Shaky Legs, Brave Hearts

On August 1, our first class of 9th graders will arrive on campus to begin a life-changing journey. At the Montserrat Summer Bridge program, students will learn in detail what it means to attend a Jesuit, Catholic, Cristo Rey school. They will get to know our teachers, administrators, and the Corporate Work Study (CWS) staff, get used to our schedule, and receive intensive preparation for their CWS placements. That includes lessons in everything from the importance of a firm handshake to writing a professional email to establishing rapport with their supervisors. 

These founding students will take field trips to the University of Washington and Seattle University, visit corporations in Redmond and downtown Seattle, and experience a ropes course as they learn to take risks and build trust with one another. 

Of course, the Class of 2028’s Cristo Rey Jesuit Seattle adventure began long before August 1.

Our students had to be intrepid enough to apply to a brand-new school—albeit one based on a blueprint of 39 other successful Cristo Rey schools. Along with our faculty and staff (and Board and other supporters!), our students have taken a real leap of faith in attending CRJS. On July 11, they showed their courage once again in attending our first “Skate Night” at Southgate roller rink in White Center. 

If you have ever been to a roller rink, you know that skating takes chutzpah, balance, and the willingness to “fall forward.” To this former English teacher, the whole evening seemed like one big metaphor. Teachers and staff made sure our students had plenty of support during the evening. 

The students bravely strapped on their skates and took to the hardwood, some on shaky legs. They gave it their best effort, just as they will be doing in the classroom, in co-curricular activities, and in their corporate jobs.

When things got dicey, CRJS staff members were standing (or skating!) in support. 

Among the enduring images of the evening: Dr. Guy being challenged to a race by one student; Mr. Hall and English teacher Claire DeSelm holding the hands of several novice skaters to keep them from falling as they made their way around the rink; dozens of incoming freshmen (and their parents and young siblings) laughing and getting to know each other over pizza and soda during breaks in the action. 

After many months of preparation, our inaugural school year is finally upon us. Students may experience some shaky moments, when their legs feel rubbery, and they wonder if they might fall. But our faculty and staff will be right there to take their hands and show them the way. 

Our work is so important, and our mission so audacious, that we cannot wait for Montserrat to open on August 1. Thanks so much for rolling with us on this wonderful adventure, as together we work to “enflame the intellects and spirits of our students…empowering them to flourish as scholars and citizens.” 

Paul Hogan
CRJS President