Approximately 32% of college students report feeling unprepared by their high school for the challenges of higher education. A brief online search for Elder High School provides information about its identity as a Catholic, college-preparatory institution nestled within the Price Hill neighborhood. With this context in mind, let’s explore the perspectives of former students regarding their association with Elder High.
In a wonderful conversation with my close friend Will Summers, a current student at Miami University, he enthusiastically shares that his time at the university has fulfilled his aspirations. He proclaims the exceptional quality of academics and the rich tapestry of extracurricular activities. Will feels a seamless continuity between his experiences at Elder and his ongoing endeavors at Miami University. He articulates, “The academics and extracurriculars are all great. It feels like I am picking up right where I left off at Elder.”
Will, the eldest son in his family, maintains strong familial ties to Elder High, as his mother, Mrs. Summers, serves within the Human Resources department. During his four-year tenure at Elder, Will engaged robustly as a participant in both football and baseball, excelling not only on the field but also in the classroom. He was also the voice to ENN’s basketball broadcasts alongside Greg Carlton ’23 during the winter months. It’s obvious that Will was involved during his time here, something he says is a necessity for students here.
Transitions bring change, and with one chapter concluding, another beckons to open. I broached the topic of college, acknowledging that it often stirs frustration among upperclassmen. The notion of independent living and self-responsibility can be quite daunting. Will reflects, “I think Elder gave me the discipline that I needed. The 6:30 AM workouts, morning clubs, and after-school activities helped me with my time management skills. I think Elder also made me grow up especially as I became an upperclassman. I’ve learned in a short amount of time that independence is the biggest difference with college, but I fell like Elder prepared me well for it throughout my 4 years there.”
From my vantage point, Elder High School doesn’t impose independence but rather provides a plethora of opportunities that require it. Will’s pathway to self-reliance was epitomized through his commitment to basketball broadcasts. He reminisces, “I remember staying after school occasionally just to work on some paperwork I could have handy and ready to read out to the viewers. I would always have a spread sheet with different stats. But what really made the difference was that these papers never had a due date and would never be graded for an assignment, but I learned that I had to put in the work independently because of how passionate I was for these broadcasts.”
Another individual who offers insights into their Elder High experience is Tommy Holtmeier, a prominent figure from the class of 2023. Tommy is undoubtably associated with academic excellence, culminating in his role as salutatorian and his active participation in the academic team. His remarkable achievements make him an authentic advocate for Elder’s academic ethos.
Elder High School is dedicated to nurturing young men into their finest selves. At its core lies an unwavering commitment to academic expertise. The institution achieves this by delivering a robust array of courses across varying levels, meticulously designed to pave a smooth pathway to collegiate pursuits. The broad spectrum of offerings at Elder possesses direct relevance to an array of college disciplines. It’s my personal opinion that this tailored approach contributes to Elder’s reputation, as well as that of numerous high schools nationwide, as facilitators of a smoother college transition.
For those seeking clarity on Elder’s academic structure, it’s organized in descending order of academic rigor: AP, Honors, CP1, CP2, and General. This arrangement ensures equal opportunities for all students to achieve honor roll distinction.
Tommy Holtmeier remarks, “I definitely think that Elder’s curriculum will push everyone to their fullest potential. I may have been second in the class, but I would not say it was easy or anything like that. We were all challenged throughout our four years.” Tommy recognizes that each student, in their own regards, were faced with the same challenges, forcing each student to be pushed to their utmost potential.
Prompted by curiosity, I inquire about the challenges Tommy has encountered in college thus far. He identifies the considerable reading load across his subjects as a significant aspect. As a double major at Mount St. Joseph University in secondary education—math and social computing, Tommy affirms, “I definitely think the English classes at Elder have prepared me to be able to handle that much reading.”
Tommy made this point as a pivotal element substantiating Elder’s contribution to his college journey. While English, Math, and Science are often referred to as ‘general’ subjects, Tommy underscores English’s enduring relevance in the long run.
In light of these reflections, it’s apparent that although 32% of students may not feel primed for higher education following high school, the sentiment among Elder students stands in stark contrast. In fact, it’s my belief that 100% of Elder students hold the conviction that their experiences here have effectively prepared them for the journey ahead.
