Voices Archive

Young men are tested constantly in today's world. Robert Bergman '93—recent exam proctor for future Spartans—reflects on his high school placement test as well as how young men today pass the larger test of life in his latest blog post. 

Robert Bergman '93 is a lucky man. Check out his latest blog post just in time for a day centered on thankfulness.

Students share why they give to the Great Ignatian Challenge and what it means to be men for others.

We asked our alumni: why did they choose De Smet Jesuit High School? Here's one answer to #WhyDeSmet.

It's high school reunion time and 30 years post graduation for Rob Bergman, Star Wars fan and former punk know-it-all. He has a few bits of wisdom to share.

We asked our students: which classes, clubs, or teams made them feel like they belonged at De Smet Jesuit High School? Here's one answer to #WhyDeSmet.

Give a student a drone for Christmas and a trip to visit family (in Ghana) and watch what happens.

With one quarter left for this year's seniors, Mr. Bergman looks back over the last few years with profound gratitude.

We asked our students: how do you feel when you arrive at school each morning? Here's one answer to #WhyDeSmet.

Teacher and dad Robert Bergman '93 reminisces about parental hand holding and notes the importance of a student's space in a classroom.

Inspired by an Arizona monsoon, Rob Bergman '93 grasps the meaning of courage and wisdom and the well-known prayer.

He leaves here exhausted every day...but not in the way you might think. Read more from math teacher and coach Adam Boehm 

How can you involve alumni beyond social events and donations? Mrs. Grimm shares her insights in her feature article published in the fall issue of NCEA's Momentum.

For one senior, his experience with the student broadcasting network may have changed his future career plans.

"What have we learned from the past year of struggle and learning if not 'That the secret to survivin’/Is knowin’ what to throw away/And knowin’ what to keep…'” Robert Bergman '93 posts his latest reflection on the right way to play the game of life and what is NEVER a gamble.

English teacher and Class of 1993 alumnus Robert Bergman breaks in a new baseball glove and reflects on the human connections that occur while playing catch.  

A reflection on the meaning of Easter by William Manaker, S.J.

Cleared of COVID but feeling sick, Mr. Bergman worked from home on January 6, 2021. Two things happened that day.

A reflection for the second week of Advent by physics teacher Evan Jenkins '13

Robert Bergman '93 invites us to find joy in the memories we hold dear.

Do you have a growing suspicion that someone you care deeply about will not be voting as you plan on voting in the coming election?

As politically charged conversations increase, Fr. Schroeder shares guidance on how to navigate them with Christian humility.

"Hope comes in very small doses nowadays, and these little reminders have become all the more important." - Robert Bergman '93 on finding pennies...and picking them up.

Entrepreneurial senior Nick Hale explores independent study with business teacher Mr. Lange...leading to the launch of his online sticker shop. 

"It is a funny feeling to realize how close we all are in reality. I’m only one or two steps away from presidents, titans of industry, poor children, and people who are dying of cancer on a cancer ward." Robert Bergman '93 reflects on how connected we really are.

He grew up learning to fill his life with activity, whether productive or entertaining. Now he recognizes the critical importance of sitting still. Fr. Schroeder sets the context for Formation Fridays and helping our students develop the habit of reflection.

"Can we all just be whelmed?'' wonders Robert Bergman '93 in his latest blog post.

"COVID-19, quarantine, and recent civil unrest have all presented many challenges to our lives, and one of those is an increased need for patience and understanding," says Rob Bergman '93 in this latest blog post.

Building a fort with his children, Robert Bergman '93 reflects on time, traditions, and tranquility.

This episode of Spartan Voices LIve! features Catalina Martinez, Director of Diversity and Inclusion.

With the newest member of the family sleeping in his arms, Mr. Place chats with Fr. Schroeder about remote teaching, the ultimate Frisbee season that barely began, and time at home during the coronavirus pandemic.

English teacher Robert Bergman '93 finds consolation in an unexpected connection with a colleague and challenges us to do the same.

Watch the first episode of Spartan Voices Live where we talk to our two youngest teachers and ASCs, Mr. Howe and Mr. Russell, about how they are adapting to self-isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic and remote teaching.

A sophomore shares what he misses and what he's grateful for during self-isolation.

A story from a time of quarantine and social distancing by Alex Hall, theology teacher and track coach

A video message of love and appreciation for the Class of 2020.

The hashtag #DSJonTheRise takes on new meaning as Spartans rise above the coronavirus challenge to continue to be men and women for and with others.

Rower Edward Sowash '20 shares how he found the right sport for him, just a little west of campus.

