SLS Blog

With graduation just days away, the halls at St. Lawrence feel different.

There’s a mix of excitement, relief, nostalgia... Laughter lingers longer after dinner in the refectory.

At St. Lawrence, senior year has always been about more than finishing strong. It’s about becoming the men they were called to be.

We sat down with several members of the Class of 2026 to talk about brotherhood, faith, growth, and what comes next.

Alan G. - Hartford, WI

Christian C. - Saudi Arabia

Alan M. - Milwaukee, WI

Ugo O. - Milwaukee, WI

Emmanuel E. - Milwaukee, WI

Ethan T. - Mount Calvary, WI

On Brotherhood

Q: How would you define brotherhood here at SLS in one word?

Alan G: I would define it as memorable.

Christian: I would say growth.

Alan M: I would define it as trust.

Ugo: I would define it as connection.

Emmanuel: The word I would use to define our brotherhood is immaculate.

Ethan: Honestly, I think I would define it as unity.

Q: What does is mean to call yourself a brother of this school?

Alan G: What it means to me is pretty much being there for others. I mean, it's like you have another family here, and so the people around you, your classmates, are sort of like, you know, your brothers.

Christian: Well it can mean many things, but one thing that comes to mind is being a part of a community, whether that be as a current student or as an alumni.

Alan M: By being a brother of this school I think it means that I’m being an active part of the community. I like being able to help out and I enjoy the positive write up system we have here. Like I remember freshman year, I would really try and purposefully help out a lot, holding doors, etc. just trying to get positive write ups and I would get like five a week. But now as a senior, I’m not trying as hard and I get like 8. I would say it’s just become second nature; part of my personality. It’s not like I’m doing this to get recognized. I’m doing it so I can make other people happy. Just being active in the community you know. I love this school and I feel like it loves me.

Ugo: A brother to me is someone that can be relied upon. Here, having a bunch of brothers around, I really feel like I can rely upon them as well.

Emmanuel: To me it means to be a well-rounded man of faith and a young man that’s very strong in his social skills and work ethic.

Ethan: To be a “brother” at this school, I think means to be a part of a community where everyone comes together with similar values. So just like in your family when you have a tight bond with your siblings, you know, here, we’re also connected. We’re here with each other all the time and we share similar experiences. At SLS, I’d say it goes beyond friendship since we’re so interconnected with each other.

On Faith

Q: How has attending a 100% Catholic school impacted your faith?

Alan G: I think that it's impacted my faith greatly. It's gotten me a lot closer to Christ.

Christian: With such a prominent Catholic influence, it’s not hard to develop a Catholic faith. And I’ve certainly grown as a Catholic during my time here.

Alan M: It really has impacted my faith a lot, because before SLS I didn’t really know much about anything with Christianity because I didn’t go to Mass a lot before St. Lawrence. SLS really helped me actually learn about what faith was and about Jesus and the Gospel stories. I maybe knew some of it from Sunday school growing up, but here I like actually fully learned it and through the motions of practicing it. So now I can say, confidently, that I’m Catholic.

Ugo: I think SLS has strengthened my faith in a lot of ways through Mass, prayer, and classes. I’ve been taught more rules and customs of the Church and that’s really expanded my view of my faith. I’ve really begun to develop a one-on-one relationship with God which I feel is the most important thing. Faith has become more of a ritual and it’s now a part of my everyday. It’s also become a bigger factor in how I make my decisions.

Emmanuel: I would say that St. Lawrence has impacted my faith in a positive way. Before coming to SLS, I didn’t really know my faith very well and wasn’t sure how that relationship with God would look moving forward. But now I feel like I really know our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the sacrifices He’s made for us. I’ve become a lot more knowledgeable and active in my faith.

Ethan: Honestly, it’s deeply strengthened my personal connection with God and furthered my understanding of my own faith. Having taken all the religion classes that they offer here, I’ve learned much more about the actual history of the Church and I think that’s strengthened my faith in Jesus Christ. My faith has come much more naturally since coming here. Before, I mean my faith was there, but I wouldn’t say it was as strong as it is now. I think having prayer and Mass implemented into my daily routine, I’ve become so much stronger in my faith.

Q: How has SLS shaped your view of Catholicism?

