Post-Secondary Pathways

Dana Alawawdeh

(Photos from Google)

Course selection often comes with the stress of choosing a post-secondary pathway. The idea of making a lifelong decision can be overwhelming, but in reality, no one’s future is predetermined and can change. Post-secondary pathways generally fall into three categories: formal education/training, structured experiences, and exploration/personal growth. These include university, college, apprenticeships, gap years, work, internships, military service, and community involvement, each offering different opportunities for skill development and personal growth!

Formal education/training involves structured learning in universities, colleges, and apprenticeships. Universities focus on academic study and research, offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Colleges provide career-focused programs leading to certificates, diplomas, and some degrees. Apprenticeships combine hands-on training with classroom instruction, allowing students to earn while they learn and obtain recognized trade certifications!

Structured experiences focus on gaining practical skills in supervised settings, such as internships and military service. Internships offer short-term work experience in specific fields, potentially leading to full-time jobs. Military service provides structured training, leadership development, and career opportunities in various fields while allowing individuals to serve their country!

Exploration and personal growth focus on self-discovery and diverse experiences, including gap years, employment, and community service. A gap year allows time for travel, volunteering, or work experience, helping students explore interests and develop! Entering the workforce immediately provides hands-on experience and financial independence while exploring career options. Community service offers a way to give back, develop skills, and connect with others, creating personal and professional growth.

Ultimately, no single decision determines the rest of your life. With many post-secondary pathways available, students have the option to choose, change, and adapt their pathways based on evolving interests and goals! While course selection may feel stressful, many opportunities exist to learn, grow, and build a fulfilling future.

Grad Christmas show recap- December Issue

The grad christmas show is a very popular, long-standing St. Pius X High School tradition, and this year’s Grinch-themed edition entered the Pius history books. According to one of this year’s directors, Mr. Schroder, “it is a Pius tradition that has been going strong for over 25 years [probably more].” This is one of the reasons why he believes it is so popular, another reason is that it is the, “closest that we all have to stepping inside a Christmas movie - to be able to work on a project with friends, to share our talents, and send hundreds of people off into the Christmas break full of smiles and good cheer... what could be better than that!?!” It truly is a joyous part of everyone’s Christmas. 

So, without further ado, here is what you might have missed at the Grad Xmas Show of 2024. 

“It’s show time!!!!!!!”, said one of the hosts. 

The show got off to an exciting start with Ainsley McDonell, as Martha May, acting as the Grinch, and introducing some of the Whos, or rather the Inclusion Crew. Their dance featured costume changes and fun dance moves, and was a brilliant way to commence the show. 

Then, Jonny Guercio, as The Grinch, performed a humorous monologue to continue the storyline and introduce the next act; “the Rockettes.” “The Rockettes” performed a phenomenal dance to a mashup of numerous Christmas favourites, including “Winter Wonderland” and “Last Christmas.” Following their dance, two of “The Rockettes” came back on stage to sing “Hallelujah.”

Next up, came Martha and Lou showing off their luminous Christmas lights including one “jaw-dropping” antique, leading into the jaw-dropping performance by “Da Who’s.” They performed amazingly and even included a flip/ariel in their performance. 

Then comes the gift sorting part of our story, where Cindy Lou Who encounters “the the the… the Grinch”, who transitions to a few angels angelically singing “Mary Did You Know.”

Next, Martha May explains why the Grinch hates Christmas, and how they were never a duo. Which led us into the next act; the duos of Holly and Jolly, who performed yet another wonderful dance to add to the show. 

To transition into the next portion of the show, we are reminded, by Jonny Guercio, of the true chaos of Christmas shopping as he exclaims that he hasn't done his Christmas shopping yet! Which sends everyone into complete disarray, and transitions into the WeVideo; “Operation Claus Napping.”

All is pleasant in Whoville, while the Grinch plots stealing Christmas, should his schedule allow it, as he is very busy and has many things to do, including, “...Five o’clock, ruin the Grad Christmas Show, tell no one.” Eventually the Grinch moves his schedule around enough to steal Christmas tonight, but first we must enjoy the 12 days of teachers. The 12 days of teachers consisted of 12 students each doing an impression of a teacher, this included teachers such as Mr. Masters, Mrs. Delorey, Mr. Lama, Mr. Boucher, and many more. 

The Grinch then proceeded to venture through the audience and steal Christmas; he was about to finish with the tree when he ran into Cindy Lou Who, who transitioned us to our next dance group the “Christmas Click,” who did a dance to “All I want for Christmas is you.”

To close off the show, the Grinch’s heart grows, and with it comes his Christmas spirit, as the cast of the grad Christmas show sings like Whos to finish off their amazing show. 

Upon reflection, Mrs. Martinez, one of the directors, stated that, “... a wide range of student talent, participation, and collaboration are the right ingredients that make the show a success.” In addition, Mr. Schroder wrote that, “Each year [he] continue[s] to be impressed with the talent, enthusiasm, and dedication of the grads, and the tech crew.”

Congratulations on an amazing show, grads!

Good Vibes Only at the 2024 St. Pius Semi-Formal!

By: Josh Neubauer

Photo taken by Brooke Dikah on iPhone 10 

The event that students at St. Pius had been waiting for had finally arrived: the semi-formal. St. Pius students gathered outside, chatting with excitement as they arrived in their best outfits, ready for a fun night filled with delicious food, top-notch music, and infinite amounts of opportunities to dance!

The venue, Sala San Marco, was covered in twinkling lights and lavish decor, setting the perfect scene for a memorable evening. As the doors opened and students walked in, they were greeted with a stunning red carpet where they could get amazing photos taken with their closest friends. From this moment on, all the students were having a blast, with some dancing confidently and others chatting and laughing with friends at their tables. The energy in the room was contagious, with everyone eager to make the most out of this awesome dance!

The semi-formal was a massive hit among the students, with Grade 11 student Xavier Jeglic calling the dance “one of the best school events that [he has] been to”. Alessa Ciliberto, also in Grade 11, felt that the semi-formal gave her a great way to “spend time with friends” and “enjoy the company of the people [she] loves”. 

As the evening continued, the music shifted to slower songs, and the atmosphere became more relaxed. Some students took the opportunity to dance with someone special, while others gathered in small groups to chat and appreciate the quieter moments of the night. It was a time to appreciate the company of friends and make connections that would last beyond the night.

As the dance came to a close, students slowly made their way out of the venue, still buzzing with excitement. The semi-formal had been more than just an event; it was a chance to celebrate friendships, create memories, and enjoy a night away from the usual routine. It was a reminder that sometimes, even just spending a bit of time with loved ones can turn an ordinary night into something extraordinary.