spartan weekly update - st. mary's high school · educating students from thirty communities...

“ ”St. Mary’s pillars for success: Catholic, Excellence, Integrity and Respect.

Spartan Weekly Update

From the Head of School

Good Evening, Thank you so much for your support with our Kiss 108 Campaign! This week, our ads have been featured on iHeart Radio, and next week our ads will be back on Kiss 108 FM. Our web takeover on Feb. 15 and 16 proved very successful with 527 total clicks to www.stmaryslynn.com. We will take over www.kiss108.com again on Feb. 27 with a new look and even more excitement! Remember to tell your friends and family to log on to www.kiss108.com on Feb. 27 for their chance to win an iPad! This is a very exciting time for many families in Greater Boston as they choose a new school. We invite prospective parents reading our Spartan Update to visit, call, or email anytime we can answer any questions for you. The St. Mary’s family is a very special place where we live out our Pillars of Success: Catholic, Excellence, Integrity and Respect, raise each other up with Spartan Pride, and come together as a community to live, learn, and pray together. We encourage our current parents to act as St. Mary’s ambassadors and cheerleaders in your own communities. We believe that what goes on in

Feb. 21-27, 2013

St. Mary’s is a Catholic college-preparatory school educating students from thirty communities from grades 6-12. Our rigorous academic and co-curricular programs encourage young men and women to reach their spiritual, intellectual, moral, physical and creative potential.

coming up Feb. 19-22

Winter Break

Feb. 27

Kiss108.com Takeover

Early Release

March 14

NHS Ceremony

March 15

No School, Prof. Development

March 18

No School, Prof. Development

Spring Sports Begin

March 20

Talent Show

March 28

Term III Ends

Holy Thursday Prayer Service

March 29

No School, Good Friday

March 31

Easter

April 3

Dancer’s Showcase

our community is very special, and we want to get the word out and invite everyone to get involved. We also welcome our alumni to the Spartan Update community, and we welcome you all to get more involved in our classrooms, at our athletic matches, and in any other ways your talents fit. Take a look at our new St. Mary’s Corner blog, which debuts today on the top right of the Spartan Update. This weekly blog will be updated each week with information on alumni events, the annual fund, and other helpful information on giving back to St. Mary’s in many various ways. Finally, the St. Mary’s community celebrates Lent together, and we encourage your family to explore the following resources:

• United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Lenten Resources• Archdiocese of Boston Lenten Resources• Sacred Space (Irish Jesuits) Lenten Spirituality Resources• Jesuits of New England Lenten Spirituality Resources

We hope you have had a restful break, and we’ll see you Monday!

From the Principal Congratulations to senior Nancy O’Neil on her nomination for the 2012-13 Herff Jones Believe in You Scholarship Principal’s Award. This award, selected by individual school principals throughout the United States and Canada, recognizes academic performance and community service. Reminder to JuniorsAll juniors are invited to apply for the St. Mary’s Chapter of the National Honor Society should be prepared to submit their applications on Tuesday, Feb. 26.

Marian Division Yearbook Just a reminder...We need a baby picture from each eighth-grader to put in the yearbook. I am asking the parents to either send in a hard copy and I will scan it and send it back home with your student or you can email a JPEG. Thank you and I look forward to seeing pictures of your beautiful babies.

Linda WilliamsYearbook [email protected]

North Shore Driving School Offering discounts for St. Mary’s Students during February school vacation week at our Salem, Mass. location. This is a one week accelerated class! Students should be 15 years and 9 months or older. For information and registration please call Rich Daly at 978-745-3303 or visit northshoredriving.com.

attached

• SMH Generic Permission Slip

• Physical Form

• February Dining Menu

• February Gym Schedule

• SpartanTimes, Vol. 2

• Hunger for Justice Permission Slip

• Year of Faith Weekly Blog


SpartanTimes Extra, extra! Read all about it!The second edition of the Spartan Times is attached. There are many exciting stories you can read and enjoy!

Nurse Lisa Physicals are now due for the students trying out for spring sports. Just a reminder, no tryouts will be allowed without an updated physical for spring sports.

Athletics Remember to support our winter athletic teams! February athletic and gym schedules are attached. St. Mary’s Track UpdateAthletes must run a qualifying time in order to make it into states. We had eight athletes make it this season. They are:

• Carol DiMaiti• Toni Vinciarelli• Rachel Hanlon• Victoria Viger• Justin O’Blenes• Jake Cassidy• Victor Molle• Josh Bertrand

The top eight at states place for points: Justin came in 5th in the 55m and the boys 4x200 team (including all four boys) came in seventh. The top three in each event will move on to all states which is at the Reggie Lewis Center this Saturday. Good Luck to Carol DiMaiti as she competes in the 55m State Championships after a great third-place finish at the sectionals last weekend. Spartan Classic ChampionsCongratulations! The girl’s basketball team captured the Spartan Classic title with a 59–53 win over Ipswich and for finishing the regular season 20–2. This is a girl’s basketball record for wins in a season.

