Xaverian students take home the gold in academic competition

On Saturday, February 6, five Xaverian seniors participated in St. John’s University’s first annual Academic Bowl. Michael Laneville, Michael Wojtukiewicz, Nicholas Trotta, Anthony Roussel and Karol Skrzpya beat teams from three other schools to win the Jeopardy-style tournament, each winning $2,000 in annual scholarship funds for four years at St. John’s University, in addition to the SJU merit scholarships they had already earned.

Roussel enjoyed participating in the academic bowl, saying, “The SJU Academic Bowl forced us to recall quickly the knowledge that we learned in the classroom throughout our time at Xaverian. Although standardized tests and our grades are good indicators for who we are as students, this direct use of facts from all different types of subjects allowed for us to apply our knowledge directly. It was a great experience and I am proud to have represented Xaverian at the first annual event!”

These five seniors are certainly no strangers to success; all told, they have earned over half a million dollars in scholarship awards so far and have earned acceptance to schools such as St. John’s University, Rutgers University, Quinnipiac University, Seton Hall University, St. Francis College, Pace University, Hofstra University, Stony Brook University and Manhattan College, with more decisions arriving in March. The students are all enrolled in St. John’s University AP classes at Xaverian through the SJU College Advantage Program.

Skrzpya says Xaverian has played a key role in preparing him for college. “I have been able to take Syracuse University and St. John’s University AP classes. Now I have a basic understanding of what I can expect in college,” he said. “I’m also very thankful for my guidance counselor, Mr. Burns, who navigated me through the whole college application process and helped me make the right decisions throughout my high school career.”

Wojtukiewicz agreed, saying, “Xaverian has helped prepare me for college in a lot of ways. I believe I have developed a proper work ethic that will allow me to succeed in any school I choose to attend. With regards to the college application process, Xaverian never failed to remind me of any deadlines. This was very critical for my success, as it encouraged me to send out all of my information as early as possible.”

Trotta offered more praise for Xaverian’s college counseling program, saying, “Xaverian has been a major help in not just enhancing my education and providing me with opportunities like this but with preparing and guiding me in the college application process too. The school allowed me to work one on one with my guidance counselor, Mr. Burns, who has been a tremendous help in the college application process. He offered me advice, answered all my questions, and kept me motivated throughout the long process, and for that I am forever grateful.”

Similarly, Laneville said, “Xaverian has prepared me tremendously for college and guiding me through the college process. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the constant help of my teachers and counselors, and I owe them the world.”

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