SAINT ANTHONY'S HIGH SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT ALUMNI ...

Toni-Ann Arpino
The name holds so much clout; the experience is
undefined. These words describe most reactions that a
student at Saint Anthony’s High School would say. I knew
that Saint Anthony’s was the high school for me the day
I heard about it. I could have chosen any other school but
something just drew me to Saint Anthony’s. I feel that
I made the right decision that day in eighth grade when
I came to the open house. Looking back now, four years
later, there was so much I learned academically, but most
of all spiritually.
I still remember what Brother Gary said at my Freshman
Communion Breakfast, “Capture the heart and the mind
will follow.” That saying stuck with me throughout the
years. I learned quickly how Saint Anthony’s was a school
of learning not only schoolwork, but also life-long
lessons. I’ve gone through many experiences here,
good and bad, but a lesson was taught through each
experience. One of my greatest experiences was the Italy
Pilgrimage with the Chorus last year. It was the most
breath-taking experience of my life. I had already traveled
to Italy with my parents, but to have experienced this
opportunity was amazing. Yes, it was a lot of hard work
and you barely got any sleep, but I can happily say it
was so worth every second of it! To wake up in a foreign
country and see all the beautiful cities and churches was
magnificent. Being able to share a vacation like that
without my parents and with my best friends made the
trip exciting. I not only had the time of my life while I
was there, I even made new friends, some of whom
were teachers! That trip to Italy opened my mind to a
new way of life.
I feel that my pilgrimage to Italy somehow tapped into
the spiritual side of me. It must have been all the churches
we sang at! Last year I quickly became involved in the
church more. I offered to be a lector and I became a
Eucharistic Minister. I also asked to take the Catechetics
class for Theology this year. That was the best decision I
could have ever made for my senior year. I love it so much
and my religion has recently played a huge role in my life.
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My mom is my inspiration in my belief of faith. She taught
me everything there is to know about trusting God and
His Will for me in my life. She taught me that prayer is
a very powerful thing and with prayer I know that I can
always rely on my faith to get me through.
Looking back at my four years at Saint Anthony’s is happy
and sad at the same time. It feels like yesterday that I was
walking through the doors on my first day of freshman
year. I was this little girl who just wanted to get to my
next class without dropping any books or getting lost!
That was my biggest fear as a freshman. I wanted to
know everyone and have everyone know me in return.
I feel that Saint Anthony’s has definitely shaped me into
the person I am today. And looking back on my high
school career four years later, I wouldn’t change a thing.
I hope to continue my studies and spiritually grow at
Siena College or Quinnipiac University next year.
Richard Blount
John F. Kennedy once said, ”As we express our gratitude,
we must never forget that the highest appreciation is
not to utter words, but to live by them.” That statement
is a lesson to all of us, especially seniors as we prepare to
graduate. Saint Anthony’s High School isn’t just a building
we go to five days in a row. It is a microcosm of diversity
and deep spirituality. It is almost a second home for me
and, in my last year, reality is beginning to hit me. I’m not
the same kid I used to be, but the man I am becoming.
The first day of high school, a day you look forward to
only for the fact that you’re not a kid anymore, you are
almost an adult. My first day I acted like a kid, thought it
was smart. I brought all my books in a box that was
probably half my weight. I’ll never forget how Mr. Arrigo
grabbed it for me and brought it to my homeroom. That
was the starting point of my growth. High school is full of
great sports, girls and all the fun that happens. Yeah,
that’s true, but the reality is that high school is more than
just fun. Throughout my four years Saint Anthony’s has
taught me greater things than I could, and probably will,
learn in my life. The bell of the Brother at 8:10 taught
me that promptness is key to a successful future. Through
Student Council I improved my teamwork skills as well
as more responsibility and a better work ethic. I was
always a smart kid, slightly cocky in my ways, but after
four years I’ve come to humble myself in certain situations.
You don’t always have to be right; it’s okay to lose. The
Brothers have been mentors to me in such a way that
when I see a person in need I think what would be the
Christian thing to do. Communication is a skill many have
yet to master, but I tell you through first-hand experience
that one should join clubs, try out for teams, etc.