To mark Catholic Schools Week for the January Junior Saints feature, students were invited to draw a picture and write about what they like about their Catholic school.
St. Elizabeth School, Rockville
“I have so many reasons that I love my Catholic school, but I will narrow it down to just one. I love my school so much because our school teachers and staff are always so nice. When you go to school, they will welcome you in, and when you leave to go home, they ask you about how your day was. This makes me feel like I am part of my school family and my school community. Thank you!” – Artwork and writing by Manara Pathirana, sixth grade, St. Elizabeth School, Rockville
“Something I like about my Catholic school are the school Masses. There is just something powerful when we all gather together and lift our prayer to God. We middle schoolers lead the younger students and give them a good example on how one should behave in church. After the recessional hymn, our principal Mary Penny takes some time to thank all the student volunteers who were petition and Scripture readers as well as altar servers and gift bearers. I feel like our school Masses really bring out the best in us.” – Matthew Cooksey, sixth grade, St. Elizabeth School, Rockville
“One thing I really like about my Catholic school is how we start the day. Every morning we start the day by saying a prayer. It’s everyone in the school, from preschool 3’s to eighth grade, all the way to the teachers, that makes starting the day by talking to God special. When I walk into my classes, one of the first things I see is a cross. Every room has one. This reminds me every day how united this school is and how lucky I am to be part of this community.” – Artwork and writing by Meagan Johnson, sixth grade, St. Elizabeth School, Rockville
“What I like about my Catholic school is how my teachers encourage me to stay strong in faith and kindness. Every class, we start with a prayer. That encourages me to pray before everything. Every year, there is a new school theme relating to kindness. Those school themes help me grow in kindness and show love to everyone I encounter. As an eighth grader, these values will help me become a better overall person now and after I graduate.” – Noelani Rutabanzibwa, eighth grade, St. Elizabeth School, Rockville
“I love my Catholic school. At St. Elizabeth, we have a diverse community of students, staff and parents. Everyone goes out of their way to help others or just make them smile. Education is very valuable here as well. It helps me to understand the world and make it a better place. My friends and I are always there for each other, to be there when they fall. At our school, we deeply value our faith. I am proud of my Catholic school.” –Reagan Yuen, sixth grade, St. Elizabeth School, Rockville
“My favorite thing about St. Elizabeth School is our uniform, because we have the word SAINTS written on it. This means we’re all called to be saints, and nothing can stop us from getting closer to God. When I look around the church during Mass, it’s a beautiful sight to see all the students from kindergarten to eighth grade wearing matching sweatshirts that prove our potential to become saints. I love that our school puts God above all else. We have a crucifix in every classroom, and we begin each class with a prayer. We also have Mass every other week, and it brings us closer to God and each other. Our school is a wonderful environment that spreads love, kindness and the faith. St. Elizabeth School, thank you for everything you do to help our students grow and develop into God-loving people!” – Artwork and writing by Julia Toumi, eighth grade, St. Elizabeth School, Rockville
“I love that my school goes to Mass every other Wednesday. It’s so fun, because we get to celebrate Jesus together. The church is so beautiful, and it’s fun to pray with everyone, and I even have a ‘buddy’ to bring to church who is in kindergarten. I am just so happy at my school.” – Brady Bettini, seventh grade, St. Elizabeth School, Rockville
“What I like is the community of the school. Everyone is so kind and represents the school well. The religion is also a part I like about our school. Mr. Hammett is an amazing teacher who shows and teaches us so much about our religion, and we learn the right true teachings of the Gospel. Another thing I like is that during Catholic Schools Week, we dress up and have an amazing day of different cultures’ food, where we eat food that we have never heard of. It’s like a big feast. The week is very exciting and fun, while also learning good Catholic teaching.” – Cameron McClary, eighth grade, St. Elizabeth School, Rockville
“At St. Elizabeth School, I love how everybody always shows kindness to those around us. All of the parents, teachers and students work hard to ensure everyone feels happy here at school. Another thing I like is the faith we show as a community. We go to church as a school every second Wednesday, and it feels so special to be able to share my faith with my school. Celebrating Christ with others is a special gift we have. St. E’s is truly a wonderful school.” – Artwork and writing by Saoirse Payne, seventh grade, St. Elizabeth School, Rockville
Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons
