Senior goodbye: Shane Bockrath

Dear Archbishop Carroll,

My time as a student at Archbishop Carroll is unforgettable and it’s extremely difficult to pick just one memory that was my favorite. If I had to choose just one memory, it would be senior prom and the weekend that followed. Walking into the Presidential and seeing all the teachers lined up really hit home and made that night more special than it ever could have been. Seeing all the now men and women that I met four years ago all smiling, dancing and enjoying themselves brought such a big smile to my face. That night was truly amazing. Waking up the next morning and driving up to the Poconos and staying there for the weekend with all of my friends really was special. That weekend is unforgettable. The memories we made will last a lifetime and I cannot think of a better way to spend my final weeks at Carroll than with those people.

Juniors, my advice to you is simple: get involved. To truly make the most of your senior year, you have to get involved in anything you can, whether that’s a sport, club, or just hanging around Carroll after the school day ends. Anything that gets you to just be at Carroll is worth it. I was never really involved in anything besides football until my senior year. I got involved in a couple things with campus ministry, which lead to me leading on Kairos and definitely kept me at school well after 8th period, but I loved every second of it. I even tried my hand in coaching the girls flag football team, which led me to make even more unforgettable memories. Look, the bottom line is, your senior year is going to go by very quickly, so do everything in your power to make it last as long as possible. Trust me. You won’t regret it.

Carroll, when I walked into those doors a 14-year-old kid fresh out of public school, I would have never guessed you would make me into the man I am today and I can’t thank you enough for that. You have taught me some of the most important life lessons that have changed the way I view life itself. I have grown closer to my faith than ever imagined, made friends that will last a lifetime, met the person I love, got grades that I never thought I could get, and finally got into my dream school. All that is thanks to you, Archbishop Carroll.

Love,

Shane Bockrath