High School for a long time, I enjoy this Catholic high school. I feel a deep brotherly connection here that no other high school has given off (and, for reference, I’ve been to three high schools).

I can truly say this is a brotherhood and a unified school, with people getting along the majority of the time.

The school I attended before this forced me to walk through a metal detector, have my bag searched as well as being patted down every morning before I could even enter the school. This school didn’t even start the academic year until a month after others had begun. I was going to a school where we mostly had orientation from 8 a.m. to 4:10 p.m. every day.

My parents saw this and figured they needed to change my high school before I fell even further behind, so I came to St. Aug in September. Even though they couldn’t afford to send me here, they still found a way to ensure my education was taken care of. They saw this school as a tremendous Catholic school that received plenty of scholarship opportunities for students.

Witnessing my parents do this makes me strive to obtain a 4.0 and nothing less than 93% on any of my assignments. They inspired me to apply to various art and STEM programs to receive scholarship opportunities.

St. Aug has also instilled a “get it” attitude in me, which made my parents even more satisfied with their decision. I love St. Augustine, and I push hard every day to make sure my parents’ efforts are never going to waste.

Sacrifice of a lifetime

Farrah Labadie

Junior

Academy of Our Lady

Growing up, I have always been taught to put God at the center of my life. Even though this statement stuck with me as the years went on, I truly did not realize the importance of God in my life until I was sent to a Catholic high school.

Throughout my childhood, my family and I encountered both emotional and financial hardships that made it hard to attend a Catholic elementary and middle school. However, my parents promised my sisters and me to always give us the best possible education, no matter the sacrifice.

When my parents divorced during middle school, my mother was devastated, as she was left with a financial burden and nowhere to turn. Since money was tight, my mother worked long and hard at her job and at home. I could only imagine the struggle my mother went through as she was still raising my sister and me during this long hardship. Regardless, my mother kept her faith and pushed through the obstacles, and after finishing middle school, I was fortunate enough to attend a Catholic high school as well.

Looking back, I remember the times my mother and I would pray for the blessings we have now such as financial stability, happiness and peace. Her sacrifice for us to attend a Catholic high school allowed me to truly learn about God in a different light and deepen my relationship with him. Now, I can sincerely say that I have grown so much closer to God through my Catholic education and am able to share my faith with others.

Because of my mother’s continued faith in God no matter what happens in life, I have learned that God gives his toughest battles to his strongest soldiers, and with God, anything is possible.

Lifted my burdens

Bailey Gossett

Senior

Abp. Chapelle High School

My Catholic education has influenced the way I handle any and every situation. Archbishop Chapelle has helped me to see “Deus Providebit” (God Will Provide) as more than a motto but as a way of life.

In my junior year, my dad was diagnosed with cancer, and my life suddenly consisted of new challenges and experiences. Through it all, being at Chapelle allowed me to never have a moment when I felt as if I was alone. I saw God’s grace daily through my teachers’ selfless offerings of constant support and through my friends who anchored and encouraged me to keep my focus on God’s never-ending love.

Throughout my time at Chapelle, I’ve had the privilege of learning new concepts and receiving a top-notch education, but more importantly, I’ve been given the support and guidance to become the woman God has called me to be.

I’ve learned to keep my eyes on Jesus instead of the things that weigh me down. I am now able to deal with every situation with the knowledge that God will provide, helping me find overwhelming peace in the chaos of life.

The missing piece

Jack Robinson

Junior

Brother Martin High School

Brother Martin High School has blessed me with not only an amazing education but also with a brotherhood and a family.

Throughout elementary, middle and the beginning of high school, I attended small public schools. At these schools, I personally experienced fights, drama and bullying, and I knew I was missing something important to my academic and religious success. I yearned to escape the school that was hurting me so much, so I asked my parents if I could switch.

I made my decision and switched to Brother Martin High School.

My first day was halfway through the school year, and I was nervous I would experience the same toxic relationships I had experienced at my old school. What I found, however, was eye-opening and life-changing.

