Six students representing Holy Name High School in Parma Heights, Cleveland Central Catholic and Villa Angela-St. Joseph high schools, both in Cleveland, discussed their Catholic education during a recent lunch program at the First Friday Club of Cleveland. Michael Zelenka, assistant superintendent for secondary schools in the diocesan Office of Catholic Education, facilitated the program as moderator.
Frank O’Linn, superintendent of the diocesan schools, said, “Innovation is flourishing because hope abounds.” Enrollment continues to rise, O’Linn said, with about 39,000 students enrolled in Catholic elementary and high schools throughout the eight-county diocese.
“Today, we have a panel of students offering insight on their Catholic education,” he said, noting there are about 12,000 students attending the 20 Catholic high schools in the diocese. Representatives of several high schools were in the audience.
Zelenka began the program with an introduction of the panelists, including their school, year and some of their activities. The students, all juniors and seniors, were involved in a variety of activities, including academic opportunities, extracurriculars and sports. Some, like Uwela, are looking ahead to higher education opportunities and their future careers. She wants to attend Ursuline College to study nursing. Later, she’d like to attend medical school. But now, through a partnership with Case Western Reserve University, she is getting some exposure to cancer research. She said she is grateful she’s been able to gain some experience learning about her possible career field while still in high school.
Hector, who volunteers as an altar server, said he finds Cleveland Central Catholic to be a very welcoming school community.
Ysenia talked about how she got started in martial arts and progressed through the ranks. “It has helped me learn to manage and coach, as well as teaching me patience and self-control,” she added.
Zelenka explained that Catholic schools are part of the mission of the Church. “They form students wholistically in mind, body and spirit,” he said, before asking the students to share what drew them to their school of choice. The students shared some very personal reflections.
“I had heard about VASJ,” Lily said of her high school search. She applied to three schools and received scholarship assistance from two. “I chose VASJ and never regretted my choice. I’ve learned a lot about the faith and what’s behind it.”
Uwela said she was struggling when she entered ninth grade and knew something had to change. At Cleveland Central Catholic, she said she heard about the Aspire program for nursing, a career that interested her, so she got on track with that program and has taken advantage of many opportunities. “I’ve also been able to grow closer to God,” she added.
Chandler said he visited VASJ during eighth grade and liked the various school clubs and the way everyone got along. “It’s like a close-knit family and the teachers are helpful,” he said.
Zelenka asked the panelists to share how they were supported in their faith journey at their school.
“The chapel is always open and Mass is always full,” said Drew of Holy Name. “The Bible study also brings us closer to God.”
Lily said she joined the choir and discovered it was a way to express herself, draw closer to Christ and to meet new people.
Zelenka asked the students if there was something they learned but didn’t think was possible before they started attending a Catholic high school.
“Trying new things and engaging with more people,” said Ysenia, adding she tried lacrosse. “I got out of my comfort zone and loved it.”
Hector noted about 95% of the students at Cleveland Central Catholic are not Catholic, “but we got to learn about and see God.”
Chandler said he was always shy but by joining clubs, participating in sports, doing some public speaking and networking he has broadened his horizons. “In theology class we learned that God has a plan for everyone,” he added. He credited the VASJ teachers with helping students grow and reach their potential for academic success and personal growth.
Uwela was grateful for the assistance she received from a teacher who helped her with math. I look at it in a different way now and realized I can do it – and other things, too,” she said.
Lily credited her soccer and basketball coach with helping her to realize that they are team sports. “When the team loses, it’s not all on one person,” she added. She also learned to set priorities and decided not to play basketball this year so she could focus on herself and self-growth as she balances academics, extracurriculars, her personal and social lives.
“It’s important to realize that you have to leave some time for relaxing and being with your friends,” Chandler said, explaining he “has a lot on my plate, but I do it all 100%.”
Zelenka asked the panelists how the education office and their schools could help foster their vision beyond high school.
Chandler said counselors are a key way to help students as they plan for the future. Uwela said offering exposure to different fields and career programs, such as Aspire at Cleveland Central Catholic. Hector agreed, but said the trades shouldn’t be overlooked since not every student might want to attend college. Cleveland Central Catholic has a construction trade program that partners with Cuyahoga Community College to help prepare students for a career. Holy Name offers the Empower Her program that pairs young women students with mentors in various fields.
As Bishop Edward Malesic often says, the youth of the diocese are not the future of the Church, they are the Church, Zelenka said. He asked the students what encouragement or guidance they would offer to their peers.
Lily said not to procrastinate, “Now is the next best time to do things. God is always there with us.”
Hector said by applying what they learn in high school, students can be better in the future.
Drew said that growing closer to Christ and making him a friend is important. His best friend is not Catholic, but has grown his faith life and attends daily Mass. Personally, he said he feels strengthening his faith life has also helped him on the basketball court and in school.
“I put it in God’s hands,” Uwela said. Although she’d like to be a cardiologist someday, she wondered if that’s God’s plan for her.
The students are featured in a Spotlight on Schools video produced by the diocesan Communications Office. Click here to view the video.
The next First Friday Club of Cleveland will be at lunchtime Jan. 9 at the Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe. The program will feature Peter Range, senior fellow for strategic initiatives at the Center for Christian Virtue. Click here for more information and a reservation link.