Alumni Story
A Spartan Story: Faith, Family, Service, and Legacy
For Mike Finnerty, Holy Spirit High School is more than a school. It is part of his family story, his personal journey, and his belief in what Catholic education can do for young people.
A proud member of the Class of 1998, Mike comes from a family with deep Holy Spirit roots. He is a second-generation Spartan, a third-generation member of the Holy Spirit community, a proud member of the Holy Spirit Fathers Club, a former football coach, and now a member of the school’s Board of Trustees. But when Mike talks about Holy Spirit, he does not lead with titles. He leads with gratitude.
“I believe passionately in this school’s greatness. Holy Spirit did right by me. It set me on the right path.”
Mike’s own Holy Spirit journey began after he started high school somewhere else. Although he attended a good school in a good community, something was missing. He wanted something more — a deeper sense of purpose, belonging, and legacy. When he transferred to Holy Spirit, he found it almost immediately.
“It was love at first sight. There was so much purpose, legacy, and meaning within these hallways.”
Years later, Mike experienced that same feeling again as a father. After gently guiding his daughter toward Holy Spirit, he waited as she made her own decision. When she finally told him she had chosen Holy Spirit, it brought a tear to his eye.
“I knew what she did not know yet. This school was going to be right for her. This school was going to do right by her.”
That belief is at the heart of why so many alumni, parents, and volunteers continue to support Holy Spirit long after graduation. For Mike, the value of a Holy Spirit education goes far beyond tuition. It is an investment in academic growth, athletic development, personal happiness, future opportunity, and lifelong belonging.
Holy Spirit stands apart because of its foundation: faith, family, and service. Students are surrounded by teachers, coaches, parents, alumni, and volunteers who believe in them and help them keep moving forward, even when life becomes difficult.
“When you join Holy Spirit, you become part of a family of Spartans. This school gives you a family to fight beside.”
That family is what fuels organizations like the Holy Spirit Fathers Club. What may begin as a way to support tuition assistance, scholarships, events, or student programs often becomes something much deeper. Parents and alumni continue giving their time, talent, and resources because they have seen firsthand what this school means to students.
The Holy Spirit tradition does not happen by accident. It is built by generations of families, alumni, coaches, teachers, administrators, and volunteers who believe in the mission and continue to give back.
“Get out of your comfort zone. Go be great. Seize the opportunity. Define your legacy.”
That is the promise of Holy Spirit High School — a place where students are known, supported, challenged, and welcomed into a family that lasts well beyond four years.