Students in Catholic schools benefit from challenging academics and a faith-based environment. They also are instilled with a strong focus on community service and leadership.
Nadiya Sieger is one example.
The 16-year-old junior at Marian Catholic High School in Tamaqua has started her own non-profit group to combat drug abuse, she is a karate black belt who teaches skills to younger students, she’s involved in Marian’s advocacy group for people with disabilities, and she was chosen to attend a national leadership conference.
“By being a leader, you can encourage people to their full potential,” she says. “It’s a way to set a good example. I believe in people and their ability to do good in the world.”
The former altar server and lector credits her mom for the inspiration to lead, along with her faith and her lifelong Catholic education.
Sieger’s long-term goal is to major in business at college, then study the law and become a corporate lawyer.
She has a short-term goal too: Her part-time job is at Leiby’s, a well-known Tamaqua ice cream parlor. “I am working my way through the flavors,” she says. “I want to try all of them.”
“Because We Are Catholic” tells the stories of how the people of the Diocese of Allentown make a difference in the lives of others, bringing the Light of Christ to each other and to our community.