Congratulations to the girls hockey team on beating Austin Prep 2–0 to secure their ninth consecutive Catholic Central League title. The boy’s basketball team won 4 of their last 5 games to finish 12–8 and qualify for the MIAA state tournament. Congrats to the cheering squad for their strong showing in the CCL Competition last weekend, placing fourth. MIAA playoff information for the girl’s hockey, girl’s basketball, and boy’s basketball teams can be found at miaa.net.

athletics

Hockey Boys Varsity Springfield Tourney, Feb. 21

Hockey Girls Varsity at Lexington, Feb. 22, 2 p.m.

Basketball Boys Varsity vs. Winthrop, Feb. 28, 7 p.m. at home

Basketball Girls’ Varsity, March 1, 7 p.m. at home

Hockey Girls Varsity vs. Newton North, March 2, 7:30 p.m. at Connery Rink


Campus Ministry / Rachel’s Challenge Hunger for JusticeCheck out more from last year’s Hunger for Justice on Facebook! Leadership applications for Hunger for Justice are available from Mr. Carmody or Mrs. Alberti. Electronic ones can be found on the Campus Ministry page.

• First Teen Leader Meeting: Wed. March 20• Next Adult Leader Meeting: Wed. Feb. 27 at 2:15 p.m. or Sunday, March 17 at

6:30 p.m.• Teen Leader Retreat: March 2 & 3• Actual Famine Hunger for Justice Dates: Good Friday, March 29 to Holy

Saturday, March 30

Snow CampersRegistration forms are due Feb. 12. There are TWO registration forms to be filled out, one says Snow Camps Application (please mark weekend number 2 March 8, 9, 10) as well as the St. Mary’s Permission Slip printed on the back of the parent letter. Volunteer OpportuniesMy Brother’s Table: Feb. 26, March 12, April 30 and Oct. 8

Guidance Updated Scholarship Opportunities

• Rotary Club of Lynn—March 29• Massachusetts Credit Union Scholarship—March 9• Topsfield Fair Essex Agricultural Society Scholarship—April 1• Topsfield Fair Charles E. Larner Family Foundation Scholarship—April 1• Lynn Hispanic Scholarship—May 17

Arts and Humanities St. Mary’s will present our production of Man, Woman, Flower in the preliminary round of the Massachusetts State Drama Festival Saturday, March 2, at Norwell High School. Our cast is scheduled to take the stage at 10 a.m. Please support the Drama Festival!

Admissions The re-registration process is happening now. Please remember to re-register by Friday, March 1. After March 1 the re-registration fee increases to $150. Contact the Admissions Office if you have any questions: Elaine Festa at 781-586-2008. Carole FrederickDirector of [email protected]


St. Mary’s Parish Lynn St. Mary’s Parish 150th Anniversary DinnerKnights of Columbus, LynnSaturday, March 2Cocktails will begin at 6 p.m.

Please join us for a special anniversary celebration. Tickets are $25 per person, which includes a sit-down dinner, dancing, and DJ. Come enjoy dinner and dancing with Fr. Brian! Tickets are available now at the Rectory. Contact us at 781-598-4907 or visit us at the Rectory Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.. Check us out at www.stmaryslynn.org.

Student Council

Spring FlingSemi-Formal Student Council Fundraiser Dance

Friday, March 156:30 p.m.The Holy Ghost Society Hall20 Howley Street, Peabody, MA

$35 per person, on sale soon; outside guests welcome.

Don’t forget the Talent Show on March 20!

Parent Partnership

May Parent Social/Fundraiser Volunteers Needed We invite parents to join us Wednesday, Feb. 27, at 6:30 p.m. in the Advancement office (DiCroce Alumni House) for a meeting to kick off the biggest parent social event of the year! Volunteers are needed for many different roles, and we hope all will lend a hand to make this evening a success for our kids! Please email Katie Dearing, Dean of Advancement, at [email protected] with any questions.

Thank you for all you do for St. Mary’s!


facebook twitter youtube linkedinSMHLYNN.ORG

Grace ReganHead of [email protected]

Carl [email protected]

35 Tremont St.Lynn, MA 01902781-595-7885

ST. MARY’S EVENT PERMISSION SLIP This permission slip can be used for any event. Print, fill out, and hand in prior to event.

EVENT NAME:

EVENT DATE:

Name:

Address:

City: State: Zip: Phone:

Emergency Contact: Phone:

