House System

With over 500 students from 50 grade schools, the Covington Catholic House System provides a structure to help each student find his place as a member of one of six “Column” groups, as well as one of the smaller, multi-grade “mentor groups” (<20 in each) within the Columns.

Mentor group members get to know each other (and the Mentor Teacher) via biweekly sessions when they discuss current events, play games, and have spirited competitions. The goals are interaction, camaraderie, and support.

The Colonel House System benefits from strong student leadership, provided by multiple elected positions in each Column and Mentor Group. These leaders are responsible for motivating and role modeling for their group's members, and serving as liaisons to school administration.

The Six Columns of the House System

Every student is a member of one of six Columns, units of <100 students across all grade levels, which is his “home” for all four years. All members contribute points the Column earns toward the coveted “Colonel Cup,” via service, scholarship, school spirit, and just plain fun.

Special “marquee” events range from the traditional “Braveheart March,” to food drives and service projects, to the school-wide “Colonel Classic” competition involving fun “skills” like pie-eating, wheelbarrow races, and tug-of-war.

The Aquinas Column is named after Saint Thomas Aquinas. The dove is used as a symbol for divine knowledge and guidance. St. Thomas Aquinas is often depicted with a dove on his shoulder while he writes, as if he is writing with guidance from the Holy Trinity.

Motto: Prudencia Caritas (Prudence Charity)

Symbol: Dove

Colors: Teal and Gray

Feast Day: January 28

The Augustine Column is named after Saint Augustine of Hippo. Paintings of Saint Augustine feature him holding a flaming heart. This universal symbol of the core and essence of a human person also represents his profound love for and devotion to God.

Motto: Temerantia Caritas (Temperance Charity)

Symbol: Flaming Heart

Colors: Purple and Gold

Feast Day: August 28

The Benedict Column is named after Saint Benedict of Norcia. In his early life, Saint Benedict was sent to Rome to study. However, he sought a more thoughtful, emotional lifestyle in the Simbruini Mountains. He spent the rest of his life there, living spiritually as a founder of Monastic life.

Motto: Fortitudo Caritas (Fortitude Charity)

Symbol: Mountain

Colors: Maroon and Salmon

Feast Day: July 11

The Bosco Column is named after Saint John Bosco. The anchor is inspired by the primary symbol of the Salesians, a Roman Catholic Latin Rite religious institute formed by Saint Bosco. The anchor represents one of the three theological virtues: hope.

Motto: Spes Caritas (Hope Charity)

Symbol: Anchor

Colors: Navy Blue and Red

Feast Day: January 31

The Chaminade Column is named after Saint William Joseph Chaminade, the founder of the Marianist Society. This society founded Covington Catholic High School and set the foundation for the school's future. The Marianists use a red rose to represent the society's devotion to and love for Mary.

Motto: Fides Caritas (Fidelity Charity)

Symbol: Rose

Colors: Red and Gold

Feast Day: January 22

The Kolbe Column is named after Saint Maximillian Kolbe, who formed the Militia Immaculatae, dedicated to the conversion of sinners and enemies of the Catholic Church through the intercession of the Virgin Mary. The Swords and Shields are symbolic of justice, determination, and willpower.

Motto: Justitia Caritas (Justice Charity)

Symbol: Crossed Swords and Shield

Colors: Light Blue and Purple

Feast Day: August 14