Dear Saint Patrick,
Thank you for preparing me to continue a legacy of faith, service and dedication.
In late March of 1943, the Senior class at St George, a Christian Brothers High School in Evanston, was put through Graduation early so that the young men could enlist in the service of the country in preparation for the inevitable invasion of Europe. My Grandfather, Jack McCarthy, whom I’ve never met, was among that class. As an Army infantryman, he was part of the invasion of Europe, was wounded in action, received a Purple Heart Medal and eventually returned to his unit as they liberated Europe and defeated the Nazis.
In May of 1962, my other Grandfather, Michael Malone, who is my best friend and mentor, was contemplating life after commencement at the very same Christian Brothers High School. Turbulent times in world affairs also weighed heavy on the minds of that class of St. George seniors as another war, this time in Vietnam, was in its early phase. He joined the Navy and spent the majority of his service on a destroyer in the Sea of Japan. A long and decorated career with the Chicago Police Department followed. Deputy Superintendent Malone retired in 1999.
Not only did these men share a commitment to God, family and country, but a deep faith and dedication that was no doubt born out of their LaSallian education. Not unlike myself, they entered high school as naïve, unsophisticated boys. The education and experience they gathered set them up to be men of service and action. I can only pray and resolve myself to live, learn and grow to be as good as these inspiring men.
My journey to St. Pat’s began when I would go to basketball games with my father, an ’88 grad himself, or watch Shamrock football when my cousins were on the field. To this day, my dad’s very best friends are men he attended Pat’s with. At a young age, without really knowing it, I was able to see how the bond of brotherhood could last a lifetime. They were proud Shamrocks and would talk fondly about their time on Belmont Avenue. Following in the footsteps of my Grandfathers, Father, Uncle and many cousins in the tradition of LaSallian education and discipline became an obvious choice for me.
I was exposed to the Shamrock brotherhood at an incredibly young age, but it was not until the summer of freshman year that I realized I would truly be a part of it. Growing up the oldest in my family with four sisters I had never really experienced what it was to be a part of a brother- like bond. I made friends instantly and knew I was in the right place. I remember vividly heading to Soldier Field to watch our football team take on Saint Rita. We won in a thrilling seven touchdown game and in the crowd I definitely felt a part of something special.
Being in the Stud Section cheering on our basketball and football teams have been some of the best moments I have had at St. Pat’s. Most notably the thrilling buzzer beating win versus top ranked Benet and storming the court. Coach Heidkamp is my father’s best friend and a fellow St. Patrick alum. We certainly let the Benet fans know that he may be their coach, but we started the chant that “He’s a Shamrock!”.
Growing up my best sport was always hockey. I played at a high level and dedicated a lot of time practicing and traveling to games throughout the Midwest and Canada. I continued through high school, but also began to focus more on other sports. Golf was my sport of choice by sophomore year and the St. Pat’s team offered me an incredible chance to compete. I discovered I had some skill and with practice and coaching I was able to improve in short time. By senior year I was named team co-captain and had earned Most Improved and an All-Conference award. Most important of all, I developed friendships and bonds that will last forever. I have caddied at the Shamrock alumni outing for the past few years and will look forward to playing in it someday soon.
In four short years, I have grown physically, mentally and emotionally. The values and lessons taught at St Patrick have helped to mold me into the person I am today. The friendships developed will last and continue to grow forever. I am blessed with the experiences that I have had so far and will work my hardest to carry on the tradition that goes with being a Shamrock alum. I came to St. Patrick with a deep legacy and will continue what began long ago through faith, leadership and commitment to others.
Sincerely,
Danny McCarthy ‘20
To read other Dear Saint Patrick letters from the Class of 2020, please click here.
