Juhea Kim ‘05

1. Give us the basics: when you attended Valley Catholic School and one of your favorite memories from your time on the SSMO campus.

I began attending Valley Catholic Elementary School in fifth grade and stayed until I graduated from Valley Catholic High School in 2005.

Some of my favorite memories are making crepes in Madame Miller’s French class, and performing with the school orchestra and Charisma Dance Team.

2. One of the Sisters’ Core Values is Live Valiantly. What does Live Valiantly mean to you?

To Live Valiantly means living with integrity and authenticity. It means doing the right thing even if it comes at a cost – especially a personal cost to you.

3. Give us a valiant example of how your time as a VC student influenced your personal life.

Valley Catholic was the kind of place where, if an ambulance was passing by in the middle of class the teacher would ask the students to take a moment and pray. That was a lifelong lesson in compassion and empathy, which informed my vegan lifestyle and my animal and environmental advocacy.

4. As a Valiant Alumni, how do you describe your school to others?

I describe Valley Catholic School as a compassionate and intellectually rigorous Catholic school that is open to everyone. It is a wonderful educational experience for all students.

5. Tell us how a memorable teacher left a valiant impression on you.

Mr. Kipp Johnson taught me from seventh to twelfth grade. It is no exaggeration to say he changed my life. He taught me so much more than math. He taught me the values of excellence, integrity, generosity, faith, humility, and humor.

I owe him all of the Oreo cookies in the world.

1. Give us the basics: when you attended Valley Catholic School and one of your favorite memories from your time on the SSMO campus.

I attended Valley Catholic High School from 2004-2007.

My favorite memory was winning the OSAA Boys Basketball State Championship in 2007. Most of us on that team played together for four years and to have it culminate in a state championship was a memorable experience. It is definitely one of the highlights from my time at VC.

2. One of the Sisters’ Core Values is Live Valiantly. What does Live Valiantly mean to you?

To Live Valiantly is to live your life with courage, determination, patience, and empathy. These are the values I was needing and learning in high school. Today, they are the values I strive to follow.

3. Give us a valiant example of how your time as a VC student influenced your personal life.

My time at VC influenced me in many ways. I made several friends at Valley Catholic School that are still my friends today. The sports I played at VC laid the foundation for playing basketball in college, and my junior year at VC was when I decided I wanted to attend law school. Thanks to that influence, I have been an attorney for 10 years now.

4. As a Valiant Alumni, how do you describe your school to others?

Valley Catholic provides you the ability to shape your high school experience and empowers you to focus on what is important to you. It provides excellent academic opportunities. That was something I did not fully appreciate while attending Valley Catholic but it certainly helped me get to where I am now.

Valley Catholic School has one of the best librarians (Andy Haugen ‘07) in the state too.

5. Tell us how a memorable teacher left a valiant impression on you.

I remember many classes with Mr. John Innes, specifically those that involved Friday trivia, learning fly fishing in the field, and reading “The Nine Tailors,” which is still the only British mystery novel I have ever read (and actually enjoyed).

These are just a few examples of how our alumni Live Valiantly. We are always amazed by the valiant accomplishments of our SMV/VC alumni.