Patrick Cavanaugh, Holy Family High School

Editor's Note: In the spirit of providing opportunities to give our young people a voice and a platform, Our Broomfield™ is pleased to continue a tradition. Each year, we look forward to inviting one senior from each of our three primary local high schools to share a reflection on growing up in Broomfield and their high school career on behalf of their class. We thank this year’s seniors for their thought provoking columns, and the entire staff of Our Broomfield sends all 2023 graduates sincere congratulations and best wishes for the future.

As graduation is on the horizon, it is hard not to be bittersweet as my fouryear journey comes to an end. Recalling all the friendships that I have made and all the things I have learned, Holy Family has prepared me for the journey ahead. Holy Family has taught me lessons in life that I will never forget and that will influence me for the rest of my life. I am thankful for everything I have learned through athletics, academics, and relationships at Holy Family. I am eternally grateful and proud to be a part of the Holy Family community for the past four years.

Holy Family gave me an experience that pushed me academically in the mind, body, and spirit in all things that I did. Through these lessons, I am confident that Holy Family has prepared me for my next coming years at the University of Notre Dame as my teachers and peers have constantly pushed me in every aspect of my life.

Even though academics were an essential part of my growth and development at Holy Family, I developed and learned the most from my times on the track and cross country team. I learned the ideals of relationships and brotherhood through these experiences on the team as I have become close with many people throughout my years. These experiences on the team and the people I have met have taught me lessons that I will carry with me throughout my life. Lessons of working towards something greater than myself is the main lesson that comes to mind from my four years of high school through athletics. I take this lesson with pride into everyday life through my work for others as a captain on the track team, but also with my friends and family by trying to help people in any kind of way.

I can say with the uttermost certainty that Holy Family has prepared me for the next stage of my life. I have been taught lessons everyday in Holy Family by my teachers, coaches, and friends that I will take with me to college. Through its rigorous curriculum and dedication to its students, Holy Family will continue to influence and lead me down the road of success for my life at the University of Notre Dame.

Patrick will be studying electrical engineering at Notre Dame.