At Brother Martin, I found a brotherhood of teachers and friends who were supportive and sincere. I found a community where my faith was accepted and practiced. I found a place where I knew I could grow as an individual and a young man.

I had found the missing piece I was searching for. My switch to a Catholic education and the blessings it has brought will forever impact my life.

Going the extra mile

Julia Laiche

7th grade

St. Joan of Arc, LaPlace

“God created teachers in his wisdom and his grace.”

Many teachers have taught me things I have been lucky enough to use in my life. One, in particular, stands out – my seventh-grade homeroom teacher Mr. Flynn.

Mr. Flynn and his wife created the youth group here at St. Joan of Arc called “The Ascent.” Almost every weekend, we get together with many other kids in our church parish. At these meetings, we interact with one another and truly deepen our faith. Not only do we get the opportunity to join in prayer with Jesus by our sides, but we also have campfires, prayer sessions and so much more.

Along with that, Mr. Flynn tries to incorporate religion in most of our classwork, whether that is by starting with prayer or strictly learning about God. He has been an amazing influence on my life, along with the lives of my classmates.

Not only is Mr. Flynn a great example of a follower of Christ, but he really cares about his students and wants everyone to succeed.

Loving classmates

Kenzee Rodriguez

4th grade

St. Benilde School

During my years of having a Catholic school education, I have received the blessings of reconciliation and First Communion. I have also been blessed by being able to go to a Catholic school and learning about Jesus and his teachings.

Even though I’m adopted and don’t see my biological mom or dad, my fellow classmates have not made me feel like an outsider. My classmates and friends make me feel so welcome and included. My classmates have also made me feel like I belong at a Catholic school, and I belong with my amazing adoptive parents.

I’m always loved by my classmates, family and teachers. I am so glad to be blessed with such amazing friends and a great family. I thank my family and all of my educators who taught me about Jesus, his disciples, the Ten Commandments, the Beatitudes and, especially, that I am loved, no matter what.

Gateway to the church

Shelby Fischer

6th grade

St. Margaret Mary, Slidell

The biggest blessing I have received from my Catholic school education was being baptized into the Catholic faith. On March 26, 2016, at St. Margaret Mary, I received the sacraments of baptism, Communion and confirmation at the Easter Vigil.

My parents supported my decision, and Ms. Amanda (Catechesis of the Good Shepherd teacher) and Ms. Misty (the Director of Religious Education) helped us.

After I was baptized, I felt happy and like a huge weight was lifted from my shoulders. A Bible verse that was special to me during this time was 1 Samuel 3:9: “… and it shall be if He calls you, that you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’”

I think we should all be servants of the Lord and are called to spread kindness and joy. I know I can always turn to God in times of hardship. Now, it has been almost four years since I joined the Catholic Church, and I am happy with my decision.

Ditch elitist stereotype

Ami Brooks

Senior

St. Augustine High School

In movies, private Catholic schools are perceived to be rich, elitist institutions where the wealthiest stand on top – a social hierarchy.

Contrary to popular belief, it’s nothing like the movies. My time at St. Augustine High school has been a vital asset to my growth as a human being and to my success in the future.

Some blessings I have received from this experience have been an exceptional education, fantastic alumni network, in-depth knowledge of God, incredible, lifelong friends and impeccable teachers.

During my sophomore year, I was dealing with depression, and my theology teacher, Father Peter Weiss, and Father Tony Ricard reminded me that I wasn’t alone and I was loved throughout everything.

Private Catholic schools can be very expensive, but there are financial aids, grants, work-study, scholarships and additional alternatives to help low-income families afford it.

Extra help, with love

Camilo Fernandez

Junior

Brother Martin High School

After moving to the United States from Venezuela in 2010, I faced a language and cultural barrier that took a substantial amount of time to overcome. My adaptation occurred largely due to the actions of my second-grade teacher at St. Mary Magdalen, Mrs. Condon.

