The education and fellowship our students receive at Saint James Elementary School stays with them throughout their lives. Our graduates go on to lead fulfilling, successful lives and we are so proud of who they become.

SJS Alumni Spotlight: Jai Garris

SJS alum Jai Garris is currently a freshman at Bellarmine University, a private Catholic college located in Louisville, Ky. She is majoring in exercise science and plans to pursue a career in physical therapy. 

Garris began her journey at SJS as a three-year-old in preschool and continued her SJS education through eighth grade. Her fondest memory of her time at the school is participating in tennis every year, starting in kindergarten.  

“Seeing our team accomplishments on banners hanging in the SJS gym makes me so proud to have been a part of the St. James Tennis Team over the years,” said Garris. “During my time at SJS, I had plenty of opportunities to grow as an athlete, but most importantly, to continue my Catholic education.”

After graduation from SJS in 2019, Garris played varsity tennis for Elizabethtown High School. Garris attributed her current opportunity to play Division I tennis at Bellarmine to her extensive athletic background as a student-athlete at SJS.

Garris said she’s most proud of the Catholic education and spiritual foundation she gained in her 10-plus years as an SJS student. She said she plans to carry that with her throughout her life, long after her tennis career is over. She is proud to be an alumni and forever grateful for her time at SJS. 

“My education at Saint James has helped me succeed because of the teachers, staff, and community,” said Garris. “Saint James has provided me with a positive environment that I will take with me through my college career.”

We are very proud of Jai and her accomplishments, and we are blessed to count her among our alumni! 

SJS Alumni Spotlight: Shawn Sarver

Shawn Sarver of Allentown, Pennsylvania has many vivid and fond memories of his early life as a student at Saint James Catholic School and as a young member of the Saint James Catholic Church congregation. As a student and member of the church, Sarver was there when the current Saint James Catholic Church building was constructed in 1971, and fondly remembers watching the beams for the structure go up as he made his way to church. In fact, his class was the first to receive first communion in the new church. He also remembers when he and his elementary school classmates moved their books and desks into the former Elizabethtown Catholic High School building after its closure in 1969. 

Though Sarver grew up during a time of transition for the school and church, he said the impact of Catholic education has been consistent and strong in his life. 

“It gave me such a solid foundation for life, both from the education it provided but also the high moral standards,” he said. 

Sarver attended SJS from first through sixth grade - from 1969 to 1976. A native of Elizabethtown, Sarver lived in the area until 1981, when he joined the U.S. Navy after graduating from East Hardin High School. He served in the Navy for nearly 30 years, retiring in 2010. 

Throughout his time in the Navy, Sarver reached the rank of Master Chief (E-9) and served in submarines, recruiting, helicopters, fighter jets and aircraft carriers. He was stationed in several areas of the world, including Sicily, Japan and Korea, and visited over 30 countries throughout his military career. 

Sarver now serves as Director of Facilities Operations at PPL Corporation, a major energy company that owns several subsidiaries, including LG&E and KU Energy. He has worked with the company since 2012. He said he plans to retire in the next few years and travel the Great Loop, a 6,000-mile stretch of North American waterways, on his boat, “The Holly Day.” 

Amid all the success he has achieved throughout his life, Sarver said his time at SJS and the lessons he learned were fundamental throughout. 

“It is one of the foundations of my life, both the school and the church,” he said. “That and my family provided me with the guiding principles that have made me successful in life.”

SJS Alumni Spotlight - Courtney Ballard

Through local murals, logo designs and other works, the art of Courtney Ballard is easily identified by those living in Elizabethtown. Ballard is a multidisciplinary artist and designer who creates her works and consults with clients in her downtown studio, Hip South. For Ballard, much of her passion for art started as a student at SJS, taking art class with her teacher, Mrs. Blair. 

“The art room at that time was located in the basement of the school, and I looked forward to packing up my supplies every week and walking down to work on something interesting and messy,” Ballard said. “She definitely made an impact on me and my love for the arts.”

Originally from Louisville, Ballard moved with her parents and three sisters to Elizabethtown when she was five years old. She attended SJS from kindergarten through seventh grade. Ballard said she looks back on her time at SJS fondly and remembers the simple joys of the time, from cookies in the cafeteria to researching in the library’s encyclopedias to the fun field trips she took.   

