What’s a mere 8,000 miles when you’re a Jesuit school educator and want to accompany rising high school students in Micronesia? This summer, teachers from Xavier New York City, St. Peter’s Prep, Fairfield Prep, and Cristo Rey Atlanta traveled to Xavier High School on the island of Chuuk in Micronesia to help run the Higher Achievement program (HAP) for 8th and 9th graders. From math, reading and writing, to robotics, physical fitness, and field trips, HAP is a program that readies these students to excel in high school and in life.
Here are two accounts from Fr. Thomas (Todd) Kenny, SJ, and Maysoon Awwad.
Fr. Thomas Kenny, SJ
President, Xavier High School in Chuuk
What a fantastic success our HAP program has been. In July 2024, 77 students from the local communities received a joy-filled education here at Xavier Micronesia. This program is only possible thanks to the generosity of several of our brother Jesuit schools in the USA East Province. These schools generously paid for their teachers to travel and work with us, and Xavier has been blessed to have these teachers who embody what it means to be women and men for and with others.
I am particularly grateful to school presidents Christian Cashman at Fairfield Prep, Mike Gomez at St. Peter’s Prep, Camille Naughton at Cristo Rey Atlanta, and Jack Raslowsky at Xavier in Manhattan for making such fantastic professionals available to our community. HAP Micronesia is an example of collaboration between Jesuit institutions at its best. HAP had ceased running in Micronesia due to a lack of teacher availability during the summer. But last year, Jack and Mike sent teachers out to help us restart the program, and it went even better this year with the addition of Fairfield Prep and Cristo Rey Atlanta.
We worked hard and had many adventures. In addition to daily classes, we took our students on field trips to the local lighthouse and Marine Research Center. Some teachers visited the old PATS Jesuit high school, waterfalls, and the ruins of Nan Madol in Pohnpei. Many of us spent a night on one of the beautiful but remote reef islands called Pisar, snorkeling and enjoying beautiful reef island sunsets and sunrises. We went to Mass at Sacred Heart Parish on the island of Fefan and endured a challenging boat ride back to campus, as a sudden storm kicked up serious wind, waves, and rain. It taught us to pray!
From Xavier Micronesia’s perspective, it was a fantastic experience for our local students. We are tremendously grateful to all who made this HAP program possible. The road to Xavier is bumpy, and sometimes a person’s experience can be as well, as they often face low-quality food accommodations. But these teachers roughed it without a complaint. We trust that these teachers returned to their institutions with a more profound sense of our shared Jesuit mission.
Maysoon Awwad
School Counselor, St. Peter’s Prep
What an incredible experience I had during my time at Xavier High School’s HAP this summer, where I had the privilege of being immersed in the essence of Jesuit education.
At its core, Jesuit education is built upon the principles of social justice, equity, and the development of the whole person. Throughout my time at HAP Xavier, these principles were not just lofty ideals, but tangible realities that shaped every aspect of students’ educational journey.
One of the most remarkable aspects was the opportunity to work closely with students from the local community in Chuuk and the surrounding islands. This experience allowed me to witness firsthand the profound impact that our work as educators and advocates for social justice can have on the lives of others.
The sense of fulfillment and purpose that stemmed from these interactions was truly unparalleled. I was able to witness the transformative power of education in action and see how it can empower individuals to rise above adversity and create positive change in their communities.
Moreover, the emphasis on equity within the Jesuit education system was palpable. It was heartening to see how Xavier High School worked tirelessly to ensure that all students, regardless of their background or circumstances, were given equal opportunities to thrive and succeed. This commitment to equity fostered an inclusive and supportive environment where every student felt valued and empowered to reach their full potential.
Reflecting on my time at Xavier, I am filled with gratitude for the invaluable experiences and lessons I gained. It also instilled in me a strong moral compass and a passion for social justice.
I am truly fortunate to have had the opportunity to witness the transformative power of Jesuit education and see firsthand how it can shape individuals, communities, and societies for the better. I am confident that the lessons and values I have embraced during my time at Xavier will continue to guide me in my future endeavors.
