b'Destinee Maringa greetsgroup providing a space for students to express PHOTO BY SID HASTINGSJulianne Goshe, the moderator their faith with like-minded peers.of LIFE and director of campus Definitely, said junior Ella Lewis, who joinedministry at St. Vincent-St. MaryHigh School in Akron, Ohio. LIFE in her first year of high school. Going througha rough patch at the time, she needed a place to go,relax and have a good, positive experience. So, sheemulated an upper-class friend, joined LIFE, andnever looked back. I found LIFE worked for me, she said.Now, she shares leadership with five classmates inthe student-centric program. Though adults such ascampus ministers and teachers moderate LIFE at theschools, they leave it to student leaders to plan andPrograms range from newcomer St. Vincent-St. Mary execute events and faith-sharing. (SVSM) High School in Akron, Ohio, to established There are Masses and opportunities for Sacraments,programs such as Archbishop Moeller High School as well as reflections for Thanksgiving, Advent/Christ-in Cincinnati and Saint Louis School in Honolulu.mas, and Lent/Easter. There is also a service componentBecoming a Marianist-sponsored school in 2017, as well as deep dives related to social justice, poverty,SVSM is the new kid on the block, so to speak, with and immigration. its small-but-rising LIFE program already laying claim All of it is led by students, teenagers who escape theto a success that would make Chaminade proudsnares of video games and smart phones for a faith-building a community, like the sodalities of old. based environment where they read the signs of theIn fact, the six student leaders of SVSMs LIFE times and address uncomfortable topics that may changeunanimously agree that the community aspect is the world. Duarte calls student-centric leadership andperhaps the programs biggest attribute, with the planning one of the beautiful things about LIFE.From left, Clare Rothkopf, EllaPHOTO BY SID HASTINGSLewis, Aislynn McVicker andAnnie Bame enjoy Marianisthospitality in the offiice of LIFEmoderator Julianne Goshe.16 Call 1.800.348.4732'