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 - November 4, 2022

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: September 15 - October 15, 2022

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/

On Thursday, October 6, 2022, 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.

Engagement Archive

Past Engagement Events

Past Engagement Events

HBCU Roundtable

Betty Rosemond

Ms. Betty Rosemond, one of the original Freedom Riders, spoke to our students on several occasions, telling her personal story of fighting for change in the civil rights era. Our young men and faculty were moved by her message of hope and love despite the backdrop of racism and civil discourse in the south. Ms. Rosemond’s contributions and ability to connect with our students gave them a true sense of history that aligned with their Other Voices of American Literature classes.

Haley Thurston

Haley Thurston came to speak to our Morality and Justice classes to share her story as a young woman who is blind. She talked about her daily challenges and celebrations. Her positive and enthusiastic outlook on her life was infectious. She taught all of us that despite our challenges in life, we can always find happiness and gratitude.

Black Bombers Alumni Network

St. Xavier alumni David Walker, Ihsan Walker and Justin Chess (not pictured) spoke to our African American students about their life experiences, how St. X helped to shape their growth and prepare them for success. In addition they offered mentoring and support to the current St. X students providing them with access to the newly formed Black Bombers Alumni Network. Afterwards the students and alumni enjoyed a nice cultural cuisine courtesy of JT’s Hot Plate and Catering.

Black Student Union

St. X Board of Trustee Member, Toi Clarke Jones, Vice President Sales & Business Development at iMFLUX spoke to our Black Student Union Assembly about the keys to success and embracing opportunities and the value of HBCU’s. She also spent additional time speaking one on one with several students about their career pursuits.

Members of the Cincinnati Police Department met with the BSU Students at St. X to talk about building police community relations, conflict resolution and law enforcement careers. Retired officer Scotty Johnson and officers Eddie Hawkins, Sabreen Robinson and Stephen Saunders engaged with over 50 young Bombers and answered their questions as well.

With the success of this first engagement, we have decided to continue the dialogue to foster further understanding on both sides for the greater good and Cura Personalis.

Pastor Chuck Mingo

Chuck Mingo Pastor of Crossroads Church Oakley was our Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Speaker and talked about Dr. King’s alignment with the Five Marks of a Man as it relates to the young men of St. X taking a leadership role through decision making and embracing the Grad at Graduation principles of St. X.

Iris Roley

Iris Roley’s visit with the Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice (IFTJ) students. Iris is with the Cincinnati Black United Front and has been a leader in the formation of the Collaborative Agreement with the Cincinnati Police Department. She has worked tirelessly for well over the last 20 years in advocating for racial justice here in Cincinnati. She met with our students and discussed the history and formation of the Collaborative Agreement, including the important lesson that all concerned voices needed to be at the table in order for the CA to be successful. She shared the wisdom she has gleaned from a lifetime of fighting for a better, safer community and her optimism for the future due to the amazing young people getting involved in the fight for social justice today.

Asian American Heritage Month Video

With the school year ending early, the plans for our display in the main lobby celebrating Asian American Heritage month took a detour that landed beautifully in the form of a student led video sharing information about their respective cultures. The pride and joy were evident, and we are so appreciative of how much we learned.

To view the video, click here.

Black History Month Display

This year we celebrated Black History Month with our display cases in the main lobby featuring St. X Alums and other notable African Americans. In addition, we read Black History announcements and shared culturally relevant music on Fridays. To culminate the month, we had a cultural conversation with Courtis Fuller, WLWT News Five anchor on Black Males and career pursuits. This year we also introduced the inaugural St. Black History Month T-shirt with the design coming from a selection of students in the art department.

Heidt Smart House

One of the Morality and Justice with Service classes serves young men with disabilities who live in the Heidt House in Anderson Township. This smart house is equipped with state of the art technology that supports independent living for the residents. It serves as a national model for innovative housing options for adults with disabilities. Our students meet there to play, talk, and eat with the residents of the Heidt House. Click on the link below to take a tour of this one of a kind living arrangement

https://www.wcpo.com/news/local-news/hamilton-county/anderson-township/new-smart-home-built-with-the-developmentally-disabled-in-mind

Brother to Brother

Ken Simonson, with the Office of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Cincinnati spoke with St. X students regarding the programs and opportunities that UC had to offer. The students were really engaged and were able to take away brochures which contained additional information regarding college admissions and scholarship support.

HAC students at the Hank Willis Thomas exhibit at the Cincinnati Art Museum “All Things Being Equal” on 11-7-20.

HAC students at Hank Willis Thomas exhibit

HAC Cultural Retreat

In partnership with the Hands Across Campus groups from St. Ursula and Ursuline Academy, St. X participated in a very informative and engaging Cultural Retreat led my Tommie Lewis of Make it Plain Consulting. The students interacted with each other, discussed subject matter that affected them and how to process what they were feeling. Out students were very involved, participatory and afterwards had some fun around the campfire with marshmallows, singing and teambuilding!

HAC Geneal Assembly - Understanding Allyship and LGBTQ Terminology 101

Andy Buechel, PhD, CTP-C Program Coordinator Lighthouse Youth and Family Services

HAC General Assembly - Islamic Cultural Panel

HAC General Assembly - Twitter

Dr. Maisha Gray-Diggs, Sr. Director of Technical, University, and Events Recruiting for Twitter visited campus to talk to students about social media and the implications of what they post. The forum was moderated by Senior Eric Thompson and included complimentary gifts donated by Dr. Gray-Diggs and Twitter.

Dr. Maisha Gray-Diggs answering a question

HAC - Open House Display

Hispanic Heritage Festival

The Hispanic Heritage Festival celebration included a very informative dialogue and discussion led by our Hispanic students who openly educated their peers from St. X, St. Ursula and Ursuline Academy on culture and, words and phrases that were negative or offensive and why. They also talked about the things that empower them which are a source of pride like family and holiday celebrations. The authentic cultural cuisine was provided by Tortilleria Garcia.

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 Jaleria Burt at jburt@stxavier.org

Student Clubs

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

General Assembly Membership – 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. All students are invited to become general members and attend all events.

General Assembly Meetings (Flex)

Oct. 6 – HAC GA Meeting (Reynolds Room)

Nov. 18 – HAC GA Meeting (Reynolds Room)

Feb. 16 – HAC GA Meeting (Reynolds Room)

Apr. 5 – HAC GA Meeting (Reynolds Room)

May 11 – HAC GA Meeting (Theater)

Contact: Ms. Jaleria Burt

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:

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: Mr. Greg Lamping

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.