As this year’s seniors prepare to pass the torch, they reminisce on the lessons learned. With their last semester coming to a very untraditional end, the Class of 2020 is appreciating their time at St. Dominic and remembering the people and moments that have touched them most.

Senior Maria Klassen’s favorite memory over her last four years in high school is from her sophomore Honors Literature and Composition Two class.

“We had an assignment to write poetry and perform it for the class. I really loved it because it was almost like a mini Kairos – it allowed me to see a different and often more intimate side of people that I didn’t know really well. We were all nervous to perform in front of the class, especially since some of our poems were pretty personal, but no one teased each other or made each other feel bad – we were all in the same boat. Some people impressed me by writing really beautiful, deep poetry while others just made me laugh really hard,” Klassen said.

While Klassen was touched in a more personal way, Marc Rosner was inspired by Jake Larson, Class of 2017, to become the best version of himself.

“He taught me how to lift in the weight room properly when I was just a wee freshman, and he inspired me to become the most physically fit I can become,” Rosner said.

Rosner is not the only senior who has connected with upperclassmen before becoming one himself. Anna Fernandez shares her experience with Class of 2019 alumni Annesley Haring.

“She was my leader on my Kairos retreat and is the reason why I decided to become a peer minister, and I can not thank her enough for that,” Fernandez said.

Kairos-related feelings seem to be a big turning point for students here at St. Dominic. Just like Fernandez, Hanna Vanourney also spoke of her Kairos experience.

“Mrs. Bossert totally changed my life. She just made me feel so loved while me and her were in a group on the October Kairos. I’ve never felt love like that by someone. She’s so open and honest and answered so many questions I had… She gives me advice and helps me make better decisions every day just through living by example… I don’t know who I’d be today without the brilliant and extraordinary teacher that Mrs. Bossert has been,” Vanourney said.

Another inspiring teacher at St. Dominic is Mr. Winkelmann. Graycen Hollowell spoke about lessons he has taught her that she has been able to bring with her outside of the classroom.

“In his Sacraments class, he really inspired me and helped me to see the importance in each of the sacraments and understand them a lot better,” Hollowell said.

Although Ms. Zilka has recently moved to Florida, Christian Hall still remembers the mark she left on him almost four years ago.

“Ms. Zilka was a big inspiration for me freshman year. She was always her weird, quirky self, whether people liked her or not. She taught me that staying true to who you are is more beneficial than having a mask on. I have learned to be authentic from her example of love and leadership,” Hall said.

No matter how far the futures of the Class of 2020 take them, their impactful time at St. Dominic- and unique final semester, will always stick with them. With the help of the seniors, the strong Crusader community of faith and fellowship will continue to thrive throughout these upcoming weeks of transition and change. As usual, the seniors are setting the example by keeping spirits up and focusing on the good times they have had, rather than the uncertain future. The Class of 2020 will soon prepare to pass the torches they have earned, as well as share the St. Dominic light with the world they are soon to conquer.