Senior Showcase 2020- Paul VI

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: Paul VI High School, Haddonfield

Colin McGravey is on his way to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where he plans to major in Physics. With him, he says, he is taking the confidence he gained at Paul VI High School in Haddonfield.  

“I came from middle school as a shy kid. I was pretty introverted. At PVI I really learned how to interact with other people and kind of put myself out there,” he said, adding that there were 600 students in his public middle school class.

With an average of 250 students per grade, Paul VI is the largest Catholic HS in the Diocese of Camden. But to the students who attend, it’s a small school, a family.

“We really value the environment that PVI has given us, not just socially with friends, but also academically and spiritually because PVI is a Catholic school,” said Iris Horng. “At PVI we really became more of a family… everyone has that school spirit. And we’re all really determined about our academics. The teachers at PVI have really helped shape this environment.” Iris also credits the teachers for preparing her to continue her education as a Math major at the University of Pennsylvania.  

Ben Trauger said he, too, feels well prepared for college – in his case, Temple University’s Fox School of Business. He credits Paul VI for practicing its motto: Freedom with Responsibility.

“In college a professor’s not going to chase you down to get the assignment in…That’s how it is at PVI. If you don’t hand something in you’re going to see the zero. Nobody’s chasing you down. It’s up to you to hand that assignment in on time…I think PVI’s really kind of set the precedent ‘you’re going to be on your own at some point so we might as well teach you here.’” Ben said students appreciate the amount of freedom they are given and want to “do the right thing,” so they don’t lose it.

Erika Ezeiruaku described the school’s teachers and leaders as easy to approach, putting time and effort into student’s lives. “They wanted you to do the best you absolutely could do,” said Erika, who plans to study neuroscience on a pre-med path at the University of Virginia.  

Student council, sports, peer leadership, music, Kairos retreat leadership, National Honor Society, service opportunities and numerous clubs are among the activities that kept Colin, Ben, Iris and Erika engaged during their four years at Paul VI. Erika said it was the diverse and extensive assortment of clubs and activities that drew her to Paul VI when she visited as a middle school student.

“If anybody has an idea, you can go to the administration, you can propose it, you can add another club and people join… that’s how relationships grow,” she said.

Iris agreed, saying she had easily started a STEM club at the school. In the classroom, Iris was able to pursue a personal interest by exploring the effects of music on mental health and stress through AP Capstone, a two year Research and Seminar program she and Colin participated in. 

Colin, Ben and Erika all said they had positive sports experiences at Paul VI, where they felt supported by coaches and grew through mentoring younger teammates. Ben and Erika were grateful for additional mentoring opportunities through the school’s Peer Leadership Program.

The foursome all spoke of the role service played during their high school years. Among their service highlights: Colin taught swimming lessons; Iris volunteered in the post anesthesia unit at HUP; Erika was a Kairos leader and spent a week with the Diocese of Camden’s Summer in the City program; and Ben spent time caring for the youngest refugees at a respite center in Texas.