Artwork by Gabriele Falco, fifth grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons, Maryland
“What I like about my Catholic school is that we learn about new things every day, and we learn about God. I learn math, science, social studies, literature, music, orchestra and other subjects. My teachers are so nice to me, and I appreciate it. They help us with learning, and they answer our questions. I also like learning about Jesus. I like mostly math and sometimes science!” – Marie Jeffereson, fifth grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons
Artwork by Nora Chirichella, kindergarten, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons
“I like my school because of our faith-based education, the teachers, and our parish church. Every Wednesday except for the first Friday of the month, we go to Mass, and students who are eligible can be altar servers. Every day we pray the rosary in our classrooms, starting on Monday and ending on Friday. Our teachers are very good and guide us through our classes.” – Declan McCabe, fifth grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons
Artwork by Emily Konya, fifth grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons
“I like how we can go to church and they let us do altar serving, and how we do a lot of math, and how you can make a lot of friends, and how there’s a lot to learn. It’s cool that we can learn algebra and geometry...” – Kenny Boren, fifth grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons
Artwork by Aurora Monacelli, kindergarten, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons
“What I like about our Catholic school is that all of the staff is super nice. Another thing about my school that I like is that to achieve first or second honors, they give you a challenge so you have to work hard for it. To me, it makes me feel better if I achieve something that I worked hard for instead of a big award that I didn’t work hard for.” – Elli Hummer, fifth grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons
Little Flower School, Great Mills
“My school is very faithful and always keeps God close. No matter what we are learning or doing, our faith is always a priority. I love how we get to learn new prayers and about different saints. Learning about saints all around the world also teaches me about different cultures and time periods, where the rights for religion were fought for. Another reason my Catholic school is so great is because we are able to help the community in many ways. One of my favorites is when we do food drives. Having the opportunity to help people who aren’t fortunate enough is very rewarding and I am thankful that I can. I love my Catholic school, not only for the environment, but also because my relationship with God deepens.” – Artwork and writing by Adalene Jones, eighth grade, Little Flower School, Great Mills, Maryland
“One of my favorite things about my Catholic school is religion class. One reason is our teacher; she always makes learning about our faith enjoyable. Even when she’s not teaching religion, she always expresses her faith… Everyone in our class is open to expressing their faith which makes it enjoyable to talk about my faith with my friends.” – Colton Buckler, sixth grade, Little Flower School, Great Mills
“My favorite thing about my school is how we get to spend time with people and get to know them. It’s like when we go to Mass with our prayer partners and get to talk about anything on the way over and back from Mass. The school doesn’t want anyone to feel left out, so we have this to look forward to every week. We always try to do a lot of fun stuff with them. For Christmas, we made scarves for the homeless. We also pray the rosary with them some mornings. My class has third grade and kindergarten. This is my favorite part about Little Flower School; that is why I drew my prayer partners and me! – Artwork and writing by Dani Mullinix, sixth grade, Little Flower School, Great Mills
“I like Catholic school because I get to learn about all the different stories of the Bible. The two greatest stories ever told are in the Bible. Those stories are Christmas and Easter… When I listen to the stories of the Bible, they intrigue me. I love that we get to go to church. I also love to listen to Father’s homilies. These are the things I love most about my Catholic school.” – Kellen Holmes, seventh grade, Little Flower School, Great Mills
“I like a lot of things about my school, religion classes, and my church. Like for my church, I like the homilies, Father Scott makes them fun. For my religion classes, I like doing things like reading the Bible. Something I like about my school is all the things we do for the community; I feel that is important. I enjoy being in a Catholic school. I get lots of opportunities to grow in my faith and learn about God. I love being in a Catholic school.” – Artwork and writing by Norah Beauchamp, sixth grade, Little Flower School, Great Mills
