Gratitude Journal 1 2 “I feel grateful that there is someone out there who cares about my education.

The people who support this program make me want to be like them someday.

I can truly see myself giving back to De La Salle.”

3 Foreword

Overthepastfewyears,ourGratitudeBooks–compilationsoflettersfromstudentsbenefittingfromthe BishopJohnS.CumminsScholarshipProgram–haveletourdonorshearthevoicesofthesonsoffamilies whohaveseverelylimitedfinancialmeans,whohavebeenprovidedanopportunitytoexperiencethe educationalexcellenceatDeLaSalle.Theseyoungmenstateintheirwordswhatadifferenceyoursupport makesintheirlives. OurgoalistocontinuetofosteranattitudeofgratitudewithourBishopCumminsScholars.This yearourexercisewasmodeledonthebook, The Simple Abundance Journal of Gratitude bySarahBan Breathnach. “Gratitude,” Breathnachshares, “is the most passionate transformative force in the cosmos. When we offer thanks to God or to another human being, gratitude gifts us with renewal, reflection, reconnection. Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life.” Ourownversionofher journalingtool,wascreatedsothatourBishopCumminsScholarscouldreflectupontheblessingsthata DeLaSalleeducationprovidesthem. Enclosedyouwillfindtheresponseswereceivedasaresultofthedailypersonalreflectionsofour BishopCumminsScholarsaswellasafinalencapsulationoftheirreflections–fortynineexpressionsof gratitude.Eachyoungmanhashisownvariationonthetheme,butthethemeremainsconstant:Gratitude fortheopportunitytheyhavebeengiventhankstodonorslikeyou. Adonorsharedwithmewhyhesupports Access forourstudents, “I could give to many things and help them...for a time, and then the need would reappear. With my gift to De La Salle for Access, the results of this education can change a young man, and even his extended family, immediately and for a lifetime.” Asyoucontinuetoreadthroughthisbook,youwillseehowyoursupporttrulydoeschangeayoungman, andwehopetoinspireyoutoencourageotherstojoinusinthiseffort.

MarkDeMarco’78 President,DeLaSalleHighSchool

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Day 1 What does a De La Salle education mean to me?

WhataDeLaSalleeducationmeanstomeissuccess.Beingabletolearnfromthewiderangeofdedicated andskilledstaffhasgivenmethegiftofawellroundededucation.DeLaSallehasmademea knowledgeablepersonaswellasgivenmetoolsthatIcanapplytoeverydaylife.

ADeLaSalleeducationmeanstomethatIgettheopportunitytogetagoodeducationandnothaveto worryaboutmoney.

DeLaSalleeducationmeansafruitfulfuturetome.ThismeansthatIopenedadoortobeingincollegeby nextfallwhichissomethingthatwouldnothavehappenedifitwasn’tforDeLaSalle’seducation.

Tomemyeducationiseverythingbecauseapersoncan’tgetveryfarwithoutoneintheworldtoday.De LaSalleprovidesoneofthebesteducationsIcouldhaveeverhopedfor.Notonlydoesitteachmemath, science,Englishandsoon,butitalsoteachesmeimportantvaluesthatIwillusefortherestofmylife.

ADeLaSalleeducationmeansworkinghard,nevercheating,studying,andgettingalongwithyourpeers.

ADeLaSalleeducationmeansalottome.I’mluckytohavethisopportunityandI’mtryingtomakethe mostofit.

TomeaDeLaSalleeducationistheperfectpreparationforcollege.I’veheardacountlessnumberof peoplesaythatcollegewaseasycomparedtoDeLaSalle.Sothatmakesmeveryexcitedthatmyteachers herehavepreparedmesowellforthefuture.

WhatDeLaSallemeanstomeismorethanIcanwriteonpaper,butIknowthiseducationhereistop- notchandIwillalwaystreasurethechallengeofeducationthatwaspresentedtome.

ADeLaSalleeducationmeansahealthybeginningtotherestofmylife.IlookataDeLaSalleeducation asakeybuildingblockinmymissiontohaveasuccessfullife.

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DeLaSalleeducation,tomemeansbeingtrue,andnotcheatingyourself.Italsoteacheshowimportantit willbewhenwegooutintherealworldonourown.

DeLaSalleeducationmeansIwillhavemorethanjustbooksmarts.ItmeansIwillbetaughtgoodmorals andlifelessons.

ADeLaSalleeducationisaqualityeducationthatI’mluckytohave.Therearealotofpeoplethatwould wanttobeinmyplaceandI’mgratefulforallthepeoplethatmadeitpossibleformetocometoDeLa Salle.

DeLaSalleeducationisawayformetoberecognizedbycollegessowhenIgetolderIcanprovidefor myfamily.

DeLaSalleeducationmeanstomethatIhavethechancetobethebestIcanbe.

ADeLaSalleeducationmeanstomethatIhaveanopportunitytomakeadifferenceinmylifeand eventuallyothersaroundmesotheycanhavethesameopportunity.

Itmeansopportunitysimplyput.Itmeanshavingtheopportunityofrisingaboveanddistinguishingme fromtherestoftheHispanicteenagers.ItmeansbeingabletodressthewayIwantandnotbeharassed;it meansbeinginagreatenvironment.

ADeLaSalleeducationmeanstomethatthereareopportunities.WiththiseducationIbelievethatthere aredoorsbeingopenedforme.

It’sakeytomanydoorsIwillencounterinmylife.ADeLaSalleeducationisafoundationwhichwill helpmegrowasapersonandhelpmeinawidevarietyofplacesinmylife.

ADeLaSalleeducationmeanseverythingtome.Theteachersarealwaysaroundtohelpandareavailable allthetimeyoujusthavetomaketheeffort.Also,myteacherscreateanenvironmentthat’sgreatand whereIfeelcomfortable.

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ADeLaSalleeducationmeansI’mreceivingagreateducationandisoneofthebestintheBayArea.I’m learningthevaluesofbeingaSpartanandhowtocarryonthattradition.Faith,Integrity,andScholarship.

Itmeanstomethatcounselorsandteacherspushstudentshardertolearnmoreonsubjectstohelpthemto succeedatDeLaSalle.

Achanceforsuccessforeverykid.

ItaketheeducationasanopportunitytobettermyselfineverythingIdo.

Tome,aDeLaSalleeducationmeansmuchmorethanknowledgethatweobtain.Itgivesustheloveand supportthatisessentialtoachievingourfullestpotentialandourwildestaspirations.

TomeaDeLaSalleeducationisanopportunitythatnotmanypeoplehaveandIamfortunatetohaveit.

ADeLaSalleeducationmeanstheworldtome.Iknowthatalotofkidsdonothavetheopportunityto cometosuchagreatschool.IseeDeLaSalleasasupportandahomeawayfromhome.Iamvery thankfulforthisopportunity.

ADeLaSalleeducationmeansnotonlypreparingforcollege,butalsolearningabouttheworldaroundus, andlearningtoworkwithandtrustmySpartanbrothers.

DeLaSalleeducationmeanstomethatIwillhaveanopportunityforaqualityeducation,andIwillalso haveagreaterchanceatbeingsuccessfulinlife.

ADeLaSalleeducationtomemeanshavingoneofthebesteducationsforhighschoollevels.ADeLa Salleeducationisimportanttomebecauseithasandwillmakemeabetterstudentandperson.

DeLaSalleeducationiswhatwillgetmethroughlifeandhelpmelearnwhattodowithmylife.Thisis thebesteducationIcangetandthemosthelpIcouldevergetwithschool.

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Forme,aDeLaSalleeducationisawayout,anopportunitytosucceedinlife–nooneinmyfamilyhas. Theeducationisapathtoagoodlife.

ADeLaSalleeducationmeansachancetoliveuptotheLasallianvalues.ItmeansthatIhavethesupport ofmyfriendsandteachershere.AnditmeansthatIcangrowanddevelop.

Ilookforwardtogettingupinthemorningandgoingtoschool.Iabsolutelylovethisplace.Thiseducation meanstheworldtome;Ilovebeingsurroundedbyfriendsandhelpfulpeopleallaroundcampus.

TomeaDeLaSalleeducationmeansanopportunitynotonlytogettheeducationIneed,buttogetthe educationIwant.DeLaSalleisachancetoexpandmygoalsinlife.

TomeaDeLaSalleeducationmeansgettingaqualityeducation.AneducationinwhichI’msurrounded bystudentswhoaremotivatedtosucceedjustasmuchasIam.Aneducationwhereeverymemberofthe staffcaresaboutmywell-beinginclassandoutofit.

DeLaSalleismorethanjustaplaceIgotolearn,itencompassesmuchmorethanthat.Ifeellikemy teacherstrulycareaboutmeasaperson,andIfeelrightathomewhenIamoncampus.

ADeLaSalleeducationmeanssuccess.Ihaverealizedthattheplatformtheycreateforstudentsisastep upfromothersandsetsyouuptobesuccessful.

ADeLaSalleeducationtomeisanopportunityforalifethatIcouldn’thavewithoutdonorgenerosity.

DeLaSalleeducationmeansalottomebecauseIwanttogotoagoodcollegeandgraduate.

DeLaSalleeducationmeansalottome.Therigoroftheclassesisunlikeanyotherschool.

ADeLaSalleeducationtomemeansabetterfutureandmoreopportunitiesinlife.Itmeansabetter chancetoattendagoodcollegeandgetagoodjob.Italsomeansmorethananacademiceducation;it meansareligiousandmoraleducationforlaterinlife.

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DeLaSalleeducationmeansalottome.Oneofthebigthingsitmeanstomeislearntoserve.Formethat meansyoulearnwhatyouhaveto,thenonceyouleavetheschoolyouserveyourcommunitywithwhat youlearned.

Educationmeanseverythingtome.ADeLaSalleeducationmeansmorethanthat.Fromayoungage,I havebeentaughtthateducationcanbreakthecycleofpoverty.AneducationatDLShasmademebetterin academicsandhasmademeabetterperson.

DeLaSalleeducationmeanalottome,becauseIknowtherearehighexpectationsforusandtheteachers andstaffwillbendoverbackwardstoseeussucceed.

Itmeansnotonlytolearnmyacademicstuffbutlearnhowtobeaman,howtogetpreparedforlife.

ADeLaSalleeducationissomethingthatcanhelpmemakeadifferenceintheworld.Thiseducationputs meinasituationtomakethebestofmyopportunities.

AneducationfromDeLaSallemeansthatthecommunityandbrotherhoodhashonoredmeasoneof them.It’saspecialfeelingtoknowthattheysawsomethinginme.

ADeLaSalleeducationmeansopportunity.Itgivesmeachancetoreachmyfullpotentialandtobecome thebestmanIcanbe.

Youcouldgetthesameeducationatotherschools,buttheydonotteachthesamemorals,sothatwemay becomeMenofFaith,Integrity,andScholarship.

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Day 2 How do you feel knowing there are many people who make your education possible?

IfeelextremelygratefulknowingthatthereasonformyattendanceatDeLaSalleisinsomebodyelse’s hands.Thefactthatsomeoneoutthereisdonatingtheirownhard-earnedmoneyjusttosimplygiveme endlessopportunityisveryappreciated.It’scrazytothinkthatwithoutthehelpofthedonorsIwouldn’tget toexperienceDeLaSalleandallithastoofferme.

Grateful.I’mverythankfulbecauseIgettoexperiencethisschoolandwithoutthemIwouldn’t.

IfeelgratefulandthankfulforallthepeopleouttherethathavemademyfouryearsatDeLaSalle possible.

Iamincrediblygratefultoknowthatsomanypeoplecareenoughaboutourgenerationtogivethe underprivilegedaneducationthatwillaffecttherestoftheirlife.Withouttheirgenerosity,Iwouldprobably beinamuchdifferentsituationthanIamrightnow.

Ifeellikethepeoplesupportingmearegoingthroughallmystrugglesinschoolandarehelpingme throughmyupsanddowns.DoingthattheyhelpmakemyeducationpossibleatDeLaSalle.

Ithumblesmetoknowthis.Toknowthatothersareputtinguptheirmoneyformetohavetheopportunity amazesme.Thefactthesedonorsdonotknowmeandwanttoseemesucceedinlifeisnice.

Ifeelagreatamountofcompassionandlove.It’scrazy,becauseIdon’tevenknowthesepeoplethatdoall thesegenerousthingsforme.SometimesItakeforgrantedallgiftsIamgiven,butIreallydoappreciate everythingthatisdoneforme.

IfeellikeI’mverygratefultoallofthosewhodonatetotheschool.Seeingallofthegreatthingsthatare producedfromthedonationsmakesmewanttodonatesomeday.

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Ifeelimmenselygrateful,butIcanonlycommunicateittoacertainextent.Icansendmymessagesof gratitudethroughlettersandmessages,butIdon’tgettopersonallythankthedonorsinpersonwhichIfeel isimportant.

Ifeelveryblessedandhonoredtoknowthattherearethoseouttherewhowanttogivebacktoothers,to makethedreamofgoingtoDeLaSallepossible.

Ifeelthattheywantmeandotherstobesuccessful,appreciativeyoungmen.

I’mthankfulforallthepeoplethatmademyeducationherepossible.They’veopenedmoreopportunities formeandhavesetmeupforasuccessfullife.

Ithelpsgivememotivationtoworkharderbecausetherearepeoplebesidesmyselfwhocareaboutmy success.

Ifeelliketherearepeoplewillingtosupportmydreams.

Ifeelverygrateful.ItmakesmefeelasenseofresponsibilitybecauseIknowthatIamexpectedtomake themostofmyeducation.

Ifeelveryblessedtohavethesepeoplelookingoutforme.Ifeelliketheyaregivingmeanopportunityto receiveatop-notcheducation.

ItmakesmefeellikeI’maninvestmentwhoisbeinghelpedtohelpothersandmakeachangein someone’slifeorpossiblytheworld.I’mthankfulforthedonorswhogivetotheBishopCummins Program,whichhelpsmeandmyyoungerSpartanbrothers.Ifitweren’tforthemIwouldn’tevenbe attendingthisschoolorhavemetthewonderfulcaringfriendsandteachersthatIknow.

IfeelblessedeverydayknowingthatalloftheseDeLaSallepeoplehavemybackandhavethebest interestformereallytouchesmyheart.

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Ifeelgratefulthatthereissomeoneouttherewhocaresaboutmyeducation.Thepeoplewhosupportthis programmakemewanttobelikethemsomeday.IcantrulyseemyselfgivingbacktoDeLaSalle.

Manypeopleheretrytomakemedomybestandtomakemebeabletocallforhelpwithteachersand counselors.Andtheyalsotellmetocomeafterclassesforhelpafterclassperiods.

Gratefulandreadytogotoschooleveryday.

IfeelverygratefulandI’malsothankfulforeveryonethathelpsmyeducation/success.

Knowingthatanumberofpeoplemakemyeducationherepossiblekeepsmehumble.Iamsogratefulthat peoplecandoformewhatIcannotdoformyself.Itpushesmetomaketheirsacrificesworthwhile.

Ifeelverygratefulknowingthatthesepeoplearegivingme,andmanyothers,anopportunitytogetagood education,andIfeellikeIshouldtrymybestandhelpothersrightnowatDeLaSalleandthroughoutmy future.

