Here at DeMatha Catholic High School the community has always been an important part of what makes our school different from others. From the multiple parent organizations to student-led activities, the help DeMatha gets from its surrounding community has shown improvements in the way students interact with each other on campus. These changes may not always be noticeable at first, however, by students for whom it has made a real impact in everyday life.
One of the ways the community has shown its support is through donations to help improve student programs and spaces. Some of these donations have helped improve the campus, provide scholarships, and pour into student organizations. Teacher and Associate Director of Student Activities, Mr. Jordan Gill ’15, explained that these contributions to DeMatha directly improve the lives of students each and every day. “Most of what the students now enjoy here at DeMatha are because our alumni care enough to come back and pour into their community,” Mr. Gill said. “Spaces like these can help every student feel even more connected to the school and overall community.”
Some students have seen the ways these donations have helped them during their time at DeMatha. They feel that they can interact with their peers easier. Sophomore Justin Prioleau stated that having better areas where students can feel comfortable encourages students to interact better. “More people actually stick around in the library,” Justin said. “You actually see more groups of people collaborating or just doing work all together instead of just leaving.”
Donations have also helped DeMatha get back to its surrounding community and neighborhoods through programs, fundraisers and food drives. Our Campus Ministry Office puts together service events, projects, and activities which have only grown with additional funding and support from our alumni. The Director of Student Activities, Mr. Scott Sicko, believes that these opportunities to give back to our surrounding community are important for not only the people who need them but for us as a school and for student development. “These programs give students a chance to interact with each other outside of the classroom while helping others,” Mr.Sicko said.
As DeMatha continues to grow in brotherhood, involvement must remain a priority of our student life. Through continuing support, the school has been able to improve activities for students and strengthen the sense of belonging to a larger community. This defines what DeMatha stands for. As students, we may not always see where the funding comes from, but the impact can be felt every day. A supportive school environment from teachers, staff, alumni, parents, and community leaders all year round goes a long way toward shaping the overall experience at DeMatha for each and every student.
