Meaning Of A Knight

Knight is a word that makes many people think of medieval times and of brave knights in armor battling or being protectors of a king and his land. The word knight and the symbols it represents holds a different meaning that I hold very close and that certainly contributed to making me into who I am today. A Knight symbolizes a community of people that dates back to 1955 when St Francis de Sales High School was founded in Toledo, Ohio. The Knight is my alma mater’s symbol and it holds a special meaning to not only me, but everyone that has gone before me and the community that we live in. Walking into the main entrance of the high school will mean you are greeted by the symbol as the full suit of armor of a Knight stands, sword in hand, to
We spent one week providing service to people who needed support. The work included cleaning for people who physically couldn’t take care of their yards, working with underprivileged children, helping community groups distribute food and supplies to those in need and supporting community homes by helping paint and make general repairs. Spending time with peers and faculty, many of whom were alumni, in the service of others who have so little creates a bond that will last forever. The experience is humbling and it helps you understand the meaning of service to others and that you need to share the blessings you have with those who are in need and this service is core to being a Knight. Experiencing service to others was the point in time when the symbol of the Knight truly became important to me, and where I finally understood what everyone who had gone before me meant when they spoke about brotherhood, service and the relationships they shared with one another. Twenty five Knights attended the service retreat and we found this to be the pinnacle moment in our St. Francis experience, and we finally got to look back and recollect on how much we had grown in the previous three years. This growth was not just physical growth, it was academic, social and spiritual, and it contributed to
The start of my senior year marked a new era and change as a new president of the school was named and Father Rose stepped in to replace a living legacy, Father O, who had led the Knights for over 40 years. Father Rose came from the outside and with the new president came changes that were dropped on us seniors, who were accustomed to the older ways. New teachers, who didn't exactly know the traditions of the school and what we were about were hired, and he also implemented some new changes around the school with how the days were ran. These changes received mixed feelings from some alumni and students who didn't want to see change, but they were embraced by some alumni and students for making the school newer and improved. Knight of honor is an example of this change. The Knight of Honor is a recognition given to a couple of seniors each year and it tended to be pretty political. The new leadership did not think it was necessary and is moving to change the selection to remove politics, but in reality the change created more drama. These changes certainly show that the Knight culture is not perfect, but that it is striving to improve. It will be interesting to see how the changes play out in the years to come and where it will take the school. Despite the challenges we all share the common artifact of the Knight, I think one of the most unique things about our