Rosie Oades - So Courteous

How do we lean into our Catholic identity?

This year, Saint Thomas Aquinas has decided to focus on incorporating the four cardinal virtues into the school's mission: Prudence, Temperance, Fortitude, and Justice. The question that inspired the administration to focus on these virtues was “How do we lean into our Catholic identity?”. To answer this question, the campus ministry team looked to the Catechism.

The Catechism defines a saint as a person who lives a life of heroic virtue.

We need to embody the saints in our actions and our faith. Guided by these virtues, students will be more intentional with their actions and think twice before they act. Campus Ministry started the “Virtue of the Month” student and teacher award to inspire students to look for the virtues around their community. September was the first month they officially started. The virtue of the month was Courtesy, which means showing politeness in one's attitude and behavior towards others. The winning teacher was Mr. Green and the winning student was senior Rosie Oades. 

It was such a surreal feeling (winning) because I hadn't started high school at Aquinas so at that moment when I won, I realized I found the school I was meant to be at.

Rosie Oades

Rosie is a senior at Aquinas. She is on the student council, plays girls' lacrosse, is a Saint ambassador, peer mentor, is involved in Halo, Spanish NHS, and Teens for Life, and is also in campus ministry and was Homecoming Queen. Outside of school, she enjoys self-care. She has recently gotten into reading. She is also really into her faith and enjoys reading her devotionals every morning. Family is everything to Rosie, she is extremely close and they are all best friends. Speaking of best friends she enjoys hanging out with all of her friends, whether that be a chill night or a fun night out.

The Shield sat down with Rosie Oades to talk about her thoughts on winning the virtue award for "Courtesy"and how she hopes to be an example for others.

“To me, being courteous means treating others with respect—no matter who they are or what they are going through. courtesy is not just about manners it’s about recognizing that everyone deserves to feel valued and seen.”

How do you try to use courtesy in your daily life?
"Start with the small things because those add up. I always use people's first names when I see them instead of being like “Hey you!”. Manners go a long way. Smiling to everyone and talking to anyone. The ripple effect is huge because if you make someone's day better, they can go on to make others better too.“

How do you think being courteous affects the people around you?
“Kindness is contagious but you don't truly appreciate that until you feel it from someone. That is why I try to start that and give them a little push. The whole theme of the year is to pass it on and if you pass it on it will eventually come back to you.” 

How do you think practicing courtesy can positively impact our school community?
“Uplift the moods of people. School gets repetitive and it makes it more personal. If you make others happy, it will carry on. You have no idea what people are going through and sometimes just giving a wave or a smile can show them that you are there for them. You will make more genuine connections with others if you actually make an effort to get to know them.” 

Is there someone in your life who inspires you to be courteous?
“There's a lot of people in my life. The first one to come to mind is my mom. If there was an award for the world's greatest mom, my mom would get it. She stressed the importance of the golden rule: treat others the way you want to be treated. Also how you need to put yourself into other people's shoes. She doesn't just tell me these things, she shows me with her actions like making the whole family meals and setting aside extra so that she can give it to neighbors and people in need. Even if she's heard a million times about a situation, she always wants to hear about it. These things show that she is intentional with the things she does. Our house is always open to everyone, family, friends, and neighbors will all show up unannounced and they are always welcome.”

At Aquinas we could all be a little more courteous to each other, and looking to Rosie as an example is an amazing way to start. This award is new this year and is intended to inspire the student body to embody the saints and live a virtuous life.  As the year progresses, a new teacher and student award winner will be chosen each month. Remember to vote and to try your best to live out the virtues. 
 

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About the Contributor

Maeve is senior, class of 2025. At Aquinas she manages the Rugby team, is a Key Club Officer and a Senior Ambassador. Outside of school, she loves hanging out with friends and listening to music.