In a place where I felt like I did not belong, she welcomed me and took the time to teach me, never losing patience or determination. Her teaching helped not only with my academics but also with my confidence and mannerisms, as I was new to a school with foreign customs. She helped me when I had trouble with pronunciation or simply did not understand what she or others said. If I had any trouble or had any questions, I knew she was the one to ask as she was an approachable and compassionate teacher.

Mrs. Condon came to class every day excited, ready to teach, loving what she did and those she taught. She instilled a love for reading, which led me quickly to become one of the top readers in the school, having a college-level reading ability by the time I was in the sixth grade. While she did not look for perfection, she had a desire for my success, challenging me in a way many others have not. She has had a large role in shaping me into the person I am today, and I could never be grateful enough for her work.

Environment of love

Lindsey Nguyen

Senior

Academy of Our Lady

I imagine a life where I never stepped into the halls of a Catholic school, and all I see is someone I do not know.

I have been a Catholic my whole life, born and raised. There is no reason for me to hold that back, because many people I encounter notice that at the start from the way I carry myself.

Since elementary school, I learned the basic yet life-changing values that make me who I am today. At a young age, everyone is taught right from wrong. Catholic school allowed me to learn how to apply my morals to situations.

It is an instinct now. Everyone may see that as a basic necessity in life that everyone is able to obtain, but I know many who did not benefit the same from their school.

Attending a Catholic school has placed me in an environment of love that is unlike anywhere else. My school really is like a second family. While some are placed in environments that lead them down bad paths, I am blessed to have learned many values from Catholic education that allow me to spread love all around.

Hallway encouragement

Nicholas Lemoine

Junior

Brother Martin High School

I find it somewhat ironic that the teacher who has made one of the most significant impacts on me not only never taught me but also most likely has no idea that he had an impact at all.

This faculty member is never seen without a smile and will always greet you using your name. I can’t even pinpoint a time where I had a long conversation with him, but the small encounters are where he prospers.

He will ask you how your day is going or how a previous situation went or even how you are doing in a class that you briefly mentioned two weeks earlier that you were struggling in. This attention to detail accentuates his genuine consideration for each student, whether he has been in his class or not.

In ephemeral times of chaos, that one- to two-minute chat with someone who is truly listening helps more than this reflection could ever describe, and that is exactly when Mr. Mavor is there. Whether it be in the hallways or even in those small moments when you are walking out the door to go home, he will be there sacrificing his own time to have a conversation.

Future pediatrician?

Krysta Clement
7th grade

St. Joan of Arc, LaPlace

A teacher who has truly impacted my life is Mrs. Tammy Villeret. She teaches the pre-K2 class at my school, St. Joan of Arc.

I help her out at recess, and when I have extra time, I love hanging out with all of her students. She has taught me how to be caring and how to keep my head up. She always has a smile on her face, and it’s definitely contagious. Her happy and easygoing attitude always gets me going.

Mrs. Tammy teaches me how to work well with children so I can achieve my dream of being a pediatrician or a teacher like her. Without her, I wouldn’t be very motivated to come to school every day. She has helped me to be the person I am, and I will never forget her impact on me.

My future will be very influenced by what I’ve learned from her. She has taught me how to achieve my dreams. Mrs. Tammy is truly one of the kindest people I’ve ever met, and she’ll always have a special place in my heart.

Band of brothers

Jaedon Simmons

Sophomore

St. Augustine High School

My Catholic education has not only been a positive influence in my life but it has also given me another chance at achieving my dreams. The old school I attended three years ago didn’t care about my well-being, and I was left feeling depressed and neglected.

Once I became a Purple Knight, it felt like I could be myself again and be able to have control over my destiny. My Catholic education has blessed me with a peace of mind as well as a new opportunity to get the proper, personalized education I’ve needed.

The band in this school not only is a legendary symbol of New Orleans; it is also a legendary symbol of a rebirth of creativity and passion for something in my life.

I never picked up a trombone in my life until I joined the St. Augustine Marching l00. I never found much appreciation for playing an instrument until I joined this band. It has revived my love for music and creative arts, and I couldn’t be more thankful.