“My time at SJS was full of love, faith, and discipline,” she said. “I always felt supported and inspired as a student, encouraged to work and learn with honesty and kindness. The lessons and foundation of those years have left lasting impressions on me both personally and professionally.” 

After her time at SJS, Ballard went on to graduate from Elizabethtown High School and later earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Kentucky. Before opening Hip South, Ballard worked as a graphic artist, freelancer, and teacher. She has worked with a variety of clients and partners, such as Elizabethtown Tourism and Convention Bureau, Running Soles, The State Theater and more. 

Since her time attending SJS, Ballard has returned to the school on multiple occasions, both because her two sons attended the school and because she served as an art teacher. 

Ballard said throughout her life, her Catholic education has always served her well. 

“It created a strong foundation of hard work, compassion, faith, and integrity that I’ve had the pleasure of carrying with me throughout my life,” she said. “I cherish the values of living a life through service to others and loving all people with respect and compassion.”

SJS Alumni Spotlight - Sean Taylor

For Sean Taylor of Elizabethtown, studying at St. James Catholic School (SJS) proved to be a  formative experience that instilled in him a knack for leadership and achievement. Attending from first to sixth grade, Sean was an SJS student from 1976 to 1982. 

“SJS instilled a strong work ethic, discipline, and confidence that prepared me to become a productive citizen, leader, and a constant learner who continues self-reflection and remains inquisitive and curious,” he said. 

After attending SJS, Sean went on to graduate from East Hardin High School in 1988 and earned his Bachelor of Arts in English, Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration, and Masters in Health and Hospital Administration from Western Kentucky University.

After completing graduate school in 2000, Sean began working with the U.S. Army Military Intelligence, where he served for 22 years. Sean served the majority of his career in Europe, the former Asiatic-Pacific Theater, the Middle East and Southwest Asia. He retired from the military in 2022 as a Lieutenant Colonel. 

Sean is married to his college sweetheart, Rachel, and has three children, Jack, Henry and Meredith. 

Looking back, Sean said some of his fondest memories at SJS are of times spent in the classroom with religion teachers, Father Martin and Mr. Brown. 

“To this day, I hold and maintain the values of living a purposeful life grounded in service to others, following Christ and emulating his example, cherishing and sustaining the values of our faith and community, continuing to give and to love,” Sean said. “Father Martin and Mr. Brown provided me with the blueprint on how best to live and to enjoy life. My relationship with them served as my brightest childhood moments in elementary school.” 

Sean said being provided with a Catholic education at an early age was important to his life path. In fact, his children are also set to graduate from SJS. 

“I know SJS holds the same values I have: I am a product of it,” he said. “SJS, reinforced with the example Rachel and I set in our family, will put our children on the best path for life. There is not an equitable educational substitute within Hardin County or the surrounding area.”

SJS Alumni Spotlight - Abbey Wilkinson & Annie Wade

Sisters Annie and Abbey grew up in Elizabethtown in a close-knit family with two other sisters. Annie and Abbey attended Saint James Catholic School and graduated from Elizabethtown High School. Annie attended SJS from Pre - K through 5th grade, while Abbey attended from Pre- K through 7th grade.

After high school, Annie attended college at the University of Louisville, earning her BSN. She spent her first five years out of college as an RN in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Norton Children's Hospital. She is married to Christoper Wade, and they have three beautiful children, two of which now attend SJS. After having her third child, Annie became a stay-at-home mom and is currently working toward becoming an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).

Annie's education at SJS taught her focus, determination, drive, kindness, compassion, and empathy. She also learned from her time at SJS that people can strive for their goals by leaning on their community. 

"It is not a solo act to greatness, but a community-driven one," she said.

When asked what a Catholic education meant, her answer was “everything.”

"My husband often says, second to having me stay home with our children, Catholic school was the best decision,” she said. “Knowing my children have teachers who value my child as a whole gives me such peace."

After Abbey attended SJS, she went on to become a high school science teacher, teaching at John Hardin, Central Hardin, and a school in Huntsville, Al. She and her husband have three children who also attend SJS, and Abbey enjoys every minute of being a stay-at-home mom. During nap times, she runs a sewing blog, Dress Them Dearly, which teaches others to sew classic children's clothing. Sewing patterns are also sold on the website.  

