Local

The first day, the Seton School way

The first day of school at Seton School in Manassas is always a big event, but in a different way than one might expect.

“Most high school students dread going back to school, but walking into Seton feels like walking into my second home because of the warm community created by the students and faculty,” said senior Georgine Irving.

“The focal point of the first day at other schools is learning your schedule, meeting your teachers and adjusting to your curriculum,” said senior Marie Leuktemeyer. “That is all important at Seton too, but the heart of Seton’s first day is honoring God. Seton students truly love the community that they have been surrounded by and (to which they’ve) become a part.”

“The atmosphere of the school is really one of a kind,” said sophomore Christian Ceol. “It is hard to put into words or understand until you are a part of it, but Seton has a special environment.”

The first day of the 2017 school year began with a rosary in the St. John Paul the Great Gymnasium led by student government officers. Then, Mike Hadro, father of seven Seton alumni, told the students about the closing of the Manassas abortion clinic and the Mother of Mercy Free Medical Clinic that will replace it. It was a moving speech that brought multiple students to tears.

The students then heard from Kevin Geiran, student service committee president, who followed his mother’s advice urging students to adopt the motto of JOY:  Jesus, Other, then Yourself.  

A slideshow of events from 2016-17 was followed by athletic director Dan Vander Woude awarding T-shirts for correct answers to Seton sports trivia questions.  

Then came faculty member Pete Westhoff’s famous game. Since it was the feast day of St. Bartholomew, each month was assigned an apostle, and, if the apostle of one’s birthday month was announced, one had to take a seat. Simon (October) was the last apostle standing.  

Students still standing were whittled down to the final eight who were able to take their pick from a plethora of prizes, ranging  from temporary tattoos, hats from all over Colorado to a stuffed Snoopy.

 With the blessing of Father Noah C. Morey, parochial vicar of All Saints Church in Manassas, the students were then sent on their own paths to continue the successful start to their new academic year. As the year progresses, students will have many more opportunities to grow in their faith and add their own personal touch to the Seton community and spread its abundance of love to others. 

Related Articles