I can remember pouting and complaining every single day of the summer when my parents informed me that I would be leaving my public school and attending a Catholic School called Immaculata High School, that I knew little about. Looking back at my school experiences, I am so thankful that I have attended Catholic school, it made me the person I am today.

A Catholic schooler's life has consisted of years of prayer, Friday masses, service trips and plaid. While we didn't all appreciate these special little things that our Catholic schools offered, they made us the people we are today. Going to a Catholic school builds character, creating a type of person that is unique from everyone else. We owe this all to the parents who were caring enough to invest in our lives and send us to Catholic School.

Going to a Catholic school is a community unlike no other. It is sheltered, safe, but yet it teaches you so much. Catholic school taught me the values of discipline, respect, faith and service. Although Catholic School students complain about their plaid skirts and "polishable leather shoes," the years of wearing a strict uniform taught each and every one of us that in life there are rules and you cannot go through life doing, wearing or saying whatever you want.

In a small Catholic school, respect is a prominent value. It was important to respect not only your teachers and administrators, but your peers. Of course it got tough being in such a small environment sometimes, but we all learned to be respectful towards one another, which was crucial in this tight knit community. This value of respect will follow us throughout life.

Thank you to the parents who sacrificed so that their children could learn in an environment that nurtured not only their brain, but their spirit and souls. Catholic school taught us to be open about our beliefs and to not fear what others thought. This trait will not only help us with our religion, but with our morals, standards and beliefs.

Thank you to all the moms and dads who put away a great amount of money just to invest in your children's Catholic education. Your children know that this was a sacrifice that was not easy, but it was certainly worth it. The values that Catholic school has taught your children will follow them throughout their entire life. Their education instilled important characteristics into them that will stay with them no matter where they end up. Although you may not know it, your children are grateful for the opportunity you gave them, even if they complained about their school all the time.

Thank you to the parents who invested in more than just an education for their children, but a place where they could learn the values of respect and discipline, could grow in faith and learn to be open with their beliefs. As much as we complained, going to Catholic school left a mark that changed who we are for the better.