St. John’s Welcomes Over 1,000 Families at This Year’s Open House

St. John’s College High School opened its doors to a remarkable crowd at this year’s Open House, welcoming more than 1,050 registered families — plus many additional walk-ins. According to Ms. Hinton, who leads the event with her team, the registration numbers don’t even capture the full turnout.

In addition to faculty, who are asked to work the event, student involvement was stronger than ever. More than 200 freshmen volunteered this year, along with student musicians, vocalists and Cadet Corps members who performed for and greeted guests throughout the day. Upperclassmen also stepped up in large numbers.

“Our peer ministers always knock it out of the park,” Ms. Hinton said. “But this year we also had quite a few sophomores and juniors. It was great representation at all grade levels.”

While Open House lasts just five hours, the preparation spans nearly the entire year. Planning for next year’s event has already begun. The team begins evaluating improvements immediately after each Open House, then launches advertising campaigns in early fall through social media, newspapers, the website and even direct-mail invitations.

And while Ms. Hinton, Ms. Neuberger and Ms. Sikorsky oversee the event’s operations, each department contributes in its own way. The science department, for example, prepares popular lab demonstrations, organizing equipment and student presenters. The Cadet Corps splits its volunteers between tables in the Commons and stations in the Center for Performance and Leadership.

“Every department collaborates on their displays,” she said. “They put in so much work behind the scenes.”

Ms. Hinton also wanted to add recognition to the many members of the Mothers’ Club and Men of St. John’s who volunteered to work at the Open House, especially the dads who did the Popeye’s runs for the student volunteers. Fr. John’s Mass for the community was also celebrated, which was a great way to end the day.

Though Ms. Hinton jokes that her favorite moment is “when it’s over,” she emphasizes that Open House is far more meaningful than a five-hour event. It’s a day that unites faculty, students and families in a distinctly Lasallian spirit, reminding everyone why the St. John’s community matters.

“We all come together on a Sunday, and it reminds each of us why we love this community and why we want to share it,” she said.

And while nothing dramatically new was added this year, careful refinements behind the scenes helped perfect an already well-loved tradition.