by Robbie Root ’22

My name is Robert Root  and I am proud of the fourteen years I have spent in Catholic schools. I attended Lebanon Catholic from preschool to sixth grade, Saint Joseph in seventh and eighth, and Trinity for high school. These three schools were all quite different, but the faith was the cornerstone of each of them. 

Whether its regular school-wide masses, rosaries in May, or stations of the cross, these schools immerse their students in many of the liturgical practices of the Church. Trinity especially places value in Eucharistic Adoration, which every class attends monthly. There is also plenty of opportunity to learn and talk about faith. Students are required to take a theology class each year they attend a Catholic School. Each school also has a chaplain. These priests are very approachable and a great resource for students looking to deepen their faith.

Trinity has an outstanding retreat program that helps students put into practice what is learned in the theology classroom. There are service and leadership retreats. The senior Kairos retreat helps students grow spiritually and in their relationships with God, themselves, and others. It is the highlight of most students time at Trinity. 

The academics of these schools are rigorous, challenging each student while providing assistance to those who need it. The classes I took pushed me to achieve what I did not think I was capable of. The class that springs to mind is AP Chemistry my junior year. I spent many long nights studying as did the rest of my class and when the AP exam came around almost all of my class achieved a four or five. For those of you that do not know it is graded out of five, with a 3 being considered a good score. 

Most classes I attended contained 20 or fewer students which allowed teachers to adapt to each student’s needs and give individual assistance when required. The teachers at these schools really care about students. I felt comfortable talking to them after class and not just to ask for help. They take genuine interest in their students and will ask about major events that happened or just generally be open to any discussion.

Every school I attended prepared me for the next step. Lebanon Catholic prepared me for and introduced me to middle school. Saint Joseph prepared me for high school. Trinity, for life. The reason I am able to speak to you today is that I decided not to attend college. What I learned at Trinity more than prepared me for college, but it is not what God intended for me, at least for now. I was accepted into Faulkner Subaru’s apprenticeship program through a partnership with Trinity High School, for which I am eternally grateful. I am currently working there and will soon be a full Master Automotive Technician. The Catholic school system instilled in me a work ethic and problem solving skills that I use everyday. If it wasn’t for my education, I most likely would have quit when I was starting out as I had no prior experience. Instead, I persevered and figured it all out, just as I was taught. This has led me to a job I enjoy with great people.

I thank you for your time and ask that you consider enrolling your child in a Catholic school if you have not already done so.