Catholic Schools Week | An Essay by Mary Huels (Jan 14, 2019)

Hello and good morning. My name is Mary Huels  and I am in eighth grade at St Francis de Sales School. I want to start off by saying thank you to everyone here today for letting me speak to you. This is my ninth year attending St Francis de Sales School, and I can honestly say I wouldn’t want it any other way. I am the youngest a for kids and all of my siblings attended St Francis as well, so I have been a part of the parish for my entire life. St Francis has provided me with so many wonderful opportunities over the years and I am beyond grateful.

The first one to talk about the many relationships are formed at St Francis. Although St Francis is a smaller school than most of the local grade schools, that does not inhibit us from creating close relationships.  Really, just the opposite is true. I have made lifelong friends and have been blessed with knowing the same group of kids for nine years. The bonds that we share are unbreakable. We have grown up together and become family. I also have been fortunate enough to form close relationships with many of my teachers, which has helped me stay involved in all of my classes. I know that I can always go to them for help because they truly care about their students.

I believe that Saint Francis prepares us well for high school. I believe I’m well equipped to enter Lake Zurich High School next year. The curriculum and St Francis has not only taught me the value of hard work, but is allowed me to engage in and out of the classroom in various ways. Without the support of that you, the parish, have given our school, these opportunities may not have been available.

The foundation of our education at St Francis is our Catholic faith. I am tremendously grateful for this. St Francis has taught me that God is always with me everywhere I go. I know that he supports me and loves me unconditionally. As many of you know, Father Ryan gives out Three Musketeer candy bars as a reward for answering questions at school Mass. This definitely keep students involved and it is always fun to see the look on the younger kids faces when they get a candy bar. St Francis has done exceptionally well and teaching the Catholic faith by making it fun and interesting using these different teaching techniques.

I have learned so much from the school’s a whole. I’m going to miss St Francis but I know that I will always be welcomed back with open arms. St Francis has become my second home. The school has given me endless opportunities that have helped shape me into who I am and who I will become. Opportunities like these would not be possible without your support. Donation of your time, talent, and supplies has made our school a resourceful, loving, and caring environment. I am forever grateful for all of your support. Thank you!