Thursday was an exciting time for the entire Crusader family as we celebrated St. Dominic Day. After the event was unfortunately postponed last year, the annual fundraiser could not have been more of a success, providing fun for the whole St. Dominic community.

Celebrate St. Dominic Day was all about giving back to the place where so many of us call home. This huge fundraiser was a roaring success as the entire Crusader family helped in achieving our $75,000 goal. But money is not all that St. Dominic is celebrating.

This fun-filled day was a great way to pep up some of us weary students stressing over finals. For five dollars, students got to dress down and were awarded several sweet surprises. In the morning, donuts were provided for all students. During an extended empower hour, students were treated to Kona Ice, inflatable obstacle courses and real soda drinks!

However, students and faculty find ways to celebrate St. Dominic everyday, not just on Thursday.

“House competitions are some of the most exciting things I’ve done in high school. The energy and excitement during competitions is contagious. It’s fun to be close to your housemates,” junior Caroline Cunningham said.

Along with giving, donors were able to win prizes such as box seats at a Cardinals game, a Sugarfire gift card, a customized RTIC tumbler and many more. Perhaps the best part of the day was the ways in which St. Dominic impacted our faculty members.

“St. Dominic has become home to me since moving to O’Fallon, where I didn’t know anyone. It is not just a place, it is a community where we live the four pillars of prayer, study, community, and service,” football coach and guidance counselor Mr. Blake Markway said.

There are so many ways to celebrate St. Dominic, including the generous donations from the entire Crusader community. Without our donors, St. Dominic would not be at all what it is today. Be sure to thank these parents, alumni or anyone who has given to St. Dominic when you see them!