Campus Life

There’s No Place Like Home... A Letter from SJ Cadet, Caitlin Brown ’18

For all of us, no matter our year, St Joseph High School has become a home away from home. St Joes has been a place of learning, laughter, and love. When I walked through the front doors freshman year, I had no idea that I would still feel the same excitement and joy walking through those same doors every day for the next four years.

During my time here, SJ has grown tremendously, just like its students. We have been lucky enough to witness great change and expansion to our campus. What was once the old Mary Kenney Library became the Student Commons, where you will always find students hanging out during study or before school. With the use of funds raised by our student-run Walkathon, the Commons was developed even more into a place for all to sit comfortably and either talk with friends, meet with clubs, or get homework done. Then came the creation of a new upper field turf where students, family members, and alumni love to watch football games and other sporting events. It has become a central location for great bonding between generations. And just this year, the new Health & Wellness Center was added, and man, is it great!!

The physical growth at St Joes has been completely intertwined with my own physical, emotional, and educational growth. This has been possible because of the countless opportunities that I have had to jump in and be my best. When I came here, I decided the best way to meet people and to know this community was to get myself involved. I decided to join some clubs that were interesting to me then, and that now mean the world to me. I joined Drama Club, Student Ambassadors, Student Council, helped to found RAAAFT Club (which supports victims of abuse), and volunteered with Special Olympics. I also decided to run Cross Country, and even though I was not the best runner, I had a great coach and some truly amazing friends who helped me grow as a person in life and in the sport. As the years have passed, I have become more confident and acquired true leadership skills that will stay with me for the rest of my life. As a senior, I am now President of Drama and RAAAFT Club, Publicity Secretary for the Student Ambassadors, and President of the Senior Class. I also co-chaired SJ’s Fashion Show, which raised more than $10,000 for our Senior Class Gift. 

St Joseph High School has forever been embedded in my heart, and in my soul, as a place I can call home. I know that in 10, 20, or even 50 years, when I walk through the front doors, I will always be overwhelmed with feelings and memories of love, laughter, learning, and community. 

Just this morning, I had that same thought as I walked through the front doors with both gratitude and joy: I am meant to be here. I am home.

With Thanks,
Caitlin Brown ’18