Ifeelsupportedandloved,itfeelslikeonebigfamily.IfeellikeI’mworthsomethingandthatthepeople whomakemyeducationpossiblecareaboutmeandmyfuture.

Iamthankfulbeyondwordsknowingthatpeoplewhodon’tevenknowmewouldgivesomuchjustsoI cancomehere.Icouldn’timaginegoingtoanotherschool.

Ifeelextremelygratefulforthechanceatmyeducationfromthegenerousdonorswhodon’tevenknow whoIam.

Ifeelverygratefulbecauseothersarehelpingmetoworkandreachmygoals.Withoutthem,Iwouldn’t havebeenabletobewhereI’mattoday.Iwouldn’thavetheeducationandteachersthatIhaveandforthat Iamtrulygrateful.

IfeelgreatbecauseIknowthatsomeonecaresenoughaboutmyeducationthattheywillpayforitand manyoftheotherprivilegesthatwehavelikegettingclothesandnewshoesfromtheboutique.

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Honestly,Idon’tthinkofitoften,butwhenIdo,it’samazingtorememberthattherearepeoplewhomI’ve nevermetmakinggrandopportunitiespossibleforme.

KnowingthatsomanypeoplearemakingthisLasallianeducationpossiblemakesmefeeltakencareof.I feellikesomeoneisouttherewatchingoverme.

IfeelIhavearesponsibilitythatnotmanyotherkidshave,andthat’stobethebeststudentIcanbeand alwaysbeworkingharderthantheguynexttome.

Alargepartofmefeelsthankfulbutthereisanotherpartthatfeelsindebtandpushesmetoshakeoff procrastinationandgetmyworkdone.

It’ssimplyafeelingofextremejoyandgratitude.Toknowthatthereareindividualswhodon’tknowme onapersonallevelbutstillarewillingtodonatemoneytome,inasense,ishonestlyamazing.

IfeelblessedtohavetheopportunitytobeprovidedwithaneducationatDeLaSalle.Iaminspiredbythe generosityofallthedonorsandbecauseofthatIplantopayitforward.

Ilovethisschoolanditisoneofthebestthingsthathaseverhappenedtome.Iwishitwaspossibleto personallythankeveryonebecausemyappreciationisbeyondbelief.

Ifeelgratefulforallthepeoplethatgivemeanopportunity.Therearelotsofpeoplethatgivemoney,and timetoletmegotoschoolhere.

IfeelgoodbecauseitmakesmeknowthatpeoplecareaboutmeandhelpmegetthebesteducationIcan.

Iamgratefulbecausetheydon’thavetosupportme.

Itmakesmereallyhappyknowingthatpeopleactuallycareaboutussomuchthattheywouldpayformy education.Wordscan’texplainhowgratefulIameverydayknowingthatbecauseofpeoplethatknowwe needhelp.It’sgreatthatIdon’thavetostrugglewithfinancialstuff.

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Ifeelblessedtoknowthattherearepeoplewhotaketimeoutoftheirdayandstayextrahoursjustforme tolearnandhaveagoodeducation.Andnotjusttheteachers,everyone.

Thepeopledonatingandgivingustheopportunitytolearnatsuchanamazingschooldon’tevenknowthe gratitudeandthanksIcarry.IcannotexpresshowgratefulandappreciativeIam.Iamsohappytohave hadthischancetoattendDeLaSalle.

I’mverythankfulforthat,becauseIknowwithouttheirhelp,myDeLaSalleeducationwouldbe impossible.Alotofthepeoplethatdonatedon’tevenknowus,butarewillingtogiveandsupport,andI justhopeIcandothesamewhenI’molder.

Fantastic,Iamverygratefulforthosewhomakethispossible.Iwanttomakethemproudthattheirmoney waswellused.

ItmakesmeworkharderbecauseIknowthattheydon’thavetodoit.Sotheyinspiremetogetupevery dayat4:00a.m.andcometothisamazingplace.

Ifeelblessedknowingthatothershaveinvestedinme.IwillnotwastethisgiftandIwillneverforget aboutthegenerosityofothers.

Iamgladthattherearepeoplewhocareaboutusandourfuture.Withouttheirhelpwewouldnotbeable togetaheadinlifeandbecomesuccessful.

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Day 3 Are there individuals at De La Salle for whom you are thankful?

WhileI’mthankfulforeverymemberoftheDeLaSallestaffthatIhavecomeincontactwith,therearea fewthatIexceedinglyappreciate.I’mveryappreciativeofthestaffthatreachesouttoalumnisothatothers canhaveopportunitylikeme.IammostlythankfuloftheBishopCumminsProgramanditsinstructorthat keepsmeontrackandhelpsmeachievehighacademicgoals.

Mr.MacArthurbecausehestaysonusandhebasicallyhandlesmostofourstressandkeepsusontrack.

IamthankfulforallthepeoplewhoworkwithDeLaSalletomaketheBishopJohnS.Cummins ScholarshipProgrampossible.IwouldliketothankMr.MacArthurforworkingsohardtopushmetostay ontopofmywork.

OnepersonIamthankfulforisMr.MacArthur,asmuchashehoundsmeaboutmygradesonaweekly basis.Withouthishelp,thereisnowayIwouldkeepthegradesIdo.Itisnicetoknowthatthereis someoneoncampuswhocaresaboutmeenoughtoyellatmeformygradeinaclass.

I’mthankfulforallmyfriendsatDeLaSalle.Theyhelpmekeepmyconfidenceupincertainsituations andkeepmelaughingduringtoughtimes.

Mr.MacArthur,becausehehelpsmesucceedinmyclassesatDeLaSalleandIknowheputsmefirstin hisdecisions.IappreciatehavingMr.MacArthurinvolvedinmytimeatDeLaSalle.

IcouldgoonawholepagelistingpeopleIamthankfulforatDeLaSalle.Iftherewasonepersonthathas beenthemostvitaltomysuccessitwouldbeMr.MacArthur.AlthoughIhatedthathewasonmyback,I trulydidneedit.AndforthatIamthankful.

I’mthankfulforsomeofthegoodfriendsI’vemadeatDeLaSalleandallofthefacultywhowerewarm andfriendly.

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OfcourseIamthankfulforanyonethatcontributestotheBishopCumminsProgramandmakesitpossible formetoreceiveaneducationatDeLaSalle.MybiggestthankswouldhavetobeforMr.MacArthur becauseheprovideshelpdayinanddayout.

IamthankfulforCoachAlumbaughandMr.MacArthur,foralwayspushingmetobebetterthananybody else,whetherit’sonthefieldorintheclassroom.

IwouldsayIamthankfulforallofthestaffatDeLaSallebecausetheyarecommittedtoteachingand supportingus.Alsomyfriendsbecausetheymakemeenjoycomingtoschoolmore.

I’mthankfulforMr.MacArthurforactingasmybigbrotherandeveryoneassociatedwiththeBishop CumminsProgram;especiallythedonors.

I’mgratefulforMr.MacArthurforguidingmetodomybestandputthemoneyIgettogooduse.

Thepeoplewhoarewillingtohelpmewithhomework.

Yes,Iamthankfulforallofmyteachersthathelpme.NotonlyaretheadultsatDeLaSallealotofhelp, peersaswell.EveryoneatDeLaSalleasacommunityisverysupportive.

Yes,theteachers,thepeopleinchargeofmakingthisprogramareality,thecafeteria,thejanitors,the librarians,andthecoaches.

Yes,IamthankfulforMr.MacArthurforkeepingmeinline.Healwayskeepsmefocused.Iamthankful formyteacherswhogivemealltheopportunitiestosucceed.

I’dhavetosaymostlyMr.MacArthurbecauseheguidedmethroughoutall4yearsatDLS.Eventhough hepushesusalot,Iknowit’sbecausehewantsmetotrymyhardestandbesuccessfulinlife.

Ms.Resch,thewholecoachingstaff,Mrs.A,GMac,Mr.Anderson,DougandKent,Mr.Lavin,Sully,Ant, Colon,Hernandez,Sim,Lessarog,Boss,Dell,Khalil,KeanuandTAT.

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I’mreallythankfulforallthepeoplewhomaketheBishopCumminsProgrampossible,especiallyMrs. PastoriniandMrs.WiesewhoworkhardtomakeourexperienceatDeLaSallebetter.

SomepeopleIamthankfulforareCJ,Ryan,Costa,andEddy.AndalsoMr.MacArthur.

Mr.MacArthur,Mr.Roberts,Mrs.Wiese,andMrs.Pastorini.

I’mthankfulforeveryonethathelpsmeatDeLaSalle.Mr.MacArthurisprobablywhoI’mmostthankful forbecausehealwaysmakessureI’montherighttrack.

IbelievethatthereareindividualsherethatIamthankfulfor.Thelistcontainsmanyofmybeloved brotherswhichIhavemadeoverthepastcoupleofyears.

Iamthankfulfortheteachersbecausetheygiveusthetoolsandinformationtobesuccessful.I’malso thankfulforthestaffthathelpswiththeBishopCumminsProgrambecausetheykeepmeontrack academicallyandremindmeoftheopportunitiesI’mgiven.

I’mthankfulforallofthestaffatDeLaSalle.Coaches,teachers,GMacandeverybodywhoworksatDe LaSalle.Iknoweachandeveryoneofthemcareaboutme.Notjustinschool,butathome.

Iamthankfulformyfriendswhohavehelpedmewithschoolwork,whetherthey’reshowingmehowtodo certainproblemsorgivingmeadviceonhowtosucceed.

Yes,Iamgratefulforallofmyteacherswhotaketheirtimetohelpmeandotherstudents.Iamgratefulfor alloftheBishopCumminsstaffandfinancialaidstaffwhogivemeachancetogotoDeLaSalle.

Yes,Iamthankfulforalltheteachers,counselors,andfriendsthatIhave.Theyhaveallhelpedmebe successfulinschool.TheygivemethemotivationtokeepworkingsothatIcanbecomebetter.

IamthankfulforMr.MacArthurandMrs.Pastorinibecausetheytakealotoftimeoutoftheirdaysand lifetohelpusallgetthroughDeLaSalleandhelpusasmuchaspossibletogetthefullDeLaSalle experience.

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I’mthankfulforMr.MacArthurjustforthefactthatwhenIstartfallingofftherails,hemakessureIhop rightbackon.

GMacforhistoughlove.Mrs.P.andMrs.W.fortheirraisingfunds.Mr.RobertsforgettingAlumni donations.Mrs.Reschforprovidingtransportation.BrotherJesusforallhisfinancialassistance.Allmy friendsforhelpingmegrow.

IamsothankfulforGMac.Ifitwasn’tforhim;IwouldnotfeelthesamewayIdorightnow.Thatisa feelingthatIhaveacertaintaskthatmustbecompletedtothebestofmyability.

Yes,throughoutmytwoyearsatDeLaSalleI’vegrowntoappreciatemanyofthepeoplethere.Fromthe staffwhohavehelpedmefromDay1,totheteacherswhoselessonshavetaughtmemorethanjustthe material.

I’mthankfulforallmyteachers,butinparticularforMr.MacArthur.Hetrulyexemplifieseveryvaluea Spartanissupposedtohaveandmaybealittlemore.

Iamthankfulformyteachersforprovidingmewithaqualityeducation.IamthankfulforMr.MacArthur forpushingmetoworkhard.

Thelististoolong.Iamthankfulforeveryoneherebecausetheyallhelpmeinonewayoranother.

I’mthankfulforMr.MacArthur,CoachDonzelli,andCoachBrookesforbeingapartofmylife.Theyhave influencedmeandsoughtthebestforme.

Yes,Iamthankfulforeverybodythathelpedmegetinthisschool,thatworkshere.

Yes,thecoachesandMrs.Pastorinihavemadealotofopportunitiespossible.

Yes,IamthankfulforMr.MacArthurwhopushesussothatwecangiveourbest.Henevergivesuponus becauseheknowswecandoitandIamextremelythankfulthatIhavesomeonelikehiminmylifehereat DeLaSalle.

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Yes,Iwouldliketothankeveryonethathelpsmetogetagoodeducation.Therearemanypeoplethatdo helpthatIdon’tknowof,butfromwhatIknow,Mrs.MacArthur,alltheDeans,alltheteachers,and everyoneintheBishopCumminsProgram.

Iamthankfulforeveryonearoundme.DeLaSalleisaschoolfullofcaringteachers,trustworthyfriends andfriendlystaffmembers.Iamthankfulformyfriends,teachers,andcounselorsforwatchingmyback andguidingmeintherightdirection.

IamverythankfulforalltheteachersandstaffatDeLaSalle.Myhighschoolexperiencewouldn’tbethe samewithoutthem.VerythankfulforGMac,andtheBishopCumminsProgramandhowmuchhe’shelped me.AndIcouldn’tthankthedonorsenoughforhowmuchthey’vedoneformeallmyyearsatDeLa Salle.

Mr.MacArthur,Mr.Grantham,Mr.Drain,allmycoachesbecauseIfeelverysafewiththemandcangoto themforanything.

I’mthankfulforMr.MacArthurbecausehemakesschoolsomucheasierandlessstressful.WithouthimI don’tknowwhereIwouldbe.

Yes,IamthankfultoallofmyteachersandthepersonIammostthankfulforisMr.Eidson.Hehasgiven mesomuchadviceonhowtobeayoungteenageboy.

NicholasDonzelli,myfreshman/sophomoreyearwaterpolocoach,reallytaughtmealotandinspiredme tobemybestbothinandoutofthepool.

I’mthankfultoallofthestaffatDeLaSalle.Withouteveryoneheredoingtheirjobs,wewouldnothavea cleancampusorcounselorswecouldconfidein.

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Day 4 Name some blessings at De La Salle you might have previously overlooked.

OftentimesIforgetthatpeople’smoneyishelpingtofundmyDeLaSalleexperience.WhenIremind myselfofthat,myworkethicimprovesasIdonotwanttowastepeople’stimeormoney.SometimesI don’trealizehowluckyIamtobeapartofsuchaspirituallyandemotionallyconnectedcommunityhere intheDeLaSallebrotherhood.

I’veoverlookedwakingupandbeingabletogotothisschool,butthisprojectandGMacareaconstant remindernottooverlookthis.

BeforecomingtoDeLaSalle,Iwouldhaveoverlookedhowsafetheenvironmentatschoolis.Iam blessedthatatDeLaSalleeveryoneissafe.

Therearesomanylittlethingsatthisschoolthatmakeitwhatitis.Forexamplethedresscodedoesso muchjusttoencouragesuccessbylookingbetter.Anotherexamplewouldbehowcleanourcampusis thankstomaintenance.Anotherthingisthefactthatouradministrationcomestoeventsjusttoseethe students,notfortheirimage.

Ithinkitisablessingthatthepeoplearehelpingpaymytuition.ThisisbecausewithouttheirhelpI probablywouldn’tbeattheschool.

BeingabletogetfreefoodandgoingtoWarriorsgameswithmyfellowbrothers.Ialsooverlookedthe chancetobepartofabrotherhood.

