"Families are the compass that guide us. They are the inspiration to reach great heights, and our comfort when we occasionally falter." This quote by Brad Henry, the governor of Oklahoma, expresses the way I feel about my family at St. Pats. For the past nine years I have attended St. Patrick Cathedral School and will miss everyone who has been a part of my experience including the teachers, faculty, students, priests and parents. Now as an eighth grader, with graduation approaching very fast, I have started to realize how lucky I have been to be a part of the St. Pats family.

Since I have been at St. Pats I have made so many friends and have had so many experiences with them that I will keep forever. I have known and been in school with most of the kids in my eighth grade since Kindergarten. Our first days as Kindergartners at St. Patrick's are still in my memory. My friends have always been there for me through thick and thin and I will always be able to count on their support when needed.

During my time at St. Patrick School the teachers and staff have truly been amazing. Each tacher has been unique in their way of teaching, and has prepared us for the next grade. They are always able to create a safe environment for learning and making new friends, guide us in every life helping us to make good decisions. Whenever I have had a problem with material that I did not understand, I could always count on my teacher to stay after with me for as long as it took. Mrs. Reed (our principal), Mrs. McIvor (or secretary), Mrs. Pupillo (our librarian) and Mrs. Savitsky and Mrs. Gilbo (our aids) are the backbone of our school. They are always there for us if we need help with schoolwork or if we just need a helping hand.

Since I have gone to Saint Pats many priests have come and gone but Monsignor Tony has stayed put. If you ever need a joke or a laugh he is your man. You can always count on Monsignor Tony to teach you a good lesson at mass and help you to live that message out. During the holidays we are always asked by Monsignor Tony to collect canned goods for baskets going to those less fortunate and you will always see him answering the door for someone who needs his help.

Most importantly St. Pats provides us with a Catholic education. Religion classes everyday and first Friday masses with Monsignor Tony and Father Tad have been a part of my routine for so long. Every year I have learned something new about the church and my faith has grown stronger from these lessons. This experience has helped me grow into a better person and has prepared me for challenges I will face in the future.

St. Patrick school also provides many activities that get everyone involved in the school. Since fifth grade I have been a part of the girls basketball team. With the main goal being to have fun, my teammates and I have had our share of laughs on and off the court, while winning many games that have resulted in a couple championships over the years. This year, I also joined the cross country team at St. Pats. It was a time to run and have fun doing it. Parents and students would always attend the meets and show their support for our school. No matter what place you come in you knew that there would be a huge crowd cheering you on right to the finish line.

St. Patrick's has been my second home for almost nine years. No matter how many times I have fallen during the years at St. Pats I have always known that there would be someone right by my side to help me get up and start over again. As my time here at St. Patrick Cathedral School is quickly coming to an end I will make sure to fully enjoy and cherish every last memory I make at this school and keep it in my heart forever. St. Pats is truly a special school that I am so proud to have attended for so long. There is no place I would rather be than at St. Pats -- my second home.

By Anna Kudej
Grade 8