Dear Xavier Family, Once again we arrive at the month of May, a month dedicated to Mary, a time to focus on mental health awareness, and a time to celebrate our seniors as they become our newest alumni. There is so much to acknowledge with the Class of 2023 – it’s going to be difficult to capture everything that makes them a generational group in just one letter. Let me start with this – they’re a funny bunch. Last week, I was talking to some seniors during lunch and they were discussing their lack of motivation as the calendar approached May. I mentioned that senioritis is a real thing, but then one of the guys suggested “Mr. Mauthe, 4 terms is too much to expect. When we were freshmen, we stayed home for the last term. We aren’t trained for this kind of a marathon.” Interesting. The seniors are not afraid to offer creative ideas, usually related to such priorities as game themes and why we need a casual day. In class, I can always count on some sort of outlandish story from the weekend, from the drive to school, or from the attempt to park in the lot. The seniors have a remarkable way of making me laugh and enjoy their company while also recognizing how hard they work to avoid us staying on topic according to the lesson plan.
May 2023 Volume #418 In this Issue: Business & Attendance ................................ 02 Campus Ministry .......................................... 04 Graduation .................................................... 02 Upcoming Events ......................................... 08
St. Francis Xavier High School 1600 W. Prospect Avenue Appleton, WI 54914 920-733-6632 Fax: 920-733-5513 www.xaviercatholicschools.org
Next, we should take a moment to consider how talented they are. We have won a lot of conference, regional and state championships since this class walked in the doors. Our theatre program, choir, band and orchestra have all been sustained by the enthralling performances of these young people. They do so many incredible things outside of school that we seldom even know – from competitive dance to engine repair, from welding to painting murals. It is almost impossible to think of the myriad of ways this group will improve our world as they go forth. God has blessed them with so many skills and talents. Finally, this is a group of pilgrims on the journey of faith. Under their leadership, teams and clubs sponsored morning Mass. They are often the first to volunteer to do service, especially when a person in need reaches out in a pinch. The seniors ask great questions to know God better, reflect on the role their faith will play in college and beyond, and provide an example to the rest of the students of the life of faith. I have been inspired all year by the “senior stories” which prepare us for all-school Mass. These are young people who honor their parishes and the Church by the way they approach the faith journey. They have blessed us daily. For the rest of my life, I will remember the Class of 2023 for the devotion to Mr. Hurula during his illness, their loving patience with him as he returned to the classroom, their constant prayer for him during his illness and even now for his eternal life. On the day Mr. Hurula passed, two seniors used their free period to go to his house to shovel for the family. At the funeral, more than half of the senior class was in attendance for a man who taught them for less than a month. Just last week, on Xavier Day, the seniors made their own initiative to collect money to donate in honor of Mr. Hurula. Every year, we graduate a group of young people and send them into the world with our full confidence, support and love. This year, as I look at our “profile of a graduate at graduation,” I know that our seniors are who we hoped they would become. They’re scholars, friends and leaders. I speak for the faculty, staff and their fellow students when I say that their legacy at Xavier is well-established. They are leaving their school a better place than it was when they started. Join me in celebrating them this month. For God’s Greater Glory,
Mike Mauthe Principal
Xavier High School is a proud member of the St. Francis Xavier Catholic School System, and has been accredited by AdvanceED (formerly the North Central Association) since 1970.