Common Thread Winter/Spring 2021: Update from the President

Worldwide pandemic? Check.
Political and social turmoil? Check. 
Natural disaster a week before school begins? Check.

No school year is ever the same, but the 23rd year of Xavier High School has without a doubt confronted us with challenges and issues we’ve never faced in our school’s history. To be completely honest, there have been times where I’ve thought with a bit of despair, “What next?” 

Something to which the Xavier community is very accustomed to, however, is rising and overcoming when times get tough. We have observed this in ways too numerous to count dating back to last spring. To say that God has blessed and been with Xavier this past year would be an understatement. Pardon the pun, together and with much help from above, the Saints have emphatically marched on. 

Yes, things may have looked a bit different this school year. It’s hard to see the happy faces of teenagers in the hallways with masks covering their faces. However the sound of laughter outside my office each day remind me very quickly; our students are so happy to be back and be with each other again. Socially distant, many safety protocols in place, but together again. 

Politically and socially, there has been much that has occurred over this past year. Our faculty, staff and students haven’t shied away from many very important and complex issues. We continue to talk, discuss, learn and listen. From our XCEED Conference (keynote speaker Deacon Harold-Burke Sievers was phenomenal!), to work with our faculty increasing our knowledge in cultural competency or the establishment of a new group rooted in Catholic Social Teaching, “Champions For Solidarity,” I’m very proud of our efforts to grow and improve within these areas.  


Xavier was incredibly blessed to have relatively minimal damage campus-wide after the August derecho storm. The Bob Erusha Softball Field and Ken Charipar Baseball Field, however, wasn’t as fortunate. Bleachers were overturned, backstops were decimated and dugouts were torn apart. However in the span of about eight weeks, over $1.1 million in financial support to not just rebuild but also upgrade those facilities came through thanks to five very generous families. To me it was a wonderful reminder of the pride our Xavier community takes in supporting our mission.  

Our fight song says it well: “Fight hard, for Xavier High, we are the Saints, now hear our cry. Our faith…and loyalty… will overcome adversity.” In the history of Xavier, perhaps never have these traits been on display so clearly than over these past 12 months. 

May God continue to bless Xavier High School. 

Chris McCarville (R97)
President, Xavier High School