INSURANCE INFORMATION

Health Insurance Co. Policy #

Family Physician Phone

I, the lawful parent or guardian of (“my child”) irrevocably release from all liability, and hereby agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Boston, both individually and in his capacity as trustee for the benefit of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston and all parishes within the Archdiocese, including but not limited to St. Mary’s (collectively, “RCAB”), and all the officers, agents, representatives, volunteers, chaperones, clergy, religious and employees of either the Archdiocese of Boston or any parish or youth ministry thereof (“Agents”) from any and all liability, actions, causes of action, claims, judgments, cost or expenses, including but not limited to attorney’s fees, known or unknown at this time, arising out of or in any way related to the injury or illness or other damages to person or property incurred by my child while participating in or traveling to or from the above mentioned event. I agree to instruct my child to cooperate with and follow the instructions of RCAB an it’s Agents, including but not limited to St. Mary’s, in charge of the activity. In the event my child does not cooperate with or follow the instructions of RCAB or it’s Agents, or violates the Archdiocese of Boston Code of Conduct (which I acknowledge that I have reviewed), I agree that I shall, at my sole cost and expense, arrange for the immediate transportation of my child from the above mentioned event to my custody, if so requested by RCAB or any of it’s Agents. I appoint RCAB or it’s Agents, including but not limited to St. Mary’s, who are acting as leaders of the activity as my attorney in fact to act for me in my name and on my behalf, in any way that I would, in the reasonable and sole judgment of RCAB or it’s Agents, be expected to act if I were personally present, with respect to the following matters if any injury, illness or medical emergency occurs during the activity: To give any and all consents and authorizations to any physician, dentist, hospital or other persons or institutions pertaining to any emergency medications, medical or dental treatments, diagnostic or surgical procedures or any other emergency actions as our attorney in fact shall deem necessary or appropriate for the best interest of my child. I understand that RCAB and its Agents will make a reasonable attempt to contact me as soon as possible in the event of medical emergency involving my child. The powers and authority granted herein may be revoked by written notice delivered in-hand to RCAB or its Agents who are then acting or who have previously acted hereunder. Without such written notice, this power of attorney shall not be affected by my disability, incapacity or adjudicated incompetence. This power of attorney shall lapse automatically upon completion of the activity and the return of my child to myself or approved guardian. Signature of Parent/Guardian Date

Please attach additional information as needed for the health and safety of the student. MDPH 05/15/07

MASSACHUSETTS SCHOOL HEALTH RECORD

Health Care Provider’s Examination

Name ________________________________________ Male Female Date of Birth:___________________ Medical History _________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Pertinent Family History Current Health IssuesY N

Allergies: Please list: Medications ______________________ Food _________________ Other ______________ History of Anaphylaxis to ___________________ Epi-Pen®: Yes No

Asthma: Asthma Action Plan Yes No (Please attach) Diabetes: Type I Type II Seizure disorder: ____________________________________________________________________________ Other (Please specify) _________________________________________________________________________

Current Medications (if relevant to the student's health and safety) Please circle those administered in school; a separate medication order form is needed for each medication administered in school. Physical Examination Date of Examination:___________________________

Hgt: ________(_____%) Wgt:_________(_____%) BMI: _________(_____%) BP: ________ (Check = Normal / If abnormal, please describe.)

General ________________ Lungs __________________ Extremities _____________ Skin __________________ Heart ___________________ Neurologic _____________ HEENT _______________ Abdomen _______________ Other __________________ Dental/Oral ____________ Genitalia ________________

Screening: (Pass) (Fail) (Pass) (Fail) (Pass) (Fail) Vision: Right Eye Hearing: Right Ear Postural Screening: Left Eye Left Ear (Scoliosis/Kyphosis/Lordosis) Stereopsis Laboratory Results: Lead _______ Date _______________ Other____________________________________ The entire examination was normal: Targeted TB Skin Testing: Med-to-High risk (exposure to TB; born, lived, travel to TB endemic countries; medical risk factors): Date of PPD: ____; Results: ____mm. Referred for evaluation to: _______________________________________ Low risk (no PPD done) This student has the following problems that may impact his/her educational experience:

Vision Hearing Speech/Language Fine/Gross Motor Deficit Emotional/Social Behavior Other

Comments/Recommendations:_____________________________________________________________________

Y N This student may participate fully in the school program, including physical education and competitive sports. If no, please list restrictions:_____________________________________________________________________________________

Y N Immunizations are complete: If no, give reason: Please attach Massachusetts Immunization Information System Certificate or other complete immunization record. ______________________________________________ ___________________________________________ Signature of Examiner Circle: MD, DO, NP, PA Date Please print name of Examiner. ______________________________________________ Group Practice Telephone ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address City State Zip Code

Certificate of Immunization June 2004

Massachusetts Department of Public Health CERTIFICATE OF IMMUNIZATION

Name:

Date of Birth: / / Sex: □ female □ male

If combination vaccine is administered, please indicate vaccine type (e.g., DTaP-Hib, etc.)

Vaccine Date/Vaccine Type Vaccine Date/Vaccine Type 1 1

2 2

Hepatitis B (e.g., HepB, HepB-Hib, DTaP-HepB-IPV)

3 3

1

Haemophilus influenzae type b (e.g., Hib, HepB-Hib, DTaP-Hib)

4

2 1

3

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) 2

4 1

5

Varicella (Var)

2

6 1

Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (e.g., DTaP, DT, DTaP-Hib, DTaP-HepB-IPV, Td)

7

Hepatitis A (HepA)

2

1 1

2

Pneumococcal Polysaccharide (PPV23) 2

3 1

Polio (e.g., IPV, DTaP-HepB-IPV)

4 2

1

Influenza Inactivated (Intramuscular) or Live (Intranasal) 3

2

3

Pneumococcal Conjugate (PCV7)

4

Other:

Serologic Proof of Immunity

Check One

Chickenpox History

Test (if done) Date of Test Positive Negative

Measles / /

Mumps / /

Rubella / /

Varicella* / /

Hepatitis B / /

* Must also check Chickenpox History box.

