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"Excelsior" is the battlecry of a man of Shaw as he strives to live out the three pillars of Saint John Bosco's Preventive system: reason, religion, and loving-kindness. Every single day, our community pursues these goals in all that we do.
Reason
Engaging Body, Mind, and Soul
The Archbishop Shaw Wrestling Team held its second-annual Wrestling Retreat over the Thanksgiving holiday. Head Coach Brandon Surrency (Class of '09), Assistant Head of Institutional Advancement, notes that last year's retreat, due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, was canceled. "We didn't [get] the traditional team bonding experience," Coach Surrency explained.
So it was important for the team to take time out of their practice to spend with one another.
The retreat is more than an opportunity to improve wrestling skills: "the goal of the retreat is to make the athletes think more, build a stronger relationship with God, build team camaraderie and learn perspectives from our various guest speakers," said Coach Brandon Surrency; "it’s an exhausting weekend but it’s well worth it".
Since the retreat, many students have begun participating in not only other extra-curriculars but several Youth Ministry-related organizations and groups as well.
Speakers included Shaw 2021 Alumnus of the Year Troy DePreist (Class of '86), Assistant District Attorney Lonnie Taix (Class of '88), alumnus and former wrestler Brennan Falcon (Class of '14), and ten-time state champion wrestling coach Robbie Dautreive.
(Above) Troy DePreist (Class of '86) speaks to the importance of keeping God first and foremost in everything we do.
(Right) Brennan Falcon (Class of '14) recounted how the discipline and accountability he learned on the mat translated to law school.
Religion
Leading Students to Christ
Shaw's Peer Ministry team consists of students who strive to bring the light of Christ into all areas of student involvement, even if those students are just a bit younger.
Peer Ministers such as Wyatt Marque (Class of '22) have been assisting with and conducting retreats for students of local schools such as Saint Rosalie Elementary in Harvey and Immaculate Conception School in Marrero.
"I decided to start helping with retreats last year when Fr. John Langan approached me," recounts Wyatt. "I loved going on retreats as an underclassman, so being able to help plan these retreats and make them the best that they can be."
"Every retreat that the Peer Ministry team and I plan has a purpose. Starting from visiting seventh-graders to Seniors here at Archbishop Shaw". That purpose is to help students grow in faith throughout their school-years.
Of course, all of the fun and games is not just fun and games. "Getting closer to God can be from an activity with a group, a witness talk, adoration, or even playing basketball," explains Wyatt. "As long as, at the end of the day the participants felt God get a little closer to them, the retreat is a success".
The authenticity that comes from student-led retreats put on for students is one of the many reasons these retreats have borne so much fruit for both Archbishop Shaw and the universal Church.
(Top) Wyatt Marque (Class of '22) and Brycen Foret (Class of '26) work on a retreat activity together.
(Bottom) Jayce LaCava (Class of '23) carries Randal Smallwood (Class of '26) on his shoulders.
Kindness
Feeding the Soul
The holiday season, while a festive time for most, can be a difficult time for others: one that highlights the inequalities between peoples and the grim fact that many this season will go without.
Coach Wesley Laurendine, head coach of the Archbishop Shaw Basketball team, understood the extent of the need. "I first learned of [a] program [at a previous job]... that feeds hundreds of families," recounted Coach Laurendine. "It was one of the best things I've been a part of".
This Thanksgiving, Coach Laurendine felt inspired to bring that program to the school.ㅤ
Rodney Phillips (Class of '22) carries a box of goods into Mrs. King's home.
He realized that he already had an army of volunteers waiting to help: his basketball team.
"When I mentioned my intentions to the team, it was a quick 'yes, let’s do this' from everyone," said Laurendine. "No questions asked. They understood this was a priority".
The team got to work and began seeking out donations from their own families to give to a family in need. Coach Laurendine, working with a contact, was soon paired the King family whose matriarch, Mrs. King, was in need for the holiday.
I was excited to supply someone else with the things they needed to have a good holiday," reflects Senior Jene Baquet (Class of 2022). Jene, along with the rest of the team, worked to get all of the essentials for every member of the family down to the smallest: "Mrs. King was taking care of a baby, [so] we stocked up on baby foods, too".
By all accounts, this charitable act by the team was a great success, but Coach Laurendine is acutely aware of the outstanding need.
"My intention is to help grow this program little by little", says Coach Laurendine, "we're not here to reinvent the wheel; just grow a great tradition [at Shaw] which helps so many here on the Westbank. [The basketball team] hopes to help two families next year".
Thinking back on the experience, Coach states that there was more than food and goods that were exchanged on that day.
"I believe these young men grew in loving kindness, compassion, and gratitude for what they have at their own home. We all have different struggles, yet all of us are here to help one another."
Christian Harris (Class of '24) shares a warm embrace with Mrs. King at her home during the week of Thanksgiving.
Isaiah Barnes (Class of '22) carries donated items into Mrs. King's home. The team was able to visit and get to know the family during their time together.
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