SUPERSTARS ON & OFF THE FIELD

OPTIONS STUDENTS EMBRACED BY DONS COMMUNITY

By Quinn Conway '22

What's the most exclusive group at Cathedral Catholic? If you think it is our star athletes, National Merit Scholars or club leaders, you would be mistaken. The most exclusive group at Cathedral Catholic is Aubrey, Nick, Adrian, Adam, Ebin, Avery, Gabrielle, Alex, Robin, Olivia, Sheila and Timmy. These are the twelve students in the Options special education program. There are infinite contributions the Options Program has made in the Cathedral Catholic school community. One of our Options students' greatest contributions to campus is to afford all Dons the opportunity to practice grace every day; this is a practical, real-world application of what Dons are taught in religion classes. Two of this year’s Options stars, Adrian Calderon ‘23 and Gabrielle Schlador ‘23, have a unique perspective on what being a Don in Options is like, as they are both also student-athletes.

Adrian is best known for his 60-yard touchdown run for last year’s Varsity Football state champions. When asked about it, he said it was “exciting.” Adrian shares that he prepared for the play in practice and that he “really likes to flip the tire and push the sleds." Practicing hard is good advice from our only running back that had a .1000 TD/carry average last year. Gabrielle, who is on the Varsity Cheer Team, says she was happy for Adrian in the moment, but she was more excited to start the play by leading the cheer that put the charge into the crowd that stunned the Saints defense, allowing Adrian a clear path to the end zone. Nice assist, Gabrielle!!

When these two are not starring in Friday Night Lights, they enjoy their typical days as students at Cathedral Catholic. When asked how he makes friends, Adrian gave some insight into this most important skill by confidently replying, “I just ask them if they want to be my friend.” No wasted time or bashfulness in his approach. Gabrielle’s response was even better; she goes up to people and anoints them as friends by pointing to them and saying, “friends,” followed by, “Let’s have fun!” Who can resist this? For those who are ever feeling a bit small in our community, the lesson to be learned from two social stars is to get out of your own way, keep it simple and know that you will be welcome. That’s how they roll in Options.

Everyone should take the Options students’ offer to become friends because there is so much more non-verbal communication that exudes from these students that one can only get from being around them. As Dr. Megan Burton, the founder and Director of Special Education at Cathedral Catholic, states, "It's not just what we bring to the Options students, but it's what they bring to the rest of our Dons community in terms of teaching respect, tolerance and empathy. That is priceless." Adrian and Gabrielle both possess an innate ability that commands people around them to live outside of themselves. This is why one can see happy groups wherever there is see an Options Don. When taken into their aura, people feel the need to listen, learn and communicate with this exclusive group and are not inhibited by thoughts of acceptance or fitting in. This may be the greatest life skill that the rest of the community can learn, and it emanates from our Options students. While everyone else is busy “prepping” for college and focusing on tomorrow, the Options students show the importance of being present and enjoying the here and now. Everyone should get to know someone in this elite group because they can provide all of us with better ... options!

Gabrielle cheers with her mentor, Arianna Martino '24

Adrian makes a play for the Dons

Adrian and his mentor, Maverick Helfert '22, play with Legos during Wish Week

Gabrielle enjoys a dance party with her friends, including Mr. Grazier