I have been going to St. Michael School for 10 years. In my time here, I have made many friends, learned many lessons, and received the best education possible. Most importantly, I have grown immensely in my faith. In my opinion, St. Michael School is truly a school like no other; the students feel appreciated, we grow in our faith and education every day, and we make friendships that will last a lifetime.

 Being able to attend a Catholic school is something that not everyone has access to, which is one reason why I am so grateful to have spent my whole life at St. Michael’s. It is hard to imagine a life without being able to freely discuss my faith, not only in religion class, but in any subject, or any time of the day; I am not only reminded of God’s love for us in religion class, as all lessons can be                                tied to our faith. Starting every morning in the church, in prayer, attending mass every Friday, and spending time in Adoration once a month are opportunities that make me feel blessed.                                     

Looking into my future, I have never pictured a life without my faith, especially attending a Catholic school; I have always felt pushed academically, and even when I feel discouraged, I know that my SMS family is here for me. I can confidently say I am prepared for high school, and what the future holds for me. More than just a religious and academic standpoint, my experience at St. Michael has made me who I am today. My teachers care for me, personally and in my education, our school lunches are made with care, time outside is prioritized, and I feel truly loved. Beyond my personal experience, I believe Catholic schools are a vital part of our world. This is why I believe that Catholic education is so important. I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to be a part of St. Michael School.

-Leah

I first transferred to St. Michaels in Kindergarten and I don't think even my mother could have expected the difference it made in my life. Over the years, I’ve made so many friends, memories, and achievements; but the one thing that has changed me the most is my faith over the years. In fact, after all these years learning and growing in my faith, I will officially join the church this Easter. If I had never attended St. Michael,  having all the opportunities that I have had to grow in my faith this would have never happened. I have wrestled with this decision for a long time, because I know how serious the commitment is, but I have been blessed to have Father Amberger guide me through and answer my questions. We are blessed to have him at school, not just for his teaching, but to be able to talk to him so he can help us understand our faith. I am grateful to Father Amberger for guiding me through such a hard decision, even if he hasn’t noticed. Going to Mass every Friday, and having the opportunity to go to Adoration every month is such a blessing that’s really helped me see how we should devote our time to adore the Lord. I have made so many memories that I will forever cherish. Whether it be with my kindergarten buddies, playing kickball, or going on exciting field trips with my class, I have been blessed to grow up at St. Michael School. 

Our school is an amazing place. I am thankful to my parents for providing this opportunity to me. If I had never come to St. Michael I wouldn’t have my stepfather, Mr Arn or my soon to be Godmother Sarah Burrows, or the other wonderful people I now call family. I am thankful to all the people over the years who have sacrificed and given to keep our school open and to help it grow to be such a special place for kids to grow up. I want you to know it makes a difference. Even though I will miss St. Michael very much after I graduate, I am confident going to high school because of the education I have received, and more importantly, in the faith that I have been blessed with at St. Michael School.

-Sadie

I would like to tell you about my experience growing up at St. Michael School. I feel very blessed, because I know how unique St. Michael really is. Of course our academic education is very important, but as I get closer to graduation, I am beginning to understand that the importance of my education is to help me understand the plan that God has for me in my life. I have been a St Michael student for eleven years now, and looking back on these years, I can’t imagine a better way to grow up. Students at St. Michael are taught reading, writing, math, history and science just like any school, but we have had opportunities to learn things like Latin, art, and how to play the violin. Not only do we learn these subjects, but we get opportunities to perform, compete, speak in public, and carry out service projects in our community.  More important than any of this, we get a whole period every day to learn about our faith. We get to go to mass every Friday, and we regularly get opportunities to go to confession and spend time with Jesus in adoration. Even on days we don't have mass, the whole school starts the day in the church and we read from scripture, pray for each other’s needs and say the pledge of allegiance. Some people might not think that fifteen minutes are important, but it is a great way to start your day. I also think it’s special that older kids get to work with younger kids. Us 8th graders even sit with our kindergarten buddies at mass!  Even though I am going to miss St. Michael next year, I am very confident and am grateful for all that St Michael has done to prepare me for high school. I am grateful to my parents for sending me to St. Michael, and I am also thankful to all the people who work so hard and sacrifice to make it a great place for kids to grow up.

-Ava