Senior Spotlight: Jacob Wilhelm

When he wasn’t swimming freestyle through the water or presiding over Chess Club meetings, recent HSP graduate Jacob Wilhelm was usually found serving others. As the vice president of the House of Lyons and the Pro-Life Apostolate, Jacob proved to be a considerate leader, dedicated to helping fellow students succeed. With his 16th and final year at HSP now at an end, Jacob shares about how his time at the school helped him realize the kind of man he wanted to be, and how he could best serve Christ in a career in the U.S. Navy.

Jacob, can you share about your time at HSP, and how it has impacted your life?

Jacob attends HSP in Elementary School

Attending Holy Spirit Preparatory School has been a fantastic experience – one that has significantly shaped the course of my life. Through the faithful examples of my teachers, I have learned how to be a Catholic man of virtue in a fallen world. Hearing the school motto, “Ministrare non Ministrari,” to serve, not to be served, repeatedly over the course of 16 years, I understand now more than ever that serving others is the most fulfilling thing one can do. This singular phrase has had such a significant impact on my life that I have a chosen to pursue a career that focuses on serving others; it is the reason why I will be joining the Navy rather than enrolling at a regular college.

“It has been such a gift to grow up at HSP, and while I will miss many of the people I have met here, I will always cherish the friendships that I have made.”

What extracurricular activities were you involved in at HSP?

In high school I ran track and cross country, and I was on the swim team. I was also the president of the Chess Club, the Saint Vincent De Paul Apostolate, and vice president of the House of Lyons and the Pro-Life Apostolate.

Jacob Wilhelm, Class of 2023

How has a classical education prepared you for life after graduation?

Unlike other educational institutions, which simply force students to memorize information in order to “succeed,” Holy Spirit Prep teaches students that there is more to life than personal success: helping those around you succeed is also rewarding. Having a classical, and specifically Catholic education has made me realize that our ultimate goal is to draw closer to Jesus, and to point those around us towards Him. With this in mind, we should explore every opportunity we are given in life and never take anything for granted.

Jacob participates in a swimming event

Looking back, is there any advice you would you give your high school freshman self?

If I were to give myself one piece of advice, I would tell myself to imagine the person I want to become in the future, and figure out what I need to accomplish to get there. Trust in God, and keep working hard.

Upon graduation, what are your plans for the future?

I will be attending the Naval Academy next year.

Congratulations HSP Class of 2023!

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