By Elliot Falor
11/17/2023
SEATTLE – At O'Dea High School, since the halls are so crammed, there is a specific way to walk through the halls. There are upstairs and there are downstairs. You can chat in the halls, "dap up" in the halls, but you must not walk up the downstairs or walk down the upstairs, it is forbidden, and it disturbs the foot traffic of the historic building's halls.
Connor Jalbert, a graduate of the 2013 class was in trouble countless times for walking incorrectly through the halls. During his 10-year reunion in September, he was reminiscing with all his classmates about the comedic value of the stairs.
“Walk up the downstairs.” Said Jalbert with heavy laughter.
Like every student in high school, there are ups and downs. Each day in high school presents a new challenge, but more often than not Jalbert found that there are more ups and more great moments than anything else.
Nothing beats the O’Dea brotherhood and how it infects every student’s life in the most positive way. The brotherhood has always been a huge part of Jalbert’s life, and it has provided him with countless opportunities to start and even advance his career in photography, videography, and editing.
Jalbert works with the Seattle Seahawks, he creates all their video edits from games and even creates short highlight videos from clips or photos that the Seahawks may send him.
(Photo by Connor Jalbert)
Jalbert has an O’Dea brother named Jake Crocker. Jake Crocker, who works for Sony Records, provided Jalbert with the chance to take photos at the Vera Concert. Crocker kickstarted Jalbert and because of their bond from the brother they still stay in contact and help each other on projects.
Jalbert was a cross-country runner, baseball player, and track athlete for O’Dea. He loved running all four years of high school, and he has never stopped.
“Participating in O’Dea sports has really shaped who I am today.”
The O’Dea brotherhood is a huge part of everyone’s life who attends high school. There are funny memories like walking incorrectly on the stairs, but the thing that sticks most, are the people that create lifelong bonds.
Jalbert says “I think the brotherhood will stay with me forever, and I love that about that.”
O’Dea is known for their in-school brotherhood, but Jalbert believes that the brotherhood extends past just school. He believes that the brotherhood is a lifelong connection, and no matter what you’re always going to be welcomed into the Catholic school with open arms, soft smiles, and warm hugs.