Collin Green ’18
Came to VASJ from St. Paschal Baylon
Plans to major in Physical Therapy
Why did you choose to attend a Catholic High School?
I had already gone through eight years of Catholic school so I figured it would only be right to continue growing the faith I had started. Faith is a big part of my life so I figured intertwining it with my school would be a great way to keep it lively in my day-to-day life.
What makes a Catholic education unique?
We are more of a family. In a Catholic school everyone is at least somewhat religious because we go to Mass and take religion and we all have something we can relate to one another and I think it brings us closer together.
Why do you think Catholic schools are important?
I think having Catholics schools is important because it keeps the faith alive in younger people. There are hundreds of kids at these schools that are learning about faith. It is instilling those ways to people who truly want to learn it. The people who come to Catholic schools have the ambition to want to learn the faith. If they’re being instilled now with the Catholic faith, hopefully they will pass it along to their children and send them to Catholic schools as well, so that Catholic school enrollment continues at a steady pace.
Why did you choose to attend VASJ?
I chose to attend VASJ because of the family feel that it brought. With it being a small school I was able to become close to everybody here, not just a small group of friends.
What makes VASJ unique?
The tight-knit bond. It’s hard to describe but if you’re from VASJ, you are a Joe’s person. This is a family thing. If you are here you are one of us. It’s something that people from the outside might not realize.
Why are religion classes an important part of the high school experience?
I think religion classes are very important for our students. I think they offer a better insight into the religion. Sometimes Mass can be boring and it loses people’s interest but in a religion class you are learning more deeply about the faith which makes you better understand why we are learning it and what Mass is all about.
In what ways has attending VASJ taught you the importance of serving to others?
We have our requirements for service every year and that can really help broaden the horizon on what it is to serve others. Whether it is volunteering at the Food Bank or at the Hospice of the Western Reserve, you learn a lot about service and what it means to follow the ways of Jesus.
How do you think your Catholic education has prepared you for life after high school?
I think that it’s helped me be prepared for the encounters with others I’m going to have. There’s a lot of diversity among us. A lot of different religions, races, and ethnicities, but as Catholics we have learned that we should accept everyone and treat others the way we want to be treated. My VASJ education has taught me to do just that.
How does the faculty and staff at VASJ contribute to the family atmosphere?
You hear them say "hi," "hello" and "good morning" every day in the hallways and it’s very encouraging to know that they care about you and it shows that they have an interest in your life. They are very supportive and understanding, just like a family would be. Every teacher is willing to stay after school to help you and they want to see you succeed.
How does the faculty and staff at VASJ help students to grow in their faith?
The faculty and staff are very accepting. They don’t judge at all which is what Jesus would have done. He accepted everyone just like our teachers and staff do.
Why are you grateful that you are able to attend a Catholic school?
I know that it takes a lot for me to go here. It’s not free and my parents make sacrifices and work very hard for me to attend. They want to see me educated in the Catholic faith and I’m very appreciative of what they do to help me go to school here.
Why do you think the Catholic High School graduation rate is 99%?
Students are held to high expectations and receive the help to achieve those expectations. We receive support and the help from the faculty, staff, and even other students to reach those goals and go beyond them to achieve our life goals, not just the goal of graduating.