Most high school students just want to be done with high school and move on to college. As excited as I was for college, I also had to sadly remind myself that I was leaving a school that was irreplaceable, and certainly unforgettable.

If you live anywhere near Rhode Island, you may have heard of a private, college-prepatory school called Mount St. Charles Academy, located in a small town called Woonsocket. I am so proud to be a graduate from this junior-senior high school and here’s why:

Mount provides teachers that really take pride in their work. A part of mount’s mission statement is that “every student is known, valued and treasured.” I have witnessed this statement come into play when teachers have gotten to know their students and what assistance they might need in the classroom. Students feel welcomed every day and get valuable lessons in and out of the classroom from their teachers. These one of a kind teachers are the ones that have stayed after school with you for hours, watching tears roll down your face from a bad grade or not understanding material and wouldn’t let you shed another one until your confidence came back. They were the ones who stood outside and applauded you as you walked to the arena to receive your diploma. They were the ones who went to your sports games or after school activities just to support you, not only as a student, but as a friend. You would even see them outside of school sometimes and they never missed a chance to chat. It is moments like this where you know they don’t just care how you’re doing in the classroom, but care about what makes you who you are, without the grades. As a graduate now, I get the honor of visiting my teachers and telling them about college, or new jobs and you can tell by their facial expressions how proud they are of any of their former students.

The students at Mount are taught to be respectful, and to give back whenever they can. The school provides so many service opportunities for any members of the community such as the homeless, the elderly, young children, or the vulnerable. I think I’ve done way more service hours than I ever needed to, but Mount taught me to never regret one minute that was spent helping others.

Not only do students help the community, but also other members of Mount. We are given chances to help new students with finding their classes, sitting with them at lunch, and so on. The students have created friendships with older or younger students, which is something you don’t see everyday.

Mount is also known for academics, fine arts, AND athletics. Our hockey team is well known and you can probably find the entire student body at one of the hockey games on the weekends. Yes, the crowd can get loud, but mount still has the best sportsmanship around. Athletes are taught the five principles of honorable mention, which are:

1. Respect the game, respect your opponent
2. Play by the rules and within the spirit of the rules
3. Play your best
4. Don’t hit back, play harder
5. Employ competitive restraint

These principles have been demonstrated and performed well by the athletes of Mount, as well as many organizations that provides a friendly competition. These students are examples of what Mount pride is all about.

So, if you graduated from this school, you’ll know that it has become a second home in your heart. It provided you hundreds of individuals you have gotten to know and love. You were given friendships that can last a lifetime. It got you to where you are today, and will still be there when you come “back home” and tell your teachers all about your new achievements. Yes, high school may be over, but the memories will forever be there. I am so proud to come from a place I can call “home”.

Thanks Mount, for shaping me into the person I am today and helping me achieve my dreams. I couldn’t have done it without you.