The Missing Piece

Brother Martin High School has blessed me with not only an amazing education but also with a brotherhood and a family.

Throughout elementary, middle and the beginning of high school, I attended small public schools. At these schools, I personally experienced fights, drama and bullying, and I knew I was missing something important to my academic and religious success. I yearned to escape the school that was hurting me so much, so I asked my parents if I could switch.

I made my decision and switched to Brother Martin High School.

My first day was halfway through the school year, and I was nervous I would experience the same toxic relationships I had experienced at my old school. What I found, however, was eye-opening and life-changing.

At Brother Martin, I found a brotherhood of teachers and friends who were supportive and sincere. I found a community where my faith was accepted and practiced. I found a place where I knew I could grow as an individual and a young man.

I had found the missing piece I was searching for. My switch to a Catholic education and the blessings it has brought will forever impact my life.

The Clarion Herald posed the following three questions to students attending Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of New Orleans:

 1. What teacher has had an impact on your life, and how did that happen?

2. What blessings have you received from your Catholic school education? Was there a challenging situation that your school (teachers or fellow students) helped you overcome?

3. How inspired have you been by the example of your parent(s) who have had to sacrifice in order to send you to Catholic school?

The response was overwhelming. The Clarion Herald received more than 150 submissions from across the archdiocese.  The next few pages speak of the beauty of Catholic education more simply and poignantly than just about anything else we could dream of.

Thank you teachers, parents and students!