Alumnus Angel Santiago '21

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE CLASSES AND WHY?
That’s a hard question because I love all my classes, but I’ve always considered myself a math and science person. What I have loved about all of my science classes is that there is a clear purpose to not just understand the subject, but also to learn how everything functions and works together and how it applies to real life. The long labs create an environment where you collaborate with peers, gain insight from teachers, and through trial and error, gain valuable skills. What is unique about Campbell Hall is the smaller class sizes where there is a lot of discussion that allows you to be more interactive and engage with the subject material from different perspectives from both teachers and students.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR CH TEACHERS AND HOW THEY HAVE IMPACTED YOUR EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE.
Campbell Hall teachers are amazing - every teacher cares about you and is invested in your growth by supporting you any way they can. I feel accepted and encouraged by them on the daily. My ninth grade English teacher, Mr. Roberson was really impactful. He has a unique vibrancy and energy that radiates throughout the whole classroom. In his class, we all learned so much about ourselves and how we can impact the world. He always let us know that he was there for us on a personal level as well. Mr. Cullinan, one of the coaches for cross country, always supported us too. Even when he stepped down as coach when he became the History Department Chair, he showed up to our races to encourage us. There are so many connections made between students and teachers at Campbell Hall.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE ACTIVITIES YOU ARE INVOLVED IN AT CH AND WHY?
In my Junior year, I was elected Co-Class President. It was great to get feedback from my peers and it led to us successfully lobbying the school to incorporate sweatpants as part of the uniform. I wanted to continue to help my peers in any way I could, so I ran for and was elected Student Body President.

When I was in middle school I was an endurance runner. At Campbell Hall, I joined the Varsity Cross Country and Track and Field teams. Running requires a special, determined mindset. Even when you hit that point when you think that you are giving it your all, there is still another level or two or three you can reach. Racing is also strategic. You preserve energy in the first mile, in the second mile you start cementing your placement, and in the third mile it’s like a sprint. As you get to the finish line there is a “three step push” where you push yourself even when you think you don’t have any more to give. You do it because of your team. You do it to help your teammates who are your family.

During Freshman and Sophomore year, I took some art classes with a focus on etching. It was something I never thought of exploring before Campbell Hall. I loved it. That led me to explore film and photography. When I was on the Junior class trip to Moab, I took more than 1,000 pictures and over 3 hours of footage. My friends encouraged me to continue on this path and now I’m a photographer for The Piper newspaper.

I am the President of Latinos Unidos (LatinX Club) which I’ve been a member of since 9th grade. I love the fact that I can find community with people who look like me. It’s a place where we can be ourselves and bring our shared experiences together.

I started as a Campbell Scholar in 6th grade. Now, as a senior, I am a student mentor and volunteer in the program which is really special for me. I see these kids going through the same experiences I did. You can see the fire that they all have to go to college and to do the best for their communities. I love that. The Campbell Scholars Program is spreading good through the whole community and the world.

WHAT DO YOU SEE AS CH VALUES?
At Campbell Hall, it’s clear that we can do so much when we come together as a community. When I went to the climate strike my Junior year, I saw so many CH students there, fighting for this noble cause. Everyone was there, wanting to do their part to change the world for the better.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT CAMPBELL HALL?
What I love about Campbell Hall is how they approach building community. The experiential education trips bring us together. When I first started as a Freshman, I was very shy and barely knew anyone in the class. During the Freshmen retreat, I was able to form my close friend group that I’m still friends with today. Also, I still have such amazing bonds with my Senior Mentor and those seniors who were on the cross country team when I was a Freshman. These were leaders who always encouraged me to do my best. Even though they are all in college now, I stay in touch with them and they continue to give me advice. Now I’m the Captain of the Cross Country team and a Senior Mentor, so I’m continuing their legacy of leadership and helping the younger generation. At Campbell Hall, everyone knows and feels comfortable with each other. There is a willingness to be there to help each other out no matter what.