“What I like about my school is that if we don’t understand something, a teacher will make sure we understand it. The work is suitable for everyone in each class... In religion class, our teacher will pull sticks so it’s fair for everyone. We also listen to Hallow stories and watch different saints videos. In other classes, if they can include religion, it will happen. Every teacher will try to stay on their topic to the best they can, but religion will also find a way into lessons. In Mass, Father will make jokes during the homily, but his jokes always have to do with religion, and he will let the kids answer questions.” – Camdyn Buckler, sixth grade, Little Flower School, Great Mills
“Little Flower is a great school; it’s a great community. We go to church every Tuesday and pray together as one. Little Flower School has a great learning environment while still having fun. I love that everyone has unique gifts, and they get to use them every day. I also like that we pray in every class, and how our life is circled around kindness and faith. We also pray to St. Thérèse of Lisieux, who is our patron saint. At Little Flower, we talk about all the virtues. Everyone is friendly and nice. These are all the reasons why I love my school.” – Artwork and writing by Madelynn Beall, eighth grade, Little Flower School, Great Mills
“My favorite thing about Catholic school is recreating Bible stories in plays. In November, we do the story of the Nativity. It is a good way to share the experience of the Holy Family. We dress up as the characters and teach others the true meaning of Christmas. Around Easter, we do the Living Stations of the Cross. The stations represent the timeline of before and after Jesus’s death. When we recreate the scenes, we can get emotionally attached to Jesus. Both recreations can help us understand and grow closer to Jesus.” – Jeremy Barnard, eighth grade, Little Flower School, Great Mills
“I like our Catholic school for many reasons. Since our school is very small, a lot of opportunities open up for every student. We get a chance to read at morning prayers, in church, and in the classroom. The teachers get to know each student and help them understand concepts clearly. All of these opportunities shape each student not just in the mind but in the heart. My favorite part about Little Flower School is that we are all one family. Everyone is included and feels loved. We also share the same goal which is to be more Christ-like and get to heaven. My second favorite part is the sports; everyone gets to share their unique talents to make a team. My favorite part about Catholic school sports is that we play all the other Catholic schools, so we get to know other people that share the same goal with us by using the talents we were given.” – Artwork and writing by Dakota Hancock, eighth grade, Little Flower School, Great Mills
“Something I like about my Catholic school is going to church every week. I like going to church, so having the opportunity at school to go is great. Another thing I like about my Catholic school is my teachers. They make subjects fun. Sometimes we do fun projects, too, which I really like. I don’t really like math, but the math teacher always makes it fun for everyone. Our teachers make Catholic school fun. My favorite thing about my Catholic school is the classes.” – Trevor Price, seventh grade, Little Flower School, Great Mills
St. Bartholomew School, Bethesda
“Some things I love about my school are the way the community makes everyone feel welcome and a part of it. Another thing I love about my school is the various and fun traditions. I also appreciate the way the teachers teach and explain to us patiently and calmly. The Masses we have on Fridays are faithful and spiritual, celebrating the Lord and his Church.” – Artwork and writing by Feyi Lawal, seventh grade, St. Bartholomew Catholic School, Bethesda, Maryland
“I love my school because there’s always the kindness that comes out of everyone. Everybody gets treated well, and there’s just enough fun. BEST SCHOOL EVER!” – Artwork and writing by Oliver O’Connor, fifth grade, St. Bartholomew Catholic School, Bethesda
“What I love about St. Bartholomew School is Friday when everyone at St. Bart’s comes together for a beautiful Mass. But even better than that is when you have a Mass buddy. A Mass buddy is a buddy, usually younger than you, that comes to Mass with you. But a Mass buddy is more than that, they look up to you as a role model. We come to talk to them and give them fist bumps, and they look up to us. St. Bart’s is a tight-knit community with students who look up to each other.” – Tate Robertson, fifth grade, St. Bartholomew Catholic School, Bethesda
“My name is Charlie, and I love my St. Bartholomew School. I have been at this school for a total of two years, and this community is something I like to call a small school with a big heart. I have met my best friend of my dreams, Nyali. Every day, we explore new things but the thing I love the most about my school is the tree of friendship. The tree of friendship is what separates the preschool from elementary and middle school. That tree indicates the bond between littles and bigs. I have so many memories of that tree, either collecting acorns with Nyali for fun or pushing a little kid on a scooter. It is also a nice school because as you get older, you still have a Mass buddy, that is like being a sister no matter who you are, where you came from or what you look like. That tree with that gleaming red bench can bring anyone together. And that is why that tree means so much to me as a fifth grader.” – Artwork and writing by Charlie Dean, fifth grade, St. Bartholomew Catholic School, Bethesda
