When Foeckler arrives at Christendom this fall, he will aim to succeed both on the soccer team and in the classroom, as he pursues Christendom’s recently added mathematics major. For him, Christendom represents the opportunity to expand his education and his Catholic faith, in order to truly impact the world after college.
“The thing that most drew me to Christendom was the rigorous academic program that keeps God at its center. Christendom is a place where I hope to not only expand my education, but also to strengthen spiritually. Four of my brothers have attended Christendom and it has had a positive impact in each of their lives, and I hope to receive that same impact when I attend,” says Foeckler.
“I chose Christendom because, in addition to its strong academics and variety of extra-curricular activities, it is traditionally Catholic in everything it does. I visited several other Catholic colleges who definitely had a Catholic identity, but none struck me as having that identity rooted in them as deeply as Christendom does. Studying at Christendom will allow me to grow in experience and knowledge of the world, but will help keep me strong in my faith because of its solid Catholic culture. At Christendom I will spend some of the most formative years of my life strengthening my faith and making lifelong friendships founded on shared Catholic values before I go out to face the secular world,” said Palm.
Palm, a 2016 National Merit Scholarship finalist, will bring a wealth of talent in curricular and extracurricular activities to the Class of 2020. During high school, Palm participated in numerous activities, from earning certifications in horse management and traditional track, serving as the historian and treasurer for her 4-H Club, to being the treasurer of the Rise Up for Life pro-life group.
Howard attended public school during high school, where he distinguished himself with his incredible musical talent. He was a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society for three years, including as president for one year, and served as the brass, music, and trumpet captain for his school’s band. He played in the North Carolina All-District Band, and was nominated and invited to audition for the North Carolina Governor’s School. In addition, Howard also played in the jazz, marching, concert, and symphonic bands, participated and directed a trumpet choir, and was the first place low bass vocalist in the North Carolina Honors chorus. Due to all of these achievements, Howard earned four varsity letters.
When he arrives on campus, Howard will bring his extensive musical background to the college’s choir, with plans to major in philosophy.
“Upon visiting the campus, I had no doubts that I would call Christendom home for the next four years. There exists a sense of peace and cordiality here that I have not witnessed at any other college. Naturally, this atmosphere is caused by the students who center their education on God and focus on becoming truly intelligent. I am learning that the world is full of falsely educated people who seem unable to think critically and objectively. From this mindset, Christendom is a safe haven,” said Howard.
This is the first part of a series focusing on the incoming Christendom College Class of 2020, their achievements, and why they chose the Christendom difference.