The St. Thomas High School admissions department plays an important, yet often overlooked, role in the success of our school and the realization of its interests. Every Eagle experienced the admissions process all the way back in eighth grade when they were looking for a high school to call home.
However, many of us quickly become ignorant of the role of the admissions department after we are accepted and enrolled. We also generally fail to acknowledge or appreciate the intricacies of their work and its capacity to induce goodness, discipline and knowledge into young men throughout the greater Houston area.
Dr. Maxwell Holmes, director of admissions and communication, has worked in the St. Thomas admissions department for over eight years. He has a comprehensive idea of what he wants prospective students and families to learn about St. Thomas.
“[It is a process] that requires significant effort, careful planning, and foresight,” Holmes said. “It is not merely about selling a school; instead, it’s about helping families make informed decisions regarding the best fit for their sons.”
Dr. Holmes, and other admissions staff, aim to help prospective families and students be able to see themselves thrive at St. Thomas.
“We shape the school’s perception by helping families understand our mission and vision,” Holmes said. “It involves a lot of work, but guiding families through the admissions process is ultimately worth the effort”
Students and families remember this dedication from Holmes and the admissions staff. They remember their family tours, shadow visits, and eighth grade visits and how they immediately felt at home on campus.
“It changed my perspective” Charles Pedley ’25 said. “I quickly became excited about what my future could look like if I attended St. Thomas.”
The admissions department is also fueled by their love for the school, its culture, and its community. Their belief in the mission of St. Thomas manifests itself in the admissions process.
The admissions department believes that they can equip families with an understanding of the values of Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge and its possible impact on their lives.
“We share information with families about what GDK is and how we teach young men to become faith-filled lifelong learners,” Holmes said. “I enjoy telling families during tours or throughout the admissions process that we don’t expect every student to have prior experience with GDK. Instead, we look for students who can embrace the ideals of GDK whilst at St. Thomas.”
This passion for instilling the values of GDK on incoming students also contributes to the success of the school community as a whole. Admitting students who have the capacity to learn and apply these values creates a campus community that is rooted in the accepting and virtuous culture that the school strives to create.
The St. Thomas High School admissions department plays a crucial role in shaping both the school’s future and the lives of its students. Through their dedication and guidance, they ensure that each family finds the right fit, while inducing the values of Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge in future Eagles to make a lasting impact on both the school and its culture.