Abbey says one of the most beneficial aspects of SJS is its dedication to having students run, participate in, and attend weekly Mass. 

“Not only are students fed spiritually, they learn the need to actively participate in the Mass to realize its fullest potential,” she said. “Through weekly Mass attendance, I learned the parts of the Mass, how to conquer any fears of public speaking/singing and the importance of discipline in faith.”

She also expressed that a Catholic education is a blessing. 

"My children will learn the importance of faith, education, discipline, and critical thinking in becoming a well-rounded member of society at large and the Catholic church," she said.

Annie and Abbey have many fond memories of their time at SJS and are thankful their children also have the opportunity to attend. And SJS is grateful for their servant’s heart and the time and effort they put into volunteering at the school.

SJS Alumni Spotlight - Brady

SJS Alumnus 2004-2012

Brady Crawford attended St. James Catholic School from kindergarten through eighth grade. He was part of the first graduating class when SJS moved to its new building in 2012. After SJS, Brady attended Elizabethtown High School and then went to college at Elizabethtown Community and Technical College, finishing his degree in Business Data Analytics at Western Kentucky University in 2020.

Brady is now a data and operations analyst with ARGI Financial Group and plans to go back to school to complete the requirements to become a certified financial planner. He and his wife Paige are currently building a house in Elizabethtown and are looking forward to settling down here. He enjoys being part of the local ARGI firm and being able to serve clients in Elizabethtown that he has grown up with over the years.

“My education at SJS didn’t just help me prepare academically for my future, but it helped me grow professionally and personally. The teachers and staff invested their time helping every student be the best they could be,” said Brady. “The best thing SJS always did was hold other students and me to a higher standard. It helped me and my classmates develop fantastic work ethics that helped us never settle and always strive to achieve more.”  

Growing up in the church and being able to include his faith with such an excellent education has meant the world to Brady. He said SJS will always hold a special place in his heart.   

“My faith has carried with me throughout my life, and my time at SJS helped that faith grow stronger,” he said.

SJS Alumni Spotlight - Mariah Davis

 SJS Alumnus 2000-2011

Mariah Davis was born and raised in Elizabethtown and attended St. James Catholic School from 2000-2011. After 8th grade, Mariah attended Elizabethtown High School, graduating in 2015. She is currently a self-employed Master Cosmetologist working at a salon based in Mount Washington, Kentucky.

“My time at St. James Catholic School molded me into the person that I am today, independent and confident in my abilities,” said Mariah. “The middle school years are some of the hardest years of your life, and being able to be around people that care for you and appreciate you is the most important.” 

During her time at St. James, Mariah had many uphill battles. While in elementary school, she was diagnosed multiple times with pneumonia and hospitalized. During the hospitalizations, her friends from St. James made and sent get-well cards to lift her spirits. 

During the summer before her 8th-grade year, her dad passed away. Not even a year later, and a day after her 8th-grade graduation from St. James Catholic School, she lost her grandfather. She had so many friends and teachers by her side throughout those hard times. They supported her not only physically and emotionally, but also spiritually. 

 “I would not have picked any other school for preschool, elementary school or middle school. Being able to say that I went to St. James Catholic School is such an honor. I will forever be grateful for the teachers and the friendships I formed while attending SJS.”

SJS Alumni Spotlight - Evan Knowles

Evan Knowles grew up in Elizabethtown with his parents Matt and Paula Knowles and his little sister, Anna. He was brought up in the St. James community and went to St. James Catholic School, starting Kindergarten in 2001 and graduating from 8th grade in 2010. He continued his high school education at St. Xavier in Louisville. 

"My parents and SJS set the foundation for who I am today. Having morality and ethics be a core part of my curriculum was very important and has helped me make good decisions throughout my life," said Evan. "The teachers really invested in me and my classmate's success and well-being." 

Since his freshman year of college, Evan has been an entrepreneur. He and some friends started a business in their dorm rooms. After his sophomore year, he dropped out of college to help build a company called Fooji. He also started investing in real estate in 2018. He loves business and finding new problems to solve with technology. Evan plans to continue working in the startup space and investing in real estate for the foreseeable future. 

Most recently, Evan and his business partners received a $100,000 investment award from Render Capital to help fund and grow their startup Symba. Symba is the real estate industry's only mobile-first customer relationship management (CRM) platform that allows real estate agents to close more business and provide better customer service.

