To the editors: 

We, the undersigned LGBTQ+ alumni of St. Louis University High School, would like to extend our appreciation to Jacob Sprock for the thorough reporting and thoughtful commentary he has provided throughout the Ongoing Conversations Series. While our experiences as LGBTQ+ students at SLUH vary widely, of course, we share Mr. Sprock’s affection for the school while recognizing the challenges that students continue to face—made particularly evident by the insight and observations of those who shared their stories within these pages. 

We would also like to commend the administration of St. Louis University High School for formalizing the Ongoing Conversations affinity group and, in doing so, for striving to foster a safe and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ students and their allies. When the experience of growing up LGBTQ+ is so often marked by isolation, the value of the visibility afforded by such a group cannot be overstated. Thank you for taking this important and necessary step. 

It must be noted, however, that this work is far from finished and that the responsibility for building a more inclusive, compassionate community must be shared by all. As Mr. Sprock correctly notes, this begins with conversation—we look forward to being part of it. 

Respectfully, 

W. Jason Allen '07

Zak Ancel '08

Matthew Anderson '08

Emil Beckford '15

Brandon Bieber '03

Steve (Brown) Williams '02

George Caputa '05

Kevin Casey '09

Bretton M. DeLaria '08

David Dereak '11

Jon Dombek '06

Jack Erbs '09

Andy Frank '09

Killian Hagen '06

Aaron Heisohn '11

Matthew Houck '99

Daniel Hrdlicka '07

Christopher Jennewein '06

Sam King '08

Joseph Klein '12

Brad Klipfel '07

Jonathan Kwock '07

Dan Menius '07

Cory Meyer '06

Louis Monnig '08

Shane Mulligan '06

Kevin O’Brien '04

Christian Probst '12

Alex W. Seidel '10

Tim Seltzer '06

Justin Smith '02

Patrick Smith '11

Brian Tretter '18

Charles Ullmann '05

Andrew Westlund '03

Timothy Wiethop '09

James Wolfe '19

Joe Wright '08