16 minute read
Crusader Spirit: It Binds us Together
Everything that takes place at St. Paul’s, whether it's a homecoming game or a school drama production, thrives on the spirit of the students involved. For the first time ever, this spirit looked very different. Before I became a Crusader, I knew I had to make the most of my four years of high school. After the pandemic was declared, I began Grade 9 half a year later and I was terrified. My love for meeting new people and creating an energetic atmosphere simply did not seem possible. With the vast number of school activities being cancelled and the unpredictable cycle of restrictions, everything that would have made a “normal” St. Paul’s year (from what I have heard) was drastically different. Since there was only a handful of available co-curricular activities to join, I wanted to be a part of as many as I could. Some of the activities that I was an active member of included the Crusader Newspaper, Debate Club, Human Rights Initiative, Youth in Philanthropy, the Bing Crosby Speech Contest/Paul Herriot Spelling Bee and joining Mr. Comeault’s rendition of the drama program, the St. Paul’s Improv Team (S.P.I.T). Although most of these clubs had to meet virtually, it was the best way for students across the student body to meet and talk to each other. This also helped the new students to create friendships beyond the people in their cohort, and even in the older grades. I began to realize that forming these kinds of connections with other students was important in showing spirit throughout the school, whether it may be a quick “hello” in the hallway or a meaningful conversation. I wanted to try and make everyone’s first year at the school the best it could be. I tried to get to know as many of the other students in my grade as possible, even encouraging them to join the co-curriculars the school was offering at the time. When I look back, school spirit was really demonstrated during my first spirit week at St. Paul’s. While it was not filled with the regular spirit week events, it was still able to deliver very fun activities. One activity was the scavenger hunt, where each cohort was given a list of items they had to find and bring to school. Once your cohort got all the items, you won a box of doughnuts. This was more difficult than it appeared because they were quite obscure, ranging from disposable cameras to a postcard from a different country. After a lot of hard work and searching, we managed to win the box of doughnuts. From this experience, I learned that one of the biggest ways school spirit is demonstrated is when everybody works together to try and accomplish a common goal. Were we required to go through the struggle to find all those items? No. Did we voluntarily choose to because we wanted to have fun and our school spirit pushed us to complete this challenge? Absolutely! Overall, my first year at St. Paul’s during the pandemic really made me understand and cherish school spirit at an entirely new level. Although I was not able to gather with the school and participate in traditional events such as “Winter Sports Day” and “The Walk”, I was committed to actively demonstrate school spirit as much as possible. This made me realize that even in a pandemic, strong connections with students and teachers can overrule restrictions and lockdowns. Even a pandemic isn’t strong enough to kill the St. Paul’s Spirit.
Gr. 10 Student: Yash Varma '24
The Semchyshyn Boys U s, Semchyshyn boys, have spent eleven consecutive years attending the school. On laundry day, one would have thought the laundry was for an entire sports team because almost every item of clothing seemed to have the maroon P embroidered on it. We (Matthew Semchyshyn ’09, Jeremy Semchyshyn ’13, and Tommy Semchyshyn ’16) each had different experiences; however, Crusader Spirit was essential to our time at the school. Matthew semchyshyn '09 In Grade 8, I was diagnosed with Dyslexia, and I was concerned that it would hinder my acceptance to the school. During my admissions interview, Mr. Jason Brennan, explained to me that a St. Paul’s education was more than what occurs in the classroom, but also what takes place outside the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 3:15 p.m. After I was accepted, I felt a bit overwhelmed and often felt that due to my Dyslexia I was not academically smart enough to attend the school and that my acceptance into the school was a fluke. However, Mr. Brennan’s words stuck with me. I remembered that extracurriculars were also part of the St. Paul’s education and I could find my place within these walls. Finding my place within the school was an interesting journey. I tried out for the football team but was rather relieved when I was cut from tryouts. I was never particularly coordinated. Shortly after tryouts had ended, I was approached to see if I might be interested in serving as student manager for the team. I accepted the position and officially joined the team. My legacy with the football team was that I accidentally washed the colour and white jerseys together, which led to creating a complete set of pink jerseys that I later found out have been used for games played during breast cancer awareness month.
My friend, Timothy Sandron ’09, encouraged me to audition for the annual school play.
Although I was reluctant because of my fear of public speaking, I auditioned and was given my first role as “Tree # 3”. The perfect role for me as it was not a speaking role. After gaining more confidence I took on speaking roles in future productions.