Evan said that going to Catholic schools meant the standards were higher, challenging him academically. He found college to be easier because of the challenging nature of his Catholic school background.

"Everyone in the SJS community expected excellence from an academics and moral perspective, and I loved that. It shows in the community outside the school and church as well. Many of my friends from SJS are leaders in their companies or communities. That's not a coincidence." 

Evan said his time at SJS were some of the best years of his life. He is still very close with many of the friends he made there. The classes are small and extremely close, and he values the community SJS has built.  

While at SJS, Evan played basketball, soccer, ran cross country and participated in academic clubs, and his favorite was basketball.  

"We just had fun. Our basketball teams weren't very good, so we focused on having fun. A lot of memories were made during those years. Most athletes would be embarrassed or angry when a teammate scores on the wrong goal or hits the ceiling with the basketball on a three-point shot, but we just laughed." 

Evan's favorite teacher was Mrs. Wiseman, and he still enjoys seeing her in church when he is in town. 

"I had her twice, and she knew I was a little trouble maker. I always felt like she did a good job keeping me under control without being too harsh." 

To read more about Evan's grant visit:

https://render.capital/blog/announcing-the-eight-2021-render-competition-winners

https://www.cflouisville.org/six-louisville-startups-selected-for-21st-annual-vogt-awards

SJS Alumni Spotlight - Wheatley Family

We love hearing stories about SJS alumni from the same family. We've had husband and wife graduates, siblings that make attending SJS a family tradition and families with multiple generations of alumni. The Wheatly family is a second-generation alumnus.

Helen Wheatley

Helen has lived in Elizabethtown her entire life. She and her husband Chris have been married for 27 years and were married at St. James Catholic Church in 1994. Chris attended Catholic schools in Louisville (St. Helen's and Holy Cross). Helen graduated from St. James Catholic School in 1980 (when it only had grades 1-6). They have three kids who all graduated from SJS. 

Helen recently retired from Elizabethtown Independent Schools, where she taught high school English for 29 years. She firmly believes that her strong faith stems from her grade school education - where she attended Mass with her classmates twice a week. Learning to speak in front of the congregation at a young age gave her confidence. Currently, she feels lectoring for her parish is using the talent God gave her.

When she thinks back on her years at SJS, she remembers the pride felt when chosen to read the story of the Nativity on Christmas Eve. Helen's PawPaw had purchased a new Christmas outfit for her to wear during this special occasion, and she stood proudly reading the scripture to the congregation.  

Another memory that stands out to her surrounds the principal, Mr. Brown. He was also the religion teacher for fifth and sixth graders. Helen remembers Mr. Brown explaining there is NEVER a reason to rest when kneeling. He told students to look around at the older congregation members and notice the reverence the elders showed by kneeling upright. He said, "Never be lazy in prayer.” Even today, as Helen kneels, she always thinks about Mr. Brown's lesson and has tried to teach her children the same.

Christopher Wheatley, Jr.

Christopher lived in Elizabethtown until he graduated from Elizabethtown High School in 2016. He attended SJS from pre-school to the graduating class of 2012. 

Christopher begins graduate school in the fall at Penn State. He plans to earn his Ph.D. in Materials Science & Engineering and work in either the consumer goods or semiconductor industry. 

SJS ensured he was well prepared for high school, allowing him to succeed all four years at EHS. SJS was also instrumental in preparing him to earn scholarships and his undergraduate degree at the University of Kentucky. In addition to academics, the faith-born connections from SJS continued in college and helped reignite the passion he had for his faith. According to Christopher, it has never been stronger. 

In seventh grade, as the school was letting out, Christopher was heading out the door when his teacher Ms. Hernandez wished him a good rest of the day. Without thinking, he replied, “Thanks, Mom!” 

Christopher said he turned bright red when he realized what he said, but that moment represents how comfortable and close-knit the environment was at St. James. 

Mary Kate Wheatley

Mary Kate graduated from Elizabethtown High School in 2020. She attended SJS from 2005, starting preschool to graduation in 2016.  

Currently, she attends Marian University in Indianapolis. Her major is Biology Pre-med. She is involved in the San Damiano Program, a faith- and service-based community; College Mentors for Kids, an organization that provides mentors to students at Holy Angels Catholic School; Knights for Life, an organization dedicated to defending life; and is in the process of starting Leaders for Life, an organization that partners with Versiti Blood Center of Indiana to organize blood drives on campus.