Thefactthatourcampusandbathroomsarealwayscleanissomethingpeopledon’tusuallythinkabout. Butifyoulookatanotherschoolcomparedtous,yourealizehowblessedwearetohavesuchdedicated maintenancestaff.

Givingfinefoodtothoseintheprogramreallyishelpfulwhenyoudon’thaveanytobring,soI’m especiallythankfulforthat.

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AblessingatDeLaSalleisthediverseopen-mindedcrowdofpeoplethatIencounterandmeetonadaily basis.AnotherblessingatDeLaSalleisthecaringandsupportiveteachersthatarealwaystheretohelp youwithyourwork.

I’venoticedthatIalwaysgotmadatMr.MacArthur,Istilldo,butbesidesmyparentshe’sreallytheone whowantsmetogettocollege.

Iwouldsayfirst,gettingintoDeLaSallewasablessing.Anotherblessingishavingmysupporterscare aboutmyeducationandpotential.

Forme,afewblessingsatDeLaSallewouldbehavingafreeluncheveryday,beingabletogotoa Warriorsgame,andbeingcoveredforsportsequipment.

Thepeoplethatsupportmetohelpmegoherewiththeirextremelygenerousdonations.

Freefood,theBishopCumminsProgram,andcounselors.

Ihavepreviouslyoverlookedthefactthatpeopleareputtingtimeandmoneyintomyfuture.WheneverI rememberthisIstrivetoworkhardersoIdon’twasteanopportunitythatcouldhavebeengiventoanother student.

Thehelpwithmyclassring,thesweatshirts.

SomeblessingsatDeLaSallethatIhaveoverlookedareprobablyeverythingthattheBishopCummins Programhasdoneforme.

AttendingDeLaSallewouldbethebiggestone.ComingtoDeLaSallehasgivenmenewopportunities.I wouldn’tbewhoIamifIdidn’tattendDeLaSalle.

Myeducation,mybrothers,myworkethic,andthesafetyoftheschool.

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Idon’tthinkIhaveeveroverlookedanythingatDeLaSalle.Itisatrueblessingtobecomingtothis school.HavingtowakeupearlyisasacrificeI’mwillingtomaketogetaLasallianeducation.DeLaSalle isjustawelcomingenvironment.

WhatIamthankfulforhereatDeLaSalleisthatIcanbeattheschoolwheremybigbrotherwent.

Freelunches,freeLasallianexperience.

Thepeoplehere.EveryonehereisoneofakindandIknowIwouldmisseverysinglepersonhere.

Iamblessedtohavemytuitionalmostentirelypaidfor.Iamblessedtobeabletoplaysports.Iamblessed tohaveacommunityoflovingbrotherstosupportmewhenIamdown.

I’mgettingagoodeducationthatismostlikelybetterthanwhatIwouldhavegottenanywhereelse.I’m surroundedbypeoplethatwantmetobesuccessful.Iamgiventhingslikeschoolsupplies,foodand clothes.ThesearethemostimportantblessingsI’vereceived.

Imayhaveoverlookedtheeducationthatisgiventome.Imayhaveoverlookedthecollegecounselors; theyhavealotofknowledgeofcollegelifeandhowtogetmeintoacollege.

I’vedefinitelyoverlookedtheteachers–theyalwaysoffertutoringandI’vesometimesnottakenadvantage ofthis.Also,thecounselors.TheycanofferadviceforanysituationImaybein,butIdon’talwaysgotalk tothem.

AblessingthatImayhaveoverlookedwastheblessingofjustgoingtoDeLaSallebecauseIfirstthought, itwasjustgoingtobeanotherschool.Butittrulyisn’t,ittrulyissomethingspecial.

SomeblessingsthatIdidn’treallythinkaboutaretheteachersandcounselorsIhave.Theyhaveallhelped mewhenIneededhelp,whichallowedmetostriveinmyclasses.Ihavenotreallylookedatthemas blessingsatfirst,butnow,IseethemasblessingsbecauseIhavebeenluckytohavesuchgreatpeopleby mysidetohelpme.

22 GratitudeJournal

WhenIcometoschooleveryday,Idon’tusuallythinkaboutthedonorsmakingitpossibleformetogo there.Also,Idon’tusuallythinkabouttheprivilegeswegetfromthefinancialaidhereatDeLaSalle.

ThenumberoneblessingthatI’veoverlookedmanytimesisthefriendshipscreatedduringmygoinghere.

AblessingthatIhaveoverlookedistheblessingofhavingsomeonethereforme.HavingsomeoneIcan relyon,it’sablessingIonlyfoundoutrecently.

ThehelpIreceivefrompeopleIhavenevermet,butIknowinmyheartthattheyunderstandsomeofthe struggleswefaceandwanttohelpus.SoIsaythankyouforthattoallwhohelp.

EversinceIstartedtocometoDeLaSalle,Ihaveadmiredeverythingabouttheschool(includingthe peoplethere).However,itappearsuntilnowIstillhadn’tbeenabletograspjustwhatagreatopportunity hasbeengiventome.

Mr.MacArthur–he’sextremelydemandingandattimesitcanbecomefrustratingandeventothepoint whereyoumighthatehimattimes.Butnowasasenior,I’mabletolookbeyondthatandrealizeit’sallfor ourbenefit.Everythinghedoesisforustosucceedasindividuals.

IhavebeenblessedwithmanyopportunitiesatDeLaSalle.SomeblessingsIhaveoverlookedarethe lunchesprovidedforus,alongsidetheclotheswereceivefromtheBrotherhoodBoutique.

IbelievethatjustcomingtoDeLaSalleisablessingbecauseitistrulyabrotherhood.Everyonearound meisheretobringmeupanditisniceknowingthatpeopleyoumaynotevenknowarehereforyou.

I’mblessedwiththeopportunitytogoonbandtrips.BandtripsthatarehundredsofdollarsandIcouldn’t affordifIwenttopublicschool.

AblessingIhaveoverlookedisthatIgotothisschoolandmostofmystuffispaidforandthatmy transportationispaidfor.

Myfootballuniforms,lunch.

23 GratitudeJournal

IthinkthebiggestblessingIhaveiscomingtoschoolhereandgettingfinancialandacademichelp.Itisa trueblessingtobehereatDeLaSallebecausenoteveryonecanbeherelikeme.

OneblessingthatIhavereallyoverlookedisthatmyeducationisthemostimportantthingIhavebesides Godandfamily.Alsoopportunity,becauseteachersarealwaysherewhichleadsyoutomanyopportunities.

Ihaveneverreallynoticedthesizeofmyseniorclass.Itisroughly200students,allofwhomIcancall brothers.Icanwalkaroundschoolandknowthenamesofallthestudentsinmyclass.Thesmallersizehas beenhelpfulincreatingrelationships.

ThefactthatIhavepeopleeverydaythatarewillingtohelpmeoutjusttosucceedinlife.

ThegradechecksbecauseMr.MacArthuralwaysopensmyeyesthatmygradesarethemostimportant thing.

Ilookpastthefactthatcominghereopensendlessdoorsformeinmyfuture.

TheblessingsI’veoverlookedarethefactthatIgettheopportunitytobeaSpartan.

Ihavepreviouslyoverlookedthecollegeassistancehelpandextrahelpoptionsteachersgivetostudents.

Overthepasttwoyears,Ihavenevertrulyunderstoodhowmuchtheschoolcaresforourwell-being.Not onlymentally,butalsohavingaguardoncampus.

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Day 5 Why are expressions of thanks so important?

Ifeelthattoexpressgratitudeforthosewhogivebackisessential.Aslongasdonorsknowthatthegifts theyaregivingareappreciatedtheywillcontinuetogivekidslikemeachancetobeapartofDeLaSalle.

It’simportanttoshowgratitudetothepeoplewhoaregivingyouagreatopportunity.

Expressionsofthanksaresoimportantbecauseitshowsthatpeoplearethankfulforwhattheyhavebeen given.Theyareimportantbecausetheycomefromtheheart.

Ithinkthanksaresoimportantbecauseitisasatisfyingrewardforgiving.Withoutthanksgiving,people wouldn’tbeasinclinedtogiveinthefirstplace.WheneverIgiveandreceiveathankyouitmakesthe givingexperiencesomuchmoreandmakesmewanttogivemore.

Expressionsofthanksareimportantbecauseitshowsyourgratitudeandappreciationforthatperson.Italso showshowunselfishyouareandthatyoureallycareaboutwhatyoureceived.

Expressionsofthanksareimportantbecauseitisonlyrighttoshowthanksandbehumbleforthischance.

Expressionsofthanksaresoimportantbecauseitmakesthepersonthatgavefeelappreciated.Itletsthem knowthatyoudon’ttaketheirgiftforgrantedanditmightcompelthemtogiveagain.

Expressionsofthanksareimportantbecauseitisessentialtoacknowledgethosewhogiveofthemselves eventhoughtheydon’thavetoandtorecognizetheirkindness.

Expressionsofthanksareimportantbecausethepeoplethatgivetootherswanttoknowthattheyare givingtotherightcause.PeoplewanttoknowthattheymoneytheydonatetotheBishopCummins Programisputtogooduseandnotbeingfrittered.

Becausejustanylittlethingyoudosuchassmile,canreallymakesomeone’sday.

25 GratitudeJournal

It’simportantsoyoucanshowthatyouactuallycareandthatyouaren’tungrateful.It’stoshowthedonors thatyouappreciatetheirblessingstous.

Expressionsofthanksareimportantbecausepeopleneedtoknowthatweappreciatethegiftsthatthey give.Wecanshowourthanksbygivingbacktoothersinneed.

They’reimportantbecausethesepeoplecareaboutus.Theyliketoknowwearegratefulanddoingthebest wecan.

Becauseexpressionsofthanksmeanthatyoureallyappreciatewhatthatpersonyouknowhasdonefor you.

Toexpressthanksisimportantbecauseitdemonstratestoapersonyouvaluethegooddeedsonehasdone foryou.

Expressionsofthanksarereallyimportantbecausewithouttheseexpressionswewouldfeellikeweare doingtheseactsfornoreason.

It’sasmallwayofgivingbacktothosethathavegivenyousomething.

Expressionsofthanksareimportantbecausewhetherbigorsmall,gettingathankyouwillalwaysfeel good.Especiallyforpeoplewhodothingsfromthekindnessoftheirhearts.

Expressionsofthanksaresoimportantbecauseitshowshowgratefulonecanbe.Itisalsotherightthing todowhenyouaregivensomething.Itletsthepersongivingknowthatyouarenottakingsomethingfor granted.

TheyareimportantformebecauseIneedtoknowthatmyfeelingsarespecialtome.Peoplewhoare gratefulformythanksorwhogivemethanks,Imustberespectfultothem.

Theyletothersknowtheamountofappreciation.

26 GratitudeJournal

Itallowsyoutothinkaboutallthethingsyoucouldhaveoverlookedandbetrulygratefulforthem.

Expressionsofthanksaresoimportant,becauseappreciationisoneofthegreatestgiftsthatonepersoncan sharewithanother.Communicationisthekeytoanyrelationship.

It’simportantbecausepeopleneedtoknowthattheiractionsarevaluediftheydomakeahugeorsmall impactinsomeone’slife.

Expressionsofthanksareimportantbecauseitshowsourdonorshowmuchitreallymeanstousandhow theyarechangingsomeone’slife.Itisimportantbecausewearefortunateenoughtobeinthissituationand wecouldn’tthankyouenough,

Withoutexpressionsofthanks,thepeoplewhogivewon’tbeabletoknowhowhappythey’vemadethe persontheygaveto.

Expressionsofthanksaresoimportantbecausewhenyougivethanks,youareacknowledgingandshowing gratitudetowardthepersonwhoishelping.Also,thatpersonwhohelpedmaywanttohelpagainbecause theyfeelproudandgreatforhelpingsomeone.

Ithinkthatexpressionsofthanksareimportantbecausethepersonsayingthanksrealizeshowmuchthey reallyhavetobethankfulforandthepersonreceivingthanksfeelsgoodtoknowthatsomeonetheyhelped trulythanksthemfortheirgenerosity.

Theexpressionsofthanksaresoimportantbecausetheytaketimeandmoneytogiveusagoodeducation soweneedtoletthemknowhowmuchwecareandhowmuchthanksweactuallyhaveforthepeoplethat makeitpossibleforustocomeheretoDeLaSalle.

Expressionsofthanksareimportantbecausewithoutthankyou’s,nofavorswillbedoneorrecognized.

Expressionofthanksareimportantbecauseitshowsappreciation.Itshowsthepersonthatwecareabout whatwereceive.

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IfeelitismyonlywayofconnectingtothoseIcan’tseeandwanttosharetheemotionandgratitudeof feelinglovedandcaredforasaDeLaSallestudent.SoIsaythankyoutoallforthewonderfulhelpyou provide.

Ibelieveexpressionsofthanksareimportantbecausewhensomeonegivessomuchexpectingnothingin returnandthentheydogetsomething,itexceedstheirexpectationsandnotonlyreassuresthemthatwhat they’redoingisright,butalsoletsthemknowthey’remakinganimpact.

Firstofall,it’sonlycommoncourtesyandtheleastofthingsyoucandowhensomeonedoessomethingfor youorsacrificessomethingforyou.Secondlyitencouragesotherstokeeponwiththegooddeeds.

Expressionsofthanksaresoimportantbecauseitisimportanttorecognizeandthankthosewhohavemade animpactinmyownlife.

ExpressionsofthanksareimportantbecauseIwantotherstoknowtheyareappreciated.WithoutthemI wouldn’thavethisopportunityandforthatIamgrateful.

Expressionsofthanksareawayofmakingpeoplethathavedonesomethingforyoufeelgood.Itis possibleandeveryoneisthebetterforit.

They’reimportantbecauseitmakespeopleseethatwearenotjusttakingthisforgrantedandthatweare thankfulforeverythingthey’redoing.

Becausetheyshowgratitudeand,itletspeopleknowthatyouknowyoucouldn’tdoitonyourown.

Expressingthanksisimportantbecauseithelpsustakeamomentandlookbackatallthewonderfulthings wehave.Orwhensomeonegivesyousomethingyoutellthemthanksbecauseyoureallyappreciatewhat thatpersondidanditmakesyoubothfeelgood.Italsojustshowsthatyoucare.

It’simportantbecauseifyoudon’tsaythankyoutosomeonetheywon’tdothesamethingnexttime,so youwon’tgetgoodthingsnexttime.

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Ihavealwaysbeentaughttosaythanks.Tosomeitisjustbeingpolite,butitmeanssomuchmorethan that.Sayingthanksexpressesgratitudeandrecognition.Itshowssomeoneyouaretrulyhappybecauseof them.Itbringssmilesandjoyintoourlives.

Eventhoughalotofthepeoplegivetous,withoutexpectinganythingfromit,ttisveryimportantto expressourappreciationofthem.Becauseinreality,alotofuswouldn’tbeatDeLaSallewithouttheir help.

Becausewithoutitpeoplewouldn’tknowhowmuchwecareaboutwhatwehave.Toshowpeoplewecare.

ToshowthattheseopportunitiesthatI’mgivendonotgooverlooked.Iwantdonorstorealizetheyhave madeadifference.