“I enjoy coming to St. Bart’s because I like to do art. In fourth grade, I enjoyed working on the state report project and presenting the state of Texas. I had fun participating in the ‘Wizard of Oz’ musical production last year in the spring. I love doing the girls meet with Ms. Moore. I also liked it when Ms. Ligon taught us cursive. I enjoyed doing the Scrooge play in fourth grade. I like going on field trips with my friends. The last thing I like to do is play with little kids in PreK and kindergarten.” – Artwork and writing by Nyali Karunaratne, fifth grade, St. Bartholomew Catholic School, Bethesda
Drawing of St. Bartholomew School's Bobcat mascot by Jaxson Shorb, fifth grade, St. Bartholomew Catholic School, Bethesda
“I’m a Bobcat, part of St. Bartholomew, and will never regret coming to this school. I love St. Bartholomew because of all the great people in the community. It’s been the best time of my life. My favorite features of St. Bartholomew are the Turkey Bowl, Mass at our church every Friday, Trunk or Treat, Field Day, and just about any other school day. I love St. Bartholomew!!! – Colton Karr, fifth grade, St. Bartholomew Catholic School, Bethesda
“I like my Catholic school because it helps me learn about God while also having fun. Our Bobcat mascot reminds me to be strong, brave, and to always try my best. I like sports at my school because they teach teamwork, respect, and never giving up. We pray together and help one another, just like a team. I am thankful to be part of a Catholic school where I can grow in my faith and be a proud Bobcat.” – Artwork and writing by Maggie Musselman, fifth grade, St. Bartholomew Catholic School, Bethesda
“The school play is my favorite thing about St. Bart's. Whether you are acting or working behind the scenes, it’s a chance for us to get into our parts and work together to put on a show for everyone to enjoy.” – Artwork and writing by Royce Butler, fifth grade, St. Bartholomew Catholic School, Bethesda
Father Andrew White, S.J. School, Leonardtown
“I love Father Andrew White School because we go to Mass.” – Artwork and writing by Charlotte Buzzell, first grade, Father Andrew White, S.J. School, Leonardtown, Maryland
“I love Father Andrew White School because you can race at recess. I like to race.” – Memphis Allshouse, first grade, Father Andrew White, S.J. School, Leonardtown, Maryland
“What I like about my school is that it has very nice teachers, and I think they are nice because they always have a smile on their face and they are very helpful and caring. Another thing I like about my school is the sports, because the coaches are always so nice and motivating and everyone on the team is nice, too. I also like that we get to go to Mass every week, because it’s some time to spend with God and receive the Eucharist. Another thing I like about my school is the other students that go to Father Andrew White, because everyone is so friendly and welcoming.” – Gunnnar Casto, fifth grade, Father Andrew White, S.J. School, Leonardtown
Artwork by Alice McDonald, first grade, Father Andrew White, S.J. School, Leonardtown
Artwork and writing by Lilah Bocian, first grade, Father Andrew White, S.J. School, Leonardtown
“I like my school because all of the staff members make me feel safe. I get to go to Catholic Mass with my younger buddy and sometimes altar serve at school Mass. I like my teachers and the way they teach, because they do a lot of hands-on activities. I also like that the whole school goes to Camp Maria for the whole day to pray to God. That is why I like Father Andrew White, S.J. School, and if you come here I hope you like it.” – Finn Allan, fifth grade, Father Andrew White, S.J. School, Leonardtown
“What I like about Father Andrew White School is I love the teachers here. I love our buddies. I like how we get to interact with different levels of grades. I love how I feel safe. I like how I don’t have to worry about being scared. I can feel safe like it’s my home. I like morning prayer. I like how we sing and talk about saints and stuff like that. I like how we go to Mass every Friday. I like how we can interact with Jesus. I like how we have different teachers. I love to talk about Jesus.” – Addision Pitcher, fifth grade, Father Andrew White, S.J. School, Leonardtown
“I love Father Andrew White School because I love all of my friends and I love every subject.” – Lark Cooley, first grade, Father Andrew White, S.J. School, Leonardtown
“What I like about Father Andrew White School is that you get to learn about the Catholic faith and go to Mass. I like that they have a chorus group that sings at Mass and school concerts. I also like that there is almost no bullying. Schools are a better place when kids aren’t being mean to each other. I like that our school has nice staff, it’s easier to learn if the teachers are being nice to you. I like that we do a lot of fun projects and activities. Some examples are science fair and Keep Christ in Christmas. I think that Father Andrew White School is the best school I have ever gone to.” – Mirabel Schneider, fifth grade, Father Andrew White, S.J. School, Leonardtown
