By: Mona Speir, Current Parent and Board of Trustee Member // MDS Musings Blog
So, what is it like being a non-Catholic family in a Catholic school?
Making the decision to transfer from public to private school was a big step for our family. We were drawn to Mount de Sales because of its academic reputation; however, as non-Catholics we were a little worried about how our children would fit in. Of all the things to worry about, we quickly found out that this was the least of our concerns. Being a non-Catholic in a Catholic school actually has been beneficial for our children. They have grown in their own faith, while learning to be understanding of other students’ faiths.
Our daughter Caitlin (Class of 2013) began Mount de Sales in the 7th grade. Since she was a little girl, Caitlin had a passion for helping others. MDS nurtured her gift in a variety of ways while making sure she was well prepared for college. She read to elementary students at Alex II, helped with Special Olympics bowling tournaments, and raised funds for breast cancer research. Caitlin graduated magna cum laude from Georgia Southern University’s School of Nursing in May 2017. Currently, she works as a labor and delivery RN at Navicent Health, where she absolutely loves taking care of babies and new moms.
Mallory, our youngest, is currently a senior at MDS. A bit of an independent soul, she loves art and horses. Mallory’s painting of The Three Magi was selected as part of the artwork for last year’s Christmas Candlelight Carol program. She also competes as an equestrian three-phase eventer and works part time helping train young riders. Her self-reliant spirit has flourished while her educational foundation has been firmly established at MDS. In order to continue working with horses, Mallory plans to attend Middle Georgia State University in the fall of 2018. She will begin work with the Good Horseman Foundation to earn her teaching certification for both eventing (USEA) and dressage (USDF).
As much as the world tries to magnify differences within the Christian faith, Mount de Sales celebrates the diversity we have, while emphasizing the love of Christ that we all share. This has given our children a unique perspective and respect for those who are culturally, socially, ethnically, and religiously different. We truly feel that the culture created at Mount de Sales represents what it means to be a Christian. Love God with all of your heart and love others before yourself. Once you take care of those two things, everything else becomes a little less complicated. Our world needs more love, respect, and simplicity. We are thankful that Mount de Sales opens its doors to children, Catholic and non-Catholic alike.
For more information about the admission process at Mount de Sales Academy, please contact Ashley Griffin, director of admissions, at ashley.griffin@mountdesales.net, 478-751-3244, or visit our website.