As the 2019-20 school year came to a close, The Catholic Star Herald spent time with seniors – now graduates — from diocesan and independent Catholic high schools in the Diocese of Camden. COVID-19, social distancing and remote learning aside, we wanted to know what they value most about their high school experience. We asked them what makes their schools unique, how prepared they feel for college, how they worked with and served others, and what advice they would give to someone just starting high school.
The graduation edition of the Catholic Star Herald featured an overview of our conversations and a look at experiences students had because they were willing to try new things in high school.
Today, we’re sharing more from: Bishop Eustace Preparatory School, Pennsauken
Opportunity. Service. Collaboration. Excellence.
These words came to mind from the 2020 high school graduates of Bishop Eustace Preparatory School, when discussing their last four years at the Pennsauken school, and the lessons learned.
High School Activities: Student Council, Admissions Ambassador, Baseball
Plans for Fall 2020: American University
“As I go on to college, it will be my Eustace education that has set me up for success,” knows Connor Reed.
“The school prides itself on setting up a unique environment, so that each individual student may reach their own goals,” while also stressing “collaboration with others.”
In doing so, “They lay the groundwork to propel you to new heights,” he says.
His classmate, Michelle Quinn, agrees.
“Bishop Eustace is a very supportive environment; they want you to find different avenues that interest you, and succeed”
High School Activities: Gardening Club, Basketball, Ethics team
Plans for Fall 2020: University of Delaware
One of those interests the school helped cultivate, was allowing her to start its first Gardening Club.
“We brightened up our campus with flowers, as well as planting an herb garden and donating the fresh herbs we grew to Cathedral Kitchen in Camden,” to help feed the needy, she said.
Her desire to reach out to the less fortunate led her to also participate in the school’s Tax Prep program, where students helped prepare pro bono tax returns for local low-income and non-English speaking residents.
Michelle found this work “a fulfilling experience, because I could sit down and talk with a lot of different people, with different backgrounds and life stories.”
High School Activities: Yearbook Club, Pre-Med Club, Swim Team
Plans for Fall 2020: Immaculata University
Kaitlyn Klitchko and Andrew Pasco, as well, found meaning through their service at the school.
“Service is part of our life” at the school, Kaitlyn said.
“Every Sunday I visited a rehab center, helping sick patients and teens. I realized how much one person can mean to someone. These individuals look forward to us coming every week. The time is worth it, to see the smiles on their faces.
Andrew began a school chapter of the Alex’s Lemonade Stand national organization, which collects money for childhood cancer research.
High School Activities: Robotics Team, Swim Team, Phoenix Literary Magazine Plans for Fall 2020: California Institute of Technology
As a member of the school’s swim team, he recalled the struggles he and his teammates went through, and how they grew together as a team and realized collective success: “When you fail and you have to get past that failure, and you have people you can do so with, that’s where the best learning comes from.”
Encountering a school family that supported him throughout, helped shape Andrew as he steps into the future.
“We do the best, when we work together,” he said, adding that “Finding my place helped me make the most (of my time).”
Previous Senior Showcase 2020 entries: Paul VI
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