I was the valedictorian of the unrivaled Class of 2003. I was a member of the Speech and Debate team, competing at the city, state, and national levels. I also played varsity golf. My favorite activity was being a part of the Irish Zoo at every pep rally and sporting event. I think I’m most remembered for my infamous science fair project, the details of which I shall leave to urban legend.

My parents decided to send me to Cathedral because of its value-based education and its strong track record for producing men of good character. My parents went to Catholic schools in Lebanon, and preserving our faith is very important to preserving our identity as Christians in the Middle East.

What I miss the most from Cathedral was the brotherhood. I pledged the Sigma Chi Fraternity in college precisely to reestablish that same brotherhood which I treasured so highly at Cathedral.

I attended Harvard for college (Leverett House), graduating in 2007 with a degree in biochemistry. My coursework and laboratory research focused on bioengineering artificial organs for human implantation. I then went to Yale for medical school, and subsequently matched at Massachusetts General Hospital for my internship in internal medicine and residency in diagnostic radiology. I’m currently pursuing fellowships in cardiovascular imaging and interventional radiology. What excites me most about my job is the spirit of innovation, as I help translate developments in basic research into novel clinical therapies for patients.

My education in the STEM subjects at Cathedral – science, technology, engineering, mathematics – were superb. Teachers like Mrs. Ulrickson, Mr. C, and Brother Fred taught us subject matter at a college level, and I attribute much of my academic success to their outstanding teaching and rigorous standards.

“What are you proudest of?”
I’m proudest of my ability to sustain many lifelong friendships that I’ve made in high school, college, medical school, and residency. I am blessed to have several “best friends,” many of whom I met as a freshman at Cathedral.

“What lessons from Cathedral do you carry with you?”
The lesson from Cathedral which I try to practice every day as a doctor is to be a man of good character, and this is built upon the Lasallian values which were instilled in me at Cathedral.

“Do you have a message (lesson/observation) for a current Cathedral student?”
My message to current Cathedral students is to appreciate the sacrifice which your parents have made to send you there. High school is not a competition: use these four years to learn from your peers, celebrate each other’s successes, and meet the guys who will throw you an epic bachelor party ten years from now. And of course, Light the C!

Viva La Cate!

Elie R. Balesh, M.D.