A graduate from the class of 2013 was kind enough to share his remarkable story in life. In this inaugural segment of the Alumni Spotlight who better epitomizes a ‘Man For Others’ than Hector Poza. His lifetime dream was fulfilled when he was accepted to Penn State University to major in Art. Hector graduated St. Peter’s Prep along with his fellow classmates in the spring of 2013. One of the most admired faces around Prep, ‘Hec’ has successfully advanced into the next chapter of his life. Poza began his journey at the historic Grand and Warren like no other, and thus the Jesuit ideals aided him in progressing from a young freshman into a matured and dignified senior.
Poza grew up in Secaucus, New Jersey, where he lived until age of fourteen. In eighth grade, he wished to attend St. Peter’s Prep and applied hoping to make Prep his school of secondary learning. Later that year, his letter of acceptance brought much joy to he and his family. While at Prep, Hector was an active member of the Prep community; taking part in the arts, many intramural sports, and the Spanish club. However, after his freshman year, he and his family moved to Easton, Pennsylvania. In the midst of this considerable move, Hector was forced to transfer to the public high school in Easton. At Easton High, Hector quickly noticed the absence of his Jesuit education. The Prep standards that he much admired were nonexistent at his new school. As a student and young adult he knew he had to make a change.
After his sophomore year at Easton High, Hector transferred back to Prep; however, he was still to reside in Pennsylvania. This difficult decision entailed a two-hour commute to school. Despite this long and arduous commute, Hector was determined to finish his education at Prep. In order to get to school on time, Hector had to wake up around 5 o’clock in the morning, to get dressed, eat and get to the local bus stop on time. His bus would pick him up in the town of Easton and then travel almost 80 miles to arrive in Jersey City. When leaving school, the only bus that traveled back to Easton left at 6:30 p.m. This departure time produced many late nights for Poza. It was not always easy for Hector; there were many days where inclement weather or traffic prolonged his trek. Hector’s fortitude helped him push through tough times to make sure he attended the school he loved. His family and friends admired his ambition to receive the education that best fitted him.
His career at Prep seemed to resume without hesitation. He joined new clubs and in the spring he tried out the lacrosse team. His distinctive character positively impacted the Prep community. Hector was mainly known for his artwork. The St. Peter’s Prep Visual Art Department was pleased to have him spend so much time in this subject. His artwork can be viewed hanging in the hallways of Prep and also on the wall of a local coffee dive, Legal Grounds.
It is hard for one to forget a man like Hector. It seemed as if every student in the school new his name. This simply was not because of popularity or athleticism; it was because of his charm to reach out to every individual in school. He strived to improve himself and the others surrounding at school. Hector excelled at the many characteristics of a ‘Prep Man’. He was a hard worker and was very diligent, but without integrity he would not have been able to accomplish his desired goals. He was well liked by the student body and the faculty. Many knew of his background and they cherished him for his strength and ability to overcome the adversity in his life. In his senior year, he earned a spirit award at the Thanksgiving mass. When his name was announced a roar of excitement surged through the gym and was met with a standing ovation. Even though he is no longer at Prep, his character is often remembered by the many who attend today.
When reflecting upon his time at Prep, Hector stated that he dearly cherished the connection between teachers and students in the school environment. He felt that all of his teachers, as a collective body, were great at inspiring him as a young student. He now knows that he is prepared for any obstacle in life. Hector also addressed the importance of his friends and family, in which without them, his journey at Prep may have ceased to exist. At this point, Prep cannot know where Hector’s journey will lead after college, however it is understood that whatever he puts his mind to he will have no worry in attaining it.