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MIDDLE SCHOOL
2626 N. Oneida Street Appleton, WI 54911 (920) 730-8849
Faith and Families Shine at Xavier Families choose to join the Xavier Catholic School System for a variety of reasons. Whether they find it fits their lifestyle, nourishes their faith, or helps support unique family values, being a part of such a tight-knit group is a blessing. For many, like the Laguna-Ramirez family, the unwavering connection to Xavier runs deep and their involvement in the System encourages their two children to shine.
(left to right) Erika, Mauricio ‘27, John ‘29 and Joel Laguna-Ramirez
The family, which includes parents Joel and Erika, and their two children, Mauricio ‘27 and John ‘29, formally joined the Xavier community in the fall of 2020. After hearing about Xavier, its atmosphere, and excellent faith-based curriculum, they felt their decision to enroll was paramount. “For Joel and I, it was important for us to be able to instill Catholic values in our children,” said Erika Laguna-Ramirez, “our experience with Xavier Catholic Schools has had a tremendous impact on our family.” The family was first introduced to Xavier through soccer coach Mike Romenesko ‘99 and soon realized their System connection would extend beyond the field. “Our interest in Xavier schools started after our boys joined wonderful soccer families,” recalled Laguna-Ramirez.
Both of Laguna-Ramirez’s sons are celebrated members of the Small Town FC Magic team. “We were fortunate enough to have Mauricio and Jonathan join our team in 2017,” said coach Mike Romenesko, “I am beyond thrilled to know that the relationships formed between the Lagunas and our Xavier families through soccer played a small role in June 2021 Chicagoland Tournament Champs! John ‘29 (second from the left) and Mauricio ’27 (center), their decision to join Xavier.” Coach Mike Romenesko ‘99 (standing back right) Romenesko has coached the team, which includes his own son, since the players were in preschool. Though comprised mostly of Xavier boys, the
team isn’t just geared solely around skill and sport. “There’s so much more to this team than just training soccer players at a high level,” said Romenesko, “I often remind them that this is also about learning how to create and maintain friendships, how to respect one another, and to ultimately help them grow up to be well-rounded young men.” Along with helping to promote a strong faith foundation and core values, Romenesko reflects back to his own days as a soccer player when his father, Rick Romenesko Sr. '71 was the coach. “The same formula was used by my father in the late 90’s when he was the varsity coach at Xavier,” said Romenesko. At the time, several families joined the school following their experience with the soccer club team, just like the Laguna-Ramirez family has now. “The people have changed but the philosophy still stands,” said Romenesko, “families were able to see the value in the Xavier community, its excellence and what it represents and thus decided to make a change for their kids.” Beyond the soccer field, Xavier offers its students the opportunity of a lifetime to connect through Christ and receive an exceptional education. The skills and lessons obtained will not only help them to lead fulfilling lives, but will prepare them for a successful future. Laguna-Ramirez agreed, “sending our children through the Xavier Catholic School System has been one of the best decisions we have ever made.”
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Share your #XavierXperience with us! Send an email to xmagazine@xaviercatholicschools.org. It could end up on our Facebook page and/or in the next issue of X, The Xavier Magazine. X, The Xavier Magazine • Winter 2022
