STUDENT SPOTLIGHT - JOEY WASSLER

Student Spotlight

Joey Wassler

Joey Wassler ’23 has embraced all St. Xavier has to offer. Throughout his time at St. Xavier, he has participated in football, basketball, and baseball. He has also been part of community service through the Big Brothers program, worked the Phonathon, and is a Senior Chairman along with his fellow classmates.

Tell me about all the members of your family that are part of the Long Blue Line: I have four other brothers that are members of the Long Blue Line. David ’18 (playing basketball at NKU), Jackson ’20 (playing football at Youngstown State), Jacob ’25 and Josh ’26. I have many other relatives who have attended St. X as well: Brian ’96, Matt ’98, and Paul ’05 Kuhn; Uncle Ed ’82 and my cousin, Eddie Gerstner ’22; Uncle Dan Gerstner ’85; Uncle Mark Gerstner ’89 and his sons, Trevor ’16 and Devin ’20; Rob Wassler ’02 ; Great Uncle Fred Edrich ’42; Great Uncle Tom Huber ’64, and his sons Tim ’93 and Mike ’98.

Why did you choose to attend St. X? There are many different reasons why I chose to attend St. X, but the first one that comes to mind is the support and love that the students show one another. I remember when I had my experience day and I was in the classroom. I could tell that the students loved St. X through their engagement in the classroom material and in their conversations with one another. The environment here is one of respect and care for each individual person, which is something I found unique.

How are you di erent now than when you were a freshman? As a freshman, it almost felt like I stayed in the same little bubble for the year. I was with lots of the same friends I had in grade school, and I participated in all the same activities I used to as well. Now, as a senior, I have expanded and stretched myself as I have met new people and tried new activities. It is enjoyable and refreshing to be able to walk through the halls and know most of the people you walk by because of all the different activities you’ve tried while at St. Xavier. Another big difference in myself since freshman year is that I have accepted new challenges whether they be in school or on a sports team. Freshman year I was too scared to try anything new, and sophomore and junior year I didn’t want to take any harder classes or courses. But, after three years, I have accepted the challenges as opportunities and decided to take some more difficult courses my final year of high school. People have pushed me everyday in my time here, and I am glad for it, as my growth over the last four years has been amazing.

What is your favorite memory/experience at St. X? Some of my favorite experiences at St. X have been the Musicfest and Spirit days, as well as the Walk4X days. The days where the whole community of St. X comes together to celebrate a cause are very special. Getting to enjoy those moments with my friends and classmates have formed my favorite high school memories. Of course, the State Championship Football game in 2020 was a great memory, and I experienced it with my older brother Jackson to make it even better.

What is the St. Xavier Advantage? The St. Xavier Advantage is being able to walk into school every day knowing that everyone there, especially your teachers and fellow students, will be giving it their all to help you become a better student and Man for Others. The people at St. X want to see you succeed and will always help to build you up. A big part of the St. Xavier Advantage is the support system the school builds for students. If we have any problem at any time with any aspect of our lives, someone at school can help us. That is how I interpret the St. X Advantage.