4 years, 640 school days, 5120 periods, 230,400 minutes later, and somehow it is all coming to an end. Stepping foot on campus already feels nostalgic, even though I am still a student. In just a few weeks, I will be walking across the stage at Brother Thomas More Page Stadium, the same field where I will finish my senior lacrosse season. With so much good coming to an end, I cannot help but look back on the past four years and how they shaped me into the man I am today.
Finishing my 8th grade year at Holy Trinity, my parents gave me the choice of where I wanted to go to high school. For the first time in my life, I had the chance to make a decision that important, and it is safe to say I made the right one. I shadowed my cousin at Trinity, and it was a good experience, but everything changed when I shadowed my brother at St. X. It opened my eyes to the difference between the two. The facilities, the classrooms, the teachers, the brotherhood, and the academics all stood out immediately. After that and the open house, St. X felt like home.
August came around faster than I expected. On the first day of school, my dad helped me tie my tie, something every freshman goes through, and by the second day I had it figured out myself. Everything started quickly, especially freshman football, which became my favorite part of the year. I already had friends at St. X, but football helped me branch out and build new friendships I would not have made otherwise. That fall was one of the best times of my life. I was exposed to so many new experiences that helped shape who I am today. Before I knew it, football ended and lacrosse began, and just like that, freshman year was over. Looking back, I wish I had valued the time with my brother more. The early morning car rides, the long days after practice, the dinners at home, it all went by so fast.
Freshman and sophomore year were great, but I stayed in my comfort zone. I went with the flow instead of creating my own path. That changed when I decided to run for junior class president. Student council was completely new to me, and it involved the one thing I hated most, public speaking. I could barely speak in front of my friends, let alone the entire school. Still, I gave it everything I had, and I won.
Winning that election changed everything. It opened doors I never expected and pushed me to grow in ways I never thought I would. That carried into senior year when I was elected senior class president. I knew it would not be easy, but I wanted to make the year as great as possible.
We started planning over the summer, coming up with football themes and organizing events like the pep rally. Once school started, so did the speeches. The Tiger Kick Off Rally on the first day set the tone for the year, teaching the entire student body the cheers that carried into a packed football season. One of my favorite moments was the pep rally for the St. X and Trinity game. Seeing everything come together made all the work worth it. Even though football fell short, soccer winning state the day after Halloween in Lexington was one of the best days of the year.
Around that time, I went on the Wilderness Retreat. Spending three days in Red River Gorge hiking, making smores, and telling stories was one of my favorite St. X experiences. It was simple, but it meant a lot.
Basketball season followed, and it brought some unforgettable moments. Watching Josh Lindsey dunk and going to Rupp Arena made winter just as exciting.
In January, I had the opportunity to lead the Christian Awakening Retreat, easily one of the best decisions I have ever made. I got to lead alongside some of my closest friends and connect with others in a way I will never forget. It left a lasting impact on me.
Then came lacrosse season, something I had been waiting for all year. We put in countless hours working toward one goal, a state championship. I am writing this mid season, so I do not know how it ends, but beating Trinity and winning the MSLA are memories I will always have. Lacrosse has taught me hard work, discipline, and what true friendship looks like. Some of my closest friendships came from that field, and I will always be grateful for that.
Now, as I get ready to walk across the stage, I feel both excited and sad. I am leaving behind a place that has meant so much to me. The retreats, the Kentucky Lake trip, the morning announcements, and the daily prayer are all things I will never forget. I can still hear Coach J yelling “if” in the halls. I remember the long walks from the junior lot, the late nights after football games, and the laughs in PE. I remember my classes, the feeling of winning class president twice, and going to school with my brother. I remember watching him graduate, and now it is my turn.
St. X has been the biggest blessing in my life. I am forever grateful for my time there, and I know I will stay connected to it for the rest of my life.
Go Tigers!
Sam Jurgensen
