July 2006 - St. Michael's Abbey

Senior Reflections
Kyle Abramson – Looking back, I now understand
how four years of hardship, joy, education and
formation have served well to turn me into a Catholic
young man who is ready to face life confidently. Thank
you to all those at St. Michael’s who gave so freely
of themselves and through whom I have learned the
strength of faith, hope, courage and love, which
prepares us to venture out into the world. The result
is success in education, responsibility and faith.
Jeremy Anoc – I was a different person before
coming to this school; the way I was most different
had to do with my faith in God. I looked at attending
Mass as a nuisance, something that needlessly took
time away from doing better things, but now know
that there is nothing better. Seeing the reverence of
the priests in Mass and their dedication in activities
outside of the church has been inspiring. Learning
from Scripture, Philosophy and Ethics classes, and
witnessing the Faith-in-action of Mass and Holy Hour,
has been incredibly fulfilling. I am confident that my
time at St. Michael’s will be the launching ground
for a more fruitful life.
Joseph Atchley – When I came to St. Michael’s as
a freshman, I begrudged that my only escape from
isolation “on the hilltop” was through basketball
and attendance at Mass and Holy Hour. I could not
comprehend why my parents had sent me here. Four
years later, I see why. I am grateful for the education
and the frequent reception of the Sacraments. Only
too late did I realize this, and I wish I had taken better
advantage of both of these. Thank you fellow students
and faculty for your support and helping me get
through this school; without you it would have
been impossible.
Richard Chen – I have learned much about myself -
growing both spiritually and mentally. The classes, the
environment and the people have all served to fortify
me for the future. From my very first day, St. Michael’s
has been a life-changing experience; I have been
immersed in the Catholic faith. As I step into the
future and college, I will take with me the many
things I have learned.
Christopher Darrow – The essence of what St.
Michael’s strives to teach surrounds us in our day-today
world, reaching much farther beyond Mass and
Holy Hour. The outstanding examples set by our
Norbertine Fathers have served to lend credence to
their teachings. There is truth in fr. Charbel’s advice,
“When you leave St. Michael’s, you must put on
the armor of faith.” I would choose to endure any
obstacle or hardship in order to experience what I
have come to know over the last four years. Without
a doubt, St. Michael’s Prep has been an experience
I will never forget.
Thomas Dudro – Amidst the collection of
memories of my time here, several things stand
out. The first is my class, my comrades. Through
good times and bad, they have been my brothers.
And like brothers, we did not always get along, but
ultimately we came together and formed a class.
Another is Fr. Szanto, my language teacher through
all four years, who provided me with wisdom
and knowledge beyond acquiring language skills.
Another important element was the presence of
the Catholic Faith, which will continue to be a
guiding light in the midst of whatever secular
confusion I find myself. I thank God for having
come to this school.
Christopher Manly – Throughout my time at
St. Michael’s, God has surprised me over and
over again. Countless times I have tried to deny
God His right to show me what direction He knows
is best. I am grateful for the daily examples of what
it means to live a faith-based life. As students, we
are privileged to study under highly-motivated and
dedicated teachers. We would never find teachers
like those found here in any other school. Was
it worth it? Yes!
Alan Ng – St. Michael’s is the rock upon which
one begins building the foundation of one’s life.
I have acquired liberating knowledge, enabling
me to live as the Catholic Christ calls each one
of us to be. I learned how important love of God
and love of neighbor is. I thank my parents for
the blessings and opportunities presented to
me through St. Michael’s.
Phillip Nguyen – From our freshmen year
to finally becoming an upper classmen, we
embraced the joy of completing a memorable
journey together. Although not always easy to
persevere in such a small environment and I
was not always grateful for what I had, it is with
assurance I say that whatever we, as a class,
achieve in the years to come will depend upon
the choices we make now. As we part, I wish my
fellow classmates well and hope you persevere
in the years to come while not letting go of
what we take with us from St. Michael’s.
Roger Urich – Perhaps the greatest thing I have
learned at St. Michael’s is that faith must not be
placed in men, but rather in God. Next year we
will be forced to put on the armor of God and we
will miss having such graces so readily available.
The education this school offers is priceless as
it opened our minds and taught us not only
to reason, but how to reason well.