Empowering Students Through Round Up: Building Life Skills for Success

Round Up at St. Thomas High School is a tradition that embodies service, brotherhood, and the Basilian charism, transforming students’ lives and the school community each year. Through Round Up, students raise money for scholarships and financial aid while learning the importance of service-minded action and soft skills.

From the beginning of Round Up, our students learn the significance of supporting one another, ensuring that every deserving student has the chance to be a part of a St. Thomas education. Their efforts also create opportunities for future 8th graders, whom they have not yet met, who aspire to join a supportive community that fosters faith-filled, lifelong learning.

During Round Up, our students gain invaluable opportunities to develop essential soft skills—interpersonal and emotional capabilities crucial for effective communication, collaboration, and adapting to various situations. Often called “people skills,” these abilities are vital for achieving success in professional environments, personal relationships, and community endeavors (Association for Middle Level Education [AMLE], n.d.).

Here are other areas where our students expand their personal growth during Round Up:

• Develop effective communication: By sharing the mission and vision of St. Thomas, they can explain why purchasing a quota for financial assistance is more significant in the long term than simply winning a prize (GiveSmart, 2020).

• Foster teamwork: Students exchange ideas and support each other in finding creative methods to encourage donors to buy, motivating each other to reach their individual, house, and school goals (Chipotle Community, 2020).

• Strengthen problem-solving: By thinking outside the box to connect with potential donors, whether through creative writing campaigns, personalized outreach, or innovative fundraising strategies, our students are using critical thinking skills to capture the attention of potential donors (Apex Leadership, 2020).

• Build time management skills: By balancing academics, athletics, and extracurricular activities with Round Up responsibilities, students become more capable of managing their time during busy periods in life (Morris, 2023).

• Grow leadership skills: During Roundup, students develop leadership skills by guiding their peers, inspiring teamwork, and creating a collaborative environment where everyone works together (Money Dolly, 2022).

• Develop resilience: In selling their Round Up tickets, it is likely that students will receive a few “no’s”. Throughout the selling period, they learn to accept feedback and move on to the next possible sale, understanding that each sale is an opportunity to grow (Boys & Girls Clubs of America, 2024).

Round Up connects current students with alumni, promoting meaningful interactions that celebrate the St. Thomas Brotherhood. Through these connections, students and alumni engage in meaningful discussions about their shared experiences, upholding a valued tradition. Alumni take pride and find fulfillment in witnessing students embrace the principles and skills learned at St. Thomas and through Round Up.

When alumni donate during Round Up, they highlight the significance of giving back and the impact of helping those in need. This culture of generosity is a crucial part of the St. Thomas experience, showing students the true value of helping others. These interactions create a meaningful and lasting impression on our students, reinforcing the enduring tradition of giving back. These experiences nurture a spirit of kindness and strengthen the St. Thomas community, ensuring that our legacy of excellence and collaboration continues to thrive.

This incredible effort during Round Up reflects the heart of St. Thomas High School—a community built on faith, service, and brotherhood. Our students’ dedication to supporting each other, future classmates, and the school’s mission ensures that the gift of a St. Thomas education remains accessible to all. Through these efforts, our students are becoming men of character, guided by faith and a commitment to goodness, and are equipping themselves with the skills to face the future with purpose.

We invite you to be part of this impactful tradition by learning more about Round Up and how you can support our mission. Your participation helps ensure that the values of faith, service, and brotherhood continue to thrive at St. Thomas High School. To learn more about Round Up or to purchase a raffle ticket, please visit our website or contact our Development Office. Every ticket purchased makes a difference, directly supporting our students and the future of our community. Join us in making an impact today!