Reflecting during Lent can shed light on where we need to plant and where we need to prune. 

Cramming for the final exam takes on new meaning as Dr. Baxendale reflects on hope during the Advent season.

A call to connect with one another through times of shared suffering and shared healing...another insightful blog from Robert Bergman, '93.

Two young men with different personalities and different needs move to St. Louis right before high school...both found their own way and a new home at De Smet Jesuit.

Robert Bergman ’93 shares how manual labor, the sacrifice of his parents, and a canceled check helped him understand the true worth of his education.

Science teacher and Big Draw organizer Gene Bender gave these remarks before announcing the 2019 Big Draw winners.

Dedicated science teacher and devoted Catholic, Dr. Baxendale shares how faith, justice, and our Jesuit identity works in her biology and forensic science classroom.

How one teacher manages anxiety after stress landed him in the emergency room. 

Top tips and summer picks from avid reader and English teacher Robert Bergman '93 

Words of gratitude and wisdom shared by Tim Weber '82 at the Baccalaureate Brunch honoring the Class of 2019. 

Two graduating seniors answer the question, "Who are you?" with a powerful video.

Working in a warehouse and surrounded by cigarette smoke, lifelong learner Robert Bergman '93 finds one of his greatest teachers.

Connecting with Jesus as He overturns tables, English teacher Robert Bergman '93 reminds us to find God in moments of frustration and simplicity.

Listen online as science teacher Dr. Baxendale explains how thought-provoking questions, live animals, and discussions about God and faith fit into her classrooms in this inaugural radio interview for a new series from WCAT Radio and the Institute for Theological Encounter with Science and Technology.

Man of the Year Sean Gerty '19 advises incoming freshmen to embrace insecurities and be different at De Smet Jesuit High School, a place where such distinctions will make you successful.

Alumnus and founder of MO Better Foundation credits lessons he learned and relationships he built while at De Smet Jesuit High School for leading him on a path of lifelong service.

Sometimes leadership emerges quietly. Former track coach, English teacher, and alumnus Robert Bergman '93 acknowledges the unexpected leaders among us.

A mother reflects on being included in the joy of Cory Peterson's State Championship win.

De Smet Jesuit offers college credit courses in seven out of eight departments, and many students take advantage of this cost savings and chance for enhanced academic rigor.

Chris Farrell, now in his last year of Regency at De Smet Jesuit, has left a positive impact on students in his roles as English and Theology teacher, powerlifting coach, and Ignatian pilgrimage and backpack excursion leader.

Spartans gather as a community to set the context for Black History Month, enjoying inspiration and drum celebrations. In this reflection Director of Diversity and Inclusion Catalina Martinez asks the community to choose the road to cultural competence.

John O'Leary '95 shares a touching tribute to his friend and classmate, Scott Wirtz '95.

Superhero aficionado, teacher, and alumnus Robert Bergman '93 observes the enthusiasm, peacefulness, and passion that fuel engagement for teachers and students at De Smet Jesuit.

Spartan alumni talk practical college prep with current seniors. Here is their top 10 list of how to succeed in college.

A new role playing game redefines one English classroom and has students engaged and excited. This article by Camden Brazile '19 with photo by Jack Windler '19 first published in the student news publication, The Mirror.

Creativity and "correct" compete and collide in this reflective essay by teacher and alumnus Robert Bergman '93.

Our learning consultants offer four tips to better prepare for final exams and lower student stress.

Jeremy Kinealy '20, the 2017-2018 Male Youth Bowler of the Year, reflects on what  fortitude, teamwork, and love for the sport have meant to him.

Teacher and alumnus Robert Bergman '93 ends up down a different road that began with being cut from a team.

The advantages of studying Latin.

De Smet Jesuit offers several opportunities for high school students to reap the benefits of studying abroad and hosting foreign exchange students with its growing global education program.

De Smet Jesuit High School uses standardized tests like the practice ACT to help predict student academic performance, inform faculty training, dictate curriculum adjustments, and prepare our students for future college readiness and career success.

Student news writer captures the fun and creative outlet of a fellow senior, an improv actor bound for engineering.

Teenage boys benefit from a high school block schedule including reduced stress, more engaging class time, more first-choice classes, improved mental health, and a calmer pace to the day.

Rob Bergman '93, an alumnus and teacher reflects back on his challenging junior service project...and how it later shaped his life.

A teacher and soccer coach explains why he and his team volunteered  for a local organization that supports wounded veterans and their families.

Fr. Schroeder, alumnus and Jesuit, returns to De Smet Jesuit as chaplain and reflects on what he really learned here.

Our college counselor explains why a 10-point grading scale benefits students.