Mary Kate's education at SJS has helped her be successful by encouraging strong organizational habits, using assignment books and weekly plans to help structure her time.  

When she thinks back on her time at SJS, she feels incredibly blessed to have been surrounded by teachers who challenged her in the classroom and supported her faith journey. Mary Kate also thinks of the many opportunities that a smaller school offers; one-on-one time with teachers, the flexibility to be involved in all of her various interests and close-knit friendships.

A fond memory of her time at SJS was her eighth-grade class trip to New York City. 

Lucas Wheatley

Lucas attended SJS from preschool through graduation in 2019. He is currently a junior at Elizabethtown High School, where he participates in the Golf and Bass Fishing teams. He also served as President of FBLA this past year and is active in 4-H. 

Lucas says his SJS education has helped him succeed by providing the skills and confidence needed for leadership. He has held a leadership position since joining 4-H in sixth grade. During his eighth-grade year, he ran for Governor of KYA, giving a speech in front of hundreds of people. He said SJS prepared him for these types of situations.

Lucas' favorite teacher was his fifth-grade science teacher, Mr. Todd. He provided labs where the students were able to experiment and test their hypotheses. Lucas also enjoyed completing a bug project in his class. He said Mr. Todd made learning fun and memorable.

SJS Alumni Spotlight - Matthew Keith Barnes

SJS Alumnus 2006-2017 

Matthew Barnes was born and raised in Elizabethtown, Ky., and attended SJS from 2006 to 2017. He is currently a senior at Elizabethtown High School (EHS), and in the fall, he will attend the University of Notre Dame, studying biochemistry.

“My education at SJS helped me succeed by instilling in me a sound work ethic and a solid spiritual foundation. The high expectations I encountered at SJS have stayed with me throughout high school,” said Matthew. “ I also developed my desire to give back to my community and help others while at SJS.”

Matthew is on the varsity swim and tennis team at EHS, and also swims competitively for the E-Town Dolphins Swim Team. He is vice-president of the Beta Club, and a member of the Y-Club, Hardin County Youth Leadership, Youth Salute, Health Careers Explorers Program, EHS Representative to the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Program, The National Society of High School Scholars, The Congress of Future Medical Leaders and the National Youth Leadership Forum. He is also an Eagle Scout with St. James Troop #303. 

He is involved in community service through the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Feeding America, Warm Blessings Soup Kitchen, The Salvation Army, The Lion's Club, The Angel Tree Program and St. James Church.

“The greatest gift I received during my time at SJS is the friendships I developed. The friends that I made in three-year-old preschool are still my best friends today.”

“One of my favorite memories at SJS was playing the role of Jesus in the Passion Play. Playing this part was the greatest honor. It culminated all of the years of religious education into one very humbling experience, one I will never forget."

SJS Alumni Spotlight - Elizabeth (Liz) Pawley

SJS Alumnus 1996-2005 

Liz Pawley was raised in Cecilia, Ky., and attended kindergarten through 8th grade at Saint James Catholic School. She graduated high school in 2005, going on to attend the University of Kentucky, where she earned her Bachelor's in Communication and Psychology. She continued her education at Florida State University, receiving her Master's and Educational Specialist degrees in Career Counseling.  

"I am currently a career counselor at the Lindner College of Business at the University of Cincinnati. I've worked in higher education for the past seven years and love teaching and advising college students," said Liz. "One of my favorite parts of my job is the opportunity to be involved with diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts on campus."

Liz said Saint James Catholic School instilled a sense of discipline within her that drives her to succeed. 

"The academic workload was both challenging and rewarding and prepared me for achieving my college degrees. In addition to an advanced curriculum, SJS taught me to practice kindness, compassion, and empathy towards everyone. These tenants were incorporated in our daily lessons, and they help me each day to be the best counselor, colleague, friend, daughter, partner, and human I can be." 

Saint James Catholic School builds strong relationships, and after nearly 20 years, some of Liz's closest friends are her classmates from her time at SJS. 

In 8th grade, Liz was diagnosed with bone cancer. The entire school and parish came together to support her and her family. 

