2023 High School Summer Program: Meet the Prefects! (Part 2)

Although the 2023 New England High School Summer Program is under way, the California program doesn’t begin until Sunday. Until then, though, we would like to introduce you to the second round of California, prefects, following up on our earlier introductions:

Joining the ranks of the Summer Program prefects for the first time is Max Alvarez (’26). A Southern Californian by birth, Max had known about the College for most of his life, but it was the Summer Program in 2021 that transformed that knowledge into an active desire to attend. “I found that the Discussion Method was just right for me, as I like to take an active role in things,” he says. Alongside exposure to the College’s pedagogy, Max savored the spirit of Catholicism that suffuses the campus. “Frequent availability of the Sacraments is life-changing, as is the strong community of Catholic men who are always ready and eager to discuss their faith,” he says. Though energetic in discussion, Max’s energies are not confined to the classroom: He is also highly active on the athletic field, the stage, and the dance floor!

Rising junior Elena Diaz-Bonilla (’25) joins the Summer Program prefect team for the first time, as well. The third of 10 from Vienna, Virginia, she was happy to trek west because, “the Great Books program here is a real education,” she says. “The classes are incredibly foundational, the readings valuable, and the skills — of communication, analysis, debate — developed through this experience are priceless.” Elena is especially grateful that the College, more than merely honing her mind, strengthens her heart and soul, too. The community disposes students to become “true friends who challenge me to improve and develop myself,” and actively promotes a lifestyle that conduces to growing in faith. “I appreciate the easy access to the Sacraments, and I love the beauty I am constantly surrounded with,” she says. Elena is excited to introduce attendees to the riches of the College’s intellectual, social, and spiritual life next week!

“I grew up hearing about TAC from my parents and their friends but was never super interested in attending the College until I went to the Summer Program,” says Elena’s younger brother, Tomas Diaz-Bonilla (’26). Already fascinated by theology and philosophy, the Summer Program convinced Tomas that he was equally enthused by the College’s approach to these subjects. “I had the blessing of experiencing the classes and social life, and soon had TAC as my number one choice.” In addition to his longstanding love of the intellectual life, Tomas is an avid soccer fan. “I played academy-level soccer all through high school and am always down for a pick-up game in any sport,” he says. Look for him on the athletic field!

“I knew I wanted to study the Great Books in college at a Catholic school,” says Ellie Osmer (’25). But with the renaissance of Catholic liberal education in the last few decades, she had several choices — maybe too many! “It was very difficult for me to decide,” she recalls. Then Providence intervened. An admissions counselor from her top alternative helpfully distinguished her school’s focus on wonder from the College’s more analytical emphasis. “My goal in attending college was to be well-educated,” says Ellie. “I knew I was not lacking in wonder, but I definitely could stand to grow in my analytical-thinking skills!” Thanks to that clarification, she enrolled in 2022 and has not looked back. “The rigorous academics drew me in, but the natural beauty, perfect weather, gorgeous campus, and friendly atmosphere make life here such a dream!”

Josiah Savannah (’25) may be young, but he has already been many things: barista, homeless-shelter security guard, Wildland Firefighter in Alaska — and atheist. “I went to a Great Hearts high school, and I received a love for reading and discussing the Great Books,” he explains. That love for reading, however, eventually led him to question the Christian faith of his childhood. “I realized I didn’t have a reason to believe the things I did,” he says. But while he may have wandered from his faith, he never lost his passion for the Great Books, which soon drove him to the College — and ultimately into the arms of the Church. “A big part of what kept me going on the pursuit was seeing people committed to Christ,” he reflects. “People should never underestimate the impact they can have.”