Alan G: Oh, well, from what I've learned is that it's the right path, like, that it leads you towards heaven. That's what I've been taught, and I believe in it. The ministry opportunities have greatly impacted my view of Catholicism because there are situations that I've never encountered before, and through what I've learned, it's helped me to manage those sort of situations and what to do, you know, correctly. What's right; what should be done.

Christian: Through a lot of my classes here, I was able to develop a better understanding of Catholicism and deepen my faith through that. Especially the off campus ministry opportunities! I was able to meet a lot of new people and see new perspectives that I never would’ve had access to back home.

Alan M: I feel like when I was younger, I would go [to Church] just to go just because my parents made me. I didn’t really pay attention at all. But now when I look at prayer or Mass or with anything related to faith, it doesn’t have to feel mandatory, all that matters is that it’s honest.

Ugo: It has for sure. Having grown up going to a non-denominational Christian school I used to always think of Catholicism being more strict and overly serious. So coming here, I still think it’s somewhat strict, but seeing all the rituals and prayers that we recite, I think it’s the closest thing to what Jesus wanted for us. What he said through His words and His actions while He was on earth.

Emmanuel: I really think it has. Before coming to St. Lawrence, I went to a Lutheran school and obviously their views are a little different than ours. But now knowing the Catholic faith, I feel much more comfortable in my views and beliefs. It just makes more sense to me.

Ethan: Yes, like I said before, prior to coming here I had like a basic understanding of my faith, but after having all these religion classes and a deeper prayer life, that has actually opened my mind to more of the history of the Church and also strengthened my faith as well.

On Growth

Q: How has St. Lawrence helped you grow?

Alan G: Yeah, it's helped me to grow a lot in my social skills as well as my academics and sports as well.

Christian: I would say St. Lawrence has definitely helped me grow in terms of building a routine and staying disciplined in sticking to it. Basically helping me better prioritize my time. Before high school I was not very proficient in time management and since coming here, I’ve been able to better organize my classes, sports, and other activities.

Alan M: SLS has really taught me how to be more independent especially with the whole system here. It’s kind of like a preview of college. You come here, you no longer live at home, you have to learn how to do your own laundry, how to make your bed, while also learning all these new things in class. When my dad passed away it was really hard on me, but when I came to SLS it really helped me manage my emotions with the support system here and helping me stay busy all the time. I wasn’t bogged down in my emotions because I was staying busy with all the other stuff I have and all the people around me like the teachers and friendly classmates. So I would say I’m definitely more independent and strong in my emotions.

Ugo: It’s helped me grow in a lot of ways. I feel like I’ve been able to own more of my identity and develop more independence being away from home. I feel like I’ve been able to reflect and grow and think for myself rather than what others want me to do. Developing independence earlier and work on my social skills especially. Like I’ve been put into situations where I have to talk to other people and actually use what I’ve learned.

Emmanuel: I would say first of all that it’s helped me academically. Before coming to SLS, I didn’t really study much or prioritize school work. But now I’ve learned proper study skills and good social skills as well.

Ethan: St. Lawrence helped me develop stronger time management skills. Upon coming here I was kind of a really shy kid and would always be scared to take the extra step and say “yes” to things. But as I’ve attended SLS, I’ve been able to open up and say “yes” to more things and that helped me develop more of a “oh, let me try this, let me try that.” With all these things that I’ve been trying now, I have a much tighter schedule, but it has put a lot of pressure on my time management skills and I think that has really helped me develop.

Q: What does leadership mean to you?

Alan G: Yeah, I feel like I've become a much better leader, and I've gotten a better understanding of how to be a good leader to others.

Christian: The way that St. Lawrence has taught me is that it doesn’t only mean being a good influence to your peers, but also stepping up for others who may not feel confident enough to do so yet. Basically standing up for what’s right. Some leadership qualities I’d say I’ve been able to develop would be my emotional maturity. Now that I’ve faced more pressure with academics and co-curriculars I would say that it’s pushed to be more responsible and actually reach out to many of the adults here when I need help, rather than just struggling. Really rely on the support system here!