"There were fundraisers held, quilts knitted, care packages sent, meals delivered. My classmates took turns carrying my books when I was on crutches. My teachers worked hard to make it possible for me to transition easily to home learning. I was so humbled and still look back with gratitude. The generosity extended from my SJS family stays with me and inspires me to give to others going through tough times."

"Although I can confirm I have not worn a blue or white polo shirt or khaki pants since, I have such fond memories of SJS and will always view it as a home."

SJS Alumni Spotlight - Paige and Matthew Nichols

For Paige and Matthew Nichols, Saint James Catholic School is a family affair. 
 
“We were both raised in Elizabethtown and grew up attending Saint James Catholic School and Church,” Paige said. 
 
They attended SJS from preschool through eighth grade, Paige from 1993-2004 and Matthew from 1996-2007. In addition, all of their siblings and some of their cousins attended the school, and they each have a brother currently in middle school. 
 
Because of that connection, it was important for the Nichols that their children attend as well. They have two daughters, Poppy Charlotte, age 3, and Rosalie, 5 months old. Poppy started preschool in August of this year.
 
“SJS instills faith, discipline and education – in that exact order – with the first two significantly outweighing the last,” they said.
 
Both Paige and Matthew credit the school with helping them succeed. 
 
“SJS education set us up to succeed by creating a foundation of strong work ethic, a clear sense of honesty and integrity, and surrounded us with a support structure that encouraged us to push our limits,” Paige said.
 
Paige currently teaches a Pre-K class at SJS and volunteers for church activities that involve teaching, in addition to taking care of her daughters. Matthew is in his last year of medical school at the University of Louisville, pursuing a career in ophthalmology. 
 
“I’m thankful for Sister Michael Marie and the discipline she instilled while I was a student at SJS. I appreciate that more now that I have two daughters and want them to have that same discipline while at school as well as at home,” Matthew said. 
 
“SJS has a very special place in my heart,” Paige said. “After my sister died in 2001, the school and Sister Michael Marie were a stronghold for me. That is the kind of love and support you get when you are part of such a close community.” 

SJS Alumni Spotlight - Laura Gilbert

SJS Alumnus 1990-93 

Not all children are blessed with a stable home life. This was the case, unfortunately, for Saint James Catholic School alum Laura Gilbert who needed the chance to just be a kid and to be shown love. She attended SJS for sixth through eighth grades as a non-Catholic student and made the decision in high school to join the Church.

“I still have fond memories of school dances, field trips, class projects and teachers,” Gilbert said. “With the backbone of the Catholic Church, Saint James gives kids the opportunity to be stewards.”

Gilbert lives in Bowling Green and has two sons, Gerrard, 11, and a 6-year-old nicknamed Flintrock. She is in the billboard and digital display business, as well as interior design. She credits her success to the individual attention she received at the school and from other SJS families.

“I’m proud to have gone to school there, and I have my own kids in Catholic school because of my time at Saint James,” she said.

SJS Alumni Spotlight - Joe Prather

SJS Alumnus 1953-1956 

At Saint James Catholic School, Joe Prather learned the values that served as a solid foundation throughout his life.

“My years at SJS were some of the very best of my life,” Prather said. “I’ve enjoyed reflecting back on the excellent teachers I had, the lifelong friends I made and the wonderful memories of my time there.”

Prather attend SJS from 1953 to 1956. An active member of Saint James Catholic Church, Prather is a retired banker, realtor and auctioneer; served as a Kentucky State Senator, Secretary of the Kentucky Finance and Administration Cabinet and Secretary of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet; and now serves as chairman of the Hardin Memorial Health Foundation Board of Directors and a  member, Elizabethtown-Hardin County Industrial Foundation Board of Directors.

Prather’s favorite teacher was Sr. Mary Miguel, Sister of Loretto, he said.

“I had a lot to learn going into my years at SJS,” he said. “She was always available after school and on Saturdays to work with me and offer me guidance.”

Prather is married to Jennie Brown Prather. They have five children and nine grandchildren.

SJS Alumni Spotlight - Jeff Lanz

SJS Alumnus 1975-1977 

Jeff Lanz, SJS alumni, said his education at the school gave him a strong inner belief in himself.

“I was amazed at how strong my education at SJS had been,” he said. “I felt much further along than the majority of the students in my classes.”

