re: Catholic High alum in Baton Rouge question

CHS '06, LSU '10 here. My brother and grandfather are CHS grads as well.

In getting my first job out of college, which was in Lafayette, my high school eduction didn't really come into play other than "yes, I do have a high school diploma" on some standardized form.

In searching for a job, my high school education is listed simply as a normal bullet point, and, though I'd use my CHS connection proudly, I've to this point used my LSU ties more.

That being said, I think being a member of any group -- from a family or an alumni base to a rec sports league or professional organization -- opens doors via connections and networking. Are CHS connections typically quality ones? I believe so. The school has many outstanding graduates, but that's true of other schools as well.

I don't regret my time at CHS; I received an incredible education (which became immediately apparent upon entering LSU), and I'm extremely grateful for the sacrifices my parents made to send me there.

I consider myself socially and culturally Catholic and am not religious despite coming from a strongly religious family and going to Catholic schools K-12. That being said, CHS did instill in me many important values and showed me many positive life lessons.

First and foremost, at the heart of Catholic doctrine, the benefits and value of social justice are stressed. From doing required service hours to weighing out moral dilemmas in religion class, that's the biggest single thing that's stuck with me from my education at CHS.

On a more tangible level, perhaps, are things as simple as the dress code -- wearing slacks, a collared shirt tucked in, dress socks, a shaved face and tight haircut -- teaching young men how to dress professionally; teachers insisting on the social standards required of a polite and hardworking person; or even the labor-based punishments of lunch duty.

Ultimately, if you're doing it specifically for and only because of possible future connections that may lead to a desirable job, I'd say you should really sit down and consider the full picture of what's best for you and your family.

tl;dr: It's a good school but it's not right for everyone; high school is important, so don't cut class, kids.