Live, Love, and Serve in the Image of Christ
Mary Koonce
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Congratulations to Mary Koonce, SJS Class of 2017, who was Salutatorian for Lansdale Catholic’s Class of 2021! We asked Mary how St. Jude School influenced her and what her plans were for the future.
Q. What role do you think St. Jude School played in your life? Preparing you for high school and beyond?
St. Jude School set me up with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in high school and beyond. I went to Lansdale Catholic with a strong work ethic and I was a step ahead of some of my peers academically, thanks to the teachers at St. Jude. Aside from academics, the values and morals taught at St. Jude are what allowed me to truly flourish at LC. I learned the importance of faith, service, and love at St. Jude, which shaped my high school experience and continues to guide my life.
Q. What is your favorite memory of St. Jude School? Why?
I have so many great memories! One that comes to mind is Maroon and Gold Day. Each year’s field day is a positive memory for me, but the one that stands out most is from 8th grade. I remember leading games with my best friends, enjoying lunch with them, and participating in the balloon toss. I always loved Maroon and Gold Day because the SJS community came together for fun and friendly competition.
Q. What role does your Catholic faith play in your life?
My Catholic faith is the guiding factor in my life. St. Jude School taught me the importance of living a life rooted in faith. Through St. Jude’s youth group, I was able to get involved with service opportunities. On trips to the Special Olympics Fall Festival and at Catholic Heart Workcamp I was able to meet like-minded teens and an awesome community of people. I was able to meet similar people this year on mission trips in Philadelphia through Mission Youth Philly. My faith has grown greatly at Lansdale Catholic through the sacraments and retreats. I was able to attend, then lead a Kairos retreat for my classmates. I am currently preparing to lead a Kairos retreat for rising seniors at LC. Through leading others, I have found more strength in my own faith. Each day I strive to grow closer to God, whether that be through daily Mass, Adoration, or service. In order to enter into a deeper relationship with Christ, it forced me to leave my comfort zone and find true comfort in the Lord.
Q. What kind of activities were you involved in during high school?
In high school I ran track, served as president of the National Honor Society, participated in Student Government, joined the Respect Life Club, took part in community service, and was involved with the Interact Club.
Q. What are your upcoming plans?
I will be attending the University of Dayton in the fall and majoring in middle childhood and special education.
Q. What are some of the challenges you face as a young adult?
As a young adult, I struggle with the unknown of the future. It can be difficult for me to discern what God is calling me to do. As a high school graduate, it seems as though I have to have it all figured out, but that is far from my reality. I am slow to make a decision and quick to question them.
Q. What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I don't really like animals.
Q. Anything else you would like to share?
St. Jude is the best and I am forever grateful for the relationships that I built and the education I received!
