The following blog comes from one of our students and was originally published in an issue of Hilltopics.
On a laid-back Friday afternoon Fr. Zoy Garibay and Br. Brenton Ertel took a few SLS students to Family Fun Night at Mt. Calvary’s very own firehouse. At the event, the students not only received some delicious food, but also some fundamental information about how the firefighters operate. This included multiple demonstrations, such as how to use a fire extinguisher properly, how to gear up and a tour of a firetruck. Instead of the looming threats of danger, an atmosphere of hospitality and festivity surrounded the usually quiet firehouse.
One of the many attractions of the event was the chance to use a fire extinguisher. Nearly forgotten as they hang around Every weekend, many students at SLS tend to gather in the gym to play numerous games of pickup basketball, volleyball and soccer. The intramurals program at SLS is meant to promote athleticism and fitness in students, and the volleyball intramural program is easily the most popular. Yet, the students who participated in it are not the only students on campus who would like to play volleyball. Thus, Mr. David Trinh and a number of students got together to discuss a volleyball Dominic Nguyen ('20) Andrzej Kielar ('22) campus, students rarely get to use them. Yet, as the opportunity arose, many were excited to try, breaking the rule of “for emergency purposes only.” As students recounted, it took a few solid minutes to put on all the protective gear that makes them so effective in fighting fires. Finally, some students were able to ride in the fire truck as it took a trip around the village.
Fr. Zoy enjoyed the open-house as much as the students, if not more. As our Rector recounted, “It was a fun, family-friendly event and it gave us a glimpse at the volunteers' dedication. It was a good way to show support for our volunteer firefighters.” He described the event as welcoming, informative, and, most of all, fun. Solomon Wagner was a student who attended along with his whole family. As he recalled the day’s activities, he said, “It was funny to see Fr. Zoy and Br. Brenton dress up as firefighters themselves.” The Mt. Calvary Fire Department indeed achieved its goal of providing fun for everyone, from the young children to Fr. Zoy.
St. Lawrence Seminary is an all boys Catholic boarding school located in Mt. Calvary, Wisconsin. We welcome students from Minnesota, Illinois and across the United States. Inspired by the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the example of St. Francis of Assisi, St. Lawrence Seminary provides a residential college preparatory education in a living Catholic community nurturing mature, well-rounded men of faith. See if St. Lawrence is right for you and your son.
