News

Life experiences help shape SMC student's faith

By Jeff Kurowski
Compass Assistant Editor

Last fall, the College Board's National Hispanic Recognition Program honored Kevin Castillo, a senior at St. Mary Central High School, Neenah/Menasha. Castillo's PSAT score was among the top 2% of nationwide testers who identified themselves as Hispanic.

The honor surprised Castillo, a member of St. Mary Parish, Menasha.

"The colleges don't ask for that score," he said. "I tried to do my best and I did pretty well. Things fell into place and I've gotten some scholarship offers including a couple of full rides."

Castillo's academic achievement earned him the honor, but he is more than a fine student. He plays in the school's Jazz Band, was a member of the SMC soccer team and is active in ministry.

"I've always attended TCCES (Twin City Catholic Educational System) schools," said Castillo. "It's definitely helped me become who I am today. I've had a lot of experiences I know I wouldn't have had at a public school."

"Kevin is a very reflective, self-starting young Christian man who takes his faith seriously and is not afraid to share it with others," said Sr. Rochelle Kerkhof, OSF, principal at St. Mary Central.

Castillo shares his faith through witness talks, speaking to groups about how St. Mary Central helps students grow spiritually, and through music ministry by leading music worship at school Masses.

Castillo said he is comfortable speaking in public.

"I will talk to anyone who will listen," he said. "My faith is pretty important and I've had a lot of personal experiences through the school to share."

Among those experiences, are service trips to Lancaster, Penn., and Bluffton, South Carolina, through Catholic Heart Workcamp.

"Through those trips, I've seen the impact I can have on other people's lives," he said. "That has led me to be committed to a life of service. In South Carolina, we helped a single, middle-aged lady. The work we did for her showed her that someone cared about her. That meant more than the material things we did. In Pennsylvania, we painted a house. We didn't meet the person, but got satisfaction knowing that our work was helping someone."

Two years ago, Castillo's mother, Cherie Phillips, died of brain cancer.

"That also made me who I am today," he said. "It's difficult, but in a way," I'm thankful it happened to me instead of anyone else because I know that I can handle it. It has strengthened me."

William and Jane Phillips, Castillo's grandparents, are his legal guardians. His parents separated when he was very young.

"They are pretty much the coolest grandparents ever," he said. "They don't mind my loud music or whatever else I do."

Cherie continues to inspire her son.

"My entire love of music comes from her," said Castillo. "She made a living in college singing and playing the guitar. She would play for me and taught me to play the piano. She would also get on me to practice the saxophone."

Castillo plays the sax in the SMC Jazz Band under the direction of Dave Sawall.

"He (Sawall) is a renowned trombone player, so it's an honor to learn from him," said Castillo. "I know I am biased, but I think we have the best jazz band in the area."

Castillo plays numerous instruments including the guitar. He also sings and writes music. He plans to major in Music and Spanish at UW-Eau Claire.

"I want to be a performer," he said. "I want to be in a rock band."

Castillo played in his first band, 4Punx, in the eighth grade.

"We just decided that we wanted to play at the school dance, so we picked up guitars and drums," he said. "I believe we played 'Wild Thing' as our first song."

The band later evolved into TMD (Ten Minor Details). Castillo, who lists the band MxPx as one of his musical influences, currently performs as a solo artist. He hosts "Open Mic" on Sunday evenings at Rock Island Café in Neenah.

Although, he didn't grow up in a Spanish-speaking household, he embraces his heritage. Castillo's father is Mexican.

"I speak Spanish and would like to visit Mexico," he said. "I may go there this summer. I would like to travel in the future."

Castillo is open to all experiences that come his way.

"That's how I live my life," he said. "I'm extremely open-minded. I'm up for anything."