By Anne Marie Amacher
The Catholic Messenger
Catholic high schools in the Diocese of Davenport celebrated 203 graduates this spring. Each school provided the reflection of one student responding to the question: How has your Catholic faith shaped your high school experience?
Notre Dame Jr./Sr. High School, Burlington
Lucy Parkins of Monmouth, Illinois, the daughter of Jenna and Brian Parkins of Immaculate Conception Parish in Monmouth, was among 27 seniors who graduated May 27.
“In high school it is easy to be influenced by others and go against your morals. Relying on my faith helped me to not give into temptation and to be a leader instead of following the crowd,” Lucy said. “This year in my religion class we began to read the book ‘Rescued.’ This book has not only helped me grow in the faith, but live it out as well with just three words: gratitude, surrender, courage. Gratitude helped me always to be grateful for what I have and what the Lord has done for me to help me achieve my goals. Surrender (is about) giving my time up to the Lord; focusing on him when I am feeling stressed and overwhelmed. Courage (is) being Christ-like and an example of what a Catholic is to others.”
“I will focus on the plan God has set for me, and do my best to continue to trust in him even when life is not going as planned.”
Prince of Peace Catholic School, Clinton
Lillian Smith of Clinton, the daughter of Katie and Tony Smith of Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace Parish, was among 10 seniors who graduated May 18. “My Catholic faith has shaped my high school experience because I realized how lucky I am to be able to practice my religion and express my Catholic beliefs while still being in school. My parents chose a Catholic school because they knew I would get a good education while learning about my Catholic faith as well. Throughout high school, I’ve been associated with the church in various ways, such as volunteering during events and Mass duties. Being able to help the church makes me feel incredibly lucky,” Lillian said.
“Most high school kids don’t get to take a religion class. While taking religion in high school, I’ve learned about my faith in the world, such as vocations, and how I can use my vocation to make the world and the Church a better place. My Catholic faith is a gift and it is my duty to go and serve the Lord by telling others about my Catholic faith. All in all, I am so incredibly lucky to have grown up in a Catholic school. I will take my Catholic beliefs and bring them with me …”
Assumption High School, Davenport
Charlie Jacobs of Bettendorf, the son of Kelly and Nicholas Jacobs of St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Davenport, was among 107 seniors who graduated May 25.
“I have been blessed and fortunate to attend Catholic school from kindergarten through high school. The biggest lesson that I have learned during my Catholic education at Assumption High School is the importance of having a strong faith. My faith has helped me reach many personal, academic and athletic goals and it inspires me to set new ones constantly. Additionally, my faith is also important when I am faced with difficult decisions. I have learned to lean on my faith and trust that God will point me in the right direction,” Charlie said.
“Looking back on my time at Assumption, I am incredibly grateful to all of the teachers and administrators who have gone above and beyond to help my classmates and me grow in our faith. Whether they led a discussion on morals, assigned a faith-based essay, took us to the adoration chapel during class or just taught us how to be good people, they all strengthened our faith and made a difference in our lives. As I enter the next chapter of my life in college, I want to continue to incorporate some of these things that I learned at Assumption and to continue to grow in my faith.”
Holy Trinity Catholic Jr./Sr. High School, Fort Madison
Luke Hellige of Fort Madison, the son of John and Amy Hellige of Holy Family Parish in Fort Madison, was among 13 seniors who graduated May 25.
“Attending Holy Trinity Catholic School from pre-school to 12th grade has deeply shaped my high school experience. My faith influenced my high school years, along with my academic and athletic life, my values and identity. Opportunities for daily prayer, theology class and a faith-based environment have given me a strong foundation. Through these opportunities and a focus on service hours, I have been gifted values that have helped me to grow more responsible and reflective as an individual,” Luke said.
“As a student-athlete and a member of the National Honor Society, I have had many occasions to lead and serve. The Catholic principle of serving others has motivated me as an individual. I have come to understand service as not just a graduation requirement but also as a way to live out God’s plan. We also pray before every game and offer support and prayers for anyone facing a crisis.”
“Faith has helped me stay grounded during challenges. Whether it was balancing school, sports or personal struggles, prayer and a belief and trust in God, gave me strength. Success does not always have to be about grades or wins. It can also be measured in how I conduct myself and how I treat others and live with a purpose. Overall, my Catholic faith has not only shaped my high school journey but has laid a strong foundation for my future. It plays an important part in the kind of person I want to be beyond graduation.”
Regina Jr./Sr. High School, Iowa City
Matthew Colony of Iowa City, the son of Deb and Ray Colony of St. Mary of the Visitation Parish in Iowa City, was among 46 seniors who graduated May 25.
“High school is a time of huge change. Being a Catholic has helped me understand the good in change and to recognize God’s blessings, which he has bestowed in my life. There were times in high school where I went through rough patches and things didn’t go my way. However, hope in my life and in my future was always cultivated by members of the Church, family, friends and teachers.”
Matthew’s favorite Bible verse is Romans 12:12 “Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer.” He said, “I have been blessed with parents who worked hard so that I could have the privilege of going to a school that allowed me to practice and further deepen my faith. The great lessons I learned in Catholic school allowed me to not only become a better student, person and athlete, but also a better disciple of Christ, which I can continue to carry in my walk of faith.”
