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: Saint Joseph High School, Hammonton
High School Activities:
Student Government, Bowling, Football
Plans for Fall 2020:
Rowan University
Stepping into the halls of Hammonton’s Saint Joseph High School four years ago, Stephen Omrod admits that he was a shy youth. It wasn’t long though, until the school’s family atmosphere made him comfortable enough to branch out, making friends and taking part in such activities as student government, bowling, and football.
“I grew as an individual” at Saint Joseph, he stressed, adding that coming from a public middle school to Catholic school, “you’re just a number in public school, but people know you at Saint Joseph.”
Stephen also appreciated the Catholic faith that he learned, and the importance of assisting those in need.
“As a project with the football team, we would do a toy drive every year. You feel a sense of good, after helping others.”
High School Activities:
National Honor Society, Bowling, Ski Club
Plans for Fall 2020:
Villanova University
His classmate, Frank Donio, also cited the school’s focus on service as something he takes with him as he starts his college career at Villanova University in the fall; as a member of the Mock Trial Team, he sat on the Juvenile Conference Committee Council.
Frank says that Saint Joseph changed him from someone always wanting to “be in control” of group projects, to a team player.
“I had to ask others for help,” and focus more on teamwork and collaboration to achieve success.
“It’s good to know I had people willing to help me.”
The school’s Catholic values and principles have also stayed with Frank.
“Saint Joseph High School (brought) my faith to the next level,” with Mass once a month, and flexible opportunities for confession.
High School Activities:
Art Club, Field Hockey, Model UN Plans for Fall 2020:
United States Merchant Marine Academy
For Brooke Crowley, the high school helped her rediscover the faith.
“When I was in public school, I abandoned my faith,” she says.
“At Saint Joseph, I got back into it. I even ended up leading our school’s Kairos retreat, to help my classmates strengthen their (own) faith.”
As she moves on to the United States Merchant Marine Academy, she will remember the support system found as a Wildcat.
The teachers went above and beyond “to make sure I was prepared. Their doors were open 24/7; they wanted to see me succeed,” she said, adding that their help was not confined to the classroom, but extended to the field hockey contests (where Brooke excelled) and other extracurricular activities.
Brook echoed Frank’s sentiments about finding the comfort to reach out for support.
“You can’t do everything by yourself. I’ve learned…that people are always going to be there to lift you up.”
“The school became a tight-knit group,” Stephen said.
“You don’t forget that.”
Previous Senior Showcase 2020 entries: Paul VI; Bishop Eustace; Wildwood Catholic; Saint Augustine Prep; Gloucester Catholic
at the bottom and then tap “Add to Home Screen”