Alan M: Leadership to me means moving everyone toward a common goal. Like you don’t just want to tell people what to do, but you’re actively helping people accomplish that goal. I would definitely say I’ve become a better leader since coming here! Freshman year I was student counselor representative and sophomore year I ran for student class president and I made it. And honestly the only reason I went for it was, you know, student class president is a pretty cool title to have. But then you realize, oh hey, there’s levels to this and you actually have to do stuff and take an active role. There was a bunch of stuff I had to be in charge of. I didn’t think I was much of a natural leader. Freshman year if you would’ve asked me “do you want to be president of the whole school?” I would’ve been like “no, no, no”. Now after junior year of serving in that role, I’ve learned that this is what it takes, and even though it’s out of my comfort zone, it’s something that I feel I’m confidently able to do. I’d like to think that I do a pretty good job.

Ugo: Leadership to me means you’re someone that’s able to inspire others to help them grow directly or indirectly. Like I can encourage you myself, but I can also lead by example, encouraging someone to do better. I feel like it’s been instilled in me to chase leadership and strive to be that type of person, a good example for others.

Emmanuel: To me leadership not only means following through with what you say but also being accountable for what you say and do.

Ethan: Leadership to me, means stepping up for the betterment of the community and being someone that people can look up to, especially having Christ kind of show through you in your words and actions.

On Living in Community

Q: In what ways has a boarding school setting impacted you?

Alan G: Oh, well, coming into a boarding school, it's a lot different because there's mandatory events that you have to attend to. So it helps me to manage my time a lot better and prioritize.

Christian: Well, before coming to St. Lawrence I wasn’t really a social person, especially not the type of person to branch out and try different types of activities. But now that I live in a boarding school with all of my peers that are in different activities, I’m more inspired to try them out myself. Through that I’ve really been able to learn what I do and don’t like. For example, I’m now in forensics and before that’s something I never would’ve thought I could do, speaking in front of a huge crowd. But St. Lawrence has pushed me and helped me build my confidence and social skills enough to where I now feel confident in my abilities, especially forensics.

Alan M: Like I said before, I think it really helps instill independence. You know eventually you have to stand up on your own two feet and I really think SLS helps us do that.

Ugo: I would say it’s allowed me to focus more. Like before when I would go home after school, my focus would slip and I would get distracted very easily. Here, I’m able to stay focused and prioritize the important things.

Emmanuel: You know when you come to a boarding school, you have to pack and travel and live on your own. For most kids around my age, they’re a lot more dependent on their parents. But after coming to SLS, I’d say I’ve become a lot more independent, earlier.

Ethan: Living with your classmates is a completely different step than living at home. You know, you’re around these guys 24/7 and that has honestly taught me a lot of patience. If you were at almost any other school, you’d be able to go home and relax after school, but here, we don’t have that ability and you’re around all these people. It can get frustrating sometimes and you have little disagreements here and there, but that has helped me build up my patience and my connection with other people. Like I said, you’re around these people 24/7, so you really get to take that extra step in getting to know people better. Rather than just being friends, you’re able to go deeper in your bond with one another.

Q: How do you feel about the fraternity system here?

Alan G: The fraternity system, I think it's, it's a good idea. It helps underclassmen and upperclassmen to bond, you know, and to get to know each other even more.

Christian: It’s pushed me to branch out of my class and interact with students in other grades, giving me more perspective of our school community.

Alan M: I really like it! Especially with pairing freshmen and seniors it’s really like a big brother, little brother relationship. It helps the incoming students have someone to look up to and rely on during your first year. Like others have asked me “what was your hardest year”. I would say like junior was probably the easiest, sophomore was probably second easiest, but freshman year was probably the hardest because you’re just getting used to everything. But the fraternity system really helps you get to know the whole school, but slowly at first with just your fraternity. The socials, parties, and sitting with each other at Mass and meals really helps build bonds.

Ugo: I think it’s a great way to socialize with other classes and branch out, especially with the freshmen and the underclassmen that you normally wouldn’t really talk to. It’s easier for us to connect and share our similarities, our interests, and just come together as a school. As a senior in a frat, I think I’ve been able to build on my leadership abilities by just organizing and taking more ownership of the group.

Emmanuel: I feel like the fraternity system is a very strong way for the classes to intermingle and build connections. I think it’s a very good system! You know some people are more introverted, while others are more outgoing. I’d say it’s an easier way to help break some of those people out of their shell. It makes it easier for us to connect and communicate with one another.

Ethan: I think it allows the whole school to grow closer and have a closer bond entirely. We’re able to have a good sense of friendly competition with one another and connecting each class through fraternity, which is like a brotherhood in itself.