Hugs all around

Stevie Doubleday

4th grade

St. Benilde School

I chose to write about Mrs. Thibodeaux because she is a great teacher, and she has helped me a lot.

When I was in first grade, my sister was in her class. She was doing Reflex math games for homework. I wanted to play, too, so Mrs. Thibodeaux signed me up to play. She was always very nice to me.

When I was in third grade at Our Lady of Divine Providence, she was my teacher. I loved being in her class. If there was something I needed help with, she would explain it to me over and over, even if it took seven times! She would always help me and never gave up on me.

Sometimes when I was feeling sad or overwhelmed, she would always tell me that it would be OK, and she would give me lots of hugs.

Mrs. Thibodeaux has impacted my life by teaching me to never give up, keep trying and working hard and that everything will be OK, and chocolate makes everything better.

I owe it all to you

Rachelle Sancho

Senior

Academy of Our Lady

Without my grandpa’s sacrifices and dedication, Catholic education would have been an impossibility for me.

My Grandpa Jules is the most amazing and intelligent person I know. He has so much life experience. He’s excelled as an officer in the National Guard, an aviation specialist and an innovative math teacher.

My parents love and support me, but my grandpa is the biggest reason for my outstanding academic achievements and successes. He has been by my side since I was 4 years old and has done nothing but push me to do my absolute best. He inspires me because he was willing to give up a lot of his time to tutor me and give me a Catholic education.

He is the reason I am a straight A student. He is the reason I have a bright future ahead. He is the reason I am who I am.

Words cannot express the love I have for my grandpa. I owe it all to him and will continue to do my absolute best to make him proud.

Strive for excellence

Connor Baudry

Junior

Brother Martin High School

I have received many blessings from my Catholic school education. Some of the main gifts that Catholic education has given me is that it has taught me to always strive for excellence, and it has helped me become closer to God through service work.

I strive for excellence in everything I do and always give it my best try, no matter how much I do not want to do it.

An advantage of going to a Catholic school is that you get to do service work. When you do service work, you help people who are less fortunate than you. It feels really good to help people, and it has deepened my relationship with God.

Another gift that Catholic schools bring are friends who share the same values as you. They help you and motivate you to do your best always. They don’t try to bring you down. They will help you with anything you do not understand.

A friend in sadness

Brooke Ledet

7th grade

St. Charles Borromeo

In third grade, I had a teacher named Mrs. Hafford. That year, I went through a very tough time with my family. My uncle had been diagnosed with Stage Four cancer, and he fought a difficult fight. Unfortunately, he passed away a few years later.

While I was in Mrs. Hafford’s class, she was always there for me when I was sad. Sometimes, I would be having a rough day and she would always raise my spirits by helping me get through it. She taught me many coping skills to get me through the struggles, skills that I still use today.

Even after I moved on from third grade, she would still check in on me.

I was blessed to have her as my teacher, and now my school is blessed to have her as our principal, where she is in a position to touch many lives.

Although this is my last year at St. Charles Borromeo, Mrs. Hafford has taught me things that I will carry with me throughout the rest of my life. I will definitely miss my St. Charles Borromeo family.

Patient and kind

Rahnya Bridges

7th grade

St. Joan of Arc, LaPlace

The blessing I have received is getting closer to God. I’ve been going to a Catholic school my whole life. Because of what I learned, it made me want to get baptized.

The teachers here are really good to me. I have always been a bad speller, and one teacher stayed after school to help me. It helped, and I went from a C in spelling to a B.

Lots of teachers have done similar things for me. They helped bring my grades up because they saw something in me. I’m very thankful for them and all that they have done for me.

Without them I would have probably repeated a grade. They all had an impact on me. The kids at my schools were also nice. I am very shy, and them being so nice helps me to get out of my comfort zone. I’m very happy that they do that for me.

Inspirational supermom

Lorynn Coulon

Senior

Academy of Our Lady

Growing up without my father is something I have become accustomed to. I’ve never known anything different. Although some may feel sorry for me and see this as a disadvantage, I have never gone without anything in my life. My mother has done everything in her power to provide for my brother and me, and by this I am truly inspired.