Theyareimportantbecauseitletsthedonorsknowyoureallycareaboutthemforpayingformyeducation.

Thanksareimportantbecauseitshowsyoucare.Itshowsyouappreciatewhatothersdoforyouandthat theirgenerositymatterstoyou.

Ibelievetheyareimportantbecausetheyareawaytoexpressourgratitudeandrespecttowardsthosewho helpus.

29 Gratitude Letters

30 GratitudeJournal

DearFriendsofDeLaSalle,

Iwouldjustliketotakethetimetothankyouforallthatyoudo.Tomeaswellasthepeoplearoundme, youaremakingadifferenceinmy/ourlife.Throughyourkindnessandgenerosityyouaregivingusthe opportunitytogetaneducationthatwillnotonlyhelpuswithcollegebutonethatwillprobablystickwith usandhelpusthroughouttherestofourlives.

"Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime."

Thequoteaboveisoneofmyfavorites,nottomentionthatitsummarizeswhatyouhavedonefor me,fedmeforalifetime.Isimplycan'tquitegetoverwhatahugeimpactyouhavemadeinmylife; especiallywhenasimplelookoverthefenceshowsmewhereIwouldbewithoutyourhelp.Notto demeananotherhighschool,butImustadmititishonortoattendDeLaSalle.HereIhavenotonly advancedasastudent,Ihaveadvancedasaperson.Mybrainisnottheonlypartofmethathasbeen strengthened.IwillonlyhavebeenattendingDeLaSallefortwoyearsattheendofthesemester,butthe shy,selfpitying;thickskulledkidwhowalkedintwosummersagoisalmostastrangertomenow. Thankyou,becauseyouhavegivenmethechancetogotoaschoolthathasbecomesuchabig partofmylife.Ihopeyouknowyouhavechangedmyownlifethroughthisgrandexperienceandthat amongmygoalsisnowthegoaltorepayyou.Repayyoubynotlettingyourgenerositybeinvain,repay youbyreachingmygoalsandthensome,repayyoubycontinuingthetraditionyouhavesetinmotion. YouhavegivenmethegifttobeabletobepartoftheDeLaSallecommunityandlikewiseIhopeyou knowthatIplanonreturningthatgiftandgivingbacktothecommunitywhichhasbecomesuchabigpart ofmylife.Thankyou,forgivingmeachance.

Sincerely, Eric

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DearFriendsofDeLaSalle,

GettingaDeLaSalleeducation,tome,meanssuccess.Beingabletolearnfromthewiderangeof dedicatedandskilledstaffhasgivenmethegiftofawellroundededucation.DeLaSallehasmademea knowledgeablepersonaswellasgivenmetoolsthatIcanapplytoeverydaylife.ThevaluesofFaith, Integrity,andScholarshiparedrilledintomyheadandappliedtomylifedaily. IfeelextremelygratefulknowingthatthereasonformyattendanceatDeLaSalleisinsomebody else'shands.Thefactthatsomebodyoutthereisdonatingtheirownhardearnedmoneyjusttosimplygive meendlessopportunityisveryappreciated.It’scrazytothinkthatwithoutthehelpofthedonorsIwouldn't gettoexperienceDeLaSalleandallithastoofferme. WhileI'mthankfulforeverymemberoftheDeLaSallestaffthatIhavecomeincontactwith, thereareafewthatIexceedinglyappreciate.I'mveryappreciativeofthestaffthatreachesouttoalumniso thatotherscanhaveopportunitylikeme.IammostthankfulfortheBishopCumminsProgramandits instructorthatkeepsmeontrackandhelpsmeachievehighacademicgoals.OftentimesIforgetthat people'smoneyishelpingtofundmyDeLaSalleexperience.WhenIremindmyselfofthat,mywork ethicimprovesasIdonotwanttowastepeople’stimeormoney.SometimesIdon'trealizehowluckyIam tobeapartofsuchaspirituallyandemotionallyconnectedcommunitythatishereintheDeLaSalle brotherhood. Ifeelthattoexpressgratitudeforthosewhogiveisessential.Aslongasdonorsknowthatthegifts beinggivenareappreciated,theywillcontinuetogivekidslikemeachancetobeapartofDeLaSalle. Thankstoallwhogivetotheschool,andgivekidslikemeanopportunitytoexperiencesomethingbigger thanourselves.Igiveyoumyhighestformofgratitude.

Sincerely, Kevan'te

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DearFriends,

IamJe'Vari.IamfromOakland,California.IamtrulyhappytobeapartofthebrotherhoodatDeLaSalle HighSchool.I'mthankfulthatyouaregivingmetheopportunitytoattendDeLaSalle.Iamhumbledfor alltheextracurricularactivitiesthatyouprovide,thingssuchas,dancetickets,footballandtrackuniforms, andtransportationtoandfromevents.Withoutthishelp,Icouldnothavethesegreatexperiences throughouthighschoolthatI'vehad. YourhelphasputmeinapositiontosucceedandnothavetostressaboutthingsIcan'tcontrol.I wasraisedinasingleparenthomeandstrugglefinanciallytogetby.BothmyMomandireallyappreciate thesupportyouhavegivenme.Youhavegiventheultimategiftwhichiseducation.TheeducationDeLa Salleprovidesformeispreparingmetobeascholarstudentathleteandbereadytotakeontherealworld confidentandreadytosucceed.Thiseducationmeanstomethatit'sagreatopportunitytogetaeducation thatmostkidsinmypositionwoulddietobein,alsotohavegreatmentorsuchasMr.MacArthurwhois alwaysontopofthingsandhelpsmeoutalottotrackmyprogresswithclassesandalsothemost importantheisourvoicetogetincontactwithyoutoshowourgratitude. AfterIgraduateDeLaSalle,Iplanonattendingcollegeandmajoringinkinesiologyand becomingatrainer.IrecentlyreceivedoffersbyOregonStateandCal,andItrulybelieveitwasbecauseof yougivingmetheopportunitytoattendhereandputtingmeinasituationtosucceedthatgotmethose offers.

Sincerely, Je'Vari

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DearFriends,

IamEricandIwasraisedinVacaville,CA.IwasraisedinasingleparenthomeandmyMomandIboth appreciatetheopportunitythatyouhavegivenme.ComingtoDeLaSalleHighSchoolwassomethingI alwaysonlyhopedfor,butwithyourgiftyoumadeitpossible.Yourassistancedoesnotgo unacknowledged.WhenIamridingtheBARThome,andwhenIgetmyluncheveryday,yourpresence anddifferenceisfelt. AttendingDeLaSalleHighSchoolisanexperiencethatispreparingmeinthebestpossibleway. WithouttheeducationyouhaveblessedmewithIwouldbeanotherstatisticwithoutagoal,withouta dream.IenjoythebrotherhoodthateveryoneatDeLaSalleisapartof,andIalsoenjoythefamilythatI havehere.TheDeLaSallecommunityhasbeentremendouslyinclusiveandkind.Thestaffhereisnotjust adultsdoingtheirjob,butitispeoplewhowanttohelpmeandbettermeforthelongrun. IcannotputintowordshowgratefulandthankfulIamtohavesomeonesupportingmeand allowingmetomakethebestoutofmylife.Thesewordsonlydemonstrateafractionofmygratitude.You havegivenmethegiftofeducationwhichhasnopricetagandopensunlimiteddoorsforme.

Sincerely, Eric

“A De La Salle education is something that can help me make a difference in the world.” 34 GratitudeJournal

DearFriends,

IamAntoineandIamfromBerkeley,California.IamtrulyhappytobeapartofthebrotherhoodatDeLa SalleHighSchool.I'mthankfulthatyouaregivingmetheopportunitytoattendDeLaSalleHighSchool. I'mhumbledbyalltheextracurricularactivitiesthatyouprovidingmesuchas:jerseysforfootballand track,dancetickets,andtransportationtoandfromevents.WithoutthishelpIdonotknowwhereIwould berightnow. TheeducationthatDeLaSalleprovidesishelpingmebethebestmanIcanbeandIwanttothank youforthat.Withoutyourassistance,Iwouldnotfeelpreparedtobeascholar,student,andathlete.Your helphasreallyputmeinabetterplacetosucceedinsportsandeducation.Alsothefinancialneedsyouare providingisreallyhelpingmealotbecausemyMomandDadaredivorcedandmyMomistheonlyone working,soI'mveryappreciativeforthesupportyouhaveprovidedme. It'sreallyagifttobeapartofthebrotherhoodandattendingthisschoolhasmademeamanof Faith,Integrity,andScholarship.SoagainI'mverythankfulforthisgoldenticketyouhavegivenme.

Sincerely, Antoine

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DearDonors,

ThereisnorealwaythatIcanexpresshowgratefulIamforhavingthechancetoattendDeLaSalle. Whengrowingupwithlittlemoney,youdon'texpecttobeabletogetahighqualityeducation.Imaynot bereligious,butIdobelievethatwhatwearebeingofferedisablessing.Iknowthatthedonationswe receivegotoourtuition,buttheBishopCumminsProgramgoesbeyondthat.Suchasprovidinguswith clothes,ticketstoschoolevents,andthechancetogotoaWarriorsgame. IplanongivingbacktothecommunitybecauseofwhatIhavebeenthroughinmylife.Atthe momentIwanttogetintolaw,butbecausethatisabroadideaIneedtofigureoutwhatexactlyIwantto professionin.Idon'tplanonbecomingadonoruntilIamfinanciallystable.Iwouldliketobeabletohelp outapersonwhodeservesachancetogetaheadinlifeonceI'manadult.Iwouldliketoreiteratethefact thatyounotonlygavemeachancetomakesomethingofmyself,buttoallofthosewhohavebeen,and willbe,intheprogram.Wemaynevermeet,orwemightneverhaveanin-depthconversation,butthisis mythankstoyou.

Sincerely, Elio

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DearFriend,

ThecountlessthingsthatDeLaSalleBishopCumminsProgramdoesformeissuchawonderfulblessing. ThroughoutmyfouryearsatDeLaSalle,theconstantloveandsupportthey’veshowedmeis indescribable.Fromthemanyschooldances,tothelifechangingKairosretreatIwasabletoexperience,is allduetotheloveandcompassionofsomeoneIdon'tevenknow.JustthesimplefactthatI'mevenableto behere,makesmeunderstandandappreciateeverythingIamblessedwithhereatDeLaSalle.Alsowith additionofmyyoungerbrothernowbeingadded,itallowsformybrothertoexperience,andreceivesome ofthesameblessingsthatIhaveduringmyfouryearshereatDeLaSalle. Thiswouldbeimpossibleifwasn'tfortheBishopCumminsProgram,beingthatmyMomisthe onlysourceofincomeinahouseholdwithfourboys.AddtothatalongcommutefromStocktoneveryday, andthatreallybuildsupalotofstress.I'mverythankfulthattheyhelprelieveherstressbyalwaysmaking sureI'montopofmyacademicsandhandlingbusinessintheclassroom.ThoselongnightsspentatDeLa Salledoinghomeworkwerehorrible,butinretrospectithelpedmegettotheplaceIamtoday.Lordknows whereIwouldbeifIdidn'tattendDeLaSalle.Sothankyou!!!!!

Sincerely, Tramar

“I look forward to getting up in the morning and going to school. I absolutely love this place. This education means the world to me.” 37 GratitudeJournal

DearFriends,

Iamreallythankfulforallthedonationsyou'vegiventomyfriendsandme.Youhavereallyhelpedout withmytuition,sports,andlunch.Withoutthethingsyoudonate,Iprobablywould'venevercometothis school.Ireallythankyoubecauseyoutaketimeoutofyourdaytodonatethings,whenyoudon'thaveto. ThegenerosityofyoudonoorsisamazingandyouhelpmakeascholarshipatDeLaSallepossibleforus. Icomefromnotaverywealthyfamily,andthedonationsmostimportantlyhelpmytuition.Asa kid,IalwayswantedtogotoDeLaSalleandyoumadeitpossibleforme.Thesportsandacademicsare amazinghereandImetgreatpeople.Igettocherishgreatmomentswithmyfriends,andthat'swhatbrings usclosertothebrotherhood.

Sincerely, Obasi

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DearFriends,

Firstoff,IwanttothankyouforgivingmethisopportunitytoattendDeLaSalle.Withoutyou,Iwouldn't behere.ThereasonwhyI'mthankingyouisbecauseaDeLaSalleeducationmeansalottome.I'mvery luckytohavethisopportunity,andI'mtryingtomakethemostofittothebestofmyabilities.Knowing thatmyDeLaSalleeducationisfundedbypeople,whodon'tknowme,butwanttoseemesucceedinmy lifeisaveryhumblingandamazingexperience.Thisexperiencealsohelpsmenottakemyblessingsfor grantedthatIreceive.Forexample,theWarriorsgameswegettoattend.WithouttheBishopCummins Program,IwouldbeathomewatchingthegameonmyTV.Iwasblessedwiththeopportunitytoattend thegameandithelpshowmehowtobegratefulfortheopportunitiesgiventome. I'mthankfulforthemanyindividualsthatworkatDeLaSalle,butIamespeciallygratefulforMr. MacArthur.I'mespeciallygratefulforMr.MacArthurbecausehehelpsmeachievemyfullpotentialinmy classesatDeLaSalle.Iknowthathehasmybestinterestsatheart,andwillputmeinpositionswhereI canbechallengedandsucceedinmytimeatDeLaSalle.WhenIgraduatefromDeLaSalle,I'mplanning togivebacksothatotherkidscanhavethechanceIgottohaveduringthetimeIwenthere.

Sincerely, Eric

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DearFriends,

ThethingIammostgratefulforhereatDeLaSalleistheopportunitytohaveaqualityeducation.The chancetogooutandtryreallyhardatschoolissuchagreatfeelingespeciallywhenIhaveagreatchance toshowoffmyskills.ItalsomakesmestrivetobeagreaterstudentthanIthoughtIcouldbe.Itwillalso helpmebecomeabetterbaseballplayerandabetterperson.Ilovethefeelingofsomeonealwayswanting tohelpme,andIamevenmoregratefulwhenit'sapersonIdon'tknow.Forsomeonetocomeoutoftheir wayandhelpmeisamazingformeandforthatpersonthathelped.IfIwereevertomeetthepersonthat helpedmeout,Iwouldgivethemafirmhandshakeandsaythankyou. WhatIplanonceIgetolderistotryandhelpstudentsgetaqualityeducation.Iwilltrymybestto donateandparticipateinactivitiesatDeLaSalleorothercharities.Iwilltrymyverybesttohelpthosein needandtopaybackformyeducationbythewayIlivemylife.IreallylikethefeelingIgetonceIhelp someone,andIloveitmorewhenIhearthemexpresstheirgratitude.Thefeelingisunexplainable,butit marksmeveryhappy.Lastly,IwouldliketosaythankyouforgivingmeanopportunityatDeLaSalle, andabetteroneatlife.

Sincerely, Colby “I am thankful beyond words knowing that people who don’t even know me would give so much just so I can come here.