Check the box if this person has a physician-certified reliable

history of chickenpox.

Reliable history may be based on:

• physician interpretation of parent/guardian description of

chickenpox

• physical diagnosis of chickenpox, or

• serologic proof of immunity

I certify that this immunization information was transferred from the above-named individual’s medical records. Doctor or nurse’s name (please print) Date: / / Signature: Facility name:

SAINT MARY’S JR/SR HIGH SCHOOL

February 2013

If you have any questions, call the Director of Dining Services: PAUL GOODHUE at 781-477-9023 MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

1

American ChopSuey

Served With Wheat Bread Sticks

4 5 6 7 8

Whole Grain

Chicken Nuggets Served with French

Fries and Veg

A Pair of

All Beef Hot Dogs Served on Oatmeal

Buns with Chips

Whole Wheat Nacho Chips Topped with

Spicy beef, Cheddar cheese and Salsa

Oven Fried Chicken

Served with Mashed Potatoes and Mixed Veg.

Baked Penne: Wheat Pasta,

Bolognese Sauce, Ricotta and

Mozzeralla cheese We also offer Daily:

Asst. Cearals Fresh Baked Muffins

Asst. Bagels Chips

Asst. Snacks

Garelick Farms Milks and Juices

Water Flavored Water Pepsi Products

Switch Sparkling Juice

11 12 13 14 15

Boneless BBQ Rib Sub Served on a 12Grain Bun with

Chips

Grilled Buffalo

Chicken Tenders Served over a House Salad

Bean, Cheese and Brown Rice Burrito Served with Tortilla

Chips and Salsa

A Pair of Grilled

Cheese Sandwiches

Served with Fries

Wheat Macaroni

and Cheese Served with a Caesar Salad

18 19 20 21 22

25 26 27 28

Corn Dogs

Served with Brown Rice Pilaf and Corn

Chicken Parmesan Served over Whole Wheat Spaghetti w/

Garlic Bread

Breakfast For

Lunch: Buckwheat Pancakes,

Sausage and Fruit

Popcorn Chicken

Bowl: Mashed Potatoes, Corn and Gravy

House Baked Cheese Pi zza and Pizza of the Day. Made on Whole Wheat Crust with Low Fat Mozzarella Cheese and Topp ed with the freshest Ingredients.

Grilled Cheese Burgers, Hamburgers, Chicken Patties, French Fries and Hot Sandwich/Wrap of the Day. All Served on Fantini Baked Rolls or Mission Wraps

Assorted Pre-Packaged Salads, Sandwiches/Wraps and Deserts daily: Chicken Caesar Wrap, Buffalo Chicken Wrap, Italian Sub and Wraps/Subs of the Day.

Spicy Chicken Salad, Caesar Salad, Chicken Caesar salad and Salad of the Day. Pudding Parfaits, Yogurt Parfaits, Fresh Whole Fruit, Asst. Cakes and Pies

**Menu subject to change (Super Food of the Month is: Whole Grains) Where Whole Grains are used in the menu it will be highlighted in RED

February (No School) Vacation

http://www.pdfcomplete.com/cms/hppl/tabid/108/Default.aspx?r=q8b3uige22

5 Freshman Boys– 2:30-4:00

JV Boys – 4-5:30

Varsity Boys – 5:30-7:30

Cheering – 7:30-9:30

Varsity Girls – 2:15-4:30

Freshman/JV Girls – 4:30-

5:45

Freshman/JV Boys – 5:45-

7:00


TBD

TBD

TBD


Freshman/JV Girls – 4:30-5:45

Freshman/JV Boys – 5:45-7:00


8

Freshman, JV and Varsity

Girls Basketball vs. Williams

-3:00-9

Girls Basketball – 2:15-3:15


Boys Basketball vs. St. John’s

Prep -3:00-9

Varsity and Freshman Boy’s

Basketball, 2:45-7:00 vs.

Fellowship

Cheering – 7-9


Girls Basketball vs. Austin-

3:00-9

TBD

Varsity Girls Basketball vs.

Coyle Cassidy -5-8

Varsity Boys – 8-10

SPARTAN

CLASSIC

TBD

TBD

TBD

TBD

TBD

Girls Basketball – 11-12:30

Boys Basketball – 12:30-

2:00


Jr. High Games – 4-10

SPARTAN

CLASSIC

Boys Basketball – 11-1

Girls Basketball – 1-3

TBD


Freshman/JV Girls – 4:30-

5:45

Freshman/JV Boys – 5:45-

7:00


Boys Basketball – 2:15-3:15


Girls Basketball vs.

