THE ST. PAUL’S SCHOOLS
At The St. Paul’s Schools, students in all divisions share the vast campus, long-standing traditions, and innovative programs. St. Paul’s School for Girls senior ASHANTI and St. Paul’s School for Boys senior KEAGAN reflect on their experience and appreciate all of the opportunities that await lower schooler OLIVIA.
How do you feel that you best represent your school?
Ashanti: I have been at The St. Paul’s Schools for 10 years, and from the moment I visited in second grade, I loved everything about my school. From the people to the environment, it was and still is the perfect fit. My parents and I often say that they couldn’t imagine me or my older sister at any other school. I feel as though I best represent my school because of the unconditional love I have for my school, as well as the people who come with it. SPSG has helped me find my passions and try new things. I found myself at SPSG.
Keagan: The St. Paul’s School for Boys’ mission is to “seek truth, knowledge, and excellence; live by faith, compassion and integrity.” I use this as a guide for the way I conduct myself in all I do. In my academic classes, I look to gain knowledge by addressing truth, while keeping myself to a high standard. In my interactions with my peers, teachers, and coaches, I look to exhibit compassion. I look to grow my faith every week through chapel services, and I strive to not break my integrity. I look to be a part of something bigger than myself by participating in as many extracurriculars as possible, and I strive to build school spirit by supporting my peers in their activities, while encouraging others to do so as well.
Olivia: St. Paul’s has taught me to be very inclusive. I represent this best when I try to include everyone in the activities we are doing and make sure no one is ever feeling left out.
Do you have a favorite place on campus?
Ashanti: My favorite place on campus is on the hill next to the Ward Center. There are blue, yellow, white, and green adirondack chairs representing our school colors where I love to sit. It’s my favorite place because it overlooks SPSG, and greater Baltimore County. I’ll often do my homework, read, or just talk with friends on the hill.
Keagan: My favorite place on campus is by the Victory Bell. It is a centralized spot on campus where you can see the fields, the chapel, the upper and middle schools, Brooklandwood, and the Ward Center. It’s a tradition for any St. Paul’s team that beats Boys’ Latin to ring the bell. In addition, the football and lacrosse teams pass by it on their walk down the hill on home game days, so it is an important piece in the heritage of St. Paul’s.
Olivia: I love the art room! The art room had to be used for a regular classroom this year though, so I missed it. However, I was able to really enjoy the community garden this year.
What teacher/coach/mentor has made the biggest impact on you?
Ashanti: I believe every teacher I’ve had at SPSG has shaped me into the student and person I am, but the one who has left the biggest impact is Señora Diver. She was my Spanish teacher from sixth to eighth grades, and she cultivated my love for the language. My classmates and I still talk about her as she instilled so much confidence in us all. She often told us, “Speak from the gut for you all are women of the future.” She left a mark on us at such a young age, and we thank her every time we see her.
Keagan: Mr. Benzing, our dean of students and assistant lacrosse coach, has made a huge impact on my time at St. Paul’s. His leadership by example has shaped me as I am able to see him in the high school, at assemblies, on the lacrosse field, and at schoolwide events. He holds a high standard for the community, but he realizes that we are teenagers who need guidance, so he focuses on our growth and learning, which has had a positive influence on my classmates and my time in this community.
Olivia: Ms. Jergensen has made the biggest impact on me. She taught me to always keep trying even when I thought I would never figure something out. I loved how she was always kind to us, gave me the best hugs, and made learning fun. My year with Ms. J was short because of COVID, but the time I did have with her was awesome, and I hope everyone has a chance to have her as a teacher.
What is the biggest lesson you will take away from your school experience?
Ashanti: One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to never wait for opportunities to find you, you have to seek them out yourself. At SPSG, my peers, mentors, and teachers have taught me to go for what I want and not be afraid of rejection.
Keagan: The biggest lesson I have learned from my time at St. Paul’s is that when you buy into a community, it supports you no matter what. When you invest yourself with your time and your energy into a group and into relationships with others, that group and those individuals will support you and strengthen you.
Olivia: The biggest lesson I learned at St. Paul’s has been the Golden Rule – if you treat others kindly they will treat you kindly back. Ms. Heacock taught us this lesson, and now I think about it all the time and try to practice it each day at school and at home.