I couldn’t imagine going to another school.” 40 GratitudeJournal

DearFriends,

Iamtrulythankfulforyou.Ifitweren'tforyou,myeducationatDeLaSallewouldhavenotbeen possible.Iamtrulythankfulforalltheclothesandshoesyouhavedonatedtous.Myfamilyisnot financiallywell,butyoumakeitthatmucheasier.Toknowthattherearestillpeopleouttherewhocare enoughtogivethosewhodreamofgainingeducationatDeLaSallepossible.Iamtrulyblessedand humbled,andalthoughIknowmostofyouhaveafamilyofyourown,youstillmanagethetimetodonate tous.Notonlyforschool,butfootballalso.MydreamwastoplayfootballatDeLaSalle,andbypaying formyeducationatDeLaSalle,youmademydreampossible.Iamalsothankfulforyoupayingformy footballequipment. Thankyoumyfriendsforeverything.Youareveryblessedpeople,andIamverygratefulIam blessedwithyouinmylife.ForGodcreatedusinyourimagetoloveandgiveratherthanreceivefromone another,andtoknowwhatyoudoforus,itreallyputsasmileonmyface.Toknowwhatyouhavedone,it reallyhasaffectedmeasaperson,andwhatIwanttodointhefuture.IwanttogivebackanddonatetoDe LaSalle’sBishopCumminsProgram,sothatkidslikemeinthefuturecanseehowspecialDeLaSalle educationis.

Sincerely, Boss

What is Gratitude to You

Gratitudetomeisbeingthankful forthefriendsandfamilyIhave. Gratitudetoherisbeinggivenasignofhopetoothers. Gratitudetohimisgivinganexpressionofkindness. Gratitudetothemishavingthepowerofthefreedomofspeech. WhatdoesGratitudemeantoyou?

-Miguel

41 GratitudeJournal

DearFriend,

ReceivinganeducationatDeLaSallecannotcomparetoanotherschool.ADeLaSalleeducationtome meansahealthybeginningtotherestofmylife.IlookataneducationatDeLaSalleasastablebuilding blockofsupportinmymissiontoasuccessfullife.TheeducationthatIreceiveisverymeaningfultome, andIamimmenselygratefultothosewhomakemyDeLaSalleeducationpossible.Knowingthatpeople donatetheirhardearnedmoneytogivemeanexcellenteducationnotonlymotivatesmetostriveinmy classes,butinfluencesmyknowledgeondonating.UnderstandinghowthemoneydonatedtoDeLaSalle isputtoagoodcausecanlaterinfluencehowIwilldonatemymoneyinthelateryearsofmylife.Withall thesedonationsandsupportthatisoutintotheBishopCumminsProgram,Ionlyhaveoneproblemwith thesystem.ThelackofcommunicationbetweenthestudentsoftheBishopCumminsProgramandthe donorsandpeoplethatmaketheprogrampossible.Ibelievethattheinteractionbetweenthedonorsandthe studentsisessentialtokeepingtheprogramalive.Studentsgivetheirthanksbywritinglettersand messages,butIbelievethattheactualphysicalinteractionbetweentwopeopleismoreempoweringthana letter. IntheBishopCumminsProgram,Mr.MacArthuristhemainpersonthatIinteractwithaboutthe program.Iseehimeveryschooldaytohelpmestayontrackwithmyschoolgradesandhelpmewithmy collegetranscript.Mr.MacArthurisoneofmanyofthehardworkersintheprogram,butheiswhoIam mostgratefulfor.Mr.MacArthurhashelpedmethroughmylaziness,anddepressingtimesinmyyearsat DeLaSalle.OneofthemainblessingsthatisgivenatDeLaSalleisthediverse,open-mindedcommunity ofpeoplethatIencounteronadailybasis.Havingthissenseofopenmindednessanddiversityina communityreallyhelpsmefeelcomfortableatDeLaSalle.IfeelcomfortableinasensethatIcanexpress myselfbythewayIdress,ortheclubsIjoin,andthefriendsImake.Icannotexpresstheamountof gratitudeIhavefortheBishopCumminsProgram.IamcontentwithmyeducationatDeLaSalle,and lookforwardtomynexttwoyearshere.

Sincerely, Isaiah

42 GratitudeJournal

DearFriend,

IwouldliketothankyouformakingitpossibleformetocometoDeLaSalle.Notalotofpeoplegetthe opportunitytoreceiveaDeLaSalleeducation.Iliketheeducationhere.Theteachersreallydocareabout myeducationandalwaystrytohelpmelearnandimprove.MyDadhastwojobsandmyMomworks nightshiftandwestillstruggletomakeenoughmoneytopayformyDeLaSalleeducationandmy brotherandsister'sprivateschooleducation.Myparentswerehavingahardtimegettingmoney,butwith yourhelp,itrelievesthestressthattheyhavetofaceeveryday. Knowingthattherearemanypeoplethatmakemyeducationpossible,helpsmenottakeblessings forgranted.Usually,Iwouldn'tbethankfulformenialthings,butI'velearnedtobegratefulforeverything becauseothersdon'thavetheluxuriesthatwehaveeveryday.They'repavingmywaytoasuccessfullife. WithouttheBishopCumminsProgram,Iwouldn'tbeabletoeataluncheveryday.Normally,I wouldbewatchingtheWarriorsplayathome,butnowIgettogotothegamesforfree.Expensivesports equipmentiscoveredbyourdonors.WhenIgrowolder,Iwillrememberallthepeoplethathavesupported mehereatDeLaSalle.I'llbedonatingtotheBishopCumminsScholarshipProgramtopayallthegood thatIhavereceivedforwardtofuturegenerationsthatwillbeinthesamepositionasme.

Sincerely, Ailan

“I feel blessed knowing that others have invested in me.

I will not waste this gift and I will never forget about the generosity of others.” 43 GratitudeJournal

DearFriend,

FirstoffIjustwanttothankyoufordonating!YouaregivingusthegreatopportunityofbeingDeLaSalle Spartans.Ifpeoplelikeyouwerenotabletodonatetous,thentherewouldbemanypeoplewithoutthis blessingbecauseofourfinancialsituations.Youhavemademylifeandmanyotherslivesbetterbecauseof thebondwehaveandtheeducationthatweareexperiencingatDeLaSalle. I'mgratefulthatI'mherebecauseIwouldhavehadtogotoMonteVistaHighSchool.Theteachers atthatschoolwouldnotbeascaringandasdedicatedtoteaching/tutoringstudentsbecausetherearetoo manystudentstohelpeverysingleone.I'vereallyenjoyedbeingatthisschool.FromwhatIhaveseenso far,aDeLaSalleeducationtomemeansthatIwillnotonlyhavebooksmarts,butalsowillbetaughtgood moralsandlifeknowledge. AtDeLaSalleIwouldsayI'mthankfulformyfriends,teachers,B-DOG[Mr.Bristol]counselors, andG-MAC[Mr.MacArthur].Theyallsupportmeinschoolworkandmotivatemetodowell.Ilikethe structureoftheschoolwiththingssuchashavingtowearacollaredshirt,nojeans/athleticclothes.The teacherthathasthemoststructure,butisstillfunny,ismyscienceteacherMr.DalPoggetto. WhenIthinkofwhypeopledonatetomeandothers,Ithinkthatyouwanttomakesomeoneelse's lifebetterbyopeningsomanymoredoorstothefutureandhelpingustobesuccessful,appreciativeyoung adults. Ijustwanttothankyouonelasttimeforhelpingusgetintothisschool.Youreallyareatrue blessing.

Sincerely, CJ

44 GratitudeJournal

DearFriend,

IamgratefulfortheopportunitytogotosuchagoodschoolasDeLaSalle.DeLaSalleisagood environmentformebecauseeveryoneinthecommunityissupportive.Manykidswishthattheycould havetheopportunitytogotoDeLaSalleHighSchool.Theopportunitywasmadeableformebecauseof yoursupportandcareformyfuture.WhatismostspecialtomeisthatIdonotevenhavearelationship withyouandyetyoustillbelieveinmyfuture. IntheDeLaSallecommunity,beingascholarisnottheonlythingthatisvalued.I'velearnedfrom myexperiencesatDeLaSallethatinthiscommunityyourcharacterisjustasimportant.Iamgratefulfor thisbecauseIknowitwillbenefitmeinmylife.Therearecertainindividualsthathelpmelearntobecome abetterpersonandstudent.IamthankfulforallofmyteachersatDeLaSallebecausetheygoaboveand beyondtohelpmelearn.Theyholdmeaccountableformymistakeshelpingmemature.Coachesand sportshasalsobeenahugefactorinmycharacterdevelopment.Iplayfootballandruntrackandbothhave helpedmepushbeyondwhatIthoughtwasmylimit,Ihaveexperiencedpushingmyselfpastmylimit.I havelearnedthatwhenIwantsomethingIhavetoworkhardforit. IamtrulythankfulforallthegiftsandopportunitiesyouhavegiventomeatDeLaSalle.Iam gratefulenoughtosayifIdidnotcometoDeLaSalle,Iwouldnotbethesameperson.Ifeelasthoughit ismyresponsibilitythatthetraditionofgivingkidslikemeachancecarrieson.Iamgoingtodothebest sothatIcansupportmyself,butmostimportantlygivebackmorethanwhatwasgiven.

Sincerely, Joey

45 GratitudeJournal

DearFriends,

IwouldliketothankeveryoneofyouforgivingmetheopportunitytogotoDeLaSalle.Goinghere meansalottomeandmyfamily.TomeitmeansIcanescapefromfinancialpovertybygoingtocollege andprovidingformyfamilynowandinthefuture.AnotherthingitmeanstomeisthatIcangivebackto thecommunityIcamefrombyhelpingoutlocalschoolsinmyarea,andputtingtheteachingsofgenerosity welearnheretogooduse.BothIandmyfamilyreallyneededeverythingyou'vegivenusandyouhaveall beenextremelygenerous. KnowingthattherearepeoplethatIdon'tevenknowwhocareaboutmyacademicsuccessandmy wellbeingmotivatesmetoworkharder.Iwouldn'twanttodisappointthosewhohaveputtheirfaithinme. Goinghere,therearesomanypeopleI'mthankfulforsuchasmyteachers,mycoaches,andMr. MacArthurwhopushmetothebestIcaninschoolworkandputmyacademicandathleticabilitiestothe test.ThereisnothingmoreIcouldhaveaskedofyouandIjustfeelobligatedtowritetoyouwonderful peopleforallyou'vedonefortheschool,theBishopCumminsProgram,andmeandmypeers,sothanks.

Sincerely, Zackary

46 GratitudeJournal

DearFriend,

AttendingDeLaSalleHighSchoolhasahighlevelofimportanceandmeaningtome.Simplyput,it meansopportunity.Itmeanshavingtheresourcesneededtoriseaboveanddistinguishingmefromtherest oftheHispanicteenagers.Itmeansbringingpridetomywholefamily.Itmeansbeingabletodresstheway Ilikewithouthavingtoworryaboutmyphysicalsafety,beingdiscriminatedagainst,andharassment. HereatDeLaSalle,theteachers,thepeopleinchargeofmakingtheDeLaSalleHighSchool BishopCumminsScholarshipProgramareality,thejanitors,thecafeteriapeople,thelibrarians,andthe coachesarewhatmakeDeLaSalleHighSchoolprominent,withtheaidofyou,thedonors.Besidesbeing astudenthereatDeLaSalle,Ihavebeenabletoreceivemanyblessingsbecauseofyournoblegenerosity suchascomplimentaryticketstoaWarriorsgame,aidwithclassrings,sportsuniforms,andclothing.I humblythankallofyouforyourmagnanimityandyoursupportofDeLaSalle.

Sincerely, Victor

47 GratitudeJournal

DearDonors,

MynameisAgustinandIamcurrentlyajuniorinhighschool.Iwanttotakethistimetofinallyrealize howmuchIhavetobegratefulfor,andalltheopportunitiesthathavebeengiventomebyattendingDeLa Salle.Iwouldhaveneverbeenabletoevenconsidercominghereifitwasn'tforyourgenerosity. EverythingthathashappenedtomefrommyveryfirstdayatDeLaSalle,tillrightnow,hasbeena blessing.IwishonedayI'mabletodothesameforanotherstudentbecausethefeelingmustbeincredible. Tomegratitudeandbeingthankfularesomeofthebestfeelingsintheworldbecauseitallowsme torealizethatItrulyhavesomuchtobegratefulfor;fromtheclothesIgetfromtheboutiquetothelunch I'mabletogeteveryday.Onethingthatstandsoutthemosthereisthepeople.Everyoneatthisschool trulycaresaboutoneanother.TheteachersandstaffaresomeofthebestpeopleIwillevermeet.Mr. MacArthurtrulycaresabouteveryindividualthatispartoftheprogramandittrulyshowsbecausethereis absolutelynoelseonthisentirecampusthatwouldbeabletodohisjob.AlthoughIhategoingtomy weeklymeetings,Iknowforafactthateverythinghemakesmedoandeverythinghesaystome,makes meabetterperson.IdoubtthatIwouldhavegottenthisfaratDeLaSalleifitwasn'tforMr.MacArthur. Sothankyoudonorsforgivingmealloftheseopportunities.

Sincerely, Agustin

“Here I have not only advanced as a student, I have advanced as a person.” 48 GratitudeJournal

DearFriend,

DuringmyfouryearsatDeLaSalleHighSchool,I'vecometolearnalotofdifferentthings.From personalexperiencestointerestingtopics,Iamthankfulforallofit.InmyfouryearsatDeLaSalle,Ifeel I'vegrownmorethesefewyearsthananyothertimeinmylifeandforthatIamgrateful.Iamgratefulfor theopportunitytoattendDeLaSalle,becauseifIhadn'tattendedDeLaSalleIwouldn'tbewhoIamand I'mhappywithwhoIam.I'vesurroundedmyselfwithpeoplewholoveandcareforme,allthankstothe donationsthatyougavetoschool.Iwouldn'tbewhereIamrightnowifitweren'tforyou. Youhavegivenmetheopportunitytogrowupinalovingenvironmentwhereeveryonesupports eachotherandyouhavehelpedmeputmyselfinapositionwhereIstrivetolearnandachieve.Youhave notonlyhelpedme,butalsomyfamily.Icomefromahomewheremymotheristheonlyonebringingin incomeformyoldersisterandme.IhavetrulyenjoyedthemomentsIhavespentwiththepeopleIhave metatDeLaSalle;thefaculty,teachersandstudentshaveallhelpedmegrowintothepersonIamnow andforthatIsaythankyouverymuchforyourloveandsupport.Iwishthatyoucontinuetohelpmy futureSpartanbrotherssotheymayexperiencethegratitudethatIfeeltowardsyou.Thanksagainforyour lifechangingdonations.