Somerville 3:00-9

TBD

TBD

GYM CLOSED

CHEERING

COMPETITION



TBD

TBD

Girls Basketball – 2:15-3:15


Boys Basketball vs. Fenwick -

3:00-9

3

Boys Basketball – 11-12:30

Girls Basketball – 12:30-

2:15


7

TBD

8

TBD

9

TBD

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

4 5

6

7

14

21

28

13 12

20 19

27 26

11

18

25

10

17

24

9

16

23 22

15

3

2 1

3

6

4

4

FEBRUARY- MARCH ST. MARY’S GYM SCHEDULE

March for Life By Michael Ksander & Francesca Valeri

The March for Life began for students on

the frigid morning of January 24th. Minds filled with

wonder and

anticipation about

the road ahead of

us. The first thing

we received was

our red hoodies

that would signify

who we are and

what we stand for

throughout the

trip. The bus ride

was long but fun;

we got to see

amazing sights

during our twelve-

hour ride. Finally

arriving in DC, we

participated in Mass filled with representatives from

the whole archdiocese of Boston along with Cardinal

O’Malley at the National Basilica. Everyone was

there to praise God and show his or her love for all

human life. After Mass, we returned to the bus for

the trip to the hotel and to rest and prepare for the

life-changing events that were soon to come. Waking

at 6:30 A.M. the delegation from the Archdiocese of

Boston drove to a basilica where

Cardinal O’Malley celebrated mass,

followed by a rally with speakers

including a seminarian and a sister from

Iraq, Mother Olga. Their stories were of

bravery in the face of adversity when it

came to the value of human life.

Afterwards lunch was served where we

had the opportunity to speak with

Mother Olga. She told us that we were

loved greatly and that she would pray

for me and for my mother. Mother Olga

spoke gently as she told me about her

time at Boston College and in Iraq. We then got onto

the busses to go and march for life. When we arrive

there it was snowing badly and felt as if it were 20

degrees below zero. We offered it up to God and

marched through the streets of Washington. We

were surrounded by many people who shared our

beliefs. Some were telling their stories of abortion

and how much it not only hurt the fetus but

themselves as well. Seeing people from all over the

world come together as one to demonstrate for this

cause really moved me and showed that we are all

children of God.

After the march we went to lunch in a

church basement in order to celebrate the day and

all we accomplished. As moving as the march was,

the most touching and changing moment was

adoration that night after dinner. We all sat

together in peace and quiet to have a personal

conversation with our God. It was very moving to see

everyone pour their heart out to God and to have

their sins forgive.

Our final stop the next morning was the

University of Maryland chapel where mass was

celebrated. In his homily, Father Mathew spoke

about listening to the “love song between the

father, son and holy spirit.” This would later spark

spontaneous dancing at a liturgy at Saint Mary’s High

School. We then spent the afternoon in silence

learning about the horrible events that took place

during the Holocaust. It reminded us of how

important it is to fight for the unborn because they

don’t have the opportunity to speak out and defend

themselves.

Soon the pilgrims were on their way home,

to carrying the message of what it means to truly be

pro-life. The journey home gave us the

opportunity to rest and reflect on the

lessons, stories, and messages of the trip.

We were told that the pilgrimage only

started, that we must go back to our

communities and serve as disciples in the

name of the gospel of life. During this

time we watched the movie “For Greater

Glory” about the pro catholic uprising in

Mexico during the 1920. The ride went

into the late hours of the night. We

arrived back at Saint Mary’s at twelve-

fifteen.

At this stage in history the

Liberating message of the gospel

Of life has been but into your hands

- Pope John Paul II

This message was worn on the back of all Boston

hoodies during the march.

THE SPARTAN TIMES February, 2013

Picture by Franesca Valeri

Picture provided by IA

Come one, Come all to this Year’s Spring Musical

By Madison Alley

Being a part of the St. Mary’s Spring Musical

is a great opportunity to develop acting and vocal

skills. Participants can learn about set design,

decorating, costume design, lighting, sound and

scenery changes. The participating students perform

a full-length musical production every year. This

year’s school musical is the “Wizard of Oz” which

will be held in the Conigliaro gym on Friday April 26th

at 7:30 PM and Saturday, April 27th at 2:00 PM.

Tickets will be available in the bookstore and will be

announced when available.

This year’s cast members include juniors

Brittany Jones, who will be playing the important

role of Dorothy; and

Diandra Pezzano, the

Scarecrow; seniors Sarah

O’Brien, the Tin Man; and

Jake Kiley, the Lion;

Hazel Stirgwolt, the

Witch; and sophomore

Rebecca Brackett, the

Good Witch Glinda.

Among the cast members,

there will be several

Marian Division students playing Munkins.

Time Management

By Kelsey Crowley

While everyone is focusing on getting their

school work done, or turning in their college

applications, time management is key. Mr. Ruth,

who is an algebra teacher at St. Mary’s, is a perfect

example of good time

management. Throughout the

years, he has learned how to

handle many jobs at once. He is a

part- time Math teacher, former

Athletic Director at Lynn

Classical, works for the MIAA,

serves as site director for

football, is a member of the Eligibility Review Board,

and part time limousine driver for Cuffe- McGinn

funeral home in Lynn.

He says, “After spending many years as a

full- time algebra teacher and athletic director,

going to a part time algebra job has made things a

lot easier. Also it was very different going from

public school to a private school like St. Mary’s”

Even after doing all of these things, he still

manages to be a husband of 38 years, father of two,

and grandfather of five. He made it very clear that

no matter what, his family will always be first. Mr.

Ruth flies out to Seattle about three or four times a

year to visit his grandchildren, who are triplets.

