On the heels of Mission Day comes Catholic Schools Week, a week devoted to honoring the mission of Catholic education and its impact on individuals and the community.
Before enrolling at LMU, did you attend Catholic school? According to the LMU Admissions Office more than 25% of incoming freshmen matriculated from a Catholic high school. Although you may share this experience with many classmates, nationwide you are a small minority. According to the National Catholic Education Association (NCEA), back in the 1960s more than 5 million children, or half of all Catholic children in the U.S., attended parochial schools. In 2010, although there are now more Catholics, only 15%, or 2 million, attended. This decline is due to both economic and cultural reasons.
Attending a Catholic school has made a mark on you, for better or worse. The Experience Project even has a category devoted to former Catholic school attendees.
In honor of Catholic Schools Week let’s browse a list of the famous, and infamous, who attended Catholic schools. Some attended for just a short time, while others spent 12 years there.
(from top left: Megan Fox, Paris Hilton, Lady Gaga, Madonna)
The trio of Kardashians, - Khloe, Kourtney and Kim - attended one of LMU’s namesake schools, Marymount High School in Brentwood.
Their East coast counterpart Paris Hilton, and sister Nicky Hilton, were at Convent of the Sacred Heart with Lady Gaga who claims she avoided them.
The two famed USC Matts – Barkley and Leinart, attended Mater Dei before becoming Trojans.
Other Catholic school boys include vampires Ian Somerhalder of the Vampire Diaries, Peter Facinelli of Twilight, and David Boreanz of Angel.
Darren Criss and Jenna Ushkowitz performed in their Catholic high school theater productions before starring in Glee.
Batman and Robin stars, George Clooney and Chris O’Donnell, share a common Catholic schooling as do Transfomers stars Josh Duhamel and Megan Fox.
Maybe it was those plaid uniforms and corduroy pants that have inspired designing fashionistas Jennifer Lopez and Victoria Beckham, and designer/ rapper Sean P Diddy Combs.
Kristin Cavallari and Jordana Brewster also wore the plaid skirt and knee socks look at one time.
They appear not to have much in common but if they ever meet Madonna and President Obama could discuss their Catholic school experience.
Father Greg Boyle, founder of Homeboy Industries, and the individual that exemplifies the best of a Catholic school education, attended Loyola High School and LMU. Good company.
Know of other Catholic school celebs? Tell us.
–Guest post by Education Librarian Silvia Gutierrez
great research! love the pictures
Posted by: Genavieve | 01/30/2012 at 08:53 PM
It's interesting how a lot of big name celebrities are of Catholic background! I've always felt Catholics were very under represented in Hollywood. Especially when compared to Kabbalah & Scientology.
Posted by: Zoe | 01/30/2012 at 09:07 PM
How fun!
Posted by: Sarah | 02/13/2012 at 05:32 PM