Charles (Charlie) Argana, Class of 2011, has built a life of service rooted in faith, family, and a strong sense of community. Charlie currently serves as the appointed Associate Circuit Judge of Division 15 for the 23rd Judicial Circuit of Missouri, located at the Jefferson County Courthouse in Hillsboro. In his role, he presides over all ex-parte restraining order petitions and half of Jefferson County’s probate matters, including mental health civil commitments, guardianships and conservatorships, and decedent estate cases. His courtroom also celebrates some of life’s most meaningful moments, officiating weddings and adoptions.
After graduating from St. Pius X, Charlie attended Quincy University, where he earned a B.A. in Political Science with a Pre-Law concentration. He then attended the University of Memphis for law school to obtain his Juris Doctor. He is licensed to practice law in Missouri and Tennessee. Today, alongside his judicial responsibilities, he remains actively involved in several professional organizations, including the Missouri Bar, Jefferson County Bar, and the Missouri Association of Probate and Associate Circuit Judges and Commissioners. He is also an active member of his parish community at Our Lady Catholic Church in Festus.
Outside the courtroom, Charlie’s favorite role is being a husband and father. He and his wife, Ashley, are raising their two young sons, Charlie and Oliver, and much of his free time is joyfully spent with his family. Charlie enjoys cooking, teaching his kids how to play video games, collect and play trading card games, and building and collecting Warhammer 40k miniatures.
Charlie credits his time at St. Pius X as a defining chapter in his life. He reflects fondly on the tight-knit community, the care shown by teachers and coaches, and the lifelong friendships he formed. As a member of the football team, he learned collaboration, grit, and work ethic—lessons that continue to guide him professionally. He also discovered a love of music and singing at SPX, a passion that ultimately led to a choral scholarship at Quincy University.
One of Charlie’s favorite St. Pius memories perfectly captures the school’s spirit and camaraderie. During his senior year, his class organized monthly breakfast tailgates in the parking lot complete with electric griddles, homemade food, and a pancake mascot named “Sammy the Pancake,” designed and built by Charlie himself. The costumed mascot welcomed students and faculty alike, turning ordinary mornings into moments of shared joy.
When asked what advice he would give current students, Charlie offers words grounded in faith and perspective: trust in God’s plan, work hard at what you can control, and have the serenity to accept what you cannot. “The path you’re led down may not be what you expect,” he says, “but it’s often the one best suited for you.”
We are proud to celebrate Charlie Argana ’11 and grateful for the way he continues to live out the values of St. Pius X in his vocation, his family life, and his service to others.
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