While at SPHS, I joined the stage crew, wrote for the school newspaper, assisted with the yearbook, took part in the Cerebral Palsy Bike Race and CLC, and served as both a member of grounds crew and as a leader for the Freshmen Retreat. I was invited to speak about my experience with overcoming Dyslexia during the Freshmen Retreat. I also attended and served as a leader for Kairos. The hightlight? I received my Maroon and White Society pin at the end of my Grade 12 year.
Because of my learning challenges, I was often outside my comfort zone at St. Paul’s, but I found that this was what allowed me to grow as a person. It was not only what I learned in the classroom, but it was also what I learned by taking part in extra-curriculars, which helped prepare me for the challenges and opportunities that awaited me. To me, that is what Crusader
Spirit is.
Jeremy semchyshyn '13
I first attended SPHS the year after Matt had graduated. I got involved in numerous groups and activities during my four years, most notably on the football team. My fondest memories were thanks to the many special people I met during my time as a student. I formed friendships through co-writing satirical articles in the Crusader newspaper and spending many lunches watching Pineapple Express with my CLC group. One of my favourite memories was camping out at night in the parking lot during our Grade 12 prank night. We left hay bales at every entrance into the school’s parking lots, resulting in a newsworthy traffic jam along Grant Avenue during morning rush hour. Since graduating, I have formed new friendships with other St. Paul’s alumni based on the shared experiences we had while we were students at the school, despite being years apart. Stories about a homecoming party, the most creative way someone got a JUG, or moments experienced on a retreat can bring alumni together in a way that is unique from other high schools. For me it was the brotherhood and the bond of friendship that made the school so special. Crusader Spirit is about celebrating the good times and supporting each other through the bad times. Whether it’s an engagement, graduation, or new job, I can always count on celebrating
with my friends from St. Paul’s. My school spirit lives on in my friendships, and by the many teachers who have continued to keep in touch over the years, including Larry Franz and David Chaze. After nearly a decade since graduating, many of my closest friends remain to be those I shared these experiences with during my four years at SPHS.
tommy semchyshyn '16
As Jeremy started his senior year, I started my freshmen year. Having a sibling at the school was a true blessing that not all students have, especially when it comes to the needed reminders about the $2 relaxed dress code days. I knew that I wanted to attend St. Paul’s to take part in the sports teams, and I planned on playing both football and basketball. There was nothing I wanted more than to play the sports I loved with the maroon “P” on my chest. I played Quarterback on the JV team in ninth grade for Coach Jarrod Stadnyk, and we made it to the quarterfinals. In Grade 10, I played under Coach Peter Pura, and we surprised everyone when we ended up winning the Championship. The school spirit was on full display as the stadium seats filled up on a cold snowy night. It was very exciting being a part of the football tradition at St. Paul’s. While I continued to play both basketball and football under Coaches Casey Whitfield, Ted Higham, Jeff Laping and Stacy Dainard, the staff continued to challenge me to be more than just an athlete. I was challenged to be a leader in my school and the community. With support from David Beeston, in Grade 10, I created the Jr Cru Sports camp that operated out of three Catholic Schools and used student athletes from the school to coach younger kids on Saturday mornings. The camp operated for 6 years. By the time I was in Grade 11, I became interested in student politics and ran for school president. One of my campaign promises was to create a mascot for the school. I was elected, and with the help of Cindy Kochanski we were able to introduce the school’s mascot, Captain Cru, at the Annual Walk for Breast Cancer. My council was also proud to resurrect Crustock (a talent show) during our senior year, and we were all surprised to learn about the musical talents of the staff aka Bob Lewin can really play those drums! I am grateful that the faculty at St. Paul’s encouraged me to become involved in the school in its many different facets as I believe that these experiences have really helped me become the person I am today. For me, Crusader spirit is about being able to represent SPHS, embracing the traditions that have made the school so special, and challenging yourself to do and be more
conclusion
Although we have many warm memories of our time at St. Paul’s High School, none is greater than the camaraderie and friendships we have built within the St. Paul’s community. The Crusader Spirit continued in our lives after graduation. The three of us each took our turn moving onto St. Paul’s College at the University of Manitoba where we each served as Senior Stick (President) of the St. Paul’s College Students’ Association and were each awarded the Paulinian of the Year Award. By the time most students become alumni, they feel the need to give back their time and contribute and foster the school spirit. We each returned to SPHS to serve in various capacities: coaches, managers for the football team, and members of the Alumni Association. We are forever grateful for the opportunities that the school gave us to get involved and be more than an 8:30-3:15 student.