On What Comes Next

Q: How do you feel about graduation coming up?

Alan G: I'm excited, but I also feel quite upset that it's, you know, this chapter is coming to an end. I mean, I’ll honestly miss, you know, being here because I remember freshman year I was thinking a lot about senior year and like how I always looked up to the seniors and how, you know, good people they were, good examples. Now I'm here and I'm like its so close. My classmates and I are really close to graduating, and I just can't believe that it's been that fast.

Christian: Well as much as I’m sad about leaving St. Lawrence and not seeing my brothers in class anymore, I’m also looking forward to new opportunities outside of St. Lawrence. Yeah, I’m just excited to see what’s out there! I feel like I’m ready, I think I have the emotional maturity and independence to move forward confidently.

Alan M: To be honest, at the start of the year I was kind of sad. I was thinking like I don’t want this to end. I want it to go a little bit longer. But now as we’re getting closer to the end of the year, I'm starting to feel like all good things must come to an end. I’m ready for the next step! But I will always appreciate the four years I had here. I feel prepared. I was accepted to my dream school, the same school my brother went to. I just have to stay ahead of my game and be a good student.

Ugo: I’m surprised because freshman year feels like it was so long ago and now graduation is just a few weeks away. It’s gone by so quickly! I’m also kind of sad that I’m going to be leaving. This place has grown on me a lot, but I definitely feel like I’m ready for the next step. I believe I’ve gained the qualities and skills that I need to go to college prepared.

Emmanuel: I’m actually excited! You know, I feel like I’m ready to use the skills and knowledge that I’ve learned here and apply it out in the real world.

Ethan: Time flies, right? It feels like just last year I was a freshman and I don’t know where the years went. Honestly, I feel kind of sad. Like the past four years of my life, I’ve spent the majority of my time here with these guys and once we graduate, I just know it’s going be a lot harder to see them. It’s just this little cloud hanging over my head. I’ve grown so close with all these people and I just know that once we graduate I might not be able to ever see some of them again. When I was younger, looking at the high school experience from an outside perspective I was like “yeah, yeah I’m going to do all these things and have so much fun”, but now as a senior I’m starting to realize those years are over already. I would say that I feel very prepared going forward. Like I said before, my time management and social skills that the school has taught me I think have very much prepared me for the future.

Q: What is your next move?

Alan G: My next move after graduation is that I'll be heading towards Moraine Park Technical College to become an electrician.

Christian: I’m planning go to Australia to Curtin University to study nursing.

Alan M: I was accepted to Notre Dame and I’ll be studying probably something in the engineering field. Something in either physics or math, like what my brother did.

Ugo: I’m going on to college, UW- Madison, to study data science or data analysis. Basically something in the computer science realm. I’m very excited!

Emmanuel: I’m planning to attend the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee where I’ll study marketing. You know, overall I’m just excited to use the skills that I’ve learned here and just go meet new people. I think college is going to be a lot easier since having come here.

Ethan: After graduation, I plan to go to UW-Whitewater for accounting.

Q: What do you think you’ll miss most about your time here?

Alan G: What I'll miss most about my time here is being able to spend time with my classmates because it's honestly a fun experience. Seeing each other every day, it's something that I've gotten used to and being able to enjoy the moments with them.

Christian: There’s a lot of things to miss, but I think what I’ll miss most is the bond I have with my classmates and not being able to see them every day. I think it’s going to be a lot harder to spend time together. We’ll just have to make sure we prioritize time to get together.

Alan M: I would say my classmates and the bond I have with them. It’s a small school and you live with everyone and you see them everyday and you eat with them, pray with them, go to class with them, hang out with them after school, just talking, I mean everything. Like every student I see in the hallways, I have like at least one inside joke with all of them… And the teachers also; with small classes it’s easy to have a more personal relationship with them whether that be through extra homework help or even just personal problems.

Ugo: Just the funny moments and obviously the friends that I’ve made. It’s just a big part of SLS life. Just hanging out with friends, living with each other, eating with each other, talking with each other, playing sports together.

Emmanuel: You know it would 100% be the people and connections that I’ve made here.

Ethan: What I’d say I’ll miss most is the little moments I have with my classmates. You know everyday we’re busy between classes and sports and other things, but it’s the little moments in between that make everything fun. Fun little moments amidst a demanding schedule.

