Our School

Holy Cross High School students, faculty, and staff came together to celebrate their roots as an independent school with Catholic values during Catholic Schools Week, held from January 27-31. This national event serves as a framework for schools across the country to celebrate their unique identity, connect with their local communities and raise awareness of the positive impact taking place within their hallways.

“Participation in Catholic Schools Week aligns with our mission of educating the whole student,” said Kyle Piatak, Director of Campus Ministry. “We focus on both developing the mind and nurturing the heart.”

“Our religion is part of the identity of our school,” said Leah Tracey ’25.  “However, we are accepting of people with different belief systems. The virtues from Catholicism run through other religions.” She further commented that she attended Holy Cross High School to “grow in my faith. Catholic school is not just about education. It is about community.”

In past years, Holy Cross High School has used Catholic Schools Week to deepen connections with its broader Holy Cross identity, including collaborating with other Holy Cross schools such as Notre Dame West Haven for college visits. Our Crusaders have also engaged in service projects with local schools, where they worked with elementary school-aged students to create and distribute Valentine’s Day cards for children in hospitals.

This year, the focus remained on community service and personal connections within the Holy Cross community.

Theology teacher, Stephanie Durbin tasked students in her Catholic Social Teachings class to generate a service project from conception to execution.  “The students wanted to contribute to those struggling with mental health issues,” said Ms. Durbin. “We contacted the Connecticut Counseling Center and asked them what those individuals needed during this time of year.”

Students led a week-long clothing drive when they learned that hats, gloves and warm socks were in demand due to the extremely cold winter weather. Members of the Holy Cross High School family donated the much-needed items which were then delivered to the Connecticut Counseling Center.

In addition to this service project, students interviewed a variety of people, from their parents, to teachers, to fellow students, all in an effort to explore and highlight the different perspectives that make up the Holy Cross experience. Each day of Catholic Schools Week was dedicated to showcasing a different part of the community, further emphasizing the importance of the relationships that shape the school's identity.

Mia Shaker ’26 shared that the students developed a newfound thankfulness for those around them through the interviewing process. They felt particularly grateful for their parents and experienced a deeper sense of love and happiness for those who support them. “I knew that coming to Holy Cross would be great for me and my faith. My family also has a long history with Holy Cross,” said Mia. “My dad (Edward ’88) and brother (Michael ’22) went here. I wanted to continue that legacy.”

Regan Zupkus ’26 interviewed her father, Gregory Zupkus ’81, about his choice of Holy Cross for his daughters. He shared, “I chose Holy Cross because I wanted my daughters to experience a quality education. Holy Cross also includes a spiritual side, which is a great benefit that many schools don’t offer.”

“I knew that attending a Catholic school would provide a good learning environment that incorporates togetherness,” said Matthew Holland ’26. “They contain great qualities such as kindness, unity, community and peace.”