EDITOR’S NOTE: DeSales High School freshmen Catherine Fafone and Shannon Nicholas wrote the following essays last school year when they attended Canandaigua’s St. Mary School and Geneva’s St. Francis-St. Stephen School, respectively.
A person who influenced my decision to attend DeSales High School was Father (Joseph) Grasso (the school’s principal). After Father Grasso visited St. Mary School last fall, I felt ready to start my education at DeSales the very next day. His excitement and eagerness to see his students excel was very encouraging. Furthermore, Father Grasso was resolute in not letting transportation become an issue when my family and I were considering DeSales. Father Grasso’s excitement and enthusiasm toward the prospect of new students at his school was a major factor in my decision to attend DeSales High School.
When deciding on where to attend high school this coming fall, there was one person who particularly influenced my decision, Father Grasso. Father Grasso expressed a passionate enthusiasm and encouragement toward the prospect of new students who are eager to learn. When posed with the question about earning college credits early, Father Grasso readily explained how DeSales High School offered a program that could possibly eliminate one year off of college. Father Grasso continued on to say how accessible the teachers are to any student willing to ask for assistance. When my parents and I presented Father Grasso with our dilemma of transportation to DeSales in the morning, we were responded to promptly with a myriad of suggestions to prevent it from being an issue. Not only were these suggestions helpful, but confirmed our beliefs that Father Grasso would go to any length to see a student attend DeSales without obstacles.
While pondering where to attend high school in the fall Father Grasso had a significant impact on my decision to attend DeSales High School. Father Grasso demonstrated a welcoming attitude toward students eager to attend DeSales. Father openly expressed a will to let nothing inhibit my attendance; for example, the transportation discrepancy. In addition to assisting with the transportation problems, Father Grasso also influenced my decision to attend DeSales High School by explaining the college-credits program and how it can help me eliminate almost one year of college. Father Grasso demonstrated a positive attitude that made it impossible for me to pass the opportunity of a wonderful learning experience in a caring, compassionate environment that can only be found at DeSales High School.
— Catherine Fafone
I love my sister Mary. She is kind, smart, funny, honest and a wonderful role model. Ever since I was little I have always looked up to her. She has helped influence many of my decisions throughout my life.
A few months ago I was faced with a big decision. I have to go to high school, but where? Some of my friends were urging me to go to Geneva High School. They said that there were so many fun activities and extracurricular classes. Other classmates also were telling me that they were going to DeSales High School, and I should definitely go there. I felt like a piece of paper torn in two. Then I thought about Mary’s experience she has had at DeSales so far.
Mary has played soccer for DeSales for two years now. She loves everything about it. Her coach and teammates are all supportive, optimistic, fun and outgoing. The whole experience has been exciting for her, and she plans to play again for her senior year. If I wanted to play on a fun and challenging sport team, I guess DeSales would be a good place.
Mary does not only thrive in sports at DeSales but also academically. This year she was accepted in the National Honor Society for having outstanding grades. She has worked hard at DeSales, and it really shows. The teachers are great too. She tells me that they are interesting and help her with anything she has trouble with.
Mary also has told me about the positive energy and the kindness of the school. When Mary first went to DeSales, my parents were unsure of how she would be treated at Catholic school, since she is Protestant. They were glad to find that she was treated with respect and tolerance from not only the teachers but also the students.
I have found from Mary’s experiences at DeSales that it is the high school that I would like to go to, to learn, grow, make new friends and deepen my faith in God.
— Shannon Nicholas
