For middle school students visiting Bellarmine, their first impression of the school often comes from the student leaders of Lion Outreach. These dedicated Bellarmine students welcome visitors with positive energy and enthusiasm, giving tours, leading activities, and sharing their own experiences to help future Lions feel connected. Lion Outreach leaders serve as role models, ambassadors, and the first friendly faces of the Bellarmine community.
For many students, joining Lion Outreach is an opportunity to connect with new peers and give back to the community. Senior Oliver Hipolito, who has been a member of this program for two years, said, “I originally wanted to join just because I thought it’d be a good opportunity to meet some new Bellarmine students and just connect with them.”
As students get to meet future Lions, they get to learn more through a variety of unique stories and experiences. “They all come from different backgrounds so I find it interesting to just see what everybody’s about and what routes they took that lead them to Bellarmine,” said Hipolito.
Helping students feel confident and improving their leadership is one of the most rewarding parts of the program. Sophomore Elijah Galvez shared his favorite part about being a member, “I get to help them become like Bellarmine students and you get to give them advice for what they have to do.”
Similarly, junior Raiden Panlasaigui said, “My favorite part is setting a good example and as well as to grow on my leadership and socialize more.”
Behind every event is a strong sense of teamwork and community among the leaders. Senior Hailey Yeam described the group as supportive and close-knit: “We’re there for each other, so if someone can’t show up, we fill in for them and make it like the hole was never there.”
The connection among leaders translates to the Experience Bellarmine Days, creating a welcoming atmosphere for everyone. “Because the leaders feel connected, all the new eighth graders feel connected, which leads to more leadership and teamwork throughout the whole day,” said Hipolito.
Through these experiences, Lion Outreach members develop lifelong skills in leadership and communication, making sure everyone’s voice is heard. Yeam noted that the program has helped her grow more confident and outgoing, sharing a memorable moment, “Every time we check in, I get to meet a bunch of students and they open up to me about questions that they’re curious about and what high school ‘s life is like.”
Lion Outreach is a reflection of what makes Bellarmine special, depicting the connections that last, the people who care enough to make others feel seen and welcomed, and the community that creates leaders. Through dedication and enthusiasm, Lion Outreach leaders continue to inspire incoming high school students to find their place within the Bellarmine community.
