Luke Robert Young ’16
Written in 2021
I am currently a freshman at Georgetown University. The study habits I learned at St. Bernard’s helped me adjust well to the academic rigors and busy schedule during high school at Lawrenceville and even now in college. St. Bernard’s opened my world to much more than scholarly information. Because of my exposure at St. B’s, I have been heavily involved in the creation of music for others, and hope to continue doing so throughout the rest of my life.
I am currently a freshman at Georgetown University. The study habits I learned at St. Bernard’s helped me adjust well to the academic rigors and busy schedule during high school at Lawrenceville and even now in college. St. Bernard’s opened my world to much more than scholarly information. Because of my exposure at St. B’s, I have been heavily involved in the creation of music for others, and hope to continue doing so throughout the rest of my life.
Most recently, I submitted a recorded performance to the Northwell Hospital as part of a compilation of music for their patients. Especially during the pandemic, it felt great to contribute, even in a small way, to lifting the spirits of people who are suffering. From singing in the Lawrentians choir to performing at Carnegie Hall, the musical foundation I received at St. B’s granted opportunities that I never would have expected. I remain indebted to the excellent music department at St. Bernard’s, which gave me some of my first experiences singing and performing the piano.
One of my favorite memories of St. Bernard’s was being a mentor to Ms. Loree’s kindergarten class when I was a ninth grader. My close friend, Michael, and I would visit the kindergarten boys once a week and help them with their studies. The boys looked forward to seeing us every week, screaming out our names with big smiles on their faces as we walked into their class. It made us so happy to watch their enthusiasm and remember our early years at St. B’s.
I was also fortunate to have the privilege of completing ninth grade at St. Bernard’s. This was a very special year for me. My class included my closest friends and an outstanding teacher, Mr. White. Ninth grade utilized the Harkness method of learning, which is the hallmark of the Lawrenceville School. I gained confidence in critical thinking and articulating my ideas clearly. I also learned to listen to my classmates and understand their views, which were often much different than mine.
My favorite teacher in Junior School was my first grade teacher, Ms. Flannigan. I was so happy to go to school every day because she seemed to always have a big smile on her face and encouraged us to do our best. I remember her as a genuinely caring and supportive teacher.
My favorite Upper School teachers were Madame de Haugoubart, Dr. John Lee, and Mr. Andy White. Madame was always kind, understanding, and funny. Madame was always light-hearted and helped make us feel relaxed when the stress level got too high. She was my confidant and close friend. I will always remember her fondly.
Dr. Lee was interesting, approachable, and kind. He was a Presbyterian minister who liked to talk about investing and business; he was a true scholar and was always upbeat. I was lucky to have Mr. White both in eighth and ninth grade. He was an amazing English teacher and had us read the best books – from Julius Caesar and Macbeth to Tim O’Brien’s The Things They Carried and Hemingway. He made class exciting and was able to engage us in the Harkness method every day.
If I had to give any advice to younger students at St. B’s, I would say, stay positive, be happy, and understand that the hard work will prepare you well for your future education. You will be well prepared. You are at one of the best all boys’ elementary schools in the country.
