By Becky Pacetti – English IV Journalism teacher

This was not my senior year, but does it count if I am on my way to becoming a senior (citizen, that is)? Time flies when you’re having fun!

The seniors of my English IV-Journalism class were a joy to work with this year.  I had many of these guys in class as freshmen, so I knew that they had the work ethic to be able to handle the rigors of this class, especially the massive amounts of deadlines they needed to meet to get the news of Brother Rice up on “The Standard” webpage and their spreads done for “The Crusader” yearbook.

They were bigger than the little guys who sat in my freshman English class; they were also louder, more opinionated, and much funnier!  They had me laughing almost every day, and they even made me cry last week when I finally was able to see them all sitting in the classroom for the first time this year.  What a great day that was!

I guess that’s what I admire most about these kids – their “constancy through Covid.”  After a year and a half of remote learning, hybrid schedules, and sports cancelled or delayed, it’s a wonder that they were able to be as successful as they were.  They stepped up, did the work, and got themselves through a difficult year and to the culmination of their Brother Rice education.  I am in awe of their fortitude.

“My little cherubs” finish my class this week, and they leave me with some great memories.  I’d like to share some of their memories with you in the form of articles they wrote about their time at Brother Rice.  Many of their stories made me laugh, and some made me cry—in a good way.

Check out Brother Rice’s “The Standard” webpage over the next few weeks for their senior reflections, which we will publish until these guys walk across the stage to get their diplomas. Their stories will touch your heart, as they tell you why being a Crusader is so special … to all of us.