By Stephen Devine ‘25
As a little freshman walking through the doors of Brother Rice on Aug. 19, 2021, I did not know what was going to happen. I remember struggling to open my lock to my locker and finding my classes. Everything and everyone felt unfamiliar.
Now, I help other younger students with opening their lockers and finding their classrooms. It is crazy to think how fast time can move.
Little did I know that the start of this journey would lead me to so much growth. I could say now that my four years at Brother Rice have been profound. I made so many new friends and memories that I will cherish forever. The classmates and teachers that I have met at Brother Rice have shaped me into the person that I am today.
There is a reason that the school is called Brother Rice. There is a brotherhood and community that is built through time spent here. High school is not just about academics. It is also about learning who you are and being involved in a community.
From staying up late to study for Mr. Bergstedt’s calculus tests to cheering with the Crusader Crazies during an energetic basketball game, I have made so many memories. I have created bonds with teammates on my volleyball team, members of the band, and students in the classroom.
Some highlights of my time at Brother Rice were the Cape Canaveral physics trip and Kairos 165. If I were to give advice to underclassmen, I would tell them to get involved. My experiences that I made in high school were all through me getting involved and trying things that I never thought I would enjoy.
As I move on to the next chapter of my life, I am very grateful for the opportunities that Brother Rice has provided for me. The lessons that were taught, the friendships that were formed, and the memories that were made are all things that I will forever cherish.
I have learned that it is important to not burn bridges, because every connection that is made might help you later down the road. You do not know when you will meet others again, so it is important that you keep relationships.
When I walk through the doors of 99th and Pulaski for the last time on Friday, May 9, I know that I did my best to build relationships and to treat others with dignity.