My mother is the most inspirational woman in my life for many reasons. She took on the role of both parents and did the best she possibly could. She provided the best life for us that she was capable of providing. She also sacrificed other things in her life so that my brother and I could receive a Catholic education.

Amazingly enough, she did all of this by herself. I hope that one day in my life I can become the strong, independent, caring woman that I have seen my mom be my entire life.

My hero

Joseph Simmons IV

Senior

St. Augustine High School

Growing up, I’ve never enjoyed going to school, until things got interesting. In my junior year, Mr. Evan Phillips arrived as my new English instructor.

Mr. Phillips was very energetic and passionate about his craft – and serious. Most students wouldn’t like teachers like that, but I felt differently. Mr. Phillips’ mannerisms and traits were similar to mine, so I think we bonded more than the rest of my class.

As time went on, we grew closer, building a mentor/mentee relationship that eventually turned into more of a father figure role played by him. He opened my eyes and mind to the world I live in. He taught me things that most don’t receive at home or in the classroom. He impacted my life in a huge way that couldn’t be explained in words.

I’ll forever appreciate every single thing he’s done for me.

Leave your place better

Navia Nguyen

7th grade

St. Joan of Arc, LaPlace

Throughout my childhood, my parents set a good example for me. They’ve taught me between right and wrong. They have inspired me to become a good person in life when I grow up. They also taught me that in life, people make mistakes and that no one is perfect.

My parents have sacrificed many things so I can go to a Catholic school. They wanted me to get a good education, so they decided to sacrifice something in life. My parents both taught me that being the best isn’t important, but it is important to be the one that people love because of your kindness.

For example, when you leave a place where you’ve been your whole life, you don’t want to be remembered as a kid who was mean or didn’t do anything, but you should be remembered as a child who was kind and stood up for others. Therefore, my parents made a huge impact on my life, and they both have taught me many things.

Calmed my nerves

Alyssa Parfait

4th grade

St. Benilde School

Life changes are sometimes very scary. This is my first year here because my old school closed in May 2019.

I was very nervous when it was time to go back in August 2019. It was a new place, a new schedule and a lot of new names to remember.

Then, my teacher introduced herself to me again and I felt calm. She has made learning easy and fun. She explains new information so I understand it, helps with extra teaching when needed and prepares me for tests.

Mrs. Gaudet is very kind and patient. I am so glad she is my teacher. The transition was smooth, and she really cares about my education.

All teachers make a difference with learning, but Mrs. Gaudet has made this new year extra fun, and I want to thank her for all of her help. Her caring attitude has made a difference in my education.

I will remember this

Annie Schneidau

6th grade

St. Margaret Mary, Slidell

My parents were both raised in the Catholic faith and decided to pay for me and three of my siblings to go to a Catholic school. I am so inspired by their ability to put their children before themselves money wise, and I know that I am so blessed.

If God wants me to be a mom someday, I will remember how my parents sent me to a wonderful Catholic school and do the same for my kids. When there are times I am aggravated that I have to go to school, I remember that some kids can’t afford to go to a Catholic school.

I also know that some kids around the world don’t even go to school. God has worked through my parents in such wonderful ways, and I am so happy that I get the privilege to learn about Jesus at a Catholic school.

Honoring her sacrifice

Kendal Rowan

Senior

St. Augustine High School

I have been inspired by many sacrifices for my education from many different people. The sole provider, and the one who has inspired me the most, is my mother. She has given up many things just to put me through school and make sure I stay in a Catholic school.

Being a single parent, she has sacrificed her time and money while working four jobs to help pay for the cost of me attending St. Augustine High School. Her sacrifices are the reason I keep going.

I wake up in the morning knowing that I have someone who has invested in me and believes in me. I do not think I would be put in Catholic school if she did not believe I would prosper.

