Impact Alumni Magazine Winter 2023/24

20 for 20

A day I will never forget is March 13, 2020. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, we made the decision the day before to suspend in-person learning and all activities on campus. At the “I’LL SEE YOU ALL IN THE EUCHARIST” # 18

time, we did not know how long this would last, but it turned out to be the final in-person day of the 2019-2020 school year. It was extremely taxing on our staff to re-invent high school with limited information and little time to prepare, but I remain proud of the education our students received during this difficult time. Here is the announcement I made to the students prior to dismissal on that day. “I want to take this opportunity to make a final announcement to all of you before we begin extended e-learning and our campus closes. Here are a few points I want to emphasize. Please be diligent in your work. As someone who has taken online classes myself, the most difficult part is having the

self-discipline to focus only on work and avoid distractions. I know there are more distractions at home than at school. Create a daily schedule for yourself and make a space to work with minimal distractions. Self-distancing is important— It is human to want to be around your friends. I get it. But please, these next few weeks are not the time to be over at each other’s houses or meeting at Panera. Please be safe and be smart. Finally, I mentioned staying vigilant in your schoolwork, I challenge you to do the same with your prayer life. Although we may not be together in person, we must remain together in prayer. You are used to praying before class. I urge you to pray before you do your schoolwork. Please know I’ll be praying for all of you. Finally, there is a Catholic saying that instead of “good-bye” some will say, “I’ll see you in the Eucharist.” The Eucharist has and always will be what binds our school together. That does not stop with e-learning. While our Sunday obligation has been temporarily lifted, when we have the chance to see Christ truly present, let’s remember one another. So, until we come back together Golden Eagles, I’ll see you all in the Eucharist.” n - MR. JAMES MCNEANY G C PRINCIPAL SINCE 2013

AU G UST Students return to campus on an alternate purple/ g old schedule through the end of the second trimester of the 2020-21 school year.

OBER nal Newman Society nizes G uerin olic for the sixth time op Catholic High ol for its strong olic identity 2008-09, 2010-11, 3, 2014, 2019-2024).

JUNE The Class of 2021 is the first class to graduate under a Latin Honor System instead of a valedictorian/salutatorian model; the boys’ lacrosse team captures the 1A IHSLA state championship.

JUNE The girls’ lacrosse team captures the first girls sport state championship in school history. The boys’ golf team also captures its first state championship.

MARCH G uerin Catholic closes to in-person learning during the global Covid-19 pandemic. Students pivot to e-learning for the remainder of the school year.

JULY The Class of 2020

22 IMPACT MAGAZINE • WINTER 2023/24

graduates in an outdoor ceremony on the soccer/ lacrosse field after multiple delays due to the pandemic.