July 8, 2011

Throughout the summer St. Michael’s Prep highlights its Graduates of 2011. The highlight includes an excerpt from the graduate’s formal reflection about his experiences, a summary of activities and awards, as well as a section of photos.

JACOB MICHAEL HOLKE
When I began at St. Michael’s I felt it would be my first and last year here. I kept telling myself that I did not like it here. Despite this, I found that every year I just could not find it in me to call it quits. Finally in my last year, I can see the good that I have been given at this school.

Although I may have had more fun elsewhere, no other school would have been able to give me an equal education. Whether it was a personalized schedule or having teachers available outside of class, I excelled at St. Michael’s. Here, I have discovered and fostered my love of knowledge. I have learned how to think for which I am truly grateful to all the teachers and religious here at St. Michael’s.

Here I have been able to grow in my faith life. It took me until my sophomore year to finally go to confession. Even then, I went only because I was going to be confirmed. From this experience I now go to confession regularly and take part in the sacraments. Being at St. Michael’s gave me a new perspective on my spiritual life. I saw how much more I could love God and grow closer to Him.

The thing that really made St. Michael’s special was the experience I had living in the dorms. Being upstairs has given me the greatest friends I have ever had. I can see how my dorm experience has led to having much better friendships than I would have had otherwise. Here I lived in an environment which encouraged me to grow and mature as I took on more responsibility. I thank my parents for having the wisdom to send me here and the friends with whom I shared the dorm.

Activities and Awards

Activities
Speech and Debate Team (2007-2011),
Cross Country (2007-2010), Captain (2008-2010),
Soccer (2007-2011), Captain (2009-2011),
Baseball ((2007-2011), First team All League (2011),
Altar Server,
Roomleader (2009-2011),
US Ocean Safety Lifeguard.

Awards
Bank of America Award in the field of Classical Languages,
Jones Latin Award,
California Scholarship Federation, Life member,
National Hispanic Merit Scholar,
National Honor Society .

Jake has chosen to continue his education at the University of Notre Dame (IN).


Prayer Requests
● Tom Fuentes who struggles with cancer.
● William Mullins who recovers from an injury.
● Those who are in the armed forces.
● Those who travel.
● St. Michael’s older priests and those who care for them.