Irish Insights

Current and former Irish students appreciate BMCHS education

As Bishop McGuinness settles in for the second semester, students and faculty are celebrating Catholic Schools Week, recognizing an appreciation for their Catholic education.

Junior Addison McCoy, a cradle Catholic, began Catholic school her freshman year of high school, previously attending public schools throughout her elementary and middle school years. McCoy said although she’s grown up Catholic, she hadn’t been able to fully practice her faith until joining a community of people her own age.
“Coming to McGuinness and learning about my faith, it's really inspiring, and it makes me feel stronger spiritually,” said McCoy, now a junior.

“My old school, we didn't have anything relating to faith at all, so I felt like my relationship with God and my spiritual life had to be something I had to do on the side, because of how busy I was. But coming to McGuinness I was able to have school and practice my spiritual life,” McCoy said. 

Now, with the stress of a busy junior year, McCoy finds spiritual opportunities to decompress throughout her day. 

“I can go during study hall and just sit in confession,” McCoy said. “Because I don't get to go outside of school, that's nice to have.”

Senior Bridgette McCollum said she is grateful for the opportunities she’s been given to grow in an environment that fostered her faith. After attending Rosary Catholic School and attending Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, McCollum said many of her good habits are a result of the encouraging teachers and the lessons learned in elementary and middle school and continued in her education at McGuinness. 
“I was taught good learning habits, good study habits,” McCollum said. “Here at McGuinness, there's a big emphasis on being a person for others. I've really kind of seen that implemented since day one.

“I think having these relationships and being able to ask questions about my faith, not just theology class, but every class, has been a really wonderful experience compared to other people who aren’t afforded that opportunity every day,” McCollum said.

Also growing up in Catholic school, freshman Fabian Gonzalez said compared to many of his friends who attend public schools, he thinks he’s received a better education and more opportunity to develop his faith.
“I talk to some of my friends that went to public school, and there's a bunch of things that they don't know that I do know,” Gonzalez said.

“In being able to practice my religion in my daily life through learning life skills like math and history and stuff like that, it can also make my faith stronger,” Gonzalez said.

For some, time to reflect confirms the perceived benefits of a Catholic education.
McGuinness alumnus John Bane graduated in 1968, carrying with him what he said are lessons of fairness and treating others with respect in his job as a representative of an automotive parts and chemical manufacturer in the southwest.

“No doubt, the principles I learned here were a cornerstone,” Bane said.

2008 McGuinness graduate Lauren Martin-Cummings said her experience with Catholic education built a foundation for her morals.
“I think going to Catholic schools was very beneficial for me, not only with the religion aspect, but also, just like the structure was good for me,” Martin-Cummings said.

She added that she thinks her experience with McGuinness as a college prep school put her at an advantage when attending Oklahoma State University.

“I thought Catholic schools had totally prepared me,” Martin-Cummings said. “College was really easy because of that foundation that was built.

“It's good to have God in your everyday life,” Martin-Cummings said.

Katherine Menz is a junior at Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School.