A ONE-OF-A-KIND COMMUNITY

Stephanie Alves ’23 Reflects on her Decision to Attend St. Joes and Fondly Remembers the Moment she Stepped Foot on Campus at Just 11 years old.

I first visited St. Joes in the fall of 2016…when I was in 6th grade. While I was only there to attend Fall Open House with my older sister, my experience was one that would stick with me, even now as I prepare to graduate this June. It was sunny and slightly brisk as we walked into the gym, all sitting together on the gym floor to listen to a few speakers before we headed out on tour. As we were touring the academic wing, the Student Ambassador leading my group asked all the prospective students their names before turning to me. I was shocked. I told them I was just here with my sister, but they still wanted to know my name. Throughout the entire event, I was asked again and again who I was and what my high school goals were. I remember being told by the faculty that they looked forward to seeing me again at future events and having me in their class.

As we drove home, I remember looking at my sister and remarking, “Did you feel that?” and she replied, “I did. You did too?” It was an immediate feeling of belonging and care that had washed over me, and I knew, even at such a young age, that it would be my goal to attend high school here. It was helpful that my sister chose St. Joes as well. I remember tagging along to events like Fine Arts Night and a Multicultural event in the cafeteria. She would come home and tell stories of classmates and teachers from her day, and I would listen intently at the dinner table. It was not long before I started to attend high school search events again, but this time for myself. I spent a visit day on campus, went to Open House, and finally was able to attend my very own Accepted Students Night.

I am often asked why I chose to attend St. Joes over the great public school in my town. Many assumed my decision was solely based on my sister’s decision. Others were puzzled with why I would “venture” off and stray from the comfortability of the friends I had gone to school with all my life. As an 8th grader, I did not know how to respond; but as a Senior, I can now say in full confidence that it has always been that sense of belonging, community, and most importantly, love. I feel so connected to the heartbeat of this school. My teachers never fail to push me academically and my friends never fail to make me laugh at lunch and in the halls. I would remark to my hometown friends how I often looked forward to being at school early and staying late into the evening, and sometimes even showing up on the weekends. This community has given me greater opportunities then I could have even imagined. From being a Student Ambassador at our admissions events, to service projects and National Honor Society, and even being a lead in the spring musical.

St. Joes is one of a kind. The family here is one of a kind. I have never felt such a connection with a place and the people who I have the privilege to see every time I walk through the doors. The memories I have made here, and the ones to come in these final few months will surely last a lifetime.