“Perhaps the most significant decision in my life so far was my choice to spend a year abroad in Germany where I lived with a host family, attended international classes, and was immersed in the culture. Though I found the prospect a bit overwhelming at first, I became more and more excited by the opportunity. Firstly, I wanted to experience the culture that had such a great influence on my family. Also, it would help me to learn the language that many in my family spoke. Finally, I also wanted the chance to explore cultures from around the world because since the classes were international, there were students not just from Germany, but from around the world, many of which I knew only little about.”

John made the most of his experience and dove into the educational classes, extra-curricular activities, and worldwide exploration.  He shared tales of his travels in the most recent issue of our Greensleeves magazine.  Read the full story on pages 14-15.

The York Catholic Music Association (YCMA) and the York Catholic Marching Band have been incredibly lucky over the last 12 years to have Deb and Trent Gingerich as volunteers who have helped with every event within the music department. Trent set up the football concession stands for every home game, shopped to stock up the stand, drove the van and trailer to the away games and competitions, drove the tractor onto the field, and still found time to work with the stage crew.  Deb sent out weekly communications for the marching band, hemmed uniform pants, fitted uniforms, organized chaperones and sign-ups, and organized field trips. Together they have sold flowers at the musical, helped decorate for the Christmas concerts and Championship week, and made sure the YCMA continues to be a viable and stable organization.  Whenever Trent or Deb were thanked for helping, they would flash a smile and say, “Thank you for letting us help.”  Read more about the Gingerichs on page 28 of York Catholic’s Greensleeves magazine.

Many YC teachers are moonlighting as students themselves in masters’ and PhD programs because they are life-long learners. Whether they are seeking degrees in their subject area specialization or in an education specialization, they want to be better for themselves and for their students.  Research is an integral part of that process.  Jill (Eppley) Euclide ’94, York Catholic English Department Chair, and Erin Frick, YC English teacher, are both doing more formal research this year as part of their graduate programs of study.  Read how they’ve incorporate student collaboration with their studies on page 24 of our Greensleeves magazine.