Hearts + Minds To Better The World

When people hear ‘state champion,’ they picture six intense minutes on the mat, not the years of practices behind it. My parents, coaches, and teammates taught me to trust the process and keep showing up. The title was unforgettable, but I’m most grateful for the journey.

Ministry isn’t about telling people what to believe. It’s about learning from each other. Through morning prayer, Faith Fridays, Mass, and retreats, we share stories, ask questions, and grow together. Student Ministry helped my faith become something I chose for myself.

Losing two of our hives was hard after the work we put into beekeeping. It reminded me that you can’t control everything. You can only keep showing up and doing your best. Volunteering on our campus farm taught me that caring for animals is what I want to do with my life.

Whenever I meet an eighth grader, I remember being the new kid wondering if I’d fit in. The teachers and students who welcomed me made this place feel like home. That’s what brotherhood is—making sure the next group of guys feels as welcomed as you did.

After an injury ended my season, I got a camera to stay connected to my teammates. Visual Storytelling and Sports Documentary showed me a new side of athletics. Photographing baseball, lacrosse, and hockey, I realized I could tell the story of a game without playing in it.

What I love most about IB is that it teaches you how to think. For one project, we created a short film, including the script, acting, filming, editing, and sound effects. None of us had done it before, but that’s the point. IB teaches you how to figure things out.

Relationships are one of our school’s pillars, but you don’t really understand what that means until you experience it. My teachers have become mentors and even extra parents. They’ve challenged me, believed in me, and cared about who I’m becoming, not just my grades.

Winning Classroom of Champions in eighth grade made me want to attend St. Edward. Now I’m on the Academic Challenge Team with guys who love learning and chasing impossible questions. I’ve learned that being smart isn’t having every answer. It’s never losing your curiosity.

The House System brings together students from every grade. It’s about the little moments that build brotherhood—learning a name, saving a seat, sharing a laugh. As a House Captain, I love knowing the traditions we’re building will shape future Edsmen long after we graduate.

We started LIME Club to make talking about mental health feel normal. Through prevention walks and campus speakers, we encourage guys to look out for one another. I’ve learned that change starts with a conversation. You never know who needs someone to ask, ‘Are you okay?’

I never thought about which hand I use to brush my teeth or pick up a glass. Building prosthetic hands at my internship showed me what we take for granted. Each one gives a child independence and confidence. That’s why I love engineering—it can make someone’s life better.

I’ve played sports my whole life, so I thought I understood teamwork. Then I joined Best Buddies and met Q, a St. Andre Scholar. His friendship taught me that the best teammates aren’t always the ones who score. They’re the ones who make sure everyone is part of the game.