Jonathan and Deann Billing
"It Was More Than a School - It Became Part of Our Family" A Parent Story: Jonathan and Deann Billing
When we first enrolled our oldest son, Asahel, in preschool at St. Mary's Catholic School, we didn't know exactly what to expect. We weren't a Catholic family, but we were looking for a place where faith and values were part of everyday life - where our children could grow not only in knowledge but also in character and kindness.
From the very first day, we felt something different. The teachers knew every child by name. The classrooms were full of warmth and curiosity. Faith wasn't a subject on the schedule, it was woven into how people treated each other, how challenges were faced, and how gratitude was expressed. Asahel flourished, and when our younger son, Foster, began preschool, St. Mary's already felt like home. Over the years, we watched both of them grow - not just as students, but as people. They learned how to think deeply, serve others, and see their education as part of something meaningful. Foster continued all the way through middle school, and by the time he graduated, we realized how much we had grown too. St. Mary's didn't just shape our children - it shaped us as parents. The friendships we built, the values we witnessed daily, and the sense of belonging strengthened our family in ways we never expected.
One of the most beautiful parts of our experience was that, even though we weren't Catholic, we were always welcomed fully. St. Mary's celebrates faith as a living practice of compassion, respect, and purpose. It's about helping every child discover their own path and calling.
Today, as proud alumni parents, we still support St. Mary's because we've seen firsthand the difference it makes - not just for our family, but for the entire community. It's a place where children are known, loved, and guided to become their best selves.
"St. Mary's gave our sons an incredible foundation. It strengthened their character, deepened their kindness, and showed them that faith and learning go hand in hand."