Holy Redeemer Catholic School, Kensington
Artwork and writing by Caroline Frye, seventh grade, Holy Redeemer Catholic School, Kensington, Maryland
Artwork and writing by Addy Hart, seventh grade, Holy Redeemer Catholic School, Kensington
Cardinal Hickey Academy, Owings
“I love everything about Cardinal Hickey Academy. I love that we learn about Jesus, how not to sin, and how to follow in God’s path. We also get to fully participate in the Mass. I love that I get to see my friends every day.” – Juliet Goodwin, third grade, Cardinal Hickey Academy, Owings, Maryland
“I love everything about Cardinal Hickey Academy. I love that we learn about Jesus, how not to sin, and how to follow in God’s path. We also get to fully participate in the Mass. I love that I get to see my friends every day.” – Juliet Goodwin, third grade, Cardinal Hickey Academy, Owings, Maryland
“I love my Catholic school because there are many activities. I learn new things like science, religion and math. We can learn about Jesus, Mary and Joseph. We learn to read notes in music. When we are in Mass, we learn so much about Jesus and how He helped everyone.” – Ellie Mischou, third grade, Cardinal Hickey Academy, Owings
“We go to Mass every Friday. We get to sing. We get Communion. We pray at Mass. We learn about God and Jesus.” – Embden Gregoire, third grade, Cardinal Hickey Academy, Owings
“I love Cardinal Hickey Academy. I love going to Mass every Friday. I also love the Christmas concerts that happen every year. There are great teachers and friends. Everyone is so nice! In music you can play a recorder. It’s awesome! Some of the days are dress down days, too. I love CHA!” – Natalie Elder, third grade, Cardinal Hickey Academy, Owings
“I like that the teachers are nice and you get to make friends with everyone at Cardinal Hickey Academy.” – Harlem Payne, first grade, Cardinal Hickey Academy, Owings
“I like making friends with students in different grades.” – Weston Stokely, first grade, Cardinal Hickey Academy, Owings
“I like going to Mass with my classmates.” – Ripken Robinson, first grade, Cardinal Hickey Academy, Owings
“I love that our school is a Catholic school, so we get to go to Mass together.” – Colton Crawford, first grade, Cardinal Hickey Academy, Owings
St. Columba School, Oxon Hill
“One of my favorite things about my Catholic school is going to Mass every Friday with my classmates and the other students, where we come together to pray and reflect. I also enjoy singing in the choir during Mass, because it allows me to serve God through music and makes the celebration more joyful. I also like being one of the crossing patrols in the morning and afternoon, as it teaches me discipline, leadership and care for others while helping keep everyone else safe.” – Artwork and writing by Lorris Pangilinan, seventh grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill
“One thing I like about my Catholic school is that we learn about our faith almost every day. We learn about Jesus, the Bible and how to treat others with kindness and respect. I like that we pray together and are encouraged to help others and make good choices. My Catholic school helps me grow not only academically, but also in my faith.” – Stella Haas, sixth grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill
“Something I like about our school is our church. I like it because every Friday we learn something new on how to serve God. Another thing I like about the church is it’s so beautiful and refreshing to go into.” – Artwork and writing by Lauren Thweat, seventh grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill
“I like going to church at school, because to me it’s quiet time to feel closer to God. When we have first Fridays and my school comes together, it feels like one big family. I also like singing for choir, as it teaches me Jesus’s teachings while singing. Hearing the Gospels each week helps me to be a better person. Being there reminds me that God is always there when I need him, and to pray every day thanking him for his works.” – Mahayla Humphrey, sixth grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill
“What I like about my school personally is my choir. I sing in my school’s choir, and what I love about it is that we are all united under song, under God. I think it’s beautiful that we can come together and just sing about our Creator and to our Creator, using a gift given to us by our Creator.” – Macey Pleta, eighth grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill
“I like my Catholic school because I learn about Jesus every day. We pray together and learn how to be kind and help others. My teachers help me grow in faith and teach me how to love God even more.” – Artwork and writing by Bella Stanton, seventh grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill
“What I like about my school, St. Columba, is the sports. It helps me connect with my friends, my teachers and God. My school teaches me to be kind and care about others. When I play sports, I enjoy my time with my friends, and I’m thankful for them. I’m also thankful for my teachers’ support in learning. St. Columba makes me happy.”
