Admissions season is underway at Bishop Guertin High School, and prospective families have several opportunities to see what BG has to offer.

"What sets us apart from other schools is how the entire school community is focused on the whole-student formation," said admissions counselor Christina Doyle. Doyle is new to BG, having previously worked in the admissions department at Saint Anselm College, but has quickly become an active part of the community.

The annual open houses were held on Sunday, Oct. 18, and Thursday, Oct. 22. At these events, families were given tours by student guides, attended an information session on life at BG, and checked out clubs and academic programs at the Community Fair. Teachers and students were on hand to answer any questions that came up throughout the night as the future Cardinals were introduced to BG.

The "shadow day" program has been an opportunity at BG for several years. Prospective students are invited to spend time with current Cardinals, attend classes and enjoy a free lunch in the cafeteria. They are generally paired with freshmen or sophomores who are in classes similar to what they would be taking, and are also assigned according to their interests. Not only is a shadow day a great opportunity for middle schoolers to have an inside look at what high school is really like, but it is also fun for the Guertin students who get to host them.

"I love giving them the individual experience of participating like a BG student," said sophomore shadow host Julia Loudenback.

The Cardinal Marching Band also has been allowing middle-school students to get involved with its Cardinal-for-a-Day Program. Seventh- and eighth-grade musicians can attend a rehearsal before a football game, play with the band in the stands and watch the halftime show.

"This is a tremendous opportunity for middle school students to capture a snapshot of the inner workings of a high school music program," wrote band director Brian Starck in the October edition of the Fanfare newsletter. The program was offered during the football games on Friday, Oct. 16, and Friday, Oct. 30, and had great success both days.

"Every student is known, valued and treasured … I encourage students to visit BG and see this difference for themselves," Doyle said. The entire BG community is ready to welcome the Class of 2020, and Bishop Guertin High School hopes to see middle schoolers taking advantage of what the school has to offer as they begin the admissions process.

Holly Boivin is a sophomore at Bishop Guertin High School.