Co-WinnerSophomore Anthony Thompson
Mount Carmel Academy
Chicago (Lake View)
Interesting Fact:
Member of Football Athletic
Training Staff

To me, Mount Carmel is a place rich in history and tradition. When you enter the gates of the Prayer Garden, you notice the names of the hundreds of donors, who selflessly gave to ensure that the tradition lives on. You continue on staring, awestruck at the statue of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and the baby Jesus. You reflect on the thousands of students who have walked the path before you into the historic building. You can’t help but wonder who will walk the path in the future. My little brother?  My sons? My grandsons?

Upon entering the school building, it is evident that the students respect their school and each other. Walking through the hallways you will see students conversing. You’ll notice the doors of the teachers’ classrooms are open, as if inviting you to speak to them. You are greeted with a hello, a good morning, or just a friendly smile and a wave.

I first heard about Mount Carmel in sixth grade at a high school night. I, as well as my parents, was impressed. We all came to the agreement that Mount Carmel should be one of my top high school choices. I attended an Open House and a Shadow Day, and fell in love with the school. Over Christmas break before the Entrance Exam, I decided to apply to Mount Carmel because of the superb academic and athletic programs, and also because of the great school spirit.

There are so many people who have shown great dedication to Mount Carmel, like the late, great Coach Kiszka. It was Coach Kiszka who took me under his wing and gave me a tour of the athletic offices during my freshman year when I was a trainer for the football team. He was a beloved man who truly appreciated Mount Carmel. He breathed the Mount Carmel air, and thought of Mount Carmel from day until night. He was a big part of Mount Carmel history and his presence is greatly missed.

However, he is not the only person who showed great affection towards Mount Carmel. It is the teachers who spend countless hours preparing the students to be successful in the real world. It is the administrators who ensure that the students are responsible for their actions in society. It is also the coaches who make sure that the athletes are great, both on and off the field.

To me, Mount Carmel is a place of world-class academics. Most of the teachers here have earned the highest degree possible and fully exhibit their academic talents in the classroom. The teachers not only care about the students’ academic success, but about them as people too. They are ready, willing, and able to offer the student advice in any topic they choose, whether it is about academics or about their personal lives.

I chose Mount Carmel because of the incredible relationship between the students and the teachers, the sense of belonging, the feeling of school spirit, the incredible academic and athletic programs, and the rich history and tradition of the school. As I continue to experience the incredible life of high school, I can only hope to be able to use this quote to sum up my joyful years at Mount Carmel.

“You came to Carmel as a BOY. If you care to struggle and work at it, you will leave as a MAN.”

I plan to leave as a man.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, please pray for us all.