WHAT IT’S LIKE TO ATTEND A CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL IN THE SEATTLE SUBURBS
Nicole Alvarez, AMHS Class of ‘23
In discussion with our students, we come to find a reciprocated enjoyment and appreciation for the Catholic school experience across academics, extracurriculars, electives, and athletics.
Both inside and outside of the classroom, a strong sense of community pervades throughout Archbishop Murphy High School. As a Catholic school, our faith lends itself to the fostering of an especially close-knit and supportive community, in which students are encouraged to develop their God-given talents and embody Christlike leadership for the transformation of the world. In discussion with our students, we come to find a reciprocated enjoyment and appreciation for the Catholic school experience across academics, extracurriculars, electives, and athletics.
Archbishop Murphy offers a plethora of core and elective courses that allow our students to pursue STEM, humanities, world languages, physical education, and the arts. Yet our uniquely passionate faculty are frequently the highlight of many students’ learning experiences. When asked about her experience attending AMHS, freshman Katie Rivers remarked, “The teachers and staff are wonderful and very helpful. They are always there if you need someone to talk to.” Cade Jansen, class of 2023, has had a similar experience. “The AMHS community, both students and teachers, have been overwhelmingly supportive of me and my struggles with vision.” Cade has a visual impairment, yet this has posed no obstacle to his classroom success.
Our numerous student organizations and electives are similarly impacted by AMHS’s encouraging community. For instance, senior Bella Villareal credits the school’s diverse and inclusive culture for assisting her in founding the Latino Student Union (LSU). She shares, “I have been able to create a space where I, along with other hispanic students, have the place to get together and celebrate our culture. I’m so glad to have a welcoming school community that wants to be involved and participate in that.” Yet such meaningful communities cannot only be found within extracurricular clubs, but in elective courses as well. Sophomore Regina Smith has found her own sense of belonging in Choir. “Day Choir is a class period just like Algebra or English,” Regina shared. “I’d get to sing for a full 80 minutes, and Ms. Wright would guide me through the notes. After rehearsing, we’d perform in front of the whole school at Mass! Going to those Masses was really enjoyable. I was really proud of myself by the end of it.”
The close-knit and supportive Murphy community stretches past the bounds of the classroom and onto the athletics fields. Coaches, trainers, and players alike embody the AMHS mission of nurturing student gifts and developing Christlike leaders. For sophomore Carson Burley, his time on the cross country and soccer teams have been one of the peaks of his high school experience. When asked why these activities have resonated with him, Carson states, “Everyone is supportive and kind, and we all work together to achieve our goals. All of the coaches want the best for you, and are always open. Being a part of these teams has created a community for me here at AMHS. Even during my freshman year, the seniors helped me fit in and connect.” Katie Rivers and Cade Jansen agreed, sharing that their time with Murphy athletics has been immensely impactful. According to Katie, the volleyball girls welcomed her in with open arms, and Cade finds that the community and the camaraderie of his wrestling team have helped him to create a true sense of belonging.
Evident in academics and extracurriculars, elective courses and athletics, Archbishop Murphy High School’s Catholic mission and values have come to cultivate a uniquely supportive and closely-knit community. We are now accepting applications for all grade levels, and look forward to guiding the next generation of Wildcats towards spiritual, academic, and athletic excellence.
