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GREETINGS FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD Matthew ’12, Meghan ’19, Bill ’79, Annie ’14, Michelle, and Thomas
’10 West at Annie’s graduation in 2014. Not pictured: Bradley ’01

As we come to the conclusion of the 2015-16 school year, and with great anticipation we prepare to embark on yet
another hope- and faith-filled school year, I am struck by one thought: how inspired I am to have once again witnessed
firsthand the extraordinary collaborative effort involved in making Catholic Memorial High School the incredible place
that it is. Students, parents, faculty, administration, volunteers, donors, the greater CMH community – all working in
unison to ensure that CMH remains the premier Catholic high school.

I have spent many years, dating back to my own graduation from Catholic Memorial High School in 1979, extolling the
virtues of CMH. I have and will continue to “suggest” in the strongest possible terms to anyone and everyone that they
send their children to Catholic Memorial. Nudging, encouraging, cajoling, arm twisting—I’m not above any of these
efforts to persuade parents to choose Catholic Memorial for their kids. And yes, parents, this is your decision to make.

Along the way I’m often asked, “Why spend the money to send our children to Catholic Memorial High School when
decent public school alternatives are available?” How best to quantify all that Catholic Memorial has to offer? Is it the
faith-filled, service-oriented leaders CMH educates and sends out into the world year after year? Is it the extraordinary
academic achievements of its student body? The abundant college credits our students have earned at CMH? The
substantial scholarships and aid that are awarded to our graduates. The exceptional performing and visual arts and
sciences programs? The stellar, yet inclusive CMH athletic programs? When asked the question, “Why Catholic
Memorial?” I can recite chapter and verse as to all of the above. It’s that…but it’s also so much more.

I would invite anyone considering CMH (parents and kids) to simply take the time to walk the halls of the school, spend
time with the Catholic Memorial family and observe the Catholic Memorial community living their lives the Memorial
Way. That is the greatest testament to the value of a Catholic Memorial education. You can feel it when you walk through
the doors: the energy, the camaraderie, the community, the faith, the family that is Catholic Memorial. The myriad
accomplishments of CMH graduates would be far less meaningful without this instilled sense of community and family
through which all CMH students are educated, guided and prepared to serve the world and the Church. While our
students all eventually graduate from CMH and move on, each takes with them a lasting legacy that is Catholic Memorial
and its values: Memorial, Faith, Trust, Respect, Inclusiveness, Professionalism, Excellence and Caritas in Omnibus.

That’s why my parents sent me to Catholic Memorial. It’s why Michelle and I have sent our kids to CMH. It’s why CMH’s
many stakeholders and supporters continue to work so tirelessly and give so generously on behalf of Catholic Memorial
High School. And it’s my answer to the question “Why Catholic Memorial?”

William R. West, ‘79
Chairman of the Board
Current Parent, ‘19, Alumni Parent ’01, ’10, ’12, ‘14

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