To do my mother justice, I maintain good grades while excelling in extracurricular activities. She has inspired me to stay true to myself and live life to the fullest. I cannot have any regrets, and I cannot leave the earth without making something of my life.

I owe everything to her, and all that is wanted is for me to be successful. I believe her sacrifices will not ever be paid for, but I can try.

A mother’s love

Dhax Tribou

4th grade

St. Benilde School

I am very happy that I can go to Catholic school. I would not be able to do this without the help of my mom.

My mom takes care of me and my 2-year-old brother. She goes to her job every day to make money to help pay for me to go to Catholic school. She does not mind working so much because she wants me to have a good education and learn about my Catholic faith.

My favorite subject is religion. I like learning about Jesus and the saints.

My mom helps me with my homework every night, even when she is very tired or sick. She fixes food for us and gets my uniforms ready for school.

I hope when I grow up, I can send my kids to Catholic school. I want to be like my mom and work hard so my kids get the best education and learn about Jesus.

Connecting the faith

Libby Talbot

Freshman

Academy of the Sacred Heart

As a student of the Academy of the Sacred Heart, my faith is continuously strengthened and incorporated into the work I do in school.

My freshman class, for example, was assigned a religion project that required us to research artists and interpret the way they understood Jesus. We later created our own artwork in the style of our chosen artist. We basically tied library skills, theology and art all into one piece.

Projects such as these teach youth that Jesus can be found everywhere in our lives.

Countless blessings

Sutton Tallant

5th grade

St. Benilde School

On my first day of third grade at St. Benilde, my teacher introduced me to the class. I was new and nervous. Ms. Bonura took extra time with me and was very loving and kind.

I came to St. Benilde because my parents found out I had a learning disability. They chose St. Benilde because of their ELC program. After Christmas vacation, Ms. Bonura and my other teachers encouraged my parents to place me in regular classes. Without that encouragement, we would not have felt confident enough to make that decision.

I have been blessed to have great teachers. They have helped me overcome my learning disability and given me the confidence to believe in myself. My teachers, Ms. Gaudet and Ms. Rabalais, teach and encourage me the same way Ms. Bonura did on my first day.

Not only do they teach me my regular classes, they teach me compassion and kindness and are examples of God’s love. They are amazing and do this for every child.

These are the blessings we receive from a Catholic school education.

Beyond the classroom

Emmanuel Levy

Senior

Brother Martin High School

Through Catholic school education, I have been blessed with the opportunity to be surrounded in a welcoming, supportive and nurturing environment in which the priority is the well-being and success of the students, led by the Christ-like example of the faculty.

The teachers at Brother Martin truly care about the students’ needs, willing to sacrifice their time to help solve issues both at school and at home. This selfless attitude engenders feelings of trust and confidence toward the teachers, establishing a strong rapport. This also opens the gates to a more responsive and intellectually motivated atmosphere in which serious and sophisticated conversations centered on religious and moral values take place.

These discussions extend beyond the religion classroom: I am able to support and bring validity to the pro-life movement with facts I learn in my biology class and find the best route for change through the lessons of my civics class. I am beyond grateful to have my faith and values built and strengthened upon these foundations.

I know that I can leave the confines of Brother Martin High School and enter a world of chaos, confident in my ability to stay firm to my religious convictions and to face whatever moral dilemmas I may encounter along the way.

Budding author

Warren Stevens

Sophomore

St. Augustine High School

Last year February, I was afforded the opportunity to submit an essay on something that was really dear to my heart – social injustice. Father Tony Ricard decided to publish the best writings, and that led to my first publication as a co-author.

Becoming a co-author has allowed me to encourage and motivate more people than I ever could have imagined. I have been able to travel to many states and speak at youth conferences. Father Tony has blessed me with this great opportunity.

Traveling the world with Father Tony has inspired me to become a motivational speaker. Father Tony picking me for this opportunity has made a big impact on me, and I personally changed lives.

I am looking forward to the next trips, not just to view the beautiful sites but also to inspire more people.

