Here is why the Mammoser family chose Saint Patrick High School in their own words.
We wanted to move away from the public school system as our son went into these formative years. We felt that St. Pat’s would challenge him in many ways. The different academic levels are a great system and they make sure he is in the most appropriate class so he’s been in Honors level courses, as well as College Prep. We also wanted a safe environment for him to develop and grow. Plus, we loved the idea of him attending an all-boys school as we felt this would give him a great experience in helping him mature into a confident and intelligent young man.
Christian participated in the Sharks Swim Club in 6th – 8th grades. The club practices at St. Pat’s so he met students and heard about how much they enjoyed the school. We also had a chance to talk with Coach Marty Gibson who encouraged our son’s swimming and made us feel like this was the school he should be at to further his swimming career. We felt that Coach Marty and the school cared about his athletics and his academics.
It’s been an exciting change so far! There have been a few bumps along the way just trying to adjust to the difference between public and private schools, but we feel St. Pat’s has been there to support him, and us, when we needed it. He’s loved his teachers, as well as the smaller classes, and has been able to get to know so many different kids. He truly feels like he can be himself and express himself in unique ways, and he has a Brotherhood here.
Christian joined the Debate Club in the fall of his Freshman year giving him an opportunity to strengthen his speaking skills, which can help him in many ways. Of course, he continued with swimming, making the Varsity Team as a freshman. He worked hard and loved being asked to be a big part of the team, competing on the Conference and Sectional teams. He earned several awards during the season and at the end of the year, he received the Freshman Swimmer of the Year Award. Because of his swimming, he was asked to work with Coach Mary Gibson this past summer. He spent six weeks teaching kids how to swim and truly enjoyed the work. This fall he’s working in the Theatre Department doing technical work for the play.
Another thing we were happy to learn was that our son could complete his Catholic education by participating in the RCIA program at St. Pat’s. He made the commitment to show up early every Wednesday morning so that he could make his First Communion and Confirmation in front of the entire school this past spring. It made him feel even more connected to the school and the Church.
I would definitely tell prospective parents to attend more than one Open House and have your son shadow more than once, if at all possible. Learn about all the options that your son will have at St. Pat’s. Despite it being smaller than some of the local public schools, there are so many interesting and unique clubs and activities for your son to experience. Plus, because of its smaller size, you really get to know the other boys, parents and so many of the faculty and staff, and they know your son!
To learn more about Saint Patrick High School, visit us at our Fall Open Houses on Thursday, October 24 and Thursday, November 14 from 6-8 pm. There are also opportunities to be a Shamrock for a Day by scheduling a Shadow Day.
To read more Why I Chose Saint Patrick stories from current Shamrock families, go to: Why I Chose Saint Patrick and scroll down to the bottom of the page.
