Curious Minds. Global Hearts.

At York Catholic, education is more than academic preparation — it’s a foundation for a life of purpose, reflection, and bold exploration. We encourage students to ask thoughtful questions, embrace new perspectives, and carry their learning beyond the classroom and into the world. Whether they’re pursuing service or scholarship, York Catholic students grow into thoughtful leaders with a global mindset and a heart for others.

This spirit of curiosity and courage takes many forms. For Adam Bittner ’17, it meant following an unconventional path marked by cultural discovery, academic reinvention, and deep personal growth following his high school days. His journey, spotlighted in our Summer 2025 issue of Greensleeves magazine, is one example of how the values instilled at York Catholic continue to take root long after graduation.

“I realized early on that the most important times are now,” Adam shared, reflecting on how he chose to shape his life after the unexpected passing of his father during college. With that clarity, he became deliberate about living a life of adventure and intention. What followed was anything but ordinary and included experiences working on a ranch in Argentina, studying literature and agriculture in Spain, supporting organic coffee cooperatives in Guatemala, and farming initiatives in Nepal.
Adam spent time living in locations as diverse as Montana, Berlin, and eventually Tokyo — where he now works in sustainable tourism, helping revitalize rural communities through the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program and a company called Eighty Days Japan. For Adam, every new place has been a chance to learn, adapt, and contribute.

“I’m always changing and adapting,” he said. “And I hope that by living in this way, I can positively impact others.”

While Adam’s story is remarkable, it reflects a mindset that is nurtured early among all students within our school community and one that continues to thrive in today’s students. Consider the recent experiences of Sara Czyzykowski and Gianna Bird, both members of York Catholic’s Class of 2025. While their classmates have spent the majority of their time together in high school walking the familiar halls of YC, Sara and Gianna each took a leap into the unknown — choosing to study abroad in France and Germany, respectively. (Check out Greensleeves for more of their stories, too!)

Sara, who holds dual citizenship in Poland and the United States, had already traveled abroad with her family. But she wanted something more immersive. Inspired by the idea of experiencing life through a different cultural lens, she spent the 2023–24 school year in Paris, embracing a longer school day, a more independent academic structure, and a host of new experiences, including weekend trips by train to Geneva, Switzerland, the French Alps, and the Mediterranean coast. Her favorite place to unwind? A charming corner table at Café de Flore in Paris’ Latin Quarter.

Gianna’s journey was her first overseas, but it was deeply rooted in family heritage. Her great-grandmother emigrated from Germany, and her mother grew up immersed in German culture. After teaching herself the language and joining a study abroad program, Gianna spent her fall semester of senior year in Neuss, Germany. She swam with a local club, explored the countryside, and found her favorite spot in the small Rhineland town of Oberwel, where castles, vineyards, and a sense of timeless calm surrounded her.

Both students gained academic enrichment and independence, confidence, and a new understanding of themselves. “I was able to figure out what matters most to me,” Sara shared. “There are options in life aside from the straight and narrow path I had already mapped out.” For Gianna, it was the diversity and cultural exchange that made the most significant impact. In a city filled with immigrants from places like Syria and Egypt, she found joy in meeting people from all over the world and expanding her worldview in real time.

These experiences — Adam’s post-graduate pursuits and Sara and Gianna’s bold study abroad choices — speak to something deeper beyond our proven dedication to preparing students for college or career success. A YC education plants seeds of curiosity and global engagement that continue to grow long after a student leaves our campus. Inside our classrooms, students are invited to explore diverse perspectives, engage in meaningful dialogue, and pursue learning that stretches beyond textbooks. Through language programs, mission trips, service learning, and mentorship, we cultivate independent thinkers who understand that empathy and open-mindedness are essential to thriving in a connected world.

From York to Tokyo, from Paris to Neuss, and from the halls of YC to hillsides in Nepal, our students and alumni carry the heart of York Catholic wherever they go. With open hearts and minds, they allow their perspectives to be changed, grounded by their experiences, receptive to new ideas and cultures, and more confident in their ability to make a difference. Their stories are just a few examples of the vibrant, globally minded community that defines York Catholic.

At York Catholic, we are committed to welcoming students with diverse talents, backgrounds, and interests, supporting their academic success, and empowering them for college and beyond. If you’re looking for a school that inspires a deeper curiosity about the world, your student belongs here. We invite you to connect with our Admissions team to learn more about enrollment opportunities or plan to visit campus. We look forward to helping answer any questions and welcoming you into our school community.