Mr. Ruth said, “It is all about time

management; family always comes first. My schedule

always works around my family.” His ability to

handle work, family and fun is extraordinary. He is a

role model to many of the students for this. If ever

in a panic about priorities or time, he is a perfect

person to go to.

TOP 5 NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS

By Sarah O’Brien

Here we are one month into 2013, so how

are you doing on your New Year Resolutions? If

you’re anything like me or more than half the

population of the world, you’ve already forgotten

your resolutions and have long since given up on

trying to complete them. Or maybe you’re working

on it, but you’ve “been too busy” to go to the gym,

and those piles of homework your teachers are piling

on you really aren’t helping you out. So to let you

know you’re not alone, we have the Top Five

Resolutions You Probably Won’t Keep.

5. I’m Going to give up (Insert junk food here)!

Yes. Very cute. Sadly, we all know how long

that is going to last. Maybe a week, maybe even two

weeks. But as soon as a situation in which that food

is available presents itself, you’re gone. Studies

suggest that human willpower is a depletable

resource, why waste it refusing yourself that tiny

piece of chocolate?

4. I’m going to get organized!

A nice trip to the container store and

suddenly you feel like the ten file cabinets you just

bought are definitely going to make a difference in

your life. And yeah, it might, for the first month.

Eventually this is going to turn sour, and the file

cabinets get crammed with junk and your new day

planner has disappeared off the face of the planet,

and that shiny new white board is covered in doodles

that have been left there too long and won’t come

off without a good scrubbing.

Picture by bing.com/images

Picture by Lifetouch

3. I’m going to learn something new!

Whether it be an instrument, a new

language, a new sport or skill, we all want to begin

the new year fresh with a new start in a new area of

learning. But is it really going to last? Of course not.

You’ll stop practicing eventually, or you’ll be too

busy to sit down and work on this new project. It’s a

simple fact of life; it’s hard to fit something new

into an already established schedule.

4. I’m going to work out, to go to the gym and get

fit!

Getting healthy is really important, and it’s

a good goal to have, but thinking that you’ll actually

be able to just suddenly start going to the gym every

other day is highly unrealistic. Maybe you’ll skip one

day because you worked so hard last time, and then

maybe another because you have this pile of

homework that you need to do, or you have to pick

up a shift for someone else at your job, and before

you know it you’re keeping your gym membership

out of guilt and driving past the building avoiding

looking at it.

5. I’m going to go on a diet/lose weight.

HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA

HA HA

Resolutions are tricky things, and this isn’t

to discourage you, but rather to encourage you to

think realistically! Look at yourself and think “What

do I need to do to keep this?” and don’t set goals for

yourself that are impossible to achieve! Set some

small resolutions, things that you want to get done

by the year’s end rather than things that take a year

to do. It could be something as simple as replacing

that old alarm clock that doesn’t display half the

numbers. Get a friend or family member to help you

with your goal! It’s easier to keep to that exercise

regime if someone is exercising with you, and easier

to learn a language if you have someone to speak it

with. Set deadlines and get someone to hold you to

them, or ask someone to check up on your progress.

And hey, just because the year is a month gone,

doesn’t mean it’s too late to start over: 2013 has

only just begun!

The National Youth Leadership Forum By Ebonie Aghahowa

In life we learn that we should never take

an opportunity for granted. I was soon able to

experience this saying while I was sitting in my

honors history class last year. Ms. Poole, who was my

teacher at the time, explained to the class how she

was emailed information about an amazing

opportunity for students that were in the 9th-11th

grade.

Since a former student, Gabi Couto, had

attended this program in the past, she was asked to

speak to the class about her experience. Gabi

explained to the class how the program was called

the National Youth Leadership Forum but within the

forum, it had different divisions. For example, Gabi

completed a forum that had to do with Medicine.

Within this forum she was able to discover medical

specialties as well as discuss responses to epidemics

and threats to public health.

After explaining this to us, Ms. Poole stated

that she was willing to nominate any of the students

who were present in her honors class, as well as

people who she felt she knew well enough to

nominate them for such a program as this. She

explained to us that along with the medicine forum

there was a forum for law and CSI as well as national

security. Because I have a strong interest in law, I

quickly went to her after class and asked if she

would nominate me for this program. Ms. Poole said

that it would be her pleasure and soon nominated

me for the national youth leadership forum on law

and CSI.

A couple of weeks later, I received in the

mail an official invitation to this program. Because

of financial restraints, I soon filled out an

application for a scholarship to attend this program.

It was made quite clear in the scholarship that I

wouldn’t receive all of the funds that were needed

and that I might need to seek other ways of financial

aid.

As the date for the conference was

approaching, I was beginning to feel a bit doubtful

that I would be able to raise these funds by myself

but through it all I still remained hopeful. One day

while my mother and I were in Jo-Ann fabric and

crafts store, we received a phone call from the

national youth leadership forum. In this phone call,

they explained to us that I received a full scholarship

to attend the national youth leadership forum on law

and CSI and all that I would have to do would be to

pay for my airline tickets. My mother and I were

practically jumping for joy after receiving this phone

call and we soon started to prepare for this program.

