Catholic students excel at Provo's Freedom Academy

Intermountain Catholic

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Catholic students at Provo's Freedom Academy, a Charter School, excelled in virtually every academic subject and sport, as well as chess, coin collecting, music, and team Spanish. IC photo by Barbara S. Lee

PROVO – Laughter filled the halls at Provo’s Freedom Academy when the Intermountain Catholic visited the Charter School May 11. Teachers and students were dressed as princesses and action heroes as the school celebrated Spirit Week.

In one corner of the school’s library, Gregory Fauraot, 10, a fifth-grader; Sy Phomabouth, 9, a third-grader; James Critchlow, 7, first grade; Chris Mijares, 12, grade 6; and Graydon Szabo, 12, grade 6, were talking about their favorite classes this year.

"I did best in reading, math, spelling, English, history, and social studies," said Gregory, an outgoing student, who has played on the school basketball and football teams and went to the finals on the school’s soccer team.

Sy Phomabouth, a coin collector, ranked high in reading, math, social science, and history. "I like to play baseball and basketball," he said. Sy had to be coaxed to reveal the silver medal he wore on a blue ribbon was for excellence in gymnastics.

Young James Critchlow, sporting a Spiderman costume, said he did well this year in science and math, placed second in the school’s art contest, and enjoys running.

Chris Mijares, who also placed well in the school’s art contest, said he spends a lot of time in the School’s library. "I like social studies and science. I play baseball and soccer, but my favorite sport is snowboarding."

Graydon Szabo. A native of Hungary, got high marks in math and social studies, science, and art. He earned a writing recognition in the school’s Inspiration Project, but is most proud of the sweepstakes trophy he and four other students brought home from a Spanish competition at Brigham Young University. "Soccer is my life," he said. "But I also like basketball, ice hockey, chess, and volleyball."

As varied in interests as these young men are, they have their Catholic faith in common. Gregory, Sy, Chris, and Graydon are members of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Orem, and James and his family go to Mass at San Andres Parish, Payson. Their mothers, some of whom sat in on the interview, said the Freedom Academy, is a fitting school for their children, but they wish they had a Catholic school option.

"I know the subject of a Catholic school is a touchy one," said Monica Chritchlow, who has two children at the Freedom Academy, "but I would love to be able to send our children to a Catholic school."

When asked about his high grades in math, Graydon said he was born with the ability to do math. "Both my parents are mathematicians, and when your mother is your math teacher… well, you know how it is."

Chris said he loves the time he spends studying. Known at the parish and the school for his kindness, Chris said his parents have taught him to love everyone.

Sy is also blessed with a mathematically-inclined mother.

Even at his young age, James has taken his love for soccer and expanded it. "I just want to know what other sports I would like if I try them. I am good at sports, but I really do love art."

Art is not one of Gregory’s favorite school subjects. He expresses his artistic gift at the piano.

Graydon plays the violin, and while Chris doesn’t play an instrument yet, he said he’d like to play the drums.

James, too said there may be music in his future. He enjoys playing a toy guitar, and looks forward to growing into an electric guitar.

Sy has tried playing the piano, "but it didn’t hold my interest," he said. He’s thinking a guitar might more appropriate for him.

The five Academy students have good things to say about their parishes and the religious education programs there.

"I like listening to the stories of the history of the church," said Sy. "I made my First Communion last year, and it was really cool."

Gregory particularly likes St. Francis of Assisi Parish Pastor Mike Sciumbato’s homilies, "and I like to listen to the reading of the Gospels."

For Graydon, listening to the Gospels and the other readings at Mass, "remind me to offer myself up to God."

Chris will be making his First Communion soon, and said he hopes it will break him of the habit of dropping off to sleep during Mass.

"Sunday school is fun," said James.

Although none of our outstanding Freedom Academy students participate in the Mass as altar servers or light bearers in their parishes, all agree it’s something they might think about.

Editor’s note: Monica Critchlow would like to plan a summer party for all Catholic Freedom Academy students and their parents. For further information please call Critchlow at 801-794-1791.