Catholic Schools Week - Academy of Our Lady

By Makenzie Wood

Having the opportunity to attend a Catholic School was one of the greatest opportunities my mother could have given me. In my lifetime I have only ever attended Catholic Schools. I spent my elementary years at Immaculate Conception School, and I attend high school at the Academy of Our Lady. Since both of these are Salesian schools, I have formed a deep connection within the Salesian movement. I truly resonate with the charism and attitude of the Salesians. I believe it is something so beautiful that everyone needs to encounter. Attending Catholic Schools has given me more opportunities than I could have imagined. It allows me to interact with people who have the same values and beliefs as me, while also meeting people who are not so much like me. It teaches us that no matter our differences, we are one family who cares and loves for each other. At Academy of Our Lady, I have met friends who will last a lifetime. Academy of Our Lady has also given me the opportunity to meet people all over the country. I had the opportunity to attend the Salesian Leadership Retreat twice. I met so many juniors and seniors from around the country who had the same beliefs and love for God as me. It was such a surreal experience to see that the Salesians are nationwide, and not just in my community. Attending Catholic Schools has also given me the opportunity to get involved in my community through service. AOL exposes you to so many service organizations, and even gets you involved through service week. To me, Catholic Schools are the building blocks to a strong foundation in faith. They expose you to so many like-minded people and opportunities. Attending catholic schools has made me into the the person I am today. I would not change a thing.

By Isabella Nagy

Not only did Don Bosco influence many people, he influenced me as well. He inspired others through his kindness, and I try to follow in his footsteps. Through his start of the Salesian Order, he created the foundation of many schools across the globe, one of which is the home of many girls like myself. Last year, when I arrived at the Academy of Our Lady, I found myself lost and confused. I did not know much about the Salesian Order, but I saw the importance of Don Bosco’s teachings to the people around me. I was quickly welcomed by my teachers and peers and my fears eventually faded. Don Bosco preached reason, religion, and loving kindness. I have found every single one of those aspects in my surroundings during my time at Academy of Our Lady. Being immersed in a new environment that preached Don Bosco’s teachings was an experience that I am very fortunate to have had. I found a new love for God because of how welcoming he is. I was introduced to the annual Feast of Don Bosco, where Academy of Our Lady students collaborate with Shaw to have a celebratory mass. Through the various activities and love for music, I met many new people and felt like I was at home. Watching everybody join together to celebrate Don Bosco from an outside perspective was so exciting. I saw how one man could unite hundreds of people. Although I have only been able to attend AOL for two years, I have been beyond grateful for the friends and faces I have met along the way.