LIVING WITH GRATITUDE

Dear St. Pius X Family,

As we approach Thanksgiving break, it is a perfect time to pause and ask: Are we living with gratitude for the blessings God has given us? When I stepped into the President’s role three years ago, I made a vow to lead with gratitude. I believe it is one of our greatest strengths as a community. Gratitude opens our eyes to God’s gifts, deepens the relationships we share, and centers us in joy. Blessed Solanus Casey captured this truth beautifully when he said, “It is heaven begun for the grateful on earth.”

One of the quickest ways I’ve found to rekindle gratitude is to spend time with our students. Recently, I had the privilege of visiting Our Lady of Perpetual Help Cancer Home with several students. Founded in 1939 by the Dominican Sisters, this home cares for those with incurable cancer who cannot afford treatment elsewhere. Watching our students sit with the sick — listening, praying, and offering companionship — reminded me just how remarkable our young people are. They learn, practice, and perform every day, yet they still seek opportunities to live out our mission. 

One meaningful way to support these students is through our #iGiveCatholic campaign. We aim to raise $130,000 for our Annual Fund — 10% of our total goal. Early giving has begun, and generous donors have already depleted an initial matching gift of $5,000! The excitement continues on December 1 and 2 with a $50,000 match. This year, we are especially excited about our Alumni Challenge gift — if 200 alumni participate between now and December 2, our Alumni Advisory Board will contribute $30,000! Your donation — at any level-helps us secure these special incentives and directly strengthens the student experience at St. Pius X.

If you’re looking for something fun to do this weekend, I invite you to join us for our 31st annual Holiday Marketplace on Saturday, November 22. Hosted by our Mothers’ Club, this beloved tradition raises thousands of dollars for scholarships, helping make a St. Pius X education possible for more families. It’s also a wonderful chance to support local artists and get a head start on Christmas shopping!

This week, we also celebrate Discover Catholic Schools Week — an opportunity for our community to highlight the many ways Catholic education forms students in faith, character, and excellence. The Catholic education I received cultivated in me a lifelong love of learning, a strong appreciation for hard work, and, above all, a deep relationship with Jesus Christ. I encourage you to share your gratitude for Catholic education and the mission of St. Pius X with your friends, colleagues, and communities.

As we reflect on the many blessings in our lives, I wish you and your family a joyful, peaceful holiday. I am deeply grateful for your partnership, your faith, and the many ways you strengthen our school. May we each continue to cultivate gratitude for the abundant blessings God provides.

In closing, I leave you with the beautiful words of St. Teresa of Lisieux: “What most attracts God’s grace is gratitude.”

Domini Sumus,

Aaron Parr '06

President

We’re excited to launch our 8th annual #iGiveCatholic campaign, an incredible opportunity to raise $130,000 for our Annual Fund — more than 10% of our overall goal! Thanks to an advanced giving match of $5,000, we’ve currently raised $11,438 from 19 donors. On December 1 and 2, an additional matching opportunity of a $50,000 dollar-for-dollar match will be activated, so join us and double your gift to St. Pius X!

This year, we’re really setting our sights high with a special Alumni Challenge Gift. The entire Alumni Advisory Board is joining together to donate $30,000 if 200 alumni make a gift during #iGiveCatholic. If you are an alumni, this is the perfect opportunity to come together with your fellow alumni in support of your alma mater!

Your gift to the Annual Fund directly supports our full-time Campus Chaplain, as well as our exceptional faculty, rigorous academics, vibrant arts, and thriving athletics. But don’t wait — your support will have an even greater impact during this special campaign. Together, we can make a lasting difference. Join us and help us reach our #iGiveCatholic goal today!

GOVERNOR'S HONORS PROGRAM NOMINEES

Congratulations to our 17 Governor’s Honors Program nominees! Selected by faculty members, these students have demonstrated an exceptional level of achievement and passion within their disciplines. The next step is applying to the summer program, and semifinalists will be announced in February. Fantastic job by all of our nominees on this well-deserved recognition!

Chemistry: Francisco Valle-Silva

Communicative Arts: Vivian Mann, Sydney Nolin, and Hayden Sindall

Computer Science: Russell Page

French: Luke Lorenzo

Jazz Guitar: James Bridges

Latin: Molly Abel

Mathematics: Ashton Baker, Anna Read McCormack, and Grant Scott

Social Studies: Eleanor Cowhig, Caroline Hart, and Jack Willadsen

Spanish: Marc Springer

Visual Art: Chris Jones and Sara Park

GOLDEN LIONS START THE WINTER SEASON STRONG

Winter Sports season is off and flying, but it's our "tweener" sport we'll focus on first: our amazing Flag Football team. After playing some tough teams to start their season, with a focus on finishing strong, the Golden Lions are on a 7-game win streak that includes victories over rivals Marist and Pace Academy to clinch the Division 4, Area 6 title!

Congratulations to our Competitive Cheer team for winning the region championship for the 9th straight time and reaching the state finals for the first time in four years. 

The SPX Swim team topped rival Blessed Trinity in their opening meet of the season. 

Boys' Basketball is off to a 2-0 start with Clemson commit Harris Reynolds leading the way. 

Wrestling will open the season at Troup County's Georgia Grappler during Thanksgiving week.

Click here for tickets to all Golden Lions athletic events!

A FRESH FIELD FOR A NEW BASEBALL SEASON

St. Pius X Athletics is proud to announce the successful installation of new turf at Spellman Field — made possible through the generosity of Annual Fund donors. This is the first replacement since the field’s original build, and the purposeful redesign now allows for a seamless transition between softball and baseball play.

Baseball players will take the field for practice in January, with the Golden Lions’ first home game scheduled for February 1 against Riverwood. Come out and cheer on the Golden Lions!

As we celebrate Discover Catholic Schools Week, there’s no better time to learn why families and students choose St. Pius X Catholic High School. At St. Pius X, students are known, supported, and challenged in a community rooted in faith.

With outstanding academics, championship athletics, vibrant arts, and a safe, welcoming environment, every student is empowered to discover their strengths and reach their highest potential. Here, students make lifelong friends, get involved, and grow into the best version of themselves, inside and outside the classroom. Families choose St. Pius X for its proven success and its commitment to forming young people of purpose and character. It’s an investment in your child’s future — and it truly pays off.

SPX GOLDEN GALA: A NIGHT YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS!

Mark February 7, 2026 on your calendar and get ready for an unforgettable evening of fun and dancing at the Golden Gala! Better Than Silence is set to bring the energy all night long with crowd-pleasing favorites. Plus, you'll be treated to fabulous food from CParks Catering, led by Laura Rogers '80. Tickets will be on sale soon, but sponsorships and raffle ticket sales are open!

Because of support from Annual Fund donors like you, a new roof now protects the Fine Arts building. A safe, functional space allows our students' talents to shine and their confidence to grow.

The Annual Fund touches every corner of campus life. From the arts to campus ministry, technology, student wellness, and beyond, your generosity sustains the full St. Pius X experience.

Please join our community by investing in the creativity that fills our halls and the experiences that shape our students’ futures. Thank you for supporting St. Pius X!