A sign outside Purcell Marian High School welcomed about 300 visiting eighth-graders and sent a loud and clear message:

        “Once a Cavalier, always a Cavalier.”

        Seniors sent the message to junior high school students Wednesday who visited Purcell Marian as part of the effort by Greater Cincinnati's parochial high schools to woo students.

        Wednesday, eighth-graders from Nativity and St. Cecilia listened to the band play the Purcell Marian fight song and participated in a theater-class activity.

        Senior ambassadors gave tours and the younger students sat in on classes and got a glimpse of the whole high school experience.

        Junior trumpet player Lester Spinks said students have time for sports and an instrument as well.

        “It's real fun once you know what you're doing and you meet all these guys,” he said. “It's kind of like a big family.”

        But sports at the school are great, too, he said.

        “If you don't come for the music or the academics, come for the sports,” he said.

        Patrick Doran, a 16-year-old junior, said joining the band was probably the best choice he has ever made.

        “It's well worth the time and energy,” he said.

        Geoff Seiter and Matt Morris, eighth-graders at Nativity, said they were impressed. Both said they plan to attend Purcell.

        “I'm pretty sure I'm going to (attend),” Geoff said.

        Catholic high schools in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and the Diocese of Covington launched a new advertising campaign this week with billboards, buses and banners at the schools, as well as radio spots and yard signs, promoting the Catholic high school experience.

        The ads coincide with open houses at the schools throughout October and November.

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