At Saint Louis Priory School, a dedicated group of volunteers work tirelessly behind the scenes to support the school’s mission and enhance the student experience. By giving their time and talent to organize events, fundraise, and serve as a link between the school and the wider community, these volunteers foster a tight-knit group built on shared values.

From organizing events, such as Xanadu, to supporting daily operations in the library, the volunteers’ dedication ensures Priory continues to provide exceptional opportunities for students to grow academically, spiritually, and socially.

Headmaster Father Cuthbert Elliott, O.S.B., ’02 says Priory’s approach to service begins within our school community. “Not because we think it shouldn’t be shared outside our own community, but because it begins at home. It begins with us teaching our students God’s love.”

“We begin by putting God’s love into practice at home. Then we can begin sharing that in charitable ways. It’s a two-step dance.

— Headmaster Father Cuthbert Elliott, O.S.B., ’02

He adds, “We begin by putting God’s love into practice at home. Then we can begin sharing that in charitable ways. It’s a two-step dance. It starts at the school and how we live together in the monastery. When we are more mature, we can share with others and help in the building of other communities. It’s our why. Everything we do has more meaning.”

Mothers’ Club

Moms of current students can make an impact by joining the Mothers’ Club at Priory. There are countless ways to volunteer.

“The Mothers’ Club is a supportive community made up of dynamic women dedicated to promoting school spirit and fellowship,” says Mothers’ Club President Jennifer O’Keefe (Michael ’19, Patrick ’21, Wynn ’25, and Danny ’29). “Each event is an amazing opportunity to grow with other women who have a shared dedication to their sons and the Priory community.”

One of Priory’s biggest events and fundraisers is the annual Xanadu auction. This year was the 56th auction. It brings parents, alumni, alumni parents, faculty, and friends of Priory together to celebrate and support the school.

“Xanadu is comprised of three events: a trivia night in the fall, the auction preview party, and the auction itself,” says Director of Advancement Natalie Covey. “Xanadu could not happen without the volunteers. We were fortunate to have our dedicated co-chairs, Laura Polcyn (Drake ’25) and Eleni Zemlyak (John ’25), and an army of section chairs put in enormous time and effort to pull these events off throughout the year. Additionally, all the volunteers behind the scenes made it all possible.”

“I was inspired to become a part of a group of women dedicated to their sons, who promote school spirit and fellowship. It’s a great way to show gratitude for the blessings in my life,” Mothers’ Club President-Elect Laura Swallow (David ’26) says. “I’ve been able to connect with wonderful women, observe interactions among students, their families, staff members, and the monastic community. Being an active volunteer allows me to demonstrate my support for the mission at work with talented and motivated young men. I have the chance to learn, hands-on, how the Benedictine values are embedded into everyday life at Priory and how I can reinforce those values at home.”

Swallow says experiencing the Spirit of God at Priory is very rewarding as a volunteer.

“You develop a sixth sense about the learning community that you can’t get without being there,” she adds. “I value the sense of belonging to the school, which is truly vested in drawing out the full potential of our amazing young men by recognizing their unique talents. The sense of belonging to something great deepens, and it becomes clear that Priory truly is becoming a lifetime community to my son and our family.”

Fathers’ Club

Another way to get involved is the Priory Fathers’ Club. In addition to gaining first-hand knowledge of what’s happening on campus, according to Fathers’ Club President Ken Bower ’89, volunteering helps build camaraderie and community.

“We serve as advocates and ambassadors for the school,” Bower says. “There are many opportunities: working the down markers at football games, supporting roles in other sports, serving as a Form representative, organizing events, and welcoming new students and families to our community.”

Bower says it has been great to connect with his son Joe, who is a senior, before he graduates and more than likely goes to college outside of St. Louis. He suggests other dads get involved at Priory. “Talk to teachers, coaches, or administrators and ask how you can get involved. There are volunteer opportunities for everyone.”

