The Value of Community: An Alumni Reflection

Reunions, events that allow us to reunite by sharing memories about our common history, we are reminded of something deeper than nostalgia — the enduring value of community.

Community is more than a place or a group. It is a sense of belonging that shapes who we are. During your time at our Tuscarawas County Catholic Schools, you were more than students. You were teammates, classmates, confidants, and collaborators. You celebrated each other’s successes, helped each other through challenges, and formed bonds that time and distance could not erode.

Looking back, it becomes clear that it wasn’t just the lectures, the late-night study sessions, or the events that defined your experience — it was the people. It was the sense that you were a part of something bigger than yourselves, something that supported you, challenged you, and believed in your potential even when you doubted it.

Now, as alumni, we carry that sense of community into the world. We find ourselves in different cities, countries, and careers — but the thread remains. Whether we connect with fellow alumni in a new place, support current students through mentorship, or return for gatherings like the upcoming All Schools/All Years reunions, we are reminded that community doesn’t end at graduation. It evolves.

In a world that often feels fragmented and fast-moving, the communities we build and sustain are more important than ever. They ground us, remind us of where we’ve been, and inspire where we might go. Our alumni reunions are a celebration of that — not just of the past we shared, but of the ongoing relationships and collective strength we continue to cultivate.

May we never underestimate the power of connection. May we always find time to come back, to check in, and to give back. Because in the end, the most lasting legacy of any institution isn’t in its buildings or accolades, but in the community it nurtures — a community like this one.

God Bless our Tuscarawas County Catholic Alumni: Central Catholic, St. Mary’s, St. Joes.  

The Value of Alumni Giving Back

Alumni giving back takes many forms. It may be financial contributions, mentorship, career support, volunteering, or simply showing up and staying involved. Whatever the form, the impact is profound.

When alumni give, they bridge generations. Their support helps current and future students access opportunities, resources, and experiences they might not otherwise have. Scholarships, updated facilities, student organizations, and special programs often rely on the generosity of those who once walked the same halls. Every contribution, big or small, reinforces the idea that education is not a transaction, but a lifelong relationship.

Beyond tangible resources, alumni also give back through mentorship and guidance. By sharing experiences, offering advice, and opening professional doors, alumni become role models and support systems. This personal investment creates a powerful cycle of success, where each generation lifts the next.

Giving back also strengthens the sense of community. It’s a reminder that we are still connected — not just to a place, but to the people and values it represents. When alumni remain engaged, they help preserve traditions, foster pride, and keep the spirit of the institution alive.

Moreover, giving back is a way of saying thank you. It acknowledges the teachers, coaches, and staff who believed in us, the friends who stood by us, and the moments that changed our paths. It’s a recognition that we didn’t get here alone — and that we now have the chance to help someone else take their first steps forward.

In the end, it’s about continuing a story — one that began in the classrooms, in the gym, or on the field, and now lives on in boardrooms, classrooms, communities, and beyond.

Learn more about our upcoming All Schools/All Years reunion!

Learn more about how to Give Back.