Another Alumni Success Story

Another Alumni Success Story

BY LAURA SPAULDING Staff Writer/Consultant

We are excited to share Patrick's journey from The Joy School Class of '21 to Strake Jesuit College Preparatory Class of '25, and now onto The University of Texas at Austin this coming fall. These stories of deep gratitude, forever friendship, and ongoing success in the lives of our former students never get old.

In fact, the most rewarding thing about being a part of The Joy School faculty and staff is the never-ending relationships forged with our students and their families. The most compelling evidence of the exponential difference The Joy School continues to have can be seen in the unfolding stories of our alumni. For the month of April, we are going to highlight a few grown-up graduates who have continued to thrive long after their time with us. 

Then, at the end of April, we are beyond excited to celebrate with all of our former students graduating from high school in the Class of 2025. We will have our very first Senior Walk, with over 40 former students being invited to parade around campus in their college colors.

Of course, the parade would not be complete without former TJS Class of '21 8th grader, Patrick Torning, who will be attending his first-choice school in the fall- The University of Texas at Austin.

 

 

Patrick, a current senior at Strake Jesuit College Preparatory, has achieved numerous accolades and taken on significant leadership roles since his time at The Joy School. These include the Principal’s Honor Roll for three consecutive years, National Honor Society, varsity lacrosse, leading the advisory council for freshmen orientation, organizing and leading freshmen retreats, and actively participating in various clubs such as the Strake Jesuit Business Partnership Program, Law Club, Finance Club, and the Athletes Taking Action club. Outside of school, he is part of the Houston Food Bank Student Heroes Program, where he leads and facilitates projects for regular volunteers.

Patrick came to TJS in elementary school and graduated 8th grade in 2021. He states of his time at The Joy School, “I am deeply grateful for the invaluable education I received at The Joy School. Academically, the school equipped me with effective study methods and instilled in me the importance of seeking help. It provided support and tools to address my dyslexia. Rather than viewing it as a weakness, my teachers helped me embrace it as a unique gift and taught me effective strategies to manage it. I feel truly blessed to have had teachers and classmates who genuinely cared for me and taught me about true friendship and embracing differences. Even today, I maintain strong connections with many classmates and staff members. Despite attending different schools, we still have annual meet-ups to catch up on each other’s lives with the whole class of 2021. I’m very grateful for the excellent preparation I received at The Joy School, which has made my transition to Strake Jesuit much smoother. Initially apprehensive about thriving in such a rigorous environment, thanks to the support of my teachers and friends, I’ve been able to flourish. The Joy School helped me address my struggles and turn them into opportunities.”

We can't wait to see Patrick, and so many other former students, at the Senior Class of 2025 Parade on April 21st, where we will simultaneously be celebrating their amazing accomplishments while inspiring our current students in their own journeys toward success. 

Partrick's mom sums up the sentiment we are hearing from all the families invited to this exciting event: "I am beyond thankful to you [Andrea Dorr, Transition Coordinator] for planning this event. Can you believe these kids are going to college? It’s the Joy School that assisted each of them to push forward!!!"

For more information on how The Joy School makes lifelong impacts on its students, parents, and teachers, sign up for a parent tour.