Student Spotlight
Chad Smitson '19
Loves About Brebeuf
There’s a real sense of community here. I came freshman year not really knowing anyone, but I’ve ended up with multiple awesome groups of friends. People are always eager to get to know each other, and every club or group seems so inclusive. Also, although I still struggle to understand it sometimes, despite being in my final year, I really appreciate the freedom the schedule gives me. These along with the helpful teachers and rigorous curriculum have made me realize over the years that Brebeuf is the perfect place for me.
Future Plans
I’ve mostly applied to schools in the Midwest, and I hope to study political science, history, and/or economics. After school, I could see myself as a business manager or entrepreneur. No matter what, I’m going to write a book someday.
Favorite Class
AP Comparative Government: I love learning about how other countries work and more about America in the process. Also, Mr. Kantz is one of the coolest teachers I’ve ever had, and I have him for AP US Government right now, too.
Teams & Co-Curriculars
- Environmental Club
- Founder and Co-President of Film Club
- Intramural basketball
- Tons of theatre
Random Fact
Random facts about myself: I love to sail, I have a pet chinchilla named Maxinkuckee, and I was at one point the Indiana Star Wars trivia champion.
Random facts in general: If you lift a kangaroo’s tail it can’t hop, sea otters hold hands when they sleep so they won’t drift apart, and New Zealand has an official national Wizard.
What is your current favorite show or series on tv, Netflix, etc?
Psych. “Did you hear about Pluto? That’s messed up.”
What is the silliest/most irrational fear you have?
When I was really little I had a nightmare where a gorilla ate me, and I’ve had an irrational fear of all primates (except humans) ever since.
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life what would it be?
Chocolate chip pancakes
If you had intro music, what song would it be?
Baba O’Riley by The Who - best pump up song ever
Any Thanksgiving Break plans?
Just a standard Thanksgiving with the family. I’ll definitely work on some scholarship essays, too.
When we asked Mr. Strader about you, he said, “He has been a pillar of our theatre program the last four years. I’m going to miss him.” Clearly, you’ve made an impact on Brebeuf’s Theatre program during your time here. What impact has the program had on your four years of high school?
Brebeuf’s Theatre program was the primary factor that made me fall in love with the school. Mr. Strader was my first friend at Brebeuf in Period 1 Intro to Theatre, and my first group of friends was the cast of Almost Maine (boy that feels so long ago). Rehearsals among my theatre family are where I really feel like I can be myself, and much to the chagrin of my fellow actors, that usually means exasperating puns and one-liners. Although I’ve been acting since 5th grade, I feel like I have really embraced it at Brebeuf. It has taught me how to think fast on the spot, memorize stuff quickly, and put myself in another person’s shoes. I am super grateful to Mr. Strader and everyone who I’ve done a show with for supporting me throughout high school and I encourage everyone to give it a try!