It’s a very bittersweet feeling to be graduating soon. The upcoming conclusion to my 4-year career at St. Paul’s High School has me joyous, and on the other hand saddened. Choosing to attend this Jesuit high school in Winnipeg is probably the greatest decision I’ve ever made. There are so many aspects of the school that influenced me to become the person I am today, and for that I am grateful.
First and foremost the sense of family throughout the entire St. Paul’s community is astonishing. When I walk through the halls there are nothing but warm smiles. You’d think as a younger student the older students would look down upon you in high school. That is simply not the case. Students are encouraged to love one another, and that is what truly separates this school from the rest. To have the ability to be educated in a facility that encourages growth both in and outside the classroom is very special.
There was one particular event in my senior year that helped me realize how blessed I am to have had the ability to graduate from St. Paul’s; this event was the Kairos retreat. Personally I attended two of the Kairos retreats (K52 as a retreatant, K54 as a leader.) Believe me when I say these retreats were nothing short of life- changing. Although the retreat events are “confidential” I thank the people involved for guiding me in these journeys. These retreats helped me grow positively as a person, they helped me learn to never be judgmental, and they taught me what living life is all about.
Other memories I will hold dear to my heart are my high school athletic experiences. I’ve established and strengthened many, many, MANY friendships in my 4 years simply because of athletics, mainly football. This senior year our football team went undefeated and capped off the season with a championship victory. The memories, laughs, and friendships will always hold a special place in my heart.
The year-ending graduation activities were the defining moment when I realized “Hey, at the end of this month I’m leaving for good.” It’s an intimidating thought; however, I know it must come to an end and I couldn’t be happier to be leaving with such a great group of guys. I am truly blessed to have all of the support and guidance of the school with me at this time, and I’m grateful for what the school has given me. I hope that I demonstrate and continue to emulate what St. Paul’s calls the Grad at Grad. These five Jesuit values/ideals are the goals of all graduates when it is their time to leave. They are the following: 1.) Open to Growth 2.) Intellectually Competent 3.) Religious 4.) Loving 5.) Committed to doing Justice. The grad at grad is Jesuit ideals that have had a significant impact on students’ development throughout their high school years. Personally I’ve adopted the ideals and have been committed to representing who and what the grad at grad is.
I walked in a young boy who watched cartoons. I’m walking out a mature man… who still watches cartoons. Thank you St. Paul’s High School for educating me, helping me grow, and helping me truly realize what it means to be a man for others.
AMDG.( Ad Maiorum Dei Gloriam – For the Greater Glory of God)
++++++++++++++++++++++
All photos courrtesy of Father Len Altilia, SJ