A vision of Catholic schools through students' eyes

Catholic Schools Week, which celebrates Catholic education in the United States, kicks off nationwide Jan. 25 with the theme "Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service." For students, it is an exciting time.

Schools nationwide and here in the Diocese of Palm Beach come up with an array of creative events and activities as part of celebrations for students, families, parishioners and community members. Events focus on the significant value Catholic education provides to young people, and showcases outstanding students who shine and are already making a difference in the world as caring and educated young people with knowledge, faith and skills.

"Catholic Schools Week is celebrated nationwide to raise awareness in the community of the distinctive characteristics of Catholic schools," said Gary Gelo, diocesan superintendent of schools, emphasizing that Catholic schools are dramatically different from public schools. "In the Diocese of Palm Beach, we believe that faith inspires excellence in Catholic schools, which indicates that our faith is central to all that we teach, and we work to inspire excellence in every aspect of a student's life."

At random, we visited with two local Catholic school students before the kickoff of Catholic Schools Week to get some of their thoughts about Catholic education. The students - one a teen in his senior year and the other a 6-year-old girl just in the beginning years of her educational development - were particularly impressive young people. From what we observed, these two are excellent students already bringing positive attributes to God's world.

Avery Loyless, 6, began attending St. Ann School in downtown West Palm Beach when she was only 3 years old. Now in kindergarten, the outgoing, inquisitive youngster, who is already demonstrating leadership skills and making high marks, loves her school like a second home. She takes pride in St. Ann, knows many of the more than 250 students, and even takes a bit of school ownership.

"Avery greets everyone in the morning with a smile and a 'good morning', said Susan Demes, principal of St. Ann. "She enjoys being at school and being with her teacher and friends. She is always asking questions. One day after we had installed new shades in the middle school classrooms, Avery came to me and said, 'Mrs. Demes you are the principal, so can I talk to you? I want to tell you we need new shades in our classroom.'"

When asked what she liked best about going to Catholic School, she said, "I like to learn."

Avery, with a wide range of interests including playing soccer, told us that she likes music and her favorite instrument is a guitar. "I want to be a music teacher one day," she said. Her favorite class at St. Ann is art.

The school has a fine arts program featuring art, athletics, band, foreign language, media, music and technology. The school also holds a "Blue Ribbon School of Excellence" title, which is awarded by the U.S. Department of Education to schools that have achieved high levels of performance or made significant improvements in the area of increasing student achievement.

Avery gave her teachers high marks saying, "The teachers are all nice to me and all my friends." Her favorite teacher is her kindergarten teacher, Susan McGhie, who has served St. Ann nearly 35 years. "She teaches us to be good," said Avery. "I learn about Jesus and how he does good things for people.

St. Ann as well as other Catholic schools in the Diocese of Palm Beach is known for outstanding faith-based education taught in values-driven environments. Educators are dedicated to assisting families in raising Christian students guided by the Holy Spirit and obtaining the best educational opportunities to prepare the child for the future.

Avery is happy with Catholic school so far and had no complaints about attending St. Ann, from where her mother, Jennifer Loyless, a member of St. Ann Parish, graduated. Grayson Loyless, Avery's big brother in fifth grade, also attends St. Ann. "I really like going to Catholic school," said Avery with confidence, positive attitude and outgoin personality way beyond her age.

Mario Damasceno, 18, a senior at Cardinal Newman High School in West Palm Beach, would like to become a successful entrepreneur. "I want to start up a company, grow it and sell it," said Mario about his dream. When asked about the priesthood, he said, "It is a little bit in the back of my mind. I will see if I get the calling."

Mario is a Pennsylvania native and began attending Cardinal Newman after his family moved to Florida two years ago. He left cold weather, snow and his beloved ice hockey behind. "I love Florida," he said. "There is always something to do." He is pursuing new interests including tennis and track and field.

Mario and his family are active parishioners of the Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola in Palm Beach Gardens, where Mario is training to be a lector and an extraordinary minister of holy Communion. He is also involved in youth ministry and leadership. He has three sisters and two brothers.

Mario attended Catholic school throughout grade school and his freshman and sophomore years in Pennsylvania. We asked him what he likes best about going to Catholic school since by now he is rather an expert at experiencing different school communities and educators in two areas of the country.

"Catholic education embraces variety and discussion," he said about Catholic school teaching techniques and curriculums that he thinks are first class. "Everything they do is to prepare us for college classes. It is a lot of preparation work. I appreciated that." Mario's favorite class is economics and he also enjoys history. He hopes to attend a Christian college next year and is considering Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach and Fordham University in New York.

When asked about any challenges when it comes to Catholic school, Mario says that school, homework and the pressure of coming out on top can be overwhelming and stressful. Educational requirements continue to get more stringent in all levels of education.

"There is always a demand for performance," he said. "As a teenager, it can be hard. They are always looking over your shoulder. It is a challenge sometimes."

Catholic schools are known for having a strong academic component in place so every student will be able to succeed in any future endeavor, and even the brightest students are challenged academically and do not lose drive or interests. The schools in the Diocese of Palm Beach continue to establish consistent opportunities for students using the most advance teaching tools, programs and technology. The schools set learning goals for all students, and educational standards are in place to prepare students to succeed in college and in future careers. Classes are also well planned, creative and engaging.

Studies indicate that ingredients of a high-performing educational system include high standards and expectations, creative and well-designed coursework and excellence requirements. Cardinal Newman and other schools here offer an excellent, challenging and varied curriculum to help every student achieve and reach success.

We asked Mario about sending his own children to school if he marries and has a family one day. He is a true supporter and believer in Catholic schools.

"I would send them to Catholic school. I would like them to have the same experience I had. I would not be the person that I am today. I like the faith-based education. It builds you academically and the whole person," he explained about Catholic education designed with Christ at the center and to challenge students spiritually, academically and physically to discover the plan that God intends for them.

"There is nothing wrong with public school, (but) I feel like you are missing a component," he said about the Catholic identity aspect lacking in public school. "Catholic schools fill the whole person to the brim."