Now in his fourth year teaching at Benet, Mr. Rawls has most definitely made an impact on our Benet community that extends far beyond the school curriculum. He has done so by exhibiting the kind of love described by Thomas Aquinas: willing the good of the other. In fact, when asked what saying he lives by, Mr. Rawls said, “Will the good.” Whether he is presenting to the class, meeting with a student outside of class, or just simply asking his students how their weekends were, Mr. Rawls genuinely wants what is best for Benet students.

His care for students is evident in the little things he implements into the class period. Most of these are aimed at engaging students. For example, he starts religion class with a daily bell ringer that reviews material from the prior day’s notes. Every Monday, Mr. Rawls gives students a chance to share stories from their weekends. In addition, he adds much group work into the curriculum so students have the chance to talk with peers. Since his students are engaged in class, they are increasingly inclined to grow closer to Jesus. When asked what he hopes students get out of his class, Mr. Rawls said, “I hope they encounter Jesus, the source of all love and joy.”

Growing up in the Western suburbs of Chicago, Mr. Rawls was familiar with Benet. However, he never imagined it would become his future workplace. In high school, he began to consider a career in history or theology, two subjects that piqued his interest. He went on to major in both history and theology at the University of Notre Dame with hopes of becoming a high school teacher. Now at Benet, Mr. Rawls teaches both junior religion and senior AP economics.

Outside of the classroom, his four-year-old and one-year-old keep him occupied. Much of his time consists of taking them to the park and spending time together as a family. When he does find free time, he loves watching Notre Dame football or playing basketball.

Not only does Mr. Rawls prioritize his students and family, he also prioritizes God in his daily life. He does so by sacrificing his own self will in pursuit of God’s will. This emphasis on God’s plan is reflected in his favorite Bible verse, John 2:5. At the Wedding feast at Cana, Mary instructs the wedding guests, “Do whatever he tells you,” referring to Jesus. To Mr. Rawls, this short, to-the-point quote serves as a reminder that God’s plan is the best plan.

Given his willingness to make sacrifices for his students and family, it is no surprise that his favorite saint is Saint Maximilian Kolbe, a man who sacrificed his life for a stranger. Mr. Rawls explained, “Maximilian’s example was instrumental in me coming to my own faith.”

Mr. Rawls demonstrates that the job of a teacher goes beyond reading facts off of a slide show. To him, teaching means serving as a role model to students on how to live a Catholic life. By setting an example of selflessness and holiness, Mr. Rawls teaches the Benet community the correct actions a Catholic should take.