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De Smet Alumni Testimonials
De Smet has been and continues to be more than a high school for me. For the majority of four years, De Smet was the center of everything I did: learn, work, play and worship. The bonds with students and teachers created at De Smet continue to play a large role in the formation of who I am, and for that I am thankful. The mission statement "Men for Others" is a clear model of what De Smet seeks to develop in their students, and as a graduate, I feel like the mission guides my actions daily. The teachers are passionate about the subjects they teach, but more passionate about fostering virtues of honesty, integrity and brotherhood. De Smet not only provided me a well-rounded education, but showed me the importance of respect and service. As a person who seeks to be a man of Christ, I could not have asked for a better place to spend my high school years.
Nic Herrmann
Class of 2010
De Smet Jesuit High School is illustrated to be an all male, Catholic, college preparatory institution in the city of Creve Coeur, Missouri. This description can go much further and deeper and that is in the hearts of each student and alumni being a Man for and with Others. De Smet Jesuit has taught me not only the basic needs to be successful in an academically challenging university, but how to be a successful man for Christ and my fellow Spartans.
The uniqueness of De Smet lies in the persistence of faculty, staff and coaches to better each student's gifts and talents but more so rests in the brotherhood and affirmation of the entire student body: Seniors reaching out to freshmen to make sure they are comfortable calling De Smet their home. Juniors taking on leadership after two years at school influencing the underclassmen to be held accountable with all their academic responsibilities. Alumni reaching out to the clubs and activities they were responsible for while they attended high school and showing support to current students.
The constant "yes" to start each day dedicating all of our thoughts, words and actions for the greater glory of God is what makes De Smet, De Smet.
Danny Duggan
Class of 2010 & Current Rockhurst Student
As I entered De Smet my freshman year, I thought it was just going to be another year of school; however, I was mistaken. De Smet quickly became my second home and my classmates and teachers became my friends and almost a new family. Like any other family, we bond through our activities and through our studies and struggles. Everyone at De Smet encouraged me to get involved and challenge myself, which is the key to fully enjoying De Smet. I love being at De Smet and going to the countless events through clubs, sports, and various service opportunities. Some of my favorite moments with De Smet have been various trips, whether to a mission trip to Honduras or to Washington D.C. for the pro-life march, my involvement in student government, and the many retreats offered by De Smet, especially Kairos. De Smet has helped me grow in many different areas of my life and provide new challenges for me.
I admire the ability of the De Smet community to come together, especially the brotherhood that is built between the students. I feel that anyone can find a place at De Smet and feel welcomed as a brother. It is a unique aspect and atmosphere that no other high school in the St. Louis region could match as I shadowed at other schools and went to open houses. I encourage any prospective student to come to De Smet, take a day to shadow and really experience the feeling that De Smet students have towards each other as brothers.
Steven Trottier
Class of 2012
At De Smet Jesuit High School you will not only receive a top-notch, college preparatory education, but also an experience. This experience is filled with brotherhood, love and the Jesuit ideal of becoming "Men for others". Coming to De Smet Jesuit was one of the best decisions I have made in my life. I have grown to become more of a well-rounded person and have learned to put God first, others second and myself third. De Smet Jesuit has opened so many doors for me, and I feel that I will continue to experience the benefits of attending De Smet Jesuit long after I finish college and start a career. De Smet Jesuit has taken me many places that I would never have dreamed of going. I have been blessed to travel with De Smet Jesuit to places such as Honduras for a mission trip, Washington DC for the March for Life and Joplin for a service trip. DeSmet Jesuit High School prepares young men for college, and forms them to learn how to serve Christ and the community.
Jack McAtee
Class of 2012
From the time I first walked the halls of De Smet Jesuit in 1993, as a student, I felt a like I was at home. I have been blessed to learn from our outstanding teachers and coaches who have had a profound impact on me as they taught me through actions how to have a positive impact on future generations of leaders. In 2001, I returned to De Smet Jesuit as a history teacher and attempted to follow the example of my former teachers, as well as forge my own career and vocation in service to our students. Every day I help young scholars reach their full potentials in our Spartan classrooms, and I encourage student athletes on the athletic fields and as a member of the larger community and society. I am grateful to be on faculty at De Smet Jesuit as I continue to challenge and motivate young scholars and athletes to give their best effort in all that they do for the greater glory of God.
Bryan Traughber
Class of 1997
I love De Smet Jesuit for many reasons. The most important, for me, is the fact that De Smet Jesuit isn't just a school - it is a community, a brotherhood. When I wake up at 6:00 am on Monday, I am excited to go to school to see my friends and my teachers. De Smet Jesuit is a place where learning is fun. Regardless of socio-economic, religious or academic backgrounds, everyone can find his place. I enjoy being a member of the cross country team and participating in a few of the 40+ clubs has been a blast. Our athletic program is top notch as well. Though we are a young school and compete in arguably the toughest conference in the Show Me State, we have earned the title of State Champs an impressive 49 times in 15 of the 19 different sports. Most importantly, however, is the fact that I am being formed into a "Man for Others". De Smet Jesuit is a community that teaches me to be grateful for my gifts and to serve others, especially the poor.
Drew Boland
Class of 2015
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