When it was time for the conference, I

arrived to D.C. in the afternoon and soon checked

into my hotel room so that I would be able to meet

other students who were invited to attend this

program. While entering the grand ballroom of the

hotel, it shocked me to see how many students were

at this program. There were over two hundred

people from all over the United States who were

seen to be leaders by the people who nominated

them for this program.

While attending this program, we were all

assigned individual groups which helped us to learn

about other people’s perspectives from across the

fifty states. Within these groups we discussed what

it meant to be a leader and what steps it took in

order to be one. Once establishing this, we were

able to move on and get into the real aspect of why

we were attending this conference.

During this conference I was able to

conduct two mock trial cases within my group which

included one that dealt with just the Supreme Court

Justices and another that dealt with lawyers, a

judge, and even a jury. I was also able to view the

D.C. monuments as well as hear from keynote

speakers and visit popular colleges in the D.C. area.

While conducting the mock trial cases, my group was

able to work together as well as help each other out

to present it in front of everyone. This was an

amazing opportunity because we were able to have a

sense of what being in court was actually like.

Viewing the DC monuments was pretty

interesting as well. The one that stood out to me the

most was the MLK memorial. This was my first time

viewing this memorial and I mostly remember how

breathtaking it was. As soon as you enter, there are

inspiring quotes by M.L.K all around his monuments

as well as inspiring quotes which motivate you to

stay determined in life.

The keynote speakers that came to the

conference gave us a bit of an insight on what it was

like to work in the legal environment. They also

shared with us some of the cases that they have won

and how much time and effort that they had to put

into it. This similar talk was given at the schools that

my group was able to visit in D.C. While visiting

George Washington University, George Mason

University and the law firm at Morgan Lewis, the

administration talked to us about their law or

forensics program and encouraged us to always focus

on helping out each other when becoming a leader.

The law firm at Morgan Lewis mostly talked to us

about their position and what it took to get to that

position. They were very friendly to us and even

gave us Morgan Lewis cups as souvenirs.

Attending this program really gave me an

inside look on the legal world. I felt as though this is

important to me because in the future I plan on

becoming a family lawyer.

Through this program I was

able to create many

networks which I know will

help me down the future.

Attending this program also

prepared me to be a leader

and little did I know that I

would soon be nominated to

attend the Presidential

Inauguration Summit of 2013!

LeadAmerica’s 2013 Presidential Inaugural Leadership Summit

By Ebonie Aghahowa

After attending the National Youth Leadership

Forum on Law and CSI, I was soon nominated to attend

the Presidential Inaugural Leadership summit in

Washington D.C. from January 18-22, 2013. This was

very exciting for me

because it was my first

time ever attending an

inauguration, and it was

made quite clear to me

that I would be witnessing

history being made.

LeadAmerica, as

stated from its website, is

one of the nation’s

educational leaders in

personalized experiential

learning, offers

outstanding, high-

achieving high school and

middle school students the opportunity to gain

valuable knowledge and the experience of real college

life while they explore their future path and discover

what inspires them most.

In this LeadAmerica conference Camila de la

Vega and I were invited to attend the Presidential

Inauguration. The theme of this conference was “Build

Your Future, Change Your World.” Arriving at this

event was truly breathtaking. We stayed at the Hilton

Alexandria Mark Center Hotel in Alexandria Virginia. I

must say that I was very surprised to see many

students from all over the globe. I was soon informed

by the people who were checking Camila and me in

that there were over four hundred students at this

conference!

There were people from Saudi Arabia, Dubai,

Nigeria, China, Korea, United Emirates, and so much

more! Since Camila and I were put in separate groups

this gave us the opportunity to meet new people as

well as to adapt to different concepts from people

who are across the globe. Before meeting my group, I

quickly made friends with the people who were around

me.

As a group, we decided to attend our first

seminar which was called “Radioactive Challenge.”

Within this seminar I was able to learn about why

radioactivity is important because of the reality of the

Picture by Ebonie Aghahowa


threats of radioactive weapons. During this seminar,

many questions were asked which allowed everyone to

learn about each other’s opinions.

Throughout the week we had several

seminars, attractions to see, as well as keynote

speakers. All of these attractions were able to test our

strength as well as show us what true leadership

potential was all about. The seminars that I attended

were: The Radioactive Challenge, Fragile States &

Global Consequences (how fragile states impact our

world as well as what we can do about it), extreme

poverty (encouraged us to join their campaign entitled

‘Live Below the Line’ which encourages individuals to

try to live on $1.50 for an entire week!), Business

Start-ups in the Developing World (allowed us to Skype

with leaders of growing businesses in Nigeria, and

present potential solutions to business challenges),

Social Media and the Common Good (helped us to

investigate the tool of social media as a platform for

advancing change), Tech Revolution: Robotics in the

21st Century (helped us to

understand in what

direction robotics is going

in technology today as

well as how robotics

influences the new

technologic revolution),

and Arts as a vehicle for

Social Change (we were

introduced to values that

can guide the creation of

socially interactive art as

well as how they can be

implemented in home communities)

While at the conference, we also had an

inaugural ball. Now before people confuse this with

President Obama’s presidential ball, this ball was a bit

different. This ball was held within our hotel ballroom

and was almost similar to how Saint Mary’s has semi-

formal. Outside of the ballroom there was a photo

booth to take pictures in as well as a cut out of Obama

to take pictures with. This was pretty cool to attend

with everyone at the conference; we practically

danced the night away.

