'Catholic Wow!' Is Motto for Woodson High Group

By Irene Lagan
HERALD Staff Writer
(From the issue of 9/26/02)

FAIRFAX — When several students approached Donna West about starting a Catholic Club at Woodson High School three years ago, the high-school chemistry teacher of 15 years was thrilled. "Of course!" she responded. Since that time, the Catholic Club, though modest in its beginnings, has renewed itself each year with new groups of students who are enthusiastic and eager to share their faith publicly.

This year’s group is 10-members strong, double last year’s membership. The kids meet every other week for prayer, fellowship and planning, and have decided to make charity the theme for this year. Their chosen motto, "Catholic, Wow!" is a movie line that reflects the students’ enthusiasm for what they are about.

According to West, the club moderator, students in the past have focused mainly on prayer, sharing their common faith and simply meeting friends. This year, the club seems both more spirited and more inclined to prayer in action. West, admittedly proud of her students, is duly impressed by their enthusiasm and range of ideas in order to make a difference in the community. "These kids are meeting at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday mornings for Mass and breakfast," said West. "They really do have a lot of great ideas."

"We’re going to have a charity concert," said Alexis Giostra, club secretary. Giostra, a junior, is eager to become more active in the community. "I am Catholic, and I love doing stuff like this."

Tom Groff, also a junior, is a bass player in a band called "13^th Floor." Groff plans on recruiting his fellow band members, students at Paul VI and Bishop Ireton, to perform for the charity concert. Groff is the Catholic Club historian, charged with taking photos and keeping the scrapbook.

In addition to their focus on charitable service, the students in the Catholic Club view their club as different from other clubs on campus. "Here, we want everyone to have a voice and to bring their ideas," said 11^thgrader Sophia Chase. "In this club, we consider everyone to be an officer, even though we still have to have elected officers." Club President Liz Cunningham agreed as she urged fellow members to take leftover munchies on their way out to other clubs and activities.

National Honor Society member Laura Damerell said that the Catholic Club is a good place to hang out with friends, and to do service projects that are fun. Freshman Cristina Procaccino also expressed her appreciation for belonging to a club where she can share her faith in common with others at school, as well as contribute ideas.

Members of the Catholic Club belong to a number of different area parishes in the Fairfax area including St. Leo, St. Ambrose, Holy Spirit and St. Mary.

West, who attends St. Mary of Sorrow Parish, shares her beliefs in casual conversation. Students feel comfortable approaching West, not only with difficulties, but also to share their ideas and reflections, including those concerning their faith.

In addition to sponsoring a charity concert, the Catholic Club is hoping to invite speakers, visit the local nursing home, mentor or tutor students and possibly "adopt" a family in need.  

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