By Logan Puissegur
The Holy Cross senior class held a “meet and greet” at Tiger Prep Day for the new middle school and high school Tigers on August 10, 2018. The day spotlighted the fifth graders and the seniors, as they paired up and became big and little brothers for the school year. The program has taken many courses over the years varying in grades and activities done with the students, but the senior class of 2019 wanted more for the young Tigers on Paris Avenue. Senior Shawn Howell said, “Our campus is filled with tradition and legacy. It feels only right if we [the senior class] teach them [the fifth graders] what it means to be a part of the Holy Cross family. I started in fifth grade and looked up to the guys in white shirts, now it’s time I return the favor.” Senior Antonio Rivera also commented on the topic saying, “Holy Cross is more than a school, it’s a way of life. We develop our minds, hearts, bodies, and souls to become a better man when our time is up. The young guys on campus are at the beginning of their journey and need the most guidance. We must welcome and help them in any way possible. After all, they are our brothers.”
The big brother-little brother program has held four events thus far: Tiger Prep Day, two Formation Periods, and a mass. Formation Period is a new 45-minute period added every Tuesday and Thursday to the schedule this year. Its intent is to connect students to the mission of the school. Fifth Grader Mike Taylor commented: “While I’ve only been on the big campus for a few days now, Holy Cross is truly a family. I’ve gotten to know my big brother as well as my fifth-grade brothers very well. Formation period has helped me make these connections as we have had discussions, played dodgeball, listened to music, and have grown in our faith.” Each pair of brothers picked up a “middle brother” for mass. Students from the current eighth grade class (‘23) were assigned to join one of these pairs. They then participated at mass together which was highly appreciated by the faculty and staff trying to carry out the school’s mission. Misss. Juliane Watson, middle school English teacher and daughter of an HC alum, said “One of my favorite parts about our mission of educating the whole man is watching our young boys grow into the men that God has called them to be. Teaching our 12th grade students to pass on the traditions and mission of Father Moreau to their younger brothers is at the core of educating hearts and souls.” While it may be a school, it’s a nurturing ground where the blue and gold connects the youngest of Tigers all the way to the men who started in 1849. It’s a family that I will never feel detached from as I know the mission and legacy will live on. Although it is early in the school year, the program has been a huge success. The fifth graders feel more comfortable, the eighth graders are learning how to grow from “Boys to Men”, and the senior class gets to enjoy their final ride being the role models.