Jeff Swystun '83 When I entered St. Paul’s, I was already spirited. That is not the same as possessing positive and directed spirit. I was barely containable, a whirling dervish. Surprising to my parents, attending St. Paul’s was my choice. No doubt they hoped the Jesuits would keep me within the lines. After all, historically Jesuits have been the longrange reconnaissance patrol of the Catholic Church, a religious order equivalent of the special forces. Inherent in that is discipline. Without a doubt the teachers, both lay and white collared, had influence. Yet, it was the less obvious structure of the school that had impact. I’ve spent a professional career consulting to businesses and have learned there is the logical organizational chart on paper and then there is how the organization actually works. Right from the start, but mostly unconsciously, I discerned how St. Paul’s would work best for me. I chose to get busy with every activity available while surrounding myself with solid peers. Those peers had the most influence over my four years and luckily, I chose fantastic guys to emulate. St. Paul’s can keep you extremely busy if you so choose. I became the first Grade nine student to have a speaking role in the school play. Playing the character “Banjo” in The Man Who Came to Dinner confirmed a desire to entertain. I appeared in all 8 productions over my time including D’Artagnan in The Three Musketeers and the title role of Sweeney Todd. It was amazing to see these productions come together and I came to respect the different skills and personalities that make up a team. The school puts its primary focus on academics. Athletics too, are emphasized. When our teams won, we collectively celebrated. Sport is so dominant at St. Paul’s that it is often synonymous with what is believed to be Crusader Spirit. That is, to possess Crusader Spirit means being an exceptional athlete who contributes to a title or trophy. I never saw it that way. St. Paul’s is a stool with three strong legs. Academics, athletics and, what I call, the humanities. The humanities are, ‘everything else’. For me that included two stints on the Executive Student Council, shooting photographs for the yearbooks, writing for The Crusader newspaper, organizing dances with St. Mary’s, volunteering for charities, and helping out on school fundraising. All of which helped me learn to formulate effective arguments, to communicate well and solve problems. Before you get the wrong impression or if you are someone who knew me then, I was hardly a contender to be on a recruiting brochure. My academic results were mediocre to poor. And I tested limits. I was suspended once. When I graduated, I held the record for the most JUGs (Justice Under God detentions) in a 4-year period. So many in fact, that on Christmas breaks, I worked off accumulated hours by assisting the school’s maintenance staff. I was lucky. I took from my education, experiences, and memories that validated my decision to attend. This culminated at my graduating Convocation. My name was called and I became the first student to win the school’s Spirit Award four years in a row. This was especially gratifying because the award was voted on by fellow students. While there is a shared understanding of Crusader Spirit, it is ultimately yours to define. For me, it is a community that values debate and discussion, honours service to others, and provides opportunities to explore and excel. Ultimately, it is the act of one giving to the many and being emotionally rewarded and intellectually nourished in the process. And besides, where else but St. Paul’s could you be suspended but still win the Spirit Award?
The Wynne Family S tarting high school is a tough challenge for any teenager. Going to a new school, with new teachers, and new friends can accelerate the challenge of anxiety and fear. Our son Zachary was no exception. Thankfully, St. Paul’s High School and the Crusader Spirit guided Zachary during his three-year adventure to “take every chance, drop every fear”, where he thrived to be the best Crusader he could be. From that special day that Zachary received his letter of acceptance to St. Paul’s High School, we as parents felt it was also our letter of acceptance into the St. Paul’s family. The thick white envelope proudly stated Zachary was now a “Crusader”, which was followed by many pamphlets of how we, as his parents, can also join the many parent groups. We knew from that day forward, this was going to be a wonderful family experience! Zachary joined his brothers of St. Paul’s in Grade 10, which was a more difficult transition, as most of the boys had started the year before. We encouraged Zachary to join as many clubs, teams, and groups as possible, to ease this transition. In his Grade 10 year, he joined the JV Football and JV Basketball Teams. Being part of these teams also allowed us to interact with other parents. One of our favourite memories include attending the St. Paul’s Parent Meetings, which allowed us to meet, mingle, and share stories and experiences with other Crusader parents. These friendships continue years later.
The boys’ camaraderie and Crusader Spirit was contagious, as the parents also made every effort to have get-togethers after school hours. These included weekend tournaments, Championship dinners, fundraising Saturday morning breakfasts, and pregame tailgating. Connections in both personal and business levels were created, and continue today.
A personal favourite was the Mother Son Luncheon. For all Graduating Student Mothers in any form, this is a St. Paul’s High School experience like no other! Without giving away too many details on the event, my advice would just be sure to bring a box of tissues. Our goal as parents is to teach our children to Be Good, and Do Good in the world. Even though our three years as St. Paul’s parents has come and gone, we know that through the Crusader Spirit, our son Zachary will continue to be a Man for Others because of all the wonderful adventures and experiences gained during his high school years, and he will continue to “take every chance, drop every fear”.