Piano confidence

Taylor Hamback

Senior

Academy of Our Lady

The first time I placed my hands on those black and white keys, I knew I was going to struggle. Playing piano wasn’t something I had ever planned to do, and it wasn’t very simple.

It was so hard to develop my playing skills, especially because every time I would mess up, I would stop and give up. That was until my teacher, Mr. Clark Knighten, intervened and completely shifted the way I saw not only myself but playing the piano as well.

When he first noticed my struggles, he would spend time helping me to hit the right keys and make sure I was playing on tempo. As he realized how frustrated I would become, he began to motivate me even more. Every day, he would say things to help boost my confidence. He would remind me of how I was a child of God and that God gives me the strength to do any and everything I could think of.

He taught me to have more confidence, personally and musically. Gliding my fingers across the keys became easier by the day, because “confidence” makes perfect.

Real ‘superheroes’

Quinn Williams

Junior

Brother Martin High School

My parents are like superheroes in my eyes.

My parents have four children, all of us being sent to Catholic schools. As a child, I thought this was normal; however, now that I am growing older, I am really starting to appreciate the education my parents worked to give me and my three other brothers.

My father is a lawyer and has worked my whole life for our family. My mother did not always work but started working in the hospitality industry as a way to help out with the load of four children in Catholic schooling and three who would soon be heading to college.

My parents work all the time to help support my family and allow my brothers and me to be able to do things that we might have never have gotten the chance to do otherwise. No amount of gratitude would be enough to show my parents how thankful I am for the work they do to get my family the best education possible as a young Catholic and student.

The gift of a good education may be the most important thing someone could have, and my parents knew this and worked to give all of their children the gift that most will never receive.

Nonstop workers

Margaux Mouton

4th grade

St. Joan of Arc, LaPlace

I have been so inspired by the example of my parents. They have done so much for my sister and me. I think they have done a fantastic job of raising me and making me a well-mannered young lady.

I would love to raise my child just like how my parents raised me, their daughter.

They are always looking out for me. I look up to them in awe. I can’t imagine where I would be without them. They have taught me so much. They also push me to try new things and go out of my comfort zone.

My parents work a lot to send my sister and me to a Catholic school. My dad works for a nuclear plant during the day, so he comes home at around 6 p.m.

My mom works at a daycare center and only works three days a week. I barely see my dad. He’s only free on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. When he is home, he’s either working on a project in the garage or doing bills in the office.

Even though we have a busy life, I still love my parents and I will never stop loving them.

So many virtues

Vance Andry

5th grade

St. Christopher School

Ms. Gradwohl has had a very big impact on my life. She is the assistant principal at St. Christopher. She helps me in math and in reading. She always cheers me up when I’m sad or bummed. She is always there for us. She always helps anyone when she can.

She really cares for our school, and she cares for us. She encourages us to push harder and to keep on trying. She encourages us to go be what we want to be when we grow up.

She is so calm to people. She has funny stories and jokes to tell.

Ms. Gradwohl really loves her job like she loves Jesus. She is not strict. She is kind. She is loving. We are very lucky for Ms. Gradwohl to be at our school.

Overflowing blessings

Ella Garcia

7th grade

St. Mary Magdalen

Catholic school is a blessing by itself, but there are many blessings you receive by attending Catholic school.

I’m sure you could list millions, but my top three are: 1. Making great friendships; 2. Having a church to visit; and 3. Building a closer relationship with God.

One blessing I have received at St. Mary Magdalen is great friends. Through the years, I’ve formed so many great relationships with people. Some bonds feel as if they will never end. I’ve learned so many things about so many people, and I love every friend that I have ever made here.

Another blessing is that I now have a church to visit. Every Wednesday, our school attends Mass together. It’s always a fun time because I am in the choir. I go to church as often as I can, and I always go to St. Mary Magdalen.

The final and most important blessing I have received from Catholic school is a closer relationship with God. Through prayer, religion class and church, I have learned so much. In religion class, we learn about Jesus’ childhood and the works of his life.

Overall, I have more blessings than I can count.