What St. Rita Means To Me

The St Marys Saints caused a minor upset when they toppled the Peninsula Seagulls 38-22 in the Sydney Shield second Qualifying Final at Campbelltown Stadium last Sunday.

I, Ella Dutton, have officially been a “lifer” at St. Anne’s. From Pre-K to eighth grade, I have continued to be a contributing member of the community. Throughout the years, I have been a tour guide, led an activity period, been a member of Tech Crew, and participated in as many sports as possible, been in three drama productions. I’ve also made many amazing friendships with people who I never thought I would be friends with. At St. Anne’s, I have learned everything from diagramming sentences to how to strive to be the best person I can be. It has definitely been a long, but wild ride at St. Anne’s.

A path that led to this school, and the amazing experiences and opportunities I had and will continue to have throughout my last year here. Here is the place I’ve learn to lead in a classroom, develop my academic skills, and succeed in continuing my mission of helping others. I’ve grown into a woman with her own ideals and own convictions, which I just now realized has always been my goal in life. What I major in, what job I have, and who I marry will not confine my person to live a life where having one experience is

I came from a wonderful and big family, I have seven brothers and sisters. Everyone helps each other whenever we need help, like if I go to College they will support me. I live in a great city called Salinas, CA. Salinas is a great place to live because the big cities are nearby, like San Jose, San Francisco, etc. The weather is awesome in the summer it does not get too hot and during the winter it gets around the 30’s. Also the beaches are near like Monterey or Santa Cruz. Salinas have a lot of fresh vegetables and fruits, in that way we could have a healthy life. Some people might think that Salinas is a gang city where many shootings happen, but it depends in the neighborhood where you live. I went to a great school which is Everett Alvarez

Advancing my education from BYU-Idaho has been one of the greatest changes that I have ever made. I met precious friends and professors, acquired many enlightening teachings, and strengthened my testimony to become humble. In addition, I learned how to respect others and manage my time effectively. From this experience at BYU-Idaho, I look forward to having another challenge for a new advanced life at BYU-Provo.

Some of my favorite memories made in high school thus far are due to my involvement in the Best Buddies program. Best Buddies is offered across the United States and is a non-profit organization dedicated to ending the exclusion of people with special needs. I joined the program my freshman year and was selected my junior year of high school to be in the Best Buddies class where I get to develop a closer relationship with all of the buddies. In total there are about twenty-five special needs kids that attend my school. I am proud to attend a school that welcomes these kids and always makes sure to include them in major school events and extracurricular activities. Recently, Tyler, one of the buddies, scored a touchdown while playing with our varsity football team. This was a proud moment for the Best Buddies class because we wanted him to have this amazing experience.

My time at Mary Queen of Peace has been unforgettable. I have grown in knowledge, faith, and have grown strong relationships with friends and teachers. Through our class field trips, class bonding experiences, retreats, athletics, and recess I have learned the many virtues that need to be in place for a successful day. We as an Eighth Grade class have shared many memories that I will never forget. Each day we faced a new challenge and we would again and again overcome the obstacles. I have made friends for life here and will miss seeing them every day.

I was just a small town girl living in Grants, New Mexico. There is a saying that if you blink you will miss it driving down the highway. I was born and raised in Milan; it was just a little portion of Grants. My entire mom’s side of the family lived close by us and my dad’s side of the family was in Espanola, except for my grandma Yolie my dad’s mom. I grew up knowing almost everyone in that small town. The challenge in living in Grants was there were no available jobs. My parents had to drive back and forth to and from Albuquerque. As I was in kindergarten through second grade I would stay at my auntie’s house early in the morning or with my grandma while both my parents were in Albuquerque. Family was everything to me or at least what I

The teachers helped me with so much. My life total changed. I had more confidence and I began to believe in myself more. Catonsville High School made me believe I had a brighter future than I thought i would ever had. Especially because mostly everyone doubted me and told me everything that i couldn’t do. Every since i joined Catonsville i saw everything

She made learning fun and always rewarded academics and behavior. She showed me the importance of building relationships with my students. I make it a habit of eating lunch with my students every day and discussing matters that are important to them. I also had some wonderful teachers and experience at Daniel Middle school. My senior year at Jordan High School was a very difficult year. Halfway through the school year, I found out I was pregnant. Then, at six months pregnant my water broke and I was hospitalized and continued my education from my hospital room. Nonetheless, my teachers (especially Mrs. Jacobs) supported and encouraged me and I could graduate with my class. In a nutshell, the compassion and dedication from many teachers, faculty, principals, of the Muscogee County School District influenced me to become a teacher. I strongly feel that my story greatly impacts how I teach. It is my desire that many of my students that come from low economic conditions like I did will know that their teacher cares for them and that someone is on their side. Moreover, I would like to instill in them that your environment does not have to determine your future. I want them to know that I grew up just like them and just like I graduated from high school and college

Growing up, my family was my community and my community was my family; and still is to this day. Throughout the years, they have taught me key principles of life and shaped me into the person I have become. From the good times to the bad, the community of Athens, Texas…These little things being events such as Friday night football games, church on Sunday morning, the annual Henderson County Livestock Show, Fiddlers Festival, and so much more. The traditions of my hometown have been around for centuries and I hope it remains that way for the years to come because that’s what makes Athens feel like home.

Imagine a place where everyone is accepted for who they are. A place where kids can discover their true calling and begin to pursue it. A place where the whole community is united in a bond of friendship and trust. No, this place is not heaven, it is South Pointe. I can’t believe that three years have gone by so fast. Three years of learning how to deal with so many classes. Three years of meeting so many great teachers that changed my way of thinking. Three years of making new friends and discoveries that have made my time here at South Pointe so memorable. Here, at South Pointe, I evolved not only academically, but also socially and emotionally. It helped me learn that it’s never too early to find out what your true passion or career goal

As I take this chance to reflect, I discovered a truth, the sky is the limit. During my years at St. Luke, I have developed as a student, an athlete, and as a member of the Catholic Church. I believe that everyone brings something special gift to the world, and I believe my gift is that of determination to become a great man through faith and education. I have been an alter server for about two years. Being an alter server has brought me closer to God and my Catholic community. Education has been a big part of my life. I can truly say I am grateful for the opportunity I have had to attend St. Luke. After St. Luke, my plans are to use my education and become prepared to take on the challenges and rewards of high school.

I attend a relatively small, private, Catholic high school in northern New Jersey called Don Bosco Prep. I am involved in a variety of activities including sports, music, and various clubs and organizations. My school encouraged me to grow academically, socially, culturally, and spiritually. Our school motto is “empowering young men for life”.  I feel that my school has given me the tools to be an engaged student. The school promotes a brotherhood which has benefitted me personally. Whether a friendship forged from a study group or one formed with a teammate, each friendship brings different experiences to my life for which I am grateful.

These past four years have really been a life changing experience. From a childish freshmen not only at school but at home too, to a still sometimes childish senior, one who knows when and how to control himself. This school and its teachers have taught me so many lessons that will not be forgotten any time soon.