Students from St. Vincent College Visit the Hive

Thirteen students from St. Vincent College spent a week here to learn about the St. Benedict’s community. Among them was Ishmael Solomon ‘11, who is already very familiar with the Hive.

“I came because I knew there are current seniors who want to attend St. Vincent’s and wanted to give them insight on what they need to do to be successful their first year there,” Ishmael said.

Ishmael was group leader of Boniface Reger, the President of the Art Club and a member of the National Art Society during his time at St. Benedict’s.

Ishmael, who was already home for Christmas break, did not join the other 12 students on the six hour drive from St. Vincent’s to Benedict’s. Ishmael said that the St. Vincent’s students had a few questions for him about the school when they first arrived, but the questions really started flowing after the first day.

“They were really interested in student leadership and how the school runs,” Ishmael said.

For St. Benedict’s students who are interested in St. Vincent’s, Ishmael said that he’s had a great experience there so far.

“It was a rocky transition, but having a good work ethic here [St. Benedict’s] helped me know how to work and study,” Ishmael said.

He said that “he loves everything about place”, but what he liked the most about St. Vincent’s are the people.

“The people there are friendly and helpful. They taught me to be friendly and to help others,” Ishmael said.

St. Vincent’s have visited St. Benedict’s since 2000 when Headmaster Fr. Edwin Leahy O.S.B. invited Executive Director of Saint Vincent Archabbey Educational Apostolates and Endowments Fr. Paul Taylor O.S.B. to St. Benedict’s in 1999 and Fr. Ed told him to bring students from St. Vincent’s the following year.

“The students loved the experience they had here and kept the word going about it so we kept the tradition going,” Fr. Paul said.

The students from St. Vincent’s are paired up with a host [a student from St. Benedict’s] and spend the week with them.
“They see that student’s experience and life and learn how St. Benedict’s runs,” Fr. Paul said.

They stay and sleep in the Turrell House and help around the school. Fr. Paul said that this year many of them helped Assistant Headmaster Ivan Lamourt, Dean of Faculty Michelle Tuorto and other students and also with tutoring. The St. Vincent’s students also got to visit New York City.

Fr. Paul said he has a unique way of enticing students to come each year.
“After each trip, two students from the group are selected as leaders. They are in charge of electing students for the following year’s trip,” Fr. Paul said. “They tell the St. Benedict’s story and of their personal experience and students are intrigued and curious and decide to come.”

But Fr. Paul said it usually isn’t a problem getting students because the students enjoy their experience here and want to come back.

And this year was no different. The St. Vincent’s students that came this year said they had a great experience at the hive.

“I was completely in shock. I didn’t expect the leadership and maturity of the kids,” junior Colleen Fisher said. “I didn’t see students; I saw adults doing a job.”