– Ngozi Goins, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill
Blessed Sacrament School, Washington
Artwork by Hadley Bray, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington
“I love my school. It helps me learn and prepare for the future. I also love how all the teachers help you learn different subjects and help you understand when you do not understand. It makes me feel like no matter what, someone will always be there to help me. I also love how we go to Mass to learn about Jesus and his life. I also love spending time with all of my friends and becoming friends with new people.” – Emma Endicott, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.
“In January, we celebrate Catholic Schools Week. I think my school, Blessed Sacrament, is an amazing school for many reasons, but what I like most is that Blessed Sacrament cares for other people that need help. Whether it’s the Greg Gannon Canned Food Drive or just a small act of kindness, Blessed Sacrament puts others first. That is what I think is the best part of my school, Blessed Sacrament.” – Caroline Koch, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.
“My favorite thing about my Catholic school is how we go to Mass at school. We also learn about Jesus our Savior and what he did, like the miracles he performed. We also learn about the Bible stories and how God made the Earth and everything on it.” – Stephen DiBenedetto, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.
“What I like most about our Catholic school is the fun I have and the amazing teachers and friends I have met along the way! I also love the way they teach us and help us learn. And most important, I love that it is a Catholic school, and we go to church.” – Stella Beary, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.
“During Catholic Schools Week, it makes me appreciate my school even more. It makes me realize that the thing I love most about my school is the people in it. My friends and teachers make my school a safe and kind space. My friends make my school a fun place that I enjoy going to, and my teachers teach me things I wouldn’t be able to learn myself. I love my school, and I am so happy to be able to go here.” – Neve McNamara, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.
“What I like most about my Catholic school is the people there. All the teachers are kind and loving, and the students are kind and fun. Without the people that are here at school today, our school would not be a fun place. The people here bring laughter, joy and peace to our school. The teachers are very nice and are great at teaching. They are fun and make us laugh. My friends are amazing, and I love to play with them. The people at my school are what make this school the best.” – Jane Hurley, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.
“Catholic Schools Week is a very special time for my school. We do fun things like Teacher Appreciation Day, Student Appreciation Day, free dress, and many more really fun things. I like Catholic Schools Week because it shows that our school is a great community and a great, loving school. We thank our teachers, faculty, students and many more. Thank you teachers and faculty for helping our school grow!” – Emma Jones, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington
“Catholic Schools Week is the best. What I like most about my Catholic school is that the teachers are very nice. They are helpful, and they say that it is okay to make mistakes. Other things I like are that all the money from free dress days goes into the school, because they want to improve the school. My school is very serious about religion. We also have long Masses with amazing priests. I wish I could stay at this school as long as possible. I love this school so much.” – Maeve Walsh, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.
St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington
Artwork by Raven Amarer Wilkins, third grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington, D.C.
“I love my school, and my school loves me. I love a lot of things about my Catholic school, like that we have caring and lovely teachers that are eager to teach. Also, we have opportunities to show our culture and religion… I am thankful to have a great teacher who encourages me to achieve my goals.” – Yordanos Assefa, third grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington, D.C.
“What I love about my Catholic school is they pray and always help everyone. They make sure we are safe and loved. The teacher will go through each question to make sure we understand.” – Efrata Teketel, third grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington, D.C.
“I love my school. All the classrooms are colorful, festive and bright. I love some of the subjects that the teachers teach. One of my favorite subjects is science. I’m glad that some of my friends are here. My favorite after-school activity is pre-engineering. The reason why I love it is because you can make a light bulb and so much more. What I love most is this school treats me like family.” – Sidney Polite, fifth grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington, D.C.
“One thing I love about our school is the education and the way that the teachers teach. They always help us and challenge us so we can grow stronger. I also love how this school is a school that prepares you for high school. The students in this school are also very kind and welcoming.” –Abenezer Teshale, eighth grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington, D.C.
“What I love about my Catholic school is how loving and kind teachers are when it comes to learning. I love how we have certain activities or games during Family Fun Day and Catholic Schools Week. Another thing I love about my school is how we go to Mass every Friday, which shows love, faith and devotion to God.” – Hiyab Abraha, sixth grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington, D.C.
