2023 Catholic Schools Week

Friendships, faith and family have shaped a senior’s memorable education

As Nathan Julius looks back on his four years at Our Lady of Providence High School in Clarksville, one of his favorite memories is knowing that he and his sister Abby are both members of teams that won state championships. Nathan was part of the Providence baseball team that won a state championship in 2021, while Abby was part of the school’s girls’ volleyball team that became state champs in 2022. (Submitted photo)

By John Shaughnessy

The everyday joys stand out to Nathan Julius, like spending time with the core group of friends he has known since pre-school at Holy Family School in New Albany.

Then there are the special moments that the 18-year-old senior at Our Lady of Providence High School in Clarksville will never forget:

Being on the field when the school’s baseball team won a state championship in his sophomore year.

Being there when his sister Abby, a current sophomore, and her teammates won a state championship in volleyball this past fall.

He also talks enthusiastically about his parents and the teachers at both schools who have helped form him as a person of faith.

And the more that Nathan shares about his experience in Catholic education, the more it becomes clear just how meaningful it is to him.

“The teachers and the atmosphere here at Providence are very special,” says Nathan, a member of the National Honor Society and a student ambassador. “The coolest part for me is the friendships I’ve made here. I came in with a lot of friends from Holy Family, but I’ve met a lot of good friends from the other parishes.

“And it’s really cool to see how many people are invested in the school. There are so many people who show up at sporting events who support us.”

He also notes how his teachers at Holy Family still make a point of connecting with him and supporting him, too. Part of that support from both Holy Family and Providence has been helping him to grow in his faith.

“Both schools have benefitted my faith,” says Nathan, the son of Brian and Michelle Julius. “Just having a religion class regularly has taught me a lot about the history of my faith. And I like that Mass and confession are available here. It keeps me active in my faith.

“There’s always the reminder that God is always with me. That’s motivated me to stay in my faith.”

He’s looking forward to his last semester at Providence, including one more baseball season that he hopes will end with another state championship and the feeling he had when that game ended.

“All the excitement and emotion just raced through my body. It was an incredible experience.”

He has the same feeling about his years at Holy Family and Providence.

“They’ve been great. I can’t imagine myself anywhere else.” †