Sincerely, Mario

49 GratitudeJournal

DearFriend,

MynameisMarceloandIamaseniorhereatDeLaSalleHighSchool.Iamonthewrestlingteamand havebeenforallfouryearsattheschool.Icomefromasmallfamilythathasbeensplitup.Thatiswhythe helpyouhaveprovidedmyfamilyandmehasbeenphenomenal.WithoutyouIdonotknowwhereI wouldbe,butIdoknowthatIwouldnotbeabletoattendthisfineschool. HereatDeLaSalle,IamreallythankfulforthehelpoftheBishopsCumminsScholarship Program,especiallyMr.MacArthur.HehashelpedmesomuchthesepastfouryearsandIfeellikewithout him,IwouldbestrugglingtogetthroughhighschoolmorethanIshould.HetellsmewhenIneedtoshape up,andbasicallycorrectsmebeforeIhaveevenattemptedtomakeamistake.Heisthefaceofthe organizationbecauseheisalwaysseenbythekids,ifyouneedhelpheistheguyyougoto. AnotherreasonIamthankfulforattendingthisschoolisbecauseIjoinedthewrestlingteam. Withoutthatteam,IdonotknowifIwouldhavethesamehardworkingqualitiesasIdonow.Imetan awesomegroupofguysinthatprogramandthenmycoachisanotherhugefactorinmylife.Heistheone thatshapedmeintothededicatedworkerIamandalwayskeptmeinlinewithschoolalongwithwrestling. IamthankfulformyteachersbecausewhenIstruggleintheirclassestheyalwayssendemailsshowing wherehelpis,andevenwhenIamhard-headedtheyworkwithme,nomatterwhat. ThewayIplanonpayingitforwardistograduateandearnahigh-payingjobsoIcandonateto thisschool.IwanttobeabletogiveakidthesameexactopportunitiesasIwasgiven,becauseIfeel blessedtohavesomeonelookingoutforme.

Sincerely, Marcelo

50 GratitudeJournal

DearDonorsofDeLaSalle,

IwouldliketothankyousomuchforallyouhavedoneformeduringmytimehereatDeLaSalle. Withoutyourlovefilleddonations,IwouldneverhavecometoknowthebrotherhoodasIdotoday.IfI hadnotgonetoDeLaSalle,ImostlikelywouldhavegonetoYgnacioValleywhichyoumayormaynot know,isnotthebestschoolinthearea.Ihaveseveralfriendswhogothereandtheymakethemostofit, butithasnothingcomparedtowhatDeLaSallehastooffer.AsSpartans,weareprovidedwithsomany moreopportunitiesthananywhereelse,andthankstoyourgenerosity,Icantakepartinthisexperience. WhetheritismelaughingsohardthatIcryatajoke,ormyswimcoachtryingtoswimustothegrave,I loveeveryminuteIspendatthisschool.Thankyousoverymuchforyouraidandsupportofthisschool andeverythingitdoestohelpstudentswhogotoit.YouarethereasonIamproudtobeaSpartan.Ihope thatIcanusewhatIhavelearnedinmyshorttimehereintheworld.Godwilling,onedayIhopetojoin youasacontributortoDeLaSalle.Whoknows,Imightevengettoreadletterslikethisonesomedayand I'llrememberexactlywhatyouwillhaveallowedmetodo.

Sincerely, Vernon

51 GratitudeJournal

DearFriend,

ItgivesmegreatpleasureandhonortowritethisletterandexpresshowtrulygratefulandthankfulIamto thepeoplewhomakeitpossibleformetoattendDeLaSalleHighSchool.Withoutyourkind,generous donations,itwouldbeimpossibleformetohavethisexperience.IamthankfulforallofthefoodIhave beengivenoncountlessoccasions,theclothesIreceivedfromtheboutique,andallofthingsthatIdidnot havetopayforlikethesportspackages. Allofthegreatthingsthathavebeenpresentedtomethroughthisprogramhashelpedenhanceand enrichmyexperiencehereasastudentatDeLaSalle.Iwanttotakethistimetoextendahugethankyou topeoplelikeMr.MacArthur,Mrs.Pastorini,andallofthedonorswhotaketimeoutoftheirdaytohelp otherpeople.AsIthinkbacktomypublicschooldays,Irealizedthatnobodycaresfortheirstudentsas muchastheDeLaSallecommunity.Theyhaveagenuineloveforeverybody,andtheyalsowantothersto succeedandachievegreatthings. Asforthedonors,IameternallygratefulforthetreatmentIreceivedatDeLaSalle.Thankyou onceagainformakingmyexperienceaspecialone.

Sincerely, Meshech

52 GratitudeJournal

DearFriend,

Thankyou.Withoutallofthesupportthatyouhaveprovidedforme,thereisnowaythatIwouldhavethe opportunitytocometothisgreatschool.DeLaSallehasopenedavastnumberofdoorsforme,whichwill enablemetobreakthetrendofmypastgenerations.DeLaSalleeducationhasmadeitpossibleformeto reachmyfullestpotentialandmywildestaspirations.Theextentofallthehelpyouhaveprovidedforme hashumbledme,andIcouldn'tbemorethankfulforyourgenerosity. Myappreciationforyourunsdeepandhasledmetomanyrealities.Iamtrulyblessedtohave accesstosuchalovingcommunityofbrothersthroughyourcontribution.Youraidhasopenedthegateto thepathofsuccess."Iwillgotocollege"isthephraseIammostproudtosayatthispointinmylife.De LaSallehasmadethatdreamareality.Theresourcesavailableandtherigorofboththeacademicsand athleticshavehelpedtopreparemeforthemanychallengesthatIwillfaceinthefuture.

Sincerely, Atiba

“Without the education you have blessed me with, I would be another statistic without a goal, without a dream.” 53 GratitudeJournal

DearAwesomeDonors,

Hello,mynameisDamonandIamasophomoreatDeLaSalle.IwantyoutoknowthatIappreciate everydaythankstoyou.DeLaSallehastaughtmesomanylessons,firstbeinghowtobeamanandwhat characteristicsyouneedtodevelopinordertobesuccessfulinlife.Second,tojustenjoyschoolandbeing youngbecausealmosteveryadultIknowsays,''Enjoyitwhileyoucan!"RightnowI'mignoringit,but whenIgrowupI'llprobablymissit. Mylifegrowingupwaskindofrough,butyouwouldneverguessthatbecauseI'malwayshappy andsmiling.GrowingupIalwaysknewthatlife'stooprecioustobenegativeandsad,soIalwaysfindthe goodineverything.LivinginAntiochwastoughformefromthefactthatIwasbulliedallthrough elementaryschool.RightnowI'minPleasantonandit'salotbetter.IfIwasn'tabletogetintoDeLaSalleI wouldhavegonetoAmadororCal. Soifnotyourgenerousdonations,Iwouldn'thavebeenabletocometoDeLaSalle.SoIcan'ttell youhowmuchthankfulnessandjoyitbringstomethatIgotoDeLaSalle.AllmylifeI'vehadgoals:1st isgettingoutofAntioch;2ndtomakeitintoDeLaSalle;3rdtogetafullridescholarshiptoUCLA; finally,4thmakeitintotheNFLand/orbeacommercialrealestateagent.Iftheseallcometruethenmy happinesswillbeendless. WhenIgetolderI'mdefinitelybecomingasupporter/donorforDeLaSallejusttoshowhow thankfulIamandhowIcanchangeakid’slifejustbygivingwhatIcan,whetheritis$1,000or$20.By cominghereI'verealizedalltheprivilegesIhave,forexamplethefreelunches,homecomingticketsand footballuniforms,becauseofyou.YoumakeitpossibleformetodothethingsIlove.Soagainthankyou somuchandhopefullyI'llbeabletomeetwithyousoon.

Sincerely, Damon

54 GratitudeJournal

DearDeLaSalleFriends,

Iwanttostartoffbythankingyouforyourdonations.IamcurrentlyajuniorandmyexperienceatDeLa Sallewouldn'tbepossibleifitwasn'tforyou.ThankstoyouI'mreceivingagreatLasallianeducationand learningthetruevaluesofbeingaSpartan.DeLaSallehasopenedmanydoorsformeandgivenmethe opportunitytoexperiencesomethingdifferentyetspecial,somethingIwouldhaveneverbeenableto experienceifitwasn'tforyourgenerosity.Withoutyourdonations,Ialsowouldn'thavetheprivilegetodo manythingssuchasrepresentmyschoolbycompetinginsports.Besidesbeingabletocompeteinsoccer,I wouldn'thavebeenabletoparticipateintheJuniorRingCeremony.Inthefuture,Iwillalsobeableto attendabandtriptoWashingtonD.C.thatwouldn'thavebeenpossiblewithoutyourdonations.Itistrulya blessingtobeattendingsuchaprestigioushighschool.IknowthatallthefriendshipsIhavecreatedwillgo beyondmythreeyearsatDeLaSalle.Justknowingthatthereissomeonelikeyouwhocaresaboutmy educationandexperienceatDeLaSallemakesmegratefulandhappy.Itdrivesmetocontinuetowork hardeachandeverydaysoonedayItoocanbesuccessfulinlifeandgiveback.Ican'twaitfortherestof theyearandwhatithastooffer. Inthefuture,Ihopetobeaninfluentialpersonbygivingbacktotheschool,lettingstudentsfrom thefutureknowthatIwasonceintheirshoes.Iwantotherstoexperiencethebrotherhoodandtrulyvalue theireducation.Iwouldalsowantthemtoknowthatanythingispossibleifyouworkhardandgetagood education. Again,thankyousomuch.Igreatlyappreciateyourgenerosity.

Bestregards, Joshua

55 GratitudeJournal

DearFriends,

WhatIfeelinmyreflectiononDeLaSalleisthatIhaveagoodcounselorthatrespectsmeandothers.Not onlymycounselor,alsothattheclassesIaminaregoodforme.IreallylikethenewthingsthatIam learningatDeLaSalle.Whatgivesmegoodfeelingsaboutthisschoolisthatitmakesmegratefulthatthe DeLaSalleisaCatholicschoolandotherschoolsthataren'tCatholicschoolsaremuchharderandhave lesshelpforstudents.Oneoftheteachersattheschoolinmyfreshmanyearreallylikeswhatmytalents areandhowhardIwork.AllthatIknowisthatit’sgoingtogetharderandharderwhentheyearsare advancing. Ihaven'taccomplishedanythingsofaratDeLaSalleyet,it’sbecauseI'mjustpastthefirsthalfof firsttheschoolyear.WhatIlikeaboutthefirstsemesterwastheFatherandSonRetreatIwenttowithmy Dad.Allthestudentswhowenttherewerefreshmen.ThatwastheonethingwhatIlikedsofarinDeLa Salle.Alsotheenvironmentintheschoolisgreat.MostoftenIlikewhatmycounselordoestomakeour classhavefun.SometimesafterschoolheletsusgotoaWarriorsgame.Alsoourcounselorgivesoutlunch everydaysowedon'thavetobuythefoodattheHofmannCenter.Ifhecan'tgiveusfood,hegivesusa ticketsowecanpaythefoodinthecafeteria.

Yourstruly, Angelo

56 GratitudeJournal

DearDonor,

Iamwritingthislettertoexpressmysinceregratitudeforthecontributionsmadebydonorstoimprovemy life.Idoappreciatethemoneyspentformetohaveachancetobesuccessful.Donationsimprovemytime atDeLaSallebecauseIcanplaysportsandorderapackagewithoutworryingaboutcostsothatIfeel unifiedwithmyteam.Ihavedecidedtofocusonthepresentanddoeverythingtothebestofmyabilities. Mr.MacArthurrecommendedthatIstayafterschool.Areasonwasprocrastination;heprovidesthe strategiesforovercomingprocrastination.Idorealizethatfailureisapartofthelearningprocess.Therefore IamreallypleasedwithhishelpandwillcontinuetopracticethesuccessprinciplesandstrategiesIhave acquiredoverthecourseoftheschoolyear.Thecompletionofassignmentsdidgivemetimetoreflecton theimportanceandvalueofthesuccessprinciples.I'vebeenabletoenjoyhighschoolinadifferent perspectiveandprosperwithpeerswhoIseeasfriends.Iwouldliketothankyouforgivingmethis experience.

Sincerely, Timothy

DearFriend,

"ThankYou"doesnotexpresshowgratefulIamtobeattendingawonderfulschoolsuchasthisone.To wakeupeverymorning,andknowthatIamonmywaytoaplaceofhighereducationandendless opportunities,ispriceless.Iknow,withwhateverIendupbecominginlife,itwillbeadirectresultifthis program.WhenIamonmywaytobecomingsuccessfulIwillgivebackasmuchasIcan,hopingtoseea youngmanlikemeabletosucceed.EverydaythatIattendDeLaSalleHighSchoolisablessinginitself, butthechancesthataregivenaretherealmiraclebehinditall.

ThankYou, Adriano

57 GratitudeJournal

DearFriend,

MynameisMarquez.Iamin9thgradeatDeLaSalleHighSchool.Iamwritingthisletterforonereason. Iwanttosaythankstoyouforyourdonationtomyeducation.Iamsothankfulforyourdonationtomy life.Thisopenssomanydoorsforme.Youhaven'tonlychangedthelifeofmyfamily.Youinspiredmy familytoworkhardandtoneverstopuntilyougettosuccess.Thishaschangedmylifeinsomanyways; I'mstartingtogetsmartereachweek.IamdoingverywellinacademicsandIamdoingverygreatin footballprogram.Ireallythinkthisisanamazingschoolbecauseweallputpeopleaboveourselveswhen needed.Thisprogramchangeslivesforfamiliesofmanygenerations.Iappreciateyousomuch.Thankyou forchangingmineandmypeers’lives.

Sincerely, Marquez

58 GratitudeJournal

DearFriendofDeLaSalle,

Thankyouforallthetime,money,andeffortyouhavegivenmeandmanyotherstudentsatDeLaSalle.A DeLaSalleeducationtomeisanopportunityandIamveryfortunatethattherearepeoplelikeyoutohelp meout.Withoutyourgenerosity,Iwouldnothavebeenabletoattendthisschool.Itmeansalottomethat therearepeoplelikeyouthathavehopeforstudentslikemetobesuccessful.Idonotalwaysthinkabout howmuchIhavebeengiven,butlookingbackatitallIamverygrateful.Iamgratefulfortheseemingly littlethingsthathelpmegetbyeverydaylikebuspass,schoolsupplies,food,andclothes.Tosomepeople thesearelittlethings,buttometheyaffectmyacademiclifegreatly. Eventually,Iwanttobeabletogivethesameopportunitiesyouhavegivenmetothefuture generationsofstudents.Butforrightnow,Ihavetofocusonschool,andwiththetoolsyou'vegivenme,I needtoprepareandsetmyselfupforthefutureIwanttolive.AlongthewayIcandowhatyou'vedone butonasmallerscale.Hearingaboutdonorslikeyouisamotivationformetostrivetobeselfless.Iwould liketothankyouagainfortheopportunitiesyouhavegivenme,althoughIsometimesoverlookthem,I willnottakethethingsIhavebeengivenforgranted.Ihopeyoukeepdoingwhatyouaredoingbecause youhavedefinitelyinspiredmetowanttobeabletodothesameasyouhave.Iwilldomybesttomakean impactonatleastoneperson'slifelikeyouhaveonmine.