Lanz attended SJS for fifth and sixth grades, from 1975-77. He now works as manager of sales operations with Jack Henry & Associates (iPay); recently was instituted as an Acolyte with the Archdiocese of Louisville by Archbishop Kurtz; and serves as the Worship Chair for Saint James Parish.

“At SJS I made wonderful friends, had excellent teachers and learning experiences, and considerably strengthened my understanding and love for the Catholic faith,” Lanz said. “I will forever fondly remember my time there, and it has truly helped shape the individual I have become.”

SJS Alumni Spotlight - Angel Veza

SJS Alumnus 1994-2003

As a student, SJS Alumna Angel Veza considered the school to be a second home and second family.

“I truly enjoyed my time at SJS and look back on it fondly,” she said.

Today Angel, who lives in New York City, is involved in several ventures. She is business initiatives manager with ReFED (Rethink Food Waste through Economics and Data), a nonprofit solely dedicated to reducing food waste in the U.S. She also oversees procurement and purchasing at Manhatta Restaurant in New York City and is lead designer for a consulting firm, First Principle Group.

“My education at SJS helped me think critically and creatively and gave me a myriad of opportunities to explore my interests, all of which contributed to my successes,” Angel said. “I loved the wonderful relationships I built with my teachers and fellow classmates.”

SJS Alumni Spotlight - Lauren Hartlage

SJS Alumnus 2001-12

Saint James Catholic School alumna Lauren Hartlage credits her time at the school for her success in high school and college.

 “Through my education at SJS, I learned that to be successful you have to work hard and make no excuses,” she said. “My teachers always expected the best out of me and pushed me to reach my full potential. They also taught me to respect others, which has proven to be very important in my success in high school and college.” 

Born and raised in Elizabethtown, Hartlage attended SJS from 2001-2012. A finance student at the University of Louisville, she continues to make a name for herself as a member of the UofL golf team. At the end of 2018 she was ranked 59^th in the world and 22^nd among American golfers. Because of her talent as a golfer, she recently was given an invitation to play at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur Championship next month

“My Catholic education has had the biggest impact on who I have become today,” Hartlage said. “My time at SJS was some of the best years of my life. To me, SJS is family and somewhere I will always be able to come back and call home.”

SJS Alumni Spotlight - Carson Ching

SJS Alumnus 2010-17

 Carson Ching, a sophomore at Saint Xavier High School in Louisville, credits the high level academics at SJS for his success.

“They helped me earn high scores on standardized testing and the placement test for high school that allowed me to receive a merit scholarship,” Carson said.

Carson received national recognition with Duke TIP ACT and is a Xavier Scholar and academic scholarship recipient. He’s also involved in Junior Varsity and Varsity Academic Teams/Quick Recall, Math Team, Liturgical Music Ensemble, History Club and the Environmental Club at St. X.

“I greatly enjoyed my time at SJS for various reasons,” Carson said. “There was a good mix of both fun and serious learning that kept me engaged in my studies. I made many friends and was motivated and challenged to learn many interesting things in the classroom at SJS.”

Carson also credits SJS for giving him the confidence to pursue and achieve leadership roles – such as Speaker of the House at Kentucky Youth Assembly his freshman year of high school.

“SJS is a place where seeds of faith and knowledge were planted in me for many years to come,” he said. “The emphasis on faith and service enriched my understanding of the Catholic Church and showed me that success is not just measured in personal accomplishments but in how one helps others.”

Carson lives in Louisville with his parents, Robert and Mary Ching.

SJS Alumni Spotlight - Kristi Zoglmann Ditto

SJS Alumnus 1985-1994

Kristi was born and raised in Elizabethtown, as was her husband, Brent Ditto. They have two daughters, Kate (9, in 4th grade at SJS) and Avery (7, in 2nd grade at SJS).

 She works in the accounting department at the Limestone Bank in Louisville, substitutes at SJS, and is the children's liturgy of the word coordinator at St. James Church.

 “Attending SJS gave me a strong work ethic that I carried with me throughout high school, college, and my career. It also gave me a strong faith foundation and instilled in me the importance of giving back to my community.”

 Kristi has fond memories of her eighth grade class trip to Chicago, and the candle passing ceremony where eighth grade "passes the torch" to the next group of eighth graders.

 “SJS is family to me, and I wanted my children to have the chance to receive a great quality education, and so much more that the school offers.”