I went to public school from K-6. Then my parents gave us an option to go to a Catholic school for middle school. I played sports with the Catholic school even when I was in public school. So I wanted to go to St. Cecilia’s because that’s where my friends went. And I loved it.
For high school, I took an entrance exam for a school and was set to attend that school. But then I did a last minute shadow visit at Roncalli and fell in love instantly. Everyone welcomed me with open arms.
I have a lot of opportunities here with AP and honors classes, as well as with sports. I play soccer and my uncle is a coach.
“Every child should have the same opportunity and a choice to attend a private school, regardless of their family’s ability to pay.”
I receive scholarships that help my family afford tuition and also do Building Pride, which means I do chores at the school. That also helps my parents so much. We’re not rich by any means. I have three other siblings and lowering the cost of tuition helps them a lot and I appreciate it because it allows for me to attend Roncalli.
Financially, it was easier for my parents to send us to a public grade school. But they attended private school and wanted us to have that same opportunity, which is why they gave us the choice starting in middle school. I’m glad they gave us that decision because it makes us feel like we have freedom and aren’t pressured at all.
One reason I think our school is different from many schools is because we have teachers who worked in their field. For instance, our anatomy teacher worked in the medical field. We also have AP classes and I take a lot of honors classes. I want to become a neonatal nurse specializing in respiratory needs and I know my school is preparing me well so I can do that.
I feel like every family should have the opportunity to attend a school like Roncalli. I don’t think it’s fair that only people with money are able to have this type of education. Every child should have the same opportunity and a choice to attend a private school, regardless of their family’s ability to pay. I think that would help families immensely.
