volume 4, issue 9 faith in her iwhs 2014 graduation ... · pdf filecongratulations! class of...
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June 3, 2014 Volume 4, Issue 9 FAITH IN HER
IWHS 2014 Graduation
Carolyn Lee Petr and Gaielle Harb
Congratulations!
Class of 2014
Valedictorian: Carolyn Lee Petr
Salutatorian: Gaielle Harb
116 Graduates
Over $13,400,000 in Scholarships
May 18, 2014
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We hope that you have
enjoyed the first <name
of paper> and we hope
that these stories were
refreshing for you and a
reminder of all the good
things that are happen-
ing within our school
community at IWHS. We
invite you to send alum-
nae updates, student
news and accomplish-
ments along with photos
so that we can share
your success with others.
Graduating Class of 2014
Top Ten Percent
Rhiannon Belle Briseño
Deandra Christina Gonzalez
Gaielle Harb
Alexis Conol Johnson
Laurie Anne Medina
Felicia Juarez Pastrano
Carolyn Lee Petr
Lesly Vanessa Ramirez
Megan Isabella Rodriguez
Monica Sofia Rodriguez
Maria Paulina Szinnyey
Monica Duarte Trevino
Lucia Marilyn Abarca Jenna Alycea Adams Mary Catherine Aldrete Marisa Victoria Alonzo Ava Marie Bassler Victoria Gabrielle Belmares Madeline Nichole Benirez Emma Kathleen Birkey Rhiannon Belle Briseno Alexandria Townsend Brown Allyssa Marie Burke Claudia Chabokrow Gabriella Karisa Chapa Marciela M. Mendez Chapa Emily Catharine Chetwood Seunghee Choi Margaret Eleanor Cockerell Kelly L. Cordova Alexandra Evette Cortez Bianca Cortez Sarah Clayton Cox Clare Marie Creedon Katherine Dahlquist-Bauer Andrea Delia De La Cruz
Miranda De Los Santos Sydney Lauren Doolittle Alejandra Rene Elizondo Alyssa Janel Elizondo Madeline Camille Finck Shelby Marie Fisher Brandy Flores Megan Renee Fuentes Clarissa Anneliese Garcia Isabella Garcia Kristen Marie Garcia Lorenza Suzanna Garcia Amanda Jordan Garza Celeste Elena Garza Haleigh Marie Garza Carolina Areli Gonzalez Deandra Christina Gonzalez Ileanna Victoria Guerra Alexis Gutierrez Gaielle Harb Lauren Azel Harris Minyang He Megan Rae Hermosa
Bethanie Victoria Hernandez Kara Andrea Hernandez Madeline Jade Hernandez Marilyn Denise Hernandez Natalie Anne Hernandez Ashley Christine Herolt Marlena Araceli lruegas Sydney Elizabeth Isenberg Alexis Conol Johnson Frances Johnson Eloisa Marie Kinman Haley Nicole Kirby Alexandria Isabel Knecht Sabrina Nicole Latigo Khanh Ha Le Cao Kate Ashton Lindeman Kendra Erin Lindeman Chih-Yen Liu Kristina Lopez Vanessa Geneve Lopez Emily Felice Lujan Alexandria Nicole Luna Jacqueline Marrero
Madeline Catherine Martin Kiaryx Yvonne Martinez Laurie Anne Medina Emily Michelle Mena Laura Erica Mena Mercedes Gabriela Mercado Christelle Bofale Miller Sophia Alicia Montemayor Isabella Morales Carlie Jo Mugica Emily Grace Neiheisel Christina Reyes Nuncio Felicia Juarez Pascrano Teanna Marie Peavy Megan Dunne Perleoni Carolyn Lee Petr Emily Jane Phillips Krystal Bianca Marie Puente Alexis Yvette Quinones Lesly Vanessa Ramirez Alexandria Danielle Ramos Mary Elizabeth Renteria Brittany Alexandria Rodriguez
Megan Isabella Rodriguez Monica Sofia Rodriguez Sofia Liliana Ruiz Kirsten Lorraine Saldana Giovanna Antonietta Salzillo Rebecca T. Samaniego Ziming Shang Annelise Marie Shipley Yeonjin Song Mary Katherine Specia Maria Paulina Szin nyey Elizabeth Grace Torres Lisette Yvonne Torrez Monlca Duarte Trevino Joelle Renee Tuttle Andrea Jenae Urrutia Carolina Crystal Uzquiano Jacqueline Abigail Vasquez Arianna Marie Walton Lexin Wang Lianna Alise Ybarra Devon Elizabeth Yordy Bridget Marie Youngs
I WHS is honored to present the graduating Class of
2014. The celebrations began with the Baccalaureate
Mass at St. Francis of Assisi Church on May 16. The Mass
honoring our 116 graduates was presided by Reverend
Thomas Dymowski, O.SS.T.. The Madrigals provided the
musical accompaniment. Members of the class of 2014
served as altar servers, readers, gift bearers, and
extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist. Dr. Andrea
Gonzalez from the Archdiocese of San Antonio Catholic
Schools Office presented the Archbishops Medallion Award
to Jacqueline Vasquez, and Principal B.J. Nelsen
presented the Valedictorian Medal to Carolyn Petr and the
Salutatorian Medal to Gaielle Harb.