For attractions we were able to visit the DC

monuments which included the Lincoln Memorial, FDR

Memorial, WWII Memorial, Thomas Jefferson

Memorial, and much more! Our keynote speakers were

Colin Powell, Ambassador Jim Jones, and the

Honorable Bill Frenzel. I must say that Colin Powell

inspired me the most. He explained to all four

hundred of us that no matter how far we make it in

life; we must not forget to bring along with us people

who are less fortunate than us. He also explained to us

the leadership is all about a sense of purpose and that

once you have this, you can basically go anywhere in

life.

All of these events soon added up when it was

time to attend the presidential inauguration. Everyone

had to wake up at 4am; we received a boxed breakfast

and lunch. After receiving this we soon loaded our

coach buses. The coach bus ride wasn’t that long but

the walking, I must say, was quite a distance.

Everyone walked for about an hour and thirty minutes

until we reached to our final destination. Once we got

there, the walking paid off!

As soon as we got to the location of the

presidential inauguration, everyone was so excited

because we were witnessing history being made. As

President Obama and Vice-President Biden recited

their oaths it was truly exciting to see everyone in the

crowd waving their miniature version of the American

flag. When it was time to view the inaugural speech

my group was standing close enough to view what was

going on. Although we were close, we still had to view

the jumbotrons to actually see the events in detail.

After President Obama gave his speech, we

watched the performances of the

celebrities who came during the

inauguration. When it was time to

leave, every group walked back to

their coach bus and tried not to get

lost in the crowd of people. Once on

the bus, everyone was silent

because we were exhausted as well

as excited. While arriving back to

the hotel we were given some free

time and then we were able to

discuss how we felt during the

inauguration.

Saying goodbye to all of the people in my

group was the hardest part of the entire trip. Tears

were shed and hugs were given as we departed to go

our separate ways. We all vowed to keep in contact

with each other and plan on meeting each other again.

This experience was truly amazing and I have

no regrets about this. Later on in life, I will be able to

tell my children and even grandchildren that I was

present when history was being made. As for President

Obama, it seems as though he has much in store for

America in the next four years. And with that being

said, we must remember as a nation to keep moving

“FORWARD!”

We would like to thank our Head of School

Grace Regan, Principal Carl DiMaiti, Pam Poole for her

nomination, and Alumni Tom O’Brien, Owen Lynch,

Robert Deveraux, Mary Ann Calnan, Charlie Gallo, EDIC

and our Board Members T. Richard Cuffe, Marnie

Moore, Glenn Morris and Charles Gaeta for their

outreach and generosity. Once again, a great example

of our St. Mary’s leadership and family helping

students achieve their dreams!


Year Faith 2012-2013

of 24 February 2013

Created by Chris Carmody: [email protected] and Stephanie Rangel: [email protected]

“One Great Tree, With Many Branches”

- Catechism 917

The Catechism of the Catholic Church says: “From the very beginning of the Church there were men and women who set out to follow Christ with greater lib-erty, and to imitate him more closely, by practicing the evangelical counsels… Religious life in its various forms is called to signify the very charity of God in the language of our time,” (CCC 918,926). If you were to ever attended a conference for those active within the religious life you would notice one thing for sure: every person is wearing a habit of a dif-ferent color! Each color you see would represent a dif-ferent order or religious community. Each order has particular charisms or a focus while working within the spiritual life of the Church. In just one hour you might see white habits, black habits, grey, brown, or even

BLUE veils! In a great way this visual would help you to understand just how many orders there are. But who are the people wearing those habits? Why the veils? Why the rope around the waist, the giant crucifix, and long beard? The person who completely and willfully surrenders themselves to God, consecrates him/herself to complete service within the Church. They dedicate their lives in a special manner to become missionaries under the particular charisms, or focus, of their religious community. Both men and women can join in the religious life; men commonly becoming friars and woman becoming sisters. One beautiful example of a woman called to serve was a little nun named Mother Teresa of Calcutta. She belonged to the Missionaries of Charity, and was their founder. She once said of her life as a nun, “A life not lived for others is not a life.” In a simple ten word sentence Blessed Mother Teresa perfectly summed up what religious life truly is… a vocation best served while in service to others. We as a Church have much to be thankful for, and those in the religious life should be at the top of the list! They spend their life serving us through prayer, charitable works, education, etc. Much of the Church has strived through their sacrifice and willingness to give. Most people will not be-come a consecrated member within the Church and some of us may never even meet one! But those who do enter into such a vocation are true he-roes for the faith!

Look up some 0f the various religious communities in the United States and dedicate your time this Lent

to pray for that community. Remember...they’re already praying for you!

“In effect, the consecrated life is at the very heart of the Church as a

decisive element for her mission, since it 'manifests the inner

nature of the Christian calling and the striving of the whole

Church as Bride towards union with her one Spouse"

- Pope John Paul II, Vita Consecrata

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