By Blake Graumann ’25

On October 23rd, La Salle hosted an open house for students looking to learn and apply to the school. Before the Open House, around 100 students from all grades (9-12) showed up to prepare for the three or four tours they were about to give. They had spent weeks practicing and were finally ready to show off their school. When the doors opened around 9:30, families started to trickle into the cafeteria, looking astonished at the beautiful interior of the science building. After check-in, each family was assigned a tour guide to be with them for their time at “the A.” 

I was a tour guide, and the number of people who toured was impressive. Around 400 possible attendees saw the school within the 5-6 hours the doors were open. After being assigned one family, we started the tour with cookies and water that the cafeteria staff had made earlier in the day. As they finished their snacks, we reached the second floor and made our way into the robotics lab for a quick run-down on the numerous clubs, such as robotics at La Salle. Points about how clubs are student-led were made, which the parents seemed to like. Exiting the lab, we were greeted by Mr. Pereira, who introduced himself to the families as the Vice Principal of Academics, then sent us into a random classroom to talk to a teacher about academics. 

Each time I walked the route, my group and I were sent into a different room, but each time the main points were made. Each teacher talked about the academic levels and courses students can follow throughout their years here at La Salle. All possible attendees were asked about their interests in academics, such as their favorite class. Most of the students whom I guided were into science, which was great considering that they started off on a good foot in the Science Building. 

After the little meeting between the family and teacher, I took the family down the hallway and across the 2nd floor bridge. Looking out the windows as we passed and entered the main building, we exchanged small talk, mostly about the possible attendees’ athletics and musical interests. I enjoyed talking to them, and I must say, there was a wide range of interests. One of them played four instruments, another was into architecture, and another played a few different sports. Along with the students, the parents were just as interesting, with a few of them sharing their stories about what La Salle was like when they attended. 

As we crossed the threshold of the main building, I began to explain the special programs available for students. The Explorers Program, which is to help students with learning disabilities progress in their education, was explained to the family by a leading teacher right outside ARC, which we made our way into after. Inside ARC, a few teachers explained what ARC is and how students can access it within their school day. 

We left ARC with its peaceful atmosphere in our pockets and discussed some of the policies regarding technology as we made our way to the library. I mainly focused on the Bring Your Own Device policy, along with the No Wearing Headphones in the hallway and the Phone Home. I must tell you that this is just an example of what my tours looked like, meaning other guides might’ve talked about different topics during this section of the tour. So, mid-discussion, we walked into the library, and I turned their attention to the numerous resources available for students to use for their research. Impressed, they asked when the library was open, and I simply told them it is open before, during, and after school for students to do projects, homework, and any other school related activity. 

Through the backdoor of the library, we made our way into the Scholars room, where Mr. Danielian explained what La Salle Scholars is and how it plays into the education and growth of La Salle students. Many of the possible students seemed intrigued by the program and asked me questions as we made our way down the DLS staircase, then into Heritage Hall. 

Making our way down the hall, I pointed out La Salle’s timeline and explained where we as a school originated from. A couple of the parents told me that the hallway used to look different, with the cafe being in Heritage Hall. Very interesting factoid for you! I also pointed out student life, where the class Dean’s offices are, and where students can get extra clothes, late slips, and IDs. 

We reached the end of the hall and took the stairs down into the basement, where we then entered the back of the theater to find the LSA Jazz band jamming on stage. Most of my students played instruments, which made for great conversation with Mr. Bouliard, whom we spoke to when we entered. Alongside Mr. Bouliard, we also saw Ms. Dyer, who runs the LSA chorus and drama. She explained the various arts paths that students can follow throughout their high school career. Despite her explanation, most of my students did not show interest in chorus or the visual arts. 

We then strolled through a few art classrooms and saw students exhibiting their artistic abilities with the numerous art supplies that La Salle offers. There were many beautiful works of art hung outside the classrooms, which caught all our attention. We stood admiring the masterpieces, which blew me away, considering that I had never seen them before. 

After our eyes were blessed by the prodigious talent of our student artists, we ventured to the weight room. There, Mrs. Brown or Mr. Cacisio explained how athletes use the weight room, especially contact sports like football and soccer, during their season to get stronger. At this point of the tour, most of the parents were impressed while also being more open to conversing with me about the school. We took a quick look around the weight room and talked about the comparative nature of the sports here at La Salle, which seemed to intimidate yet inspire the possible athletes whose eyes bounced around, slightly overwhelmed by the copious equipment. 

Still in conversation, we reached the gym, where I thanked them for visiting and departed. After I left, they had the opportunity to meet sport coaches and players who gave their insight on the athletic experience at LSA. They then took a survey about the tour, then were given a goody bag before leaving. 

Between meeting new people, being with friends, and showing off our school, the experience of being a tour guide was tremendous, and I hope to do it again next year. Every guide was on their A-game, making it an intriguing experience for all who came. I’m sure lots of the families who toured will be committing to La Salle.