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Alumni Spotlight: Kate Jarboe (Class of 2023)

St. James School Alum Excelling at Assumption High School

Recent SJS alumnae, Kate Jarboe, continues to build on the strong foundation SJS provided for her as she now excels at Assumption High School in Louisville. “SJS gave me a strong moral, spiritual, and academic foundation,” Kate said. “I wouldn’t be the person I am or have been able to accomplish what I have today without the dedicated teachers, welcoming school environment, targeted curriculum, and overwhelming support and kindness that St. James always provides to its students, both current and past.” 

One of Kate’s greatest achievements so far is becoming the first female Eagle Scout in her area. “I earned the rank of Eagle Scout in February, completing a project for the veterans’ organization, Active Heroes,” she explains. Her project involved mapping trails, clearing paths, and fundraising. Which ultimately resulted in the installation of a fully recyclable six-sided bench with accompanying plaques representing the six branches of the military, an unveiling event, a complimentary dinner for over 80 people to honor the military on Four Chaplains Day, and a flag retirement ceremony. Kate recalled, “it took hundreds of hours, and I’m proud of what we accomplished.” Kate also gives credit to SJS for instilling a love of philanthropy that began as a young student participating in service projects and community outreach.

At Assumption, Kate continues to be involved in a wide range of activities, from Quick Recall and Math League to the Future Business Leaders of America and varsity athletics. She’s also a Lead4Change grant writer, raising an additional $4,000 for Active Heroes. Her extensive involvement also includes being a member of the National Society of High School Scholars, a Triple Silver Palm Eagle Scout, and an Active Heroes Junior Board Member.

Reflecting on her time at SJS, Kate would like to offer this piece of advice to current St. James students: “Appreciate the blessing of a Catholic education. It’s an invaluable advantage both spiritually and academically. Make the most of your time here, participate in class, put your best effort forward, build good study habits, and join extracurriculars that align with your interests–St. James prepares you well for what’s next.”

St. James laid the foundation for her success, and with that, Kate feels ready to take on the future wherever she goes. But her time at SJS isn’t over just yet; Kate will be returning to speak at our community breakfast this year on November 19.