January 26th, 2025

Catholic Schools - A Testimonial

By Emma Rifenbark

Grade school is often a cherished time in our lives, filled with laughter, learning, prayer, and lasting friendships. When I think about St. Michael, I think about the good times I’m having, and the lessons that I am learning.

I first transferred to St. Michael at the beginning of the 4th grade. I was kind of nervous at first, because my cousin was the only person that I knew at the entire school, and my family was not Catholic. My fears didn’t last long.

On orientation day, I entered the school with my parents. I saw the teachers lined up by their classrooms, and the hallways were filled with students. As we began to walk towards the gym, I heard someone say,” Hi Emma!” I didn’t know who they were, but they knew me. Before we even got to the next classroom, several kids and parents were saying “Hi Emma!” and “You must be Emma!” At this moment, I knew that I was going to love St Michael!

I came from public school where we had 30 kids in my classroom, and 120 kids in my grade. My 4th grade class at St Michael, had 9 kids. This means that the teachers can pay a lot of attention to each kid. My teachers not only know who I am, but also how I learn best. If I am struggling with any of my assignments, I can easily ask questions without feeling shy. This makes learning less confusing and way more fun.

Another reason I like St Michael is because it’s easier to make friends and work with classmates. Since there are less students, I get to know everyone in my grade, and there’s less chance of feeling left out. We often team up for group projects, and because we know each other so well, it’s easier to share ideas and cooperate. I love being part of a group where everyone gets along and looks out for one another. With our close community, I also think it's really cool how my whole class gets together and plays during recess. It’s also not uncommon for the younger, or older kids to join us. Everyone knows everyone.

My favorite thing about St Michael is the religious aspect. I like how we all say our prayers in class, as well as attend church service together. It’s a constant reminder that Jesus is always with us. I feel like nothing can bring a group closer together, than celebrating Jesus Christ, in prayer.

When I would come home from school, I would tell my parents how much I enjoyed religion class and going to church. My parents began attending Mass on Thursday mornings, which sparked their interest in the Catholic religion. Their regular visits allowed them to explore the history and practices of the faith, leading us to become confirmed Catholic this past Easter. I also thought that it was cool how my classmates and teachers showed up for my confirmation.

Since confirmation, I have been able to participate actively as an altar server. I enjoy assisting Father Matt during Mass, and the attention to detail he puts in every church service.

Aside from altar serving, I enjoy so many activities at St Michael. I play both basketball and volleyball, as well as work concessions during my off seasons. The school lock-in was one of my favorite events. The thrill of staying overnight with friends made for unforgettable memories. The haunted ship tour added an exciting twist, giving us a mix of adventure and spooky fun as we explored the ship's dark corridors. Also, the school bowling trip was a blast, filled with laughter and fun, as we cheered each other on.

Finally, I can't wait for our class trip to Washington D.C.! It's going to be amazing to see all the famous places we've learned about in class, like the White House, the Capitol, the Constitution, and the Lincoln Memorial. I am very excited to learn and experience everything I can while I’m there.

My parents are always saying that St Michael is the best decision they have ever made for me. Here at St Mikes and Holy Trinity Church, it is more than just a school. It is a family!

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