“I love the many opportunities that my school offers. When I’m here, then I have the chance to participate in whatever hobby or extra honors classes that I am interested in. The school community is just so caring and loving that it feels like home. I love my school and everyone who goes here.” – Bethel Assefa, eighth grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington, D.C.
“I love everything about my school, but I do love my classmates the most. They are really funny and kind. I also love my teachers, they are really helpful and nice. I really like how we pray morning, noon and afternoon. I like Catholic Schools Week because we have a lot of fun activities, like we walk around the block, and we do a lot of cheerleading, too. I overall just love my school.” – Tieah-Rose Austin, fifth grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington, D.C.
“What I love about my school is my friends. I love my friends, because whenever I’m feeling sad, they always cheer me up. Also, I love the education they give us. If I don’t understand a topic they are teaching, all I have to do is ask…” – Haset Yonas, sixth grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington, D.C.
“What I love about my school is that it has different variety of choices at activities that I like, including soccer, basketball, pickleball, and orchestra. Also, I love its teachers and students…” – Nathan Girma, fourth grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington, D.C.
“I love St. Augustine Catholic School because it is an historically Black Catholic school. After living in predominantly White places, like South Dakota, it was amazing to come to a school where I was not the only person of color. I love that the teachers are so supportive. The community is so welcoming, and when I first came to the school, I felt at home at once. Most of all, I love my class, because they are so kind and supportive. I love everything about my school, and I will always remember my experience.” – Artwork and writing by Lydia Williams, fifth grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington, D.C.
“I love how much our Catholic school prays, loves, appreciates and thanks God for everything. I love how caring and encouraging the teachers are of the students. I also love the school because of the uniform – it’s presentable and comfortable. The teachers push us to our limits, and they correct us when we do wrong, and that’s why I love St. Augustine Catholic School.” – Makda Gebru, third grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington, D.C.
“What I like about St. Augustine Catholic School is the teachers. They are always helping us when we need help, and they are also very nice. Something else about St. Augustine School that I love is the community. All the students are nice to each other and extremely supportive with one another. They are always there for you when you need them and when you are struggling, and they make you smile every day.” – Marciane Barreto Guilmard, eighth grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington, D.C.
“I love my school, art, music and religion too, because they are my fave, and also my teacher there is my favorite. Art is fun, music is joyful, and religion makes me study a lot of things, like God loves me, and also Mary is the mother of God.” – Emma Hernandez, third grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington, D.C.
“I like my teacher. She is the best. She cares for me, and she is funny …” – Sofonias Tesfaye, third grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington, D.C.
“I love my school because I have good teachers, and I have friends at school. I like to have fun with my friends…” – Kailynn M. Holmes, third grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington, D.C.
“I love St. Augustine Catholic School because my friends make me feel good. I also love when my friends and I play soccer. I love how we pray three times a day, once in the morning, once at noontime and once later in the afternoon. I love how my classmates and I help each other.” – Dawit Chekele, fifth grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington, D.C.
“I love how everyone supports each other, and also how everyone cares for each other. Another thing I love is how everyone is competitive in sports, fundraisers and class competitions. I also love how easy it is to make friends. Also, I love how we get work and learn new stuff while enjoying school and having a lot of fun. I love St. Augustine Catholic School, because overall it makes me excited to go to school…” – Zion Abiy, fifth grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington, D.C.
Trinity School, Ellicott City
“To me, Catholic school means where we spend time together in Mass and sing joyful songs like, ‘How Good is the Good God,’ one of my favorite songs. We have great teachers teaching us math, science, language arts, and St. Julie’s values…” – Artwork and writing by Anna Kubik, fourth grade, Trinity School, Ellicott City, Maryland
February 2026 Junior Saints
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 18. For the February Junior Saints, students are invited to draw a picture and write about what they are doing to draw closer to Jesus during Lent. The drawings and writings should be emailed to ZimmermannM@adw.org by Wednesday Feb. 4, 2026 to Mark Zimmermann, the Catholic Standard’s editor, and they should include the name, grade and school or parish of the student printed clearly.
Due to time constraints involved with reviewing the volume of submitted work, it is requested that schools or parish religious education programs limit their entries to 10 drawings and 10 writings from their students. The best formats to send are jpegs for artwork and word documents or pdfs for writing, if possible. Thank you!
