By Rocco Carioscia ’26

Attending a Catholic school has been one of the biggest blessings in my life. I grew up in Garfield Ridge and attended St. Daniel the Prophet from preschool to 8th grade. My experience there was everything I could have asked for.

I was able to make a really good group of friends that I have been close with ever since I first stepped foot in preschool. However, if it wasn’t for my parents sending me to a catholic school, I wouldn’t have made these strong relationships.

Some of my favorite memories from grammar school were the Southside Catholic basketball games where I would battle against my future Brother Rice classmates from other local grammar schools. Those heated 8th grade games still are brought up pretty often even four, long years later.

Since my experience at St. Daniel was so positive, I decided to continue my Catholic education at Brother Rice. This will forever be one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life.

I will admit, I was a little scared going into freshman year. I knew only a handful of kids and lived 30 minutes away. Thanks to my fellow classmates and teachers, the adjustment was easy and is something that made my transition from grammar school to high school so easy.

Without a doubt, the highlight of my time at Brother Rice was Kairos 171 last April. This was the most eye opening experience I have ever had and really helped me grow in my faith. I would recommend Kairos to anyone who hasn’t gone, as you will create an even stronger brotherhood with your classmates.

That word “brotherhood” gets tossed around pretty much every day at Rice, but it is honestly so much more than just a word. The BRotherhood is real and the bonds made here will indeed last forever. It really is hard to explain that special feeling unless you are a part of it. It’s a feeling that I would’ve missed out on at a public school.

I owe all of this to my parents. I know it is not easy to provide a Catholic education and I am so greatful for all of their sacrifices over the past twelve years. Without their sacrifices, none of this would be possible, and I don’t know where I would be without Catholic schools.