Summer Experiences throughout the Strake Community

Lighthouse Day Campers enjoying a field trip.

During the summer months, our classmates embark on life experiences that benefit both themselves and the community. Here are a couple of classmates’ experiences:

Ryan Mangin, a junior, spent his summer working at The Lighthouse of Houston. The Lighthouse of Houston is an education and service center for the visually impaired and blind. Ryan works in the Summer Camp program for the visually impaired youth. During the camp, Ryan accompanies the children on numerous field trips to places such as Kemah, Miller Outdoor Theater and others. Ryan also aids the children in learning values and skills that will help them in the future such as doing laundry or buying groceries.

Ryan shared with me his thoughts on his work, “Overall the experience has been a great one. Seeing the struggle some of the kids go through and the fact that they continue to persevere through it is incredible. I'm glad to go to work every day and spend time with these kids.”

Kevin Murphy, a senior, went alongside his Episcopal Church and various other Episcopal Churches in Texas to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. There he and others members worked with the groups Samaritan’s Purse and Sheds for Hope to repair houses and aiding food banks to help the victims of the tornadoes.

Kevin said, “As a devout Christian, it really inspired me to see all these people persevere despite the tragic events that took place nearly a year ago.”

Brandon Bain (center) poses with fellow St. Laurence members.

Brandon Bain, a junior, traveled with St. Laurence Catholic Church from Sugar Land, Texas to a Stuebenville Conference in Alexandria, Louisiana. A Stuebenville Conference is a gathering of young Catholics from all different parishes throughout the United States. The Conference is held all over the country, with over a dozen conferences each summer. Stuebenville had many speakers as well as adoration and mass every day of the conference. Brandon found the experience to rewarding to himself and his Catholic faith.

“Steubenville reminded me why I love my Catholic faith and I had a great time with all my friends that joined me,” said Brandon. I have spent my summer working at Illuminations Light Design as a warehouse assistant manager and delivery driver. It has been a great character building experience.