Why Catholic schools?

By Preston Nitsche-Love, 2021 Salutatorian, Great Falls Central Catholic High School

For only six years of my school career have I been attending Catholic schools, but it has made all the difference for my future. First and foremost, I have found my faith. To Christians, this is the most vital part of our life, and therefore the most important.

It is a wonderful opportunity to be in a place where our faith is encouraged and spurred on by the leaders around us. The relatively small size of our schools allows for us students to build closer relationships with all of the people we are surrounded by on a daily basis. We often overlook how important this factor is in the growth of our kids our age.

I came into high school not knowing what I was good at, or even the things I might want to do. All I knew was school. However, this just doesn’t work for kids in the Catholic school system. Each day we see kids around us that participate in extracurriculars, and when that is combined with the tight-knit relationships we have, we are encouraged to try something new.

From my experience, I was told I could be a good addition to sports teams, ones that I never have played on before. I was believed in right from the start, and I was given a chance. Fast forward 4 years of rigorous classes and three sports a year, I am now going to a Christian college to study Mechanical Engineering and wrestle.

Those are both things I never would have imagined myself doing when I first arrived at Great Falls Central Catholic. Catholic schools are filled with students and staff who, more often than not, build each other up and challenge each other to be the best versions of ourselves.

I would encourage all students and parents to consider catholic schools. Not just for one reason, but for the multitude of opportunities that kids of all kinds can benefit from. I can attest that I feel prepared for the next steps of my life, and would guarantee that people who buy into what we have to offer will as well.