On Legacy

Q: What do you think of when you think of SLS?

Alan G: When I think of St. Lawrence, I think of religion, especially like the faith community that’s here.

Christian: My first thought is the faith that is here. I’d say it’s a strong faith community and it’s pushed me to develop even more during my time here.

Alan M: I feel like it’s a second home to me honestly. This place has helped me grow so much. I look at 8th grade me compared to freshman me and it’s such a monumental difference. It’s like so crazy!

Ugo: I would say it’s like a challenge. You’re kind of entering a challenging part of your life where you kind of feel like you have to change drastically, fast. But I think once you get past that point, you start to realize you’ve been given kind of like a blueprint for how you want to live life outside of SLS. You’re given like a good structure and it’s an easy one to follow so that you don’t get lost in the outside world.

Emmanuel: When I think of St. Lawrence, I think of brotherhood, my fraternity, and the Catholic faith.

Ethan: Well I had two older brothers who came here, so growing up I knew about this school. So it was always on my mind that I would be coming here. Growing up I always knew it to be a strong institution that helps develop boys into men of faith. It’s a great place!

Q: What are some of your favorite memories from your time here?

Alan G: One of my favorite, like my most favorite memories from St. Lawrence would be the junior retreat that I had with my class. It was a great experience! I enjoyed it a lot. We didn't have any devices but we had a lot of fun activities to do. A lot of times we were able to go into the forest and just explore. We had a campfire and just bonded together.

Christian: One of my favorite memories during my time here is when I’ve spent time with my classmates outside of classes and activities, especially in the canteen just hanging out.

Alan M: Doing homework with classmates. It may sound boring, but that’s helped me bond a lot with all my classmates. Late nights, just working together has really brought us closer. Again, just school work, playing pick-up games together those are some of my favorite memories with my classmates.

Ugo: Sports, watching our teams play during home games, the class parties, the moments when things went unexpectedly. I know it sounds weird, but those are the types of things you remember and make you laugh. Winter Carnival, family days. That’s always a fun moment!

Emmanuel: Combined frat parties, sledding, snowball fights. You know there’s a lot of things that are memorable.

Ethan: One of my favorite times of the year is when the musical or play comes around. I love being a part of it and just having time out of my day to just be myself and have fun. Expressing myself, I love that so much! I also love baseball!

Q: What advice would you give to incoming students or prospective students?

Alan G: Advice I would give to upcoming students is try to connect with your classmates, like even if you're new, have some confidence, be social, and most importantly, manage your time well because that'll matter a lot in your performance for your grades.

Christian: One thing that comes to mind is at the beginning of the senior year we were told that the staff is not your enemy. They’re here to help and support us so that we can grow. Another thing is you’ll really want to develop a routine. That’s kind of the basis here and it really will help you through each year here, especially with classes, sports, and other extra-curriculars.

Alan M: I would say just spend time with friends at first, get to know everyone. Play, talk, laugh, make the most of it! It’s also really important to stay busy as much as you can. Freshman year goes by fast, but it’s also one of the years when you make the most memories, so enjoy it.

Ugo: I would tell them to be open and live in the moment. It goes by fast, so you always want to look at what’s in front of you and not focus on what you think you’ll miss. Make sure to try different things, there’s a lot of opportunity here.

Emmanuel: There’s no need to be afraid of being away from your family. St. Lawrence is a very good place and it’s going to make you more prepared for your future and that next step. It’s a very welcoming, supportive school that you’re coming into; it’s like a second family.

Ethan: When you’re presented with opportunities that you’re unsure of and you’re kind of second guessing, I highly recommend just taking that leap of faith. Be open to opportunity, you won’t regret it!

A Class Sent Forth

In a few days, they’ll process into the chapel in their graduation gowns. Parents will fill the pews. The choir will sing. Diplomas will be handed out.

But what they’re really carrying with them can’t be printed on parchment.

These four years have been etched into their memories. Ordinary moments now made meaningful. Quiet growth that shines through in their actions and their words. Bonds held together through thick and thin. Faith lived, questioned, and claimed as their own.

As the Class of 2026 prepares to leave the dorm rooms and hallways that shaped them, one thing is clear: St. Lawrence hasn’t just educated them.

It has formed them.

And now, it sends them.

Would you like more information about St. Lawrence Seminary? Check out our website or call us at 920-753-7570.