On-Campus Opportunities

Working at The Raven’s Nest, the school’s café, is a great way to volunteer and see students during the school day.

According to The Raven’s Nest and Campus Store Manager Cara Kuehl, volunteers are an integral part of the Priory community. “The students enjoy seeing their parents volunteering at the school, and they are the heartbeat of our community. They also bring new ideas and a fresh perspective.”

The café offers interaction with students and their friends. Volunteers open and close the café, operate the register, and replenish inventory.

Parents and volunteers can also assist with the Campus Store. They help with display cases, sales, and checkouts during campus special events.

The Priory library needs volunteers too. Volunteers help with shelving books, collecting books that need repair, adding protective covers to new books, and repairing books with tape and glue.

“Volunteers are truly essential for the operation of the library. Our collection is larger and older than most high school collections, so we need significant book repair,” says Librarian David Kates. “It allows me to focus on cataloging, collection development, and reader’s advisory.”

Priory’s library is a beautiful space for cultural engagement and reflection. Volunteers can check out books and DVDs and use the school’s newspaper, magazine, and database subscriptions.

“The volunteers are a great group that frequently recommend books to each other and talk about life,” Kates says. “They also have the opportunity to talk with students and are friendly faces in the library.”

Alumni Involvement

Priory alumni have numerous ways to volunteer, share their expertise, and contribute to their alma mater. Alumni Board President Mike Reedy ’00 emphasizes the importance of giving back to both the school and the Abbey through his board service.

Alumni can engage with the community at events such as the Homecoming BBQ, Golf Scramble, or serve on the Alumni Board. They can also make a direct impact on students’ lives by participating in various career-focused initiatives, including mentorship programs, internships, guest speaking engagements, and career days.

The Priory Network enables Priory students to learn from accomplished alumni across diverse industries. Alumni share insights on their career paths, providing valuable guidance for recent graduates embarking on their professional journeys. Previous speakers have shared expertise from fields such as education, entrepreneurship, finance, law, medicine, public relations, public service, and technology.

“It’s very rewarding to interact with current students, assisting in highlighting the mission and values of Priory, as well as being able to work alongside and network with the leaders of Priory, and assist in the long-term visions,” Reedy says.

Alumni Mothers’ Club

Alumni Mothers’ Club President Janet Whalen cherishes the close friendships she’s formed through Priory and the connections she’s made with the monks and parish. “I want to give back to a place that gave so much to my sons,” she says. Her son Brody is a 2021 graduate of Priory, and her son Brock attended Priory in 7th and 8th grades.

Alumni moms can contribute to the Priory community in various ways, including organizing and participating in the fall Mass and dinner, providing for the monks’ Thanksgiving, shopping at the Christmas Boutique, and attending events like the holiday cocktail party, Mothers’ Club luncheon, and Margarita Party, which offer opportunities to stay connected and provide essential support.

Whalen says being a part of such a warm community is incredibly rewarding. “Giving back to Priory and spending time with the special people who make this place unique are just some of the many benefits of being an active member of the Alumni Mothers’ Club.”

The Value Of Giving Back

Thanks to the active involvement of parents, alumni, alumni parents, and friends of Priory and the Abbey, students are thriving and belong to a supportive, engaging community. Volunteering not only enhances the overall educational experience for students but also serves as a tangible expression of commitment to the school’s mission.

“It’s very rewarding to interact with current students, assisting in highlighting the mission and values of Priory.”

— Alumni Board President Mike Reedy ’00

“Volunteering at Priory provides the opportunity to meet new friends, share your time and talents, learn new things, and feel more connected to a spiritual place, which I like to think of as my second home,” says Swallow. “There are opportunities to be charitable with our time and talents. The more we give, the happier we feel. Doing good for others gives me a sense of accomplishment, a sense of purpose, and a direction in life. The positive energy I get from volunteering seems to overflow into everything else I do.”