Hearts + Minds To Better The World

Winning state my sophomore year was unreal. I played all 16 games and broke down after the title. The year before, I broke my foot and almost quit. But I stayed with it, and now I’m on a senior team with that rare spark—it comes from being so close.

Real inclusion means every voice counts. That’s why I’m in Men of Hope and Best Buddies. Men of Hope unites African American students to lead. Best Buddies makes sure St. André Scholars feel the brotherhood. I want everyone here to know they belong.

Right outside the chapel it says: “The mind will not be cultivated at the expense of the heart.” That’s St. Ed’s. We’re learning a lot, but also growing as people—listening to our hearts, to God, and helping each other be our best.

In St. Edward classrooms, we’re not just memorizing—it’s about understanding how things work and why they matter. In chemistry, we made soap and aspirin, and it made me see how science can change lives. IB lets us build, test, and learn by doing.

I tell eighth graders—pick the school where you feel most welcome. That’s what I did. After shadowing at St. Ed’s, I knew. I loved the all-boys energy, the schedule, the freedom. Now I help on shadow days so visitors see St. Ed’s isn’t just a school—it’s a home.

IB History makes me think for myself. Learning about McCarthy and the Second Red Scare got me hooked on how ideology shapes history. Now I’m researching McCarthy’s role in the Cold War. IB taught me to find reliable sources, express my ideas in writing, and keep digging.

As St. Edward’s first Muslim student minister, I’ve shared my faith and connected deeply with others. Islam and Catholicism share so much. Comparing verses from the Quran and Bible sparks the best conversations. St. Ed’s makes space for every belief.

One of the best parts of the IB Diploma is shaping it around your strengths. It’s kept me motivated and made me own my learning. In English, we lead discussions, and hearing other perspectives has opened my mind to how experiences shape us.

Mental health is tough for a lot of guys to talk about. That’s why we started LIME—to give people a space to feel supported. This year’s Hope Walk brought 100+ people and raised $10,500 for suicide prevention. Most importantly, it proved that no one is alone.

What sets St. Ed’s apart is how much teachers and coaches care. My mom teaches here, so I’ve seen it for years. Coaches push you because they believe in you. Teachers get to know you beyond class and expect your best. That support makes a big difference.

I’m the color commentator for JV football and basketball, adding personality while the play-by-play runs the game. For varsity basketball, I even stand in Coach Flannery’s huddles. St. Ed’s made me believe I could start chasing my broadcasting dream now.

Coming from public school, I didn’t know what to expect. Right away, I found guys who were all-in—both on the field and in class. Their drive pushed me to grow. Now I’m in the National Honor Society and committed to playing next year at Western Michigan.