Engagement
St. X believes in not only educating in the classroom but providing a variety of experiences that supplement that core competency. Our inclusive engagement brings stories into the building with iconic people who share first hand experiences, through leaders who challenge our students and various other forms of exposure to help our students see the world from a different perspective which ultimately widens their lens of cultures and people with disabilities.
Diwali Lunch & Learn
The St. X Asian Pacific Alliance, APA, shared information on Diwali, and two students Saketh Nallapaty and Aarav Kad shared personal stories on how their families celebrate. The lunch and learn was complete with traditional Indian food and gave students a very insightful cultural experience.
Diwali (Divali) is one of the most celebrated holidays in the world. It is a festival of lights celebrated by Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs. The word Diwali is derived from Sanskrit and means “row of lights.” Generally, the festival symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.
Hispanic Heritage Month
How it started: The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402.
Why it starts in the middle of the month: The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is October 12, falls within this 30-day period.
Additional information and teacher resources: https://www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov/
As part of our month-long Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, we had a very informative Hispanic Heritage conversation with St. X Bomber parents discussing their respective cultures, knowledge, and educating our students on things that could be deemed disrespectful. Our students were also treated to a delectable cultural menu of authentic tacos, tamales, candies from Mexico and more. As we learn more about each other’s cultures, respect becomes the standard.
HBCU Roundtable
Representatives from HBCU’s (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) spent time on the campus of St. Xavier High School yesterday for an HBCU Roundtable to talk about the values and benefits of attending their member institutions. Represented among them were doctors, IT executives, engineers, and Health Care practitioners. In addition, the students learned the cultural advantages of attending HBCU’s and how it contributed to their successful careers.
St. Xavier offers a wide range of opportunities both within and beyond the curriculum. We offer extra-curricular opportunities with a vision to grow the range of experiences for students, encouraging them to become intellectually competent, committed to doing justice, more loving, and more religious.
St. X continues also provides opportunities for students to learn and grow through student activity groups in a myriad of ways that celebrate and elevate Diversity. Through these activities’ students learn and, share first-hand experiences about their respective cultures helping us to be more inclusive, respectful and understanding.
There is a club fair each year in the Ellis Gym right after the start of the school year where students can learn more about clubs that may interest them. You can also email the club moderator at any time to find out more information about a club. Announcements are made during the week letting students know when clubs are meeting and any new or changing clubs.
If a student is interested in getting involved, sharing their unique culture, backgrounds or learning more about different cultures Hands Across Campus is a great starting point, and the possibilities are endless!
For more information contact Juan Pablo De Legarreta at jdelegarreta@stxavier.org
Student Clubs
Asian Pacific Alliance
The Asian Pacific Alliance Club is a welcoming space for students of Asian descent and those interested in Asian cultures. It offers a safe environment for Asian students to connect and supports cross-cultural understanding through educational activities and events.
Contact: Mr. Raj Berkuchel
Hands Across Campus (HAC)
HAC is a co-curricular program that focuses on the strengths and leadership potential of students. Through interactive meetings, open discussions, and activities, students acquire understanding and respect for their own and other cultures and become leaders in the St. Xavier High School Community.
HAC encourages the St. Xavier High School students to appreciate cultural and ethnic differences and fosters better communication among students representing many different backgrounds here and in the larger community. Activities will include but are not limited to ethnic sharing, interactive meetings, field trips, Martin Luther King Events, movie nights, guest speakers and co-educational activities in collaboration with other schools.
Goals: Foster Inclusion, Promote student leadership, Have fun, Celebrate diversity
All students will receive periodic emails regarding activities sponsored by HAC. Students who are interested in spending some of their free time building relationships with a more diverse community, and willingly participate in the flex time meetings and experiential learning experiences are encouraged to attend.
Contact: Mr. Juan Pablo de Legarreta
H.O.L.A.
The Hispanic Organization for Leadership and Achievement is a welcoming space for students of Hispanic heritage and descent and those interested in Hispanic cultures. It offers a safe environment for Hispanic students to connect and supports cross-cultural understanding through educational activities and events for all.
Contact: Mrs. Daniela Luzardo
Muslim Student Association
The Muslim Student Association welcomes students from all backgrounds and faiths to learn about Muslim culture and the Islamic faith through meaningful conversations and engaging events.
Contact: Mr. Pat Klus
Chinese Club
Chinese Cub is open to all, there are no language requirements. The Club celebrates traditional Chinese festivals, discusses Asian culture, and tries different foods and tea. We also have guests come in to teach martial arts and share their experiences about living in Asia. Chinese Club meets once to twice a month.
Contact: Mrs. Wei Yuan
French Club
French Club meets on a regular basis to share French language, culture and foods. French Club Officers determine our various activities throughout the year which have included lunches out at a French Restaurant, designing and purchasing Club T-shirts and sharing celebrations with French Clubs from other schools.
Contact: Ms. Rachel Kohler
German Club
The German Club explores German culture, history and (most importantly) GERMAN FOOD. In addition, the German Club explores Cincinnati’s rich German heritage by going on field trips, inviting guest speakers and more.
Contact: Ms. Julia Brown
Spanish Club
¡Hola amigos! The Spanish Club meets each week to practice Spanish in a fun social setting. Everyone is welcome.
Contact: Mrs. Christina Turner
St. X United
St X United is an inclusive club that connects students who struggle socially with those that have a natural gift to bring everyone into the group. Many of the students in this group have identifications of Autism, ADHD, social anxiety disorder, or non verbal learning disorder. We do several activities including exploring various clubs, organizing tailgate parties, attending soccer games, doing service activities, and playing fun games at Flex. We welcome anyone who is having a difficult time finding connections at St X and anyone who would like to make sure all students have a place of belonging.
Contact: Verna Donovan or Rachel Kohler
X-cceptance
The purpose of X-cceptance club is to provide community, education, and support for its members and the wider school community to discuss gender and identity inside the Catholic, Jesuit teaching to be men and women for and with others. X-cceptance helps all students in our diverse community feel respected and valued to participate fully in campus activities.
Contact: Mrs. Peggy Schmucker
More Activities
At St. X we have numerous Diversity events and activities that are open to our entire student population.
Click here for more student clubs and activities.