High school is an ideal time for young people to embrace and celebrate faith, discover and develop new talents, and grow as servant leaders. An essential foundation of our students’ success is the deep sense of belonging and inclusive community at Christian Brothers High School. This place is their home. Teens become their best selves when they experience healthy community and support.
The Lasallian Student Life Office (LSLO) is the heartbeat of Christian Brothers High School’s student culture. We form students to lead our community in various activities and prayer experiences. LSLO creates opportunities for students to serve our Oak Park neighborhood, surrounding communities, and network establishments. The LSLO is dedicated to building and developing our school spirit and spirituality, all in concert with the Lasallian Catholic mission.
Please click on our sidebar to see all the beautiful opportunities the LSLO offers to make high school a meaningful experience!
Finding God in Denver
From June 23 to 28, four C.B. students and Dr. Jaldon had the privilege of attending the Lasallian Youth Assembly (L.Y.A.) in Denver. This significant event brought together students and adult moderators from various institutions, including De La Salle in Concord, Justin-Siena in Napa, La Salle Catholic College Prep in Milwaukie, Cathedral in El Paso, Mullen in Denver, Saint Mary in Berkeley, and St Michael in Santa Fe, showcasing the diverse and widespread impact of the L.Y.A.
The 20th Lasallian Youth Assembly (L.Y.A.) centered around a powerful theme from the scriptures. Jesus said, “In my Father’s house, there are many rooms. There is room for everyone.” This scripture set the tone for our experience and served as a guiding principle throughout the event. Our journey at the L.Y.A. focused on understanding and addressing the issue of houselessness in Denver. The term ‘houselessness’ was intentionally used to highlight the lack of a physical place to live, emphasizing the urgency and severity of the issue.
Jillian Lezama ’27 heard about L.Y.A. through Schoology. The presentation given by the Denver Rescue Mission moved Lezama. She met Herman, a recovered addict who sought help and wanted to be off the streets. Through the Denver Rescue Mission, he returned to school and strove toward his dream of working at the zoo after almost 20 years on the streets. Lezama said, “He showed us that to want better, you need to be better, and his resilience and hope in God led him to recover from S.U.D.” Herman’s testimony also moved Addison Laird ’26. She said, “Listening to Herman describe his old self and seeing how far he came inspired me. It showed me that recourses and proper treatment for homelessness are possible. Herman embodied resilience and motivated us to try our best to make a change.”
Paola Trujillo Rocha ’27 was deeply inspired by her transformative experience at L.Y.A. The event motivated her to see how many students and teachers across the country came together to discuss a particular issue. She enjoyed the service day, during which students did gardening work, rearranged clothes, cleaned communities, and made affordable furniture for those who needed it. Rocha said, “I hope other people, especially my age, can experience what L.Y.A. because it pushes you out of your comfort zones and opens your mind, thoughts, and ideas to adult issues while enjoying being a teenager, bonding with other teens.” Her experience is a testament to the transformative power of the L.Y.A., inspiring hope and change in all who participate.
Desiree Ntale ’26 was grateful for the experience, which widened her perspective on houselessness. She said, “Many people experiencing houselessness suffer constant anxiety about where they can get their next meal, where they are going to sleep, and constantly worrying if their belongings will get stolen. It also makes it very difficult when people refuse to acknowledge you as a human being and treat you horribly.”
Ntale enjoyed her visit to the Denver Art Museum. She came across the work entitled “History is Painted by the Victors.” The work portrays men relaxing by the lake and enjoying their lives. This painting summarized that most of history is told by those who have prospered greatly. The painting made Ntale think about those experiencing houselessness as misunderstood, lazy, and isolated by society. This artwork made her ponder, “Have you let unjust leaders place untrue stigmas of the homeless in your heart?” L.Y.A. was an incredible opportunity for Ntale as it helped form her worldview on this delicate issue, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding in our interactions with others.
The following quote summarizes the week: “The place God calls you is where your deep gladness and the world’s hunger meet.” Consider being part of L.Y.A. in the future! It is an excellent way to build community among our various Lasallian Schools and live out our principle of Concern for the Poor and Social Justice.
