Subiaco Academy senior sets example for siblings and others

The path for this exceptional senior from Subiaco Academy has not been an easy one. Luis Araujo has taken it all in stride and shouldered any burdens with humility. 

A native of Fort Smith, Araujo helped his parents move to Charleston in 2023 and helps care for three younger siblings, as his parents’ work schedules are very demanding. Araujo makes the one-hour drive every day to and from school, living at home to make sure that his siblings make it to school on time and to their various activities to help his parents focus on work. 

But Araujo doesn’t let his busy schedule get in the way. He’s involved in various activities in Subiaco Academy — he’s actively involved in religious life on campus and is one of Deacon Roy Goetz’s first choices for lectors. 

“I recently got involved with being a lector,” he said. “I wanted to be more involved in Mass and not just be a spectator.”

He was also involved at Immaculate Conception Church in Fort Smith before his family moved, and is involved in Sacred Heart Church in Charleston, his new home. 

Araujo is also an athlete on campus. His mentality has been to play as many sports as possible, because he knows that after high school, he probably won’t have the time to play again. 

“I’ve done football, soccer, wrestling,” he said. “I’m also in Future Business Leaders of America, National Honor Society and the jazz club.”

It’s in the Subiaco Jazz Ensemble where he also mentors other students and sets an example for other players.

Araujo hasn’t used his obstacles as excuses — he’s used them as opportunities to grow, improving academically, practicing music, playing sports and continuing to make Mass and his faith life a priority. When asked what motivates him to be involved in so many different activities and aspects of service, his answer is simple. 

“I just want to further my development,” Araujo said. “I like to stay busy, I like to feel like I’m doing something productive. That’s what motivates me, the sense of productivity.”

Arujo plans to go to college — the first in his family to do so — but also plans to enlist in the Air National Guard. His faith has motivated him to continue to be involved in a host of activities and to set an example for others too — especially his younger siblings. 

“Being Catholic has always been a big part of who we are … I like to stay deeply rooted in the faith because, since I’m the oldest, my brothers need someone to look up to, in a way, so if they see me going to Mass every Sunday, going to get Communion, going on retreats, doing everything that a good Catholic should do, they will want to be like me I hope. …

“The biggest thing that has worked for me is going to Mass regularly because it reminds you of what the bigger picture is, and what you should strive for — to be more Christ-like. … Go to Mass, participate in Communion and strive to be Christ-like.”