On Sunday May 18, family, friends, faculty and
administrators gathered at the UIW Convocation Center
to celebrate the IWHS Commencement Exercises.
Following tradition, the graduates assembled outside and
were led across the campus and into the Center by the San
Antonio Pipes and Drums. The national anthem was sung
by graduating senior Marciela Mendez Chapa.
This year Salutatorian Gaielle Harb and Valedictorian
Carolyn Petr delivered very entertaining and colorful
commencement speeches. After the conferring of diplomas,
closing remarks and congratulations were delivered by
Daniel Ochoa, Dean, University Preparatory Programs
UIW, and Dr. Cyndi Porter, VP Extended Academic
Programs, UIW.
B.J. Nelsen congratulated the young women for their
outstanding accomplishments and successes. She
announced that the class was awarded over $13 million in
scholarships and grants! At the conclusion of the
ceremony, Senior Class President Emily Phillips led the
Class of 2014 in the “Turning of the Tassels.”
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MISSION STATEMENT
In a faith-based preparatory environment,
Incarnate Word High School prepares confident young women dedicated to
academic excellence, Christian service and
social justice.
CORE VALUES
Academic Excellence Integrity Service
Community of Faith Compassion Stewardship
ACCREDITATION
Incarnate Word High School is fully accredited
with the Southern Association of Colleges
and Schools (SACS) and Texas Catholic
Conference Education Department (TCCED).
UIW Connection
Incarnate Word High School is a part of the
Brainpower Connection, and is affiliated with
University of the Incarnate Word.
Dear Shamrock Community,
Graduation is over, summer school has begun and planning is
underway for the 2014 school year. This is our last edition of
“What’s the Word” until next August. We hope you have
enjoyed reading about the accomplishments of our girls and
thank the editors, Delma Cisneros and Stephanie Denning, and
the many students, faculty and parents who have contributed to
the publication.
We cannot close the year without extending Congratulations to
the Class of 2014! College acceptances are in and a record breaking 13.4 million
dollars in scholarships and grants has been reported. The class also completed close
to 20,000 hours of service during their four years, earned 193 hours of dual credit, 50%
of the class completed one or more AP courses during their junior and senior years
and five students are signing to play four different sports at the university level.
What a testament to the efforts of our students, the guidance and instructional skills
of our dedicated staff and the support of families, friends and alumnae. Well done
Class of 2014 and our best wishes for success and happiness in the years to come!
Congratulations also go out to those students recognized at Awards Day and the
Athletic Banquet and our entire student body for having concluded a successful year
at Incarnate Word. We thank the parent and alumnae community of Incarnate Word
for believing in the benefits of a single gender education and the faith based college
prep program we provide our students. The successes of our students are a result of
our working, praying and playing together in support of the young women who enter
our doors.
As we close this school year, we bid a fond farewell to Dr. Judy Luckett and Sandra
Grabill, who are retiring this month, to Sr. Margaret Snyder who has been elected to
the leadership team of the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate
Word and to VP Michelle De Anda who has accepted a Principals position within the
Archdiocese. Our deepest appreciation and best wishes to these four remarkable
women who have been outstanding professionals, dedicated supporters of the
Shamrock community and positive role models for our girls.
We thank you for entrusting your daughters to us, for the many, many ways in which
you have supported and enriched our program and for your ongoing belief in and
support of our mission. Best wishes to all for a relaxing and safe summer.
B.J. Nelsen
Principal’s Perspective
Senior Class President Emily Phillips addresses the congregation at the Baccalaureate Mass
Summer Hours
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What’s Happening?
Upcoming Events
Photography contributors:
Frank Maniscalco
June 2 Summer School Session 1
June 4 Final Report Cards mailed
June 16 Summer School Session 2
Aug 5 Final Registration
Aug 7 New Parent Orientation 6 p.m.
Aug 8 Transfer Orientation 9 - 11:30 a.m.
Aug 11 School Begins
Picture Day - Grades 10 & 11
Aug 12 Picture Day - Grade 9
Aug 15 Feast of Assumption Liturgy
Aug 19 10th grade Pin Ceremony
Aug 21 Last day to Add/Drop
Aug 26 9th grade Pin Ceremony
Aug 29 Back to School Dance
7:30-10:30 p.m.
I ncarnate Word High
School has been a
participant of the Close-
Up trip to Washington,
D.C. and Williamsburg,
Virginia for over 30 years.
We have begun enrolling
sophomores, juniors and
seniors for the trip next
school year. If you enroll
before June 1, 2014, the
price is $1,832, the same
as this year. Included is
airfare, hotels in D.C. and
Williamsburg, three
meals a day, all
transportation, fees, tips
and theatre tickets. A
$400 deposit is required
and then you may pay in
installments until Oct. 1,
2014.
It begins the Saturday
after Thