Over the last month, a few events have happened in my life which solidified my decision to send my kids to a Catholic school. A few weeks ago, my son and I attended a funeral for one of his St. Norbert classmates’ (class of 2021) father. 95% of the people in attendance (it was a small memorial mass) were his classmates and/or the parents from that class. These “kids” (though they are all 19 and 20 now) went on to different high schools (Loyola, Glenbrook, Notre Dame) and even farther away colleges (Arizona, Mizzou, U of I) yet all came together to support their former classmate, years after graduating. Only at a Catholic school.
That same night, over 50 Notre Dame High School hockey players, from freshman at ND to freshman in college, gathered in their green hockey jerseys to support Ryan, a 2025 graduate of ND who was having surgery the next day. There is nothing more special than seeing 50 young boys tapping their hockey sticks on the sidewalk of a fellow ND alumn/hockey player. Only at a Catholic school.
Finally, my daughter graduated from high school this past Sunday and one of my favorite moments from the night was a picture of Amy and her St. Norbert classmates (class of 2022) in their caps and gowns waiting to process in. Out of 536 graduates, these 9 students (not all from her class went to GBN) found each other and took a photo. Only at a Catholic school.
Just yesterday, 5 graduates from last years class, from four different schools, all came together to visit here. FRIENDS FOR LIFE
All of this – only from a catholic school. Sure, it was a financial burden at times (especially for high school) but for my kids and myself (I have some of the best friends from St. Norbert) it was an investment in their future – and so worth it. So students and parents, look around you – these are some of the best people you will ever know and I am sure you will all continue to be friends, even as you depart to Loyola, DePaul, St. Viator, ND, St. Pats, Res, Regina, Maine South, Taft and Schaumburg.
And I would like to start a new tradition with the class of 2026. Four years from now, on the same day we have our 8th grade graduation breakfast, I invite you all back with your high school graduation robes to walk these halls again, as high school graduates! And we will again send you off onto your next journey after high school.
So remember, this will always be your home. Whether you walked in here in preschool or kindergarten, or joined us within the last few years, St. Elizabeth is your home school and you are always welcome back. All that you need to know, you really did learn in kindergarten – clean up your mess, share, don’t hurt others, if you do say you’re sorry, be kind – to yourself and others. Finally, remember that God loves you and is with you, when things are good and when things are tough. High school can be exciting and stressful, so take time to pray to God and He will help you through those stressful times and celebrate with you during the good times.
Thank you.
Kristine Hillmann, Prinipal St. Elizabeth School