Dear Saint Patrick,
For as long as I can remember Saint Patrick High School has always been in my life. Many in my family have attended St Pat’s, and I dreamt of being a Shamrock and being a part of the Shamrock brotherhood for as long as I can remember.
Anyone that attends St. Patrick knows that it is more than a high school. It is a family; it is a home. When I graduated St. Juliana School, I was nervous about finding friends at St. Patrick, but I quickly realized that I wasn’t finding friends, I was becoming part of something bigger, a brotherhood that would last a lifetime.
The transition from grade school to high school can be quite challenging. St. Pat’s has a rigorous curriculum, but the teachers are there to help you every step of the way. Your teachers are available to assist you as well as in-school tutoring opportunities. As secretary of the National Honor Society, it was my responsibility to coordinate tutoring efforts of our organization, and we are proud that so many Shamrocks reach out for help. I am forever grateful for the guidance of my teachers; it was with their help that I was eventually able to progress to more honors classes. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to take college-level courses in my junior and senior year. While academics are, of course, a significant part of your time at St. Patrick, so is becoming involved in different clubs and athletics. By getting involved in activities you get to meet classmates from various grades and with whom you may not have classes.
I have had many opportunities to witness the power of the brotherhood over my four years. For me, never was this more apparent than last year when my brother was in the hospital for virus-related complications. He received many visits and calls from teachers, counselors, coaches, and friends. When a Shamrock is in need of support, this amazing community rises to the occasion. The many clubs and organizations often coordinate fundraisers and service opportunities to raise awareness to issues in our larger community.
Although the Class of 2020’s senior year came to an abrupt end, it is a fitting lesson for all of us. Once a Shamrock, always a Shamrock. Though our classes may be online now, that does not mean that our time at Belmont and Austin is over. The legacy of the class of 2020 will be one of resilience. I would not trade any of my time spent at Saint Patrick’s for anything in the world and I am proud to be part of the extraordinary Class of 2020. Live Jesus in our hearts … forever.
Sincerely,
Sean Collins ‘20
To read other Dear Saint Patrick letters from the Class of 2020, please click here.
