b'PHOTO BY JULIE WALLINGTHROUGH THE PROGRAM,STUDENTS CAN FIND ASENSE OF THEMSELVES ANDDEVELOP THE CHARACTER TOBECOME PILLARS OF LIGHTIN THE COMMUNITY.Andrew VillarrealPromoting excellence opens many different pathsto engage with individual students, according to Perryof St. Marys.It really isnt one thing, because different studentshave different needs, different personalities and dif-ferent ways of asking for what they needor some-times even not asking for what they need, he said.If they dont have the skills to ask, then its my roleto be their advocateto help them understand howadvocacy works, to teach them how to navigate thepower dynamics with a teacher or principal moreproductively.The bridges built during those high school yearshave extraordinary staying power. Marianist Brother Jamione Jones also found a similar strength through- Teacher Andrew Villarreal (left)Richard Thompson, the EXCEL director at Central out her time at Purcell Marian. The Marianists support discusses an algebra problemCatholic since 2007, remains in touch with most of program gave me a safe place in the school wherewith Chaminade Julienne fresh-man Knighton Ambrosius. the students whove graduated through the program. I could be comfortable around people, and a place weIts amazing the remarkable changes you see in could go for advice and help, she said, calling thethe students from one year to the next, he said. Its program, the best experience.all about confidenceand the self-discipline thats For his part, Purcell Marians Mosley feels blessedbuilding in them when someone encourages them to for having the chance to touch students lives throughdo better, to do their best. the program. He takes pride and satisfaction in seeingEven today, more than a decade after high school, the way his charges have stepped up to make a differ-Villarreal recognizes how Brother Thompsons men- ence at the schoolwhether its as volunteer prayertorship still blossoms in his life. After teaching grade leaders during all-school assemblies, or organizing theschool in San Antonio for several years immediately student bodys support for a local food pantry.after college, he now teaches at Marianist-sponsored Without having been a part of the EXCEL program,Chaminade Julienne High School in Dayton, Ohio. I dont think theyd take that initiative, he said.Villarreal credits his time at Central Catholic as giving Its truly a great opportunity for students to find theirhim the courage to spread his wings.voices, find out who they are and who they can be.Thats essentially why I moved here, he said, tosee how far I could fly without that safety net at home. John Schroeder is a writer from St. Louis.For more information about EXCEL, visit marianist.com/EXCEL.marianist.com/donate 17'