Some of our students wrote essays about why they love our school ahead of Catholic Schools Week. Below are some of our favorites. We hope you enjoy them as much as we have!
Prince of Peace
by Sofia Lizardi
When I walked through the doors of Prince of Peace Catholic School as an incoming second grader, I was resentful and bothered. I had been in public school for the entirety of my life and was expected to suddenly switch to a strange private school with no one I knew. I had hardly any prior knowledge of God and was very confused on that matter. Little did I know that these past six and a half years would the best of my life and I would grow exponentially during my time here. I love Prince of Peace because of its nurturing faculty, welcoming classmates, and sound curriculum that has progressed me both academically and spiritually.
The staff at Prince of Peace has done a fantastic job at promoting and encouraging the growth of our young minds. Not only do my teachers challenge and push me as a student, but they also assist in my development as a person and as a child of God. The faculty here at Prince of Peace has watched me progress from an awkward seven-year-old to the confident and capable young woman today. My teachers embody the key virtues emphasized at Prince of Peace. We look up to them as religious and educational figures and feel comfortable confiding in and learning from them. Our faculty is the reason I am who I am today, and I am eternally grateful for their wisdom and their willingness to share that sagacity with my classmates and me.
The bonds I have formed at Prince of Peace will last a lifetime. My friends drew me out of my shell and allowed me to be my true self around them. They’ve made me feel safe and loved and have done an amazing job at making every Prince of Peace student feel accepted and understood. My friends have always had my back, but their reach stretches far beyond mere friendship. They driven me to advance in mental, physical, and spiritual fields whether that’s by being a competitor or cheering me on from the side lines. I will never forget the relationships I’ve formed with my classmates and I’m so glad I was able to share the experience that is Prince of Peace with people that I trust and love.
The curriculum here at Prince of Peace is exemplary. The faculty truly does an incredible job tying together our essential virtues and religion with standard lesson such as algebra or physics. Prince of Peace understands that students may have different methods of learning and is sure to accommodate the needs of all students. I personally learn best with hands on experience whether that be a week in the CUBE, an interactive room where students create projects or sets, or simply building the mitochondria out of playdoh. I also love the recent addition of advanced or on level classes where one can choose which class, they would feel more comfortable in thereby allowing both classes to run smoothly but at their own pace. Prince of Peace curriculum caters to the needs of every student and challenges students in the way that will best suit them.
Prince of Peace Catholic School is not only a school. I can say with complete sincerity that I view it as my home. The connections I have made here are extremely important to me and I dread the day that I will walk away and never look back. However, I leave knowing that the students after me will share in the same material and faculty that I have. I leave knowing that just like me they too will form long lasting friendships. I leave knowing that I studied at a school that I truly love
Why I Love My Catholic School
By Antonio Cruz Bañuelas
Prince of Peace Catholic School is a special community that I have been a part of for four years. Since fifth grade, there have been many valuable lessons I have learned at POP. For example, I have learned to serve others with passion. POP provides many opportunities to serve inside and outside of school. The school teaches time management skills. This has very helpful to finish quickly and get ahead while still being effective and doing good work. I have also learned many life lessons.
The school offers many opportunities to serve, including Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) groups, Beta Club, Serviam Nights, and food drives. I joined a RAK group in fifth grade that I am still a part of today. This has given me the opportunity to serve by myself and with friends. Also, students can participate in food drives. We have a school-wide competition to see what grade can bring in the most donations, and even inner-grade competitions between homerooms.
A very important skill that has helped me through school is time management, which I also learned at POP. All the teachers teach time management skills – especially Mrs. Good. When she was my teacher, she offered a summer class in which she taught time management, note-taking, and organization, which really helped me. Mrs. Good did an amazing job making a presentation, explaining the material, and guiding students. Without her, I would struggle to get work done every day.
The school has the best education you can find. POP was named a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence in both 2006 and 2016. Additionally, POP teaches things ahead of other schools and provides students the opportunity to take advanced classes. This allows students to challenge themselves and learn more in-depth material at a faster pace.
Additionally, the teachers are better than any others. They teach material that is easy to learn, and they make sure every student learns it by using different methods of teaching. The best thing is that they teach important life lessons that we need to learn to become better people.
In four years, POP has taught me things you cannot find at the same level anywhere else, be it through service or teachers teaching life lessons. I have gained knowledge that has developed my character. Prince of Peace Catholic School has prepared me with knowledge and elements that are necessary for both high school and the rest of my life.