Sincerely, Oscar

59 GratitudeJournal

DearFriend,

Iwantyoutoknowthatallyouhavedoneistrulyablessingtomeandmyfamily.ThisDeLaSalle educationmeanstheworldtome,yourgenerosityisreallychangingmylife.Ifeelsupportedandloved knowinghowmuchyoucareaboutmeandmyeducation.IknowalotofkidsarenotasfortunateasIam tocometosuchasagoodschoolasDeLaSalle;thisschoolisablessingtomeandmyfamily.Iwantto thankyouforgivingmeachanceatagreatfutureaheadofmeandwhatistocomeatthisgreatschool. ThereareanumberofthingsyouhelpmeoutwiththatrelievethestressoffofmyMombeingasingle parent. IamasophomorehereatDeLaSalleandIplaybaseball.Youhavehelpedmeoutwithbaseball fees,luncheveryday,dancetickets,collegetripsandpossiblyachancetoplayDivision1baseball.My MombeingasingleparentwouldnotbeabletopayforanyoftheactivitiesatDeLaSalle,andIthank youtothemoonandbackforgivingmetheopportunitytoenjoyhighschool.IamblessedtocometoDe LaSalleandplaybaseballherebecausethecoacheshereareveryhelpfulingettingmeintoacollegeto playthesportIlove.IbelieveifIwerenottocometoDeLaSalle,Iwouldnotbegiventhelovingstaff, teachers,andcoachesthatDeLaSalleprovides.Icouldn'tthankyouenoughforyourgenerosity,and becauseofyourkindnessyouhavegivenmethechanceforagreatlifeahead.

Sincerely, Armani

“‘I will go to college’ is the phrase I am most proud to say at this point in my life.” 60 GratitudeJournal

DearFriendofDeLaSalle,

Hello,mynameisDrakeandIamajunior.Iwouldliketosincerelythankyouformakingmyeducation possible.Withoutyourhelp,IwouldnotbeabletoattendsuchafineschoolasDeLaSalle.Theeducation availabletomeatthisschoolisthebestaround.Icanfeeltheloveandattentionfrommyteachersevery day,andtheworkischallengingandrewarding. Theopportunitiesavailabletomethroughthisschool,includingcollegeplanningandfinancial assistance,areunheardofatmylocalpublicschool.Ifeelmorepreparedforcollegeandthework environmentthanmostofmyfriendswhohavenotbeenblessedwiththisopportunity,anditisallthanks toyou.Iwouldn'tbeabletoattendthisschool,tochallengemyselfandachievemyfullpotentialwithout youandyourgenerosity.Ithankyouagainfromthebottomofmyheart,andonedayIpledgetobethe sameherotoanotherchildinneedlikeyouhavebeenaherotome.Yourgiftofaneducationmeansso muchtome,andIpromisetoneverwasteitandmakesomethingoutofthisgift,tomaketheworldabetter place.

Sincerely, Drake

61 GratitudeJournal

DearDonor,

Iamthankfulbeyondwordsforwhatyouandotherdonorshavegivenformeandmanyotherstocometo thisschool.Therearemanythingsatthisschoolthathelpmegreatly,whichIwouldnotbeabletogetat otherschools.Here,Ihavemanyfriendswhoarecaringandkindtome,aswellasteachersandcounselors whoarealwayshappytohelpmewithwhateverImayneed,beitadviceforsituationsathomeor techniquestocompletemathproblems.Eventhingslikethefood,bothfromtheBishopCumminsProgram andfromthecafeteria,makemefeelgrateful.Toshowmythanksforyourdonations,Iwillworkhardto becomesuccessfulinmylifeandnotwastethisopportunityyouhavegivenme.EvenwhenIhavealotof worktodoandIfeellikegivingup,Ithinkofallthatthisschoolhasgivenme,andallyouhavegivenfor metogotothisschool,anditservesasmotivationtokeepmegoing. Iwillcontinuetoworkhardonmyeducation,andwhenIbecomesuccessfulinlife,Iwill rememberhowhappyyouraidhasmademeandmyfamilyinthepast,andIwill,withoutadoubt,provide thesamehelptootherkidsasyouhaveprovidedtome.AndIhopethatIwillbeabletoexperiencethejoy ofknowingthatIhelpedsomeonewithaDeLaSalleeducation,asIhopeyouwillfeeljoyreadingthis letter.IftherewasonethingIwouldregretaftergraduatingfromthisschool,itwouldbethatIcouldnotbe abletomeetandthankyouinperson.

Withgratitudebeyondwords, Ryan

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DearFriend,

IwanttotakethetimetothankyouforeverythingyouhavedoneformeandmySpartanBrothers.TheDe LaSalleBrotherhoodandeducationissomethingthatIwouldnotbeabletoexperiencewithoutyour generosity.MyappreciationforyourdonationsisbeyondbeliefbecauseIcouldnotimaginewhereIwould bewithoutDeLaSalle.Ihavebeenformedintoayoungmanwhoisappreciative,hardworking,and lovingbecauseofDeLaSalle. Everyonearoundmeisheretosupportmeandhelpmegrowintosomethingbiggerandbetter.The thingIappreciatemostaboutDeLaSalleistheconstantpushtodobetter.Ihadastrongtendencytobe lazyandnotcompletethingsIsaidIwould.DeLaSalleIbelieveandhopehaschangedthatforever.Ithas takentimetoregaintrustandfaithfromothers,butbecauseofDeLaSalle,Ihavelearnedtokeepmyword andothersarebeginningtohavefaithinme. TheteachersheretrulydoportraythetraitsofatrueLasallian.IhaveneverhadateacherthatI thoughtdoesn'tpassdownthesetraits.Welearnlotsofmaterial,taketestsandquizzes,andhave homeworkjustlikeallotherschools,butthatisnowherenearallthatDeLaSalledoesforme.Teachersare heretoteachmaterial,yes,buttheydoagreatjobatmakingyouatrueLasallianscholar.Icantrulysay thateverythingIhavelearnedherehashadapositiveimpactonmylife,andforthatIamgrateful.

Thankyou, Derek

63 GratitudeJournal

DearFriend,

MynameisLuis,Iam15yearsold,andIamcurrentlyasophomorehereatDeLaSalleHighSchool.I comefromaHispanicfamily,andattendingDeLaSalleisadreamcometrueformebecauseofthe opportunitiesIhave.ThereasonwhyIwantedtoattendthishighschoolisbecauseIknowthatgettingan educationfromherewillgivemeabetterchanceinlife.Mydreamistograduatefromhighschoolandbe thefirstpersoninmyfamilytoattendcollege.ItreallymakesmehappyknowingthatIcanachievethis goalbecauseofyouhelp. DeLaSallehasbeenwonderfulandithasbeenmadepossiblebywonderfulpeoplelikeyou. WhenIappliedtoDeLaSalleIdidn'tthinkIwouldbeattendingherebecauseofhowhighthetuitionis.It reallybummedmeoutknowingthatifIgotacceptedintotheschoolIwouldn'tbeabletoattenddueto financialproblems. WhenIgotmyacceptanceletterIwasextremelyhappyandcouldn'tbelieveit.Butitwasn’tjust that,IwasalsogoingtoschoolaspartoftheBishopCumminsProgram.WithouttheBishopCummins Program,Iwouldnotbeheretalkingaboutmyexperience.Idon'tthinkanyoneinBishopCummins Programcanexplainhowgratefulwearetohavehelpwithschool,food,clothes,andmuch,much,more.It reallyinspiresmetotryanddothataswell.IfIbecomesuccessful,Iwillgivebacktotheschoolaswell. It'sagreatthingtodobecauseitshowsusthatsomeoneouttherereallycaresaboutus.Ireallyappreciate whatI'vebeenhelpedwith.

ThankYouVeryMuch, Luis

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DearDonor/FamilyofDeLaSalle,

Hi,mynameisCristianandIamajunior.Iplayinthesoccerprogramandhaveplayedforthreeyearson theschoolteamandIamintheBishopCumminsProgram.Iwantedtosaythankyouforhelpingmeand manyofmybrothersforgivingustheopportunitytobeabletocometoDeLaSalle.Sinceattending DeLaSallealmost3yearsago,Ihavehadanamazingexperiencebeingapartofthebestschoolever. Untilthispointinmyhighschoolexperiencehere,IhavelearnedsomuchfrommyclassesandIhave beengratefulforalltheknowledgeIhavereceived.Ialsowanttosaythankyoubecauseofyour generosity,Ihavehadamazingteachersandcounselorsthathavehelpedmelearnmoreandmademea betterstudentandperson.IhavebeengratefulfortheeducationthatIhavereceived.Iamluckytohave hadtheteachersIdidbecauseIhavechangedmyviewsontheteachers,counselors,andpeoplearoundme. NowIseethemasblessingsbecausetheyhavebeenwithmetomakemeamanofFaith,Integrity,and Scholarship. NotonlyhaveIbeengratefulforyourdonationsthathaveallowedmetolearnmore,butalsoby donating,youhavegivenmethechancetogoontripsandhaveamemorableexperience.Ihavegottenthe chancetogooncollegetours,andtogames.Ihavevolunteeredandplayedsoccerinschoolthroughyour donations,IhavegoneontripstoseecollegessoIcangetanideaofwhatcollegesareliketoprepareme, sothatIcangotocollegeafterIgraduate,whichwillhappenbecauseofyourhelp.Also,Ihavegiven someofmytimehelpingoutpeopleandthecommunity,whichhadopenedmymindtokeepvolunteering. SincebeingonthesoccerteamhereatDeLaSalle,IhavehadthebestexperiencebecauseIhavemade friendsandmemories.Alloftheseexperienceshavetaughtmetobedisciplined,prepared,generous,and determined.Ithinkthattheseexperienceswillhelpmeinthefuture. NowIhaverealizedhowmuchofadifferenceyouhavemadeindonating,Ihavebeenthinking aboutdoingthesameasyouwhenIgraduateandbecomesuccessfulinthefuture.Iplanto''payit forward"bycontributingtotheBishopCumminsProgramthesamewayyouhavedonebecauseIthink thatIshouldalsogivetheopportunitytootherbrightandtalentedstudentsthesameopportunitiesthatI havesothattheycanbesuccessful.IalsoplanontryingtohelpothersinanywayIcan,ifitisnotby donatingmoney,Icandonatemytimetohelpothersinneed.Iwanttoendthisletterbysayingthankyou somuchforallowingmetocometoDeLaSalleandbecomethebestthatIcan.

Sincerely, Cristian

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DearFriend,

Thankyouforbeinggenerousenoughtodonatetowardmyeducation.Iknowthereareotherthingsyou coulddowithyourmoney,butyoudecidedtodonateyourhardearnedmoneysoakidlikemecould receiveagoodeducation,andearnascholarshipsomyparentswon'tfeeltheburdenofpayingtuition.The opportunitiesmadeavailableformeatDeLaSallewouldnothavebeenaccessibleatanyotherpublic school.Forexample,accesstoasafelearningenvironmentwherethepeoplearoundmearefocusedon school,andthesportthattheyplayisavaluedtraitofthisschoolthatIcherishdearly.Inmylife,Iam surroundedbypeoplewithhorridbackgroundswhichresultsinpoordecisionmaking.AtDeLaSalle,Ican thriveinacommunitythatcaresaboutmeaspersonandonlywantsmetosucceedintherightway.The peopleI'vemethereatDeLaSallearephenomenal;theypushmepastlimitsevenwhenIdon'tlikeit. Thanksagainforyourconsiderationandtheworkyou'veputinsoIcanbesuccessful.

Sincerely, Lawrence

“Donor generosity gives me the opportunity that is a De La Salle education.” 66 GratitudeJournal

DearFriend,

IamasophomoreatDeLaSalle,IjustwanttoletyouknowthatIrecognizeyouandknowthatIthink aboutthehelpyougivemeeveryday.ThankyoubecauseyouaremakingmycareeratDeLaSalle possibleformeandIknowyouarehelpingme.Thisisthebestthingthatcouldhavehappenedtomeso farbecauseIgetaneducationthatnoteveryonecanhave.Ihopeyouunderstandthegreatimpactyouhave onmylifebygivingmeallyoucantohelpmegetthroughhighschool. I'mverygratefulthatyoutaketimeandmoneyofyourowntohelpmegetthroughthebesthigh schooleducationforme.Myfamilywouldneverbeabletopayforthewholetuitionandalltheothercosts ofthingsthatmostpeoplewouldget;Iwouldmissoutonthelettermenjacket,juniorclassrings,orthe costofsportsuniforms.ThoseareallveryimportantforthefullDeLaSalleexperiencebesidestheschool work.AlsowhatIamgratefulforaretheprivilegesthatIgetthroughfinancialaidlikefreefood,helpon homework,andbasketballgames. IwanttothankyouamilliontimesagainandagainjusttoletyouknowhowgratefulIamthatyou arehelpingmegetthefullDeLaSalleexperience.Alsothankyouagainformakingitpossibleformeto affordtobehereandworkmyhardesttodowellandbecomewhatIwanttoinlife.

Sincerely, Zack

67 GratitudeJournal

DearFriend,

IamaDeLaSallesophomoreandwhenyoureadthisIwantyoutounderstandhowimportantyouareto meinmylife.Youmaynotunderstandthehugeimpactthatyouhaveonmylifeandmyschoolcareer. EverydayIwakeupeagertogotoschool,IconsiderDeLaSalleasasecondhome.Ifthingsarenotgoing wellathome,IfindDeLaSalleaplaceofrefugeandhaveafeelingofsecurity.Ifeellovedbyallthe teachersandpeersofthisschool. Ifitwasnotforyoursupportandhelp,Iwouldnotbehere.Iwouldhavenevergottento experiencethatfeelingofwhatthisschoolhastoofferandthatissimplydefinedinoneword:brotherhood. Beingapartofthisprogram,thepeoplewhoareinthisprogram,weareagroupwithinagroup,a subcultureifyouwill.Thebrotherhoodisaveryimportantfeelingtome,andthebondbetweenthepeople ofthisschoolreallysetsusapartfromanyotherschools. ThesupportyouhavegivenmeissomethingIthinkaboutallthetime.Ithinkthatifitwasn'tfor peoplelikeyou,IwouldneverhaveexperiencedthegreatbrotherhoodthatDeLaSallehastooffer.Iwant tosaythankyousomuchforhelpingmebetheyoungmanIamtoday.Iamtrulygratefulforyoursupport. ThankyouathousandtimesoverforgivingmetheopportunitytobecomeamanofFaith,Integrity,and Scholarship.

Sincerely, Nick

68 GratitudeJournal

DearDonor,

Idon'tknowwhoyouare,butIknowthatyouarethereasonthatIhaveaLasallianeducation.Iwouldlike totakeamomentofyourtimeandexpressmygratitude.First,thisinstitutionisunlikeanythingelse. Duringmytimeinmiddleschool,Iwouldgotoadifferentschooleveryyear.Ihadgottenusedtotheidea ofswitchingschoolsyearly.RarelyhaveIestablishedfriends,becauseIknewthatIwouldjustleavethem inayear.Andsincethen,Ikeptgoingfromoneplacetoanother,andIneverreallyhadaschooltoreferto wheneverIheardtheword"School".ButduringmytimeatDeLaSalle,Inowhaveaplacethatcomesto mind. Thisschoolhasofferedsomeofthebestthingsthathavechangedmylife.Ihavemetfriendshere thatIamproudtorefertoasfamily.IampartofanAnimeClubwherepeoplelikemedon'tgetmadefun offorlikingcertainthings.IjoinedtheJapaneseLanguageClubbecauseIwishtogotoJapanoneday. ThesearethingsthatIdon’tevenknowifthey'reofferedatotherplaces. Butallofthiswouldnotbepossibleifnotforyou.TheBishopCumminsProgramhasgivenme thechancetoexperiencethisschool.Buttheprogramwouldnotexistifitwerenotforyourgenerous donation.YourdonationhasgivenmeaschoolthatIfeelathomeat.Aplacefilledwithpeoplewiththe sameinterestsasme.IknowthatthereisnothingthatIcandotoevenbeginrepayingyouforallyouhave doneforme.ButifIcan'tpayitback,Iwillsomedaypayitforwardforanotherstudentwishingtoattend thisschool.ThisprogramhasgivenmesomuchsoIdon’thavetoworrytoomuch.Idon’thavetoworry ifI’llgettoeatsomethingatlunchtime.Idon’thavetoworryifIcanaffordmakeupfortheater.Idon’t havetoworryifIhaveenoughchangeforthebus.Allthesefinancialworriesweretakencareofbya programthatisfundedbyyou.Ihopethatonedaywecanmeet,shakehands,andIcanpersonallyexpress mythankfulness.

Sincerely, Raymond

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DearDeLaSalleFriend,

IwantedtotakeamomenttothankyouforallyoursupporttowardtheDeLaSallecommunity.Youhave helpedopensomanydoorsformeandgivenmetheopportunitytoexperiencesomething"different"and special,beingapartoftheDeLaSallecommunity,somethingIwouldhaveneverbeenabletoexperience andbeapartofhadn'titbeenforyourgenerosity!MyfamilyandIhavebeenextremelytouchedbyyour generosity,andyourconcernthatstudentsraisedinlowincomefamiliessuchasmyselfcanreachheights onlyimaginableindreams. BeingapartoftheDeLaSallecommunityhashelpedmematureinaplethoraofways.For example,myacademicdevelopmentwasespeciallychallengingformeatthebeginningofmyjourneyhere atDeLaSalle.Atpublicschooleverythingseemssoeasy,orsomyfriendsmakeitseem,everythingfrom homeworktoexams.AtDeLaSalle,Ihavelearnedthatschoolisnoteasyandshouldnotbeeasyifone wantstogetsomethingoutofit.Ihavelearnedtotakeschoolalotmoreseriouslyandgotheextramile, puttinginatonofextratimeoutsideofclassstudying/reviewingmaterialifIwishtopasstheclassatthe endofthesemester. IhavereallyenjoyedbeingapartoftheDeLaSallevarsitysoccerteam.Practicingallweek, gettingupearlyforSaturdaypractice,celebratingaftereveryvictory,attendingteamparties/dinners,etc. Thesoccerteamhashelpedmetobuildgenuinelystrongrelationships;relationshipswithteammatesthatI knowwillgofarbeyondmyfouryearsatDeLaSalle.Beingapartoftheteamhasalsotaughtmeavery valuableskillthatIknowwillcomeinextremelyhandyinthefuture.TheskillI'mtalkingaboutitistime management.Soccerisjustasdemandingasmyacademics.WhenIsignthepaperatthebeginningofthe season,IamcommittingmyselftotheteamThatcommitmentdoesnotmeanIcantrylessorneglectmy studies,sobeingapartoftheteamhastaughtmetomanagemytimebetweensoccerandschoolwhilestill givingthembothmy100%effortandattention. OnceagainIwanttothankyouforeverythingyouhavemadepossibleformeandtheothersinthe BishopCumminsProgramWithoutyoursupport,IwouldnotbethepersonIamtodayandthepersonI willbeinthefuture.ThankyouforgivingmetheopportunitytobecomeamemberoftheDeLaSalle communityandsoccerteam.

Sincerely, Cristian

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DearFriend,

DeLaSalleHighSchoolhasprovidedmeandmypeersintheBishopCumminsProgramwithmany opportunitiesandhasshapedmeintothemanIamtoday.ThroughoutmyfouryearsatDeLaSalle,Ihave beenblessedtoreceivealargeamountoffundinginmyeducationaswellasextracurricularactivities.I havebeenapartofalargenumberofclubsandsportswhileatDeLaSalle.DuringmytenureatDeLa Salle,IhavebeenapartoftheS.C.O.R.Eprogram,andLeadership,alongsideTrackandField.The generosityofallthedonorshasmadeitpossibleformetobeapartofalloftheseclubsandactivities.I havebeenblessedtoneverfeelexcludedfromanyactivitiesatDeLaSalleduetoyourgenerosity. IhavetakenadvantageoftheopportunitiesthatIhavebeengivenbyDeLaSalleandIwillbe forevergratefulforreceivingthoseopportunities.IwillbecontinuingmyeducationattheUniversityof Arizonanextyearasabusinessmajor,andIknowthatDeLaSallehaspreparedmetoprosperinacollege environment.YourgenerosityhasinspiredmetogivebacktoDeLaSalleonceIamabletodosobecause Iseethetremendousimpactithasmadeonmyownlife.

Sincerely, Joshua

71 GratitudeJournal

DearDonors,

GoingtoDeLaSallemeansmorethanyoucaneverknowandmuchmorethanIcanexpressinaletterso Iwouldliketothankyouforthisopportunity.ThatiswhatgoingtoDeLaSallemeanstome,an opportunityforgoingonbandtrips,participatinginsportsteams,gettingaqualityeducation,andbeingpart ofatruebrotherhoodthatyoucanfeeleverywhereyougoandwitheveryoneyoumeet.Donorgenerosity givesmetheopportunitythatisaDeLaSalleeducation. ThefactthattherearepeoplewhowillgivetheirtimeandresourcessothatIcangotoDeLaSalle fillsmewithgratitude.Iwouldliketothankmycoach,CoachDonzelliandMr.MacArthuraswell.I'm gratefultohavepeopleintheDeLaSallecommunitythatcareaboutme;itmakesthefeelingof brotherhoodreal.Idon'tknowwhereIwouldbewithoutthem.Itisunbelievablethattherearesomany peoplethatworksohardformeandallowmetoexperiencethisbrotherhood,andthatisanotherthingI'm gratefulfor.BeingapartoftheDeLaSallecommunityislifechanging,andallthankstoeveryonethat workstomakesureotherkidsandIcandothesamethingsmostkidscando. OnethingthatIhaveachancetodobecauseIamapartoftheDeLaSallecommunity,thanksto yourgenerosity,isgoingonbandtrips.ItisunbelievablethatIcangoonabandtripthatnormallyata publicschoolwouldcosthundredsofdollars,thankstothegenerosityofpeoplethatwantnothingfromme andwillprobablynevermeetmeinperson.TherearesomanyexperiencesandopportunitiesthatIhave hadbecauseofallthatyougiveme.Aletterfeelssoinsufficientasaformofthanksforeverythingyoudo forme,butIamtrulygratefulforeverythingthatyouallowmetodo.

YoursSincerely, Max

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DearFriend,

ADeLaSalleeducationmeansalottome.Oneofthethemeshereis“entertolearn,leavetoserve.”For methatmeanyoucomeintoDeLaSalletolearn,thenyouservetothepublicwhatyoulearned.Ifeel blessedtoknowthatthereareteachersbeforeandafterschooltohelpmelearnbetteranddobetterin school.Thegoodpartisthatwhiletheycouldgohomerightafterthebell,theycareformesotheystay late,theycomeearly,whichmakesmesothankful.Yes,Iwouldliketothankeveryonethatmakesmy educationpossible,fromteacher,tostaff,reallyeveryone.Becausenotthatmanypeoplegetthis opportunity,togetsuchagoodeducationforthismuch,sothankyoutoeveryone.Iwouldliketothank Mr.MacArthurandallthesponsorsthathelppayformetolearn. OneblessingthatIhavereallyoverlookedisthatmyeducationisseriousandneedstobethe numberonethingforme;otherstuffneedstocomeafteritbecauseit'ssoseriousthatIcan'ttakeitasa joke.It'ssuchagreatopportunitythatImustmakeagreateffortjusttokeepit.It'simportanttoshow thankfulnessbecauseifsomeoneoragroupofpeoplegoesoutoftheirwaytogivemeagift,Ishould showthemthatIamthankful.

Sincerely, John

“I want to be able to give the same opportunities you have given me to the future generations of students.” 73 GratitudeJournal

DearFriendofDeLaSalle:

MynameisHuan.IamasenioratDeLaSalleHighSchoolintheBishopCumminsScholarshipProgram. Iamanavidwaterpoloplayerandmyfavoritesubjectsaremathandscience.Iwouldliketostartoffby sayingthankyouforprovidingmeandstudentslikemetheopportunitytobeabletoattendDeLaSalle. DeLaSalle,forme,isthisamazingschoolfullofgreatteachersandfriendlystudents.Somemay seeDeLaSalleasanopportunityforsportsrecognitionorjustanotherfouryearsoflearning,butmy familyandIrealizetheimportanceofastrongeducationleadinguptocollege.Asasoon-to-be-first generationcollegestudent,ithasbeendifficultformetounderstandhowtheeducationalsystemworks.I amgratefulthatIhavebeengivenachancetolearnfromthegreatfacultyatDeLaSalle.Iknowthat everythingthatIhavelearnedhereIwillcarrythroughoutmylife. Notmanypeoplehavethisopportunitytoattendsuchaspecialschool.Ifeeltheenvironmenthere ismuchsaferandmoresuitableforlearning.MypastfouryearsatDeLaSallehavebeenawonderful adventure,andIwouldnottradewhatIhavehadforanyotherschool.IcantrulysaythatIamproudtobe aSpartanbecauseofyou.Iamextremelygratefulandthankfulforeverythingyouhavedone,fromthe foodIeattotheteachersIhave.Thankyoufortheeducation,thankyouforthefriendsIhavemade,thank youformentorsIhave,thankyouforsports,thankyouforthischance.Yourgenerositymeansmoretome thanyou'lleverknow.

Thankyouagain, Huan

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DearFriend,

MynameisJuiwanandIamajunioratDeLaSalleHighSchool.RightnowIamtakingatimeoutto showmyappreciationtoeveryonewhohasmademyDeLaSalleeducationpossible.Ihavelearnedso muchhereandamverythankfulforeverythingandeveryonewhohasbeenapartofthisjourney.Iwould liketothankallofthedonorswhomakeitpossibleforkidslikeme,andeveryoneelseintheBishop CumminsProgram,togotoaschoollikeDeLaSalle.It'sanexperiencethatmanydon'treceive,andonlya fewcanrelateto.IthankallthedonorsbecausewithoutyouguystheBishopCumminsProgramwouldnot exist,andIwouldnotbeatDeLaSalle. Thefactthattherearepeopleouttherethatwillpayforakids’educationwithoutknowingthemor expectinganythingfromthemisveryinspiring,andIcouldn'tsaythankyouenough.Iamtrulyblessedfor thisopportunityandthankfulthattherearepeopleouttherewillingtohelpme.IjusthopeonedayIcan payitforwardandhelpakidinneed,tomakehisorherfuturepossible,justlikeitwasdoneforme. BishopCumminsScholarscanallrelatetoeachothersomehow,butmostofallwecanrelatetothe blessingsthatwe'veencounteredatDeLaSalle.IjustwanttosaythankyoutoeveryonewhohasmadeDe LaSalleeducationpossible,andI'mnottakinganythingforgranted.

Sincerely, Juiwan

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DearFriend,

IamEfrenandIamasophomoreatDeLaSalle.Justsomethingaboutmyself;mymomalmostpassed awayofasepticbloodinfection,butshedidn’t.Mostofmysupportcamefromalltheteachersand studentsatDeLaSalleandthatwouldn'tbepossibleifyoudidn’tsupportme.Butmoreaboutme,Iplayed JVFootballanddidprettywellthisyearandIalsowrestledVarsitythisyear,andwent17-12andplacedat 3tournaments.IhavealsoappliedforSCOREformyjunioryear.IwanttobeaPsychologistlaterinlifeto helppeoplewhohavementalissuesandpeoplewhohaveproblemsorjustneedsomeonetotalkto.Iam verythankfulforthisopportunityyougavemetocometoDeLaSalle.ComingfromOakland,Iknewno oneandwaslookeddownupon,butIfeelcomingtoDeLaSalleIambreakingthestereotypesgivento kidsfromOakland.Thankyouverymuchforthis.

Sincerely, Efren

76 GratitudeJournal

DearDeLaSalleFriend,

Almostfouryearsago,IwasveryhappytolearnthatIwasarecipientoftheBishopCumminsScholarship Program.Iamwritingtothankyouforyourgenerous,financialsupporttowardsmyeducationbecause withoutyouthiswouldneverhavebeenpossibleforme.Yourgenerosityhasallowedmetoreceivethe bestpossibleeducationavailabletome,topreparemetofurthermyeducationandsuccessbygoingto college.Icannotexpresstoyouhowwonderfulthisgifthasbeenformyfamilyandme. IamcurrentlyasenioratDeLaSalle,whereIhavebeenpreparingmyselffortheworldaheadof me.AfterIgraduateIplanonattendingaCaliforniaStateUniversitywhereIwillcontinuemyeducationto onedaybecomeamechanicalengineer.Acareerthatwouldnothavebeenopentomeifithadnotbeenfor yourkindness.AfterIcompletemyeducation,Iwillbeeagertoinspireothersthewayyouhaveinspired metokeeponworkingashardasIcouldbecausehardworkdoespayback.Yourfinancialgenerosityhas allowedmetobeonestepclosertomygoalandhasinspiredmetohelpothersbygivingbacktothe community.IhopeonedayIwillbeabletohelpotherstudentsachievetheirgoaljustasyouhavehelped me.

Sincerely, Maurilio

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“De La Salle education means much more than knowledge that we obtain.

It gives us the love and support that is essential to achieving our fullest potential and our wildest aspirations.”

78 79 AbouttheSchoolSealSymbolismandMeaning

TheschoolsealisanimportantpartoftheidentityofDeLaSalleHighSchool.Thesymbolsusedto makeupthesealhaveparticularmeaningsthatreflectthevaluesandpurposeoftheschool. Inthecenterofthesealisthe Chi Rho (Kye Row). ThisistheGreekabbreviationofthetitle“Christ.” ThefirsttwolettersofthewordChristosor“Christ”are“Chi”and“Rho,”representedintheGreek alphabetasacapital“X”and“P.” The fleur-de-lis, with“lis”meaninglilyinFrench,remindsusofourFrenchorigins withSaintJohnBaptistdeLaSalle. The lamp isasymbolofknowledge,remindingusofourprimarypurposeasa school—education. Thesectionof broken chain representsfreedom—freedomfromignorance. The chain surroundingthesealsignifiesstrengthandunity. “Les Hommes de Foi” isFrenchfor“MenofFaith.” Theschoolwasfoundedin1965.

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DeLaSalleHighSchool

1130 WintonDrive • Concord,CA 94518 • (925)288-8100 • www.dlshs.org