Wednesday, Aug. 5, marked the first day of classes at Yuma Catholic High School — and its largest opening day yet, with just under 600 students in attendance.
“First day is always exciting — welcoming the students back, welcoming new staff and all of our returning teachers,” said Principal Sherryl Gerber. “It's what I am an administrator for. It's my favorite day.”
Before the first bell rang at 8 a.m., the principal watched with a smile as students picked up their schedules and found their classrooms, which are arranged in a horseshoe around the school’s administrative offices.
“I'm looking forward to all of the things that make the students excited — our dual credit classes, our clubs, our activities, our athletics, our pep assemblies, Friday night lights — all those fun things that go with being in high school,” Gerber said.
Together, those opportunities provide a broad high school experience that YCHS President Rhett Stallworth said can be difficult for private schools to sustain in Yuma.
The city’s median household income is nearly $65,500, and 15.5% of residents live below the poverty line, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Stallworth added that about 70% of Yuma Catholic’s students are considered low-income.
Even so, Yuma Catholic has grown into the county’s only private high school of its size and scope.
“I think we're filling that need of choice,” he said. “I think we're filling that need of — well, especially from a religious standpoint — we're filling that need for the people that feel like they want a Christ-centered education for their children.”
For some students, that religious focus is part of the appeal. Sophomore Lucy St. Ong said she’s most looking forward to “the clubs and more theology class. I love my religion!”
“I feel great,” she said. “This school is the best. My middle school was a bit rough for me, and so coming here to this high school is like a miracle. The people are all so very nice, and I can't wait to have another amazing year.”
Lucy’s excitement was shared by students and staff across campus. KAWC asked several members of the Shamrock community how they felt that morning and what they were anticipating most this school year. Here’s what they had to say.
How are you feeling about the first day of school?
- Melissa Oseguera, sophomore: “Well, I'm really excited. I'm a little bit nervous, but I know everything's going to be okay.”
- Skyler Bialecki, junior: “Feeling a little tired, a little sad because I feel like summer just started, but we're chilling. It's a new day.”
- Brandy Brossia, senior: “I'm really excited. It's senior year, so I'm excited for the last year. I'm excited because I'm doing college prep, so I get to learn about college and get ready for college.”
- Anthony Contreras, senior: “I'm feeling nervous, but happy. This is my senior year.”
Hayley Schaetzle, physical education and weight training teacher: “This is my first year. I'm so excited to be here. My husband has been coaching here and my father-in-law has been coaching here.
"We've been in Yuma the last two years, and I've gotten to be around the school and realize that it's a place to be; it's a destination. So this is a really cool opportunity.”
Brandon Coz, Yuma Catholic Shamrock Chorale teacher: “I feel awesome. This is my first day — well, like my 15th first day here at YC. So my daughter's here — she's a senior — so it's her last first day; we've been telling her that.
"But yeah, the energy is great and kids are awesome, and I have choir to start, so it's a great class to start with.”
What are you most looking forward to this year?
- Melissa Oseguera and Kyla King, sophomores: Each said, “Seeing all my friends!”
- Skyler Bialecki, junior: “I'm excited to see maybe new transfers or some new friends or not much, you know? But hopefully I’ll have some fun this year!”
- Ayden Burruel, senior: “Football — to beat game three and have a better record than last year.”
Hayley Schaetzle, physical education and weight training teacher: “I'm most looking forward to being part of the campus community.
"It's going to be an awesome opportunity to get to guide our female student athletes during the day and help them with their pursuits in their athletics that come after school, help them kind of get that head start, prevent injury and get stronger during the day so that they're ready for their sports after school.”
- Brandon Coz, Yuma Catholic Shamrock Chorale teacher: “Spending time with Taylor in her senior year, and growing the program and concerts and things that we do here at school every day.”
Beyond the first-day excitement, the record enrollment reflected how much Yuma Catholic has grown since opening in 2000 with a single freshman class.
“We've grown quite a bit … and we're to the point now to where we think we need to expand and start building some more classrooms around here,” said Rhett Stallworth.
Asked about the new year, he said he didn’t know if it was much different from any other year, but the school would start immediately by building school spirit.
“That's our priority right away, right as we get out of the gate — make sure everybody gets comfortable and understands — because every student's wondering, ‘Where am I supposed to be? What do I have to do?’” Stallworth said. “We want to get everybody comfortable so we can start growing in our culture and reaping the rewards of being at our school.”
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Reporting for this article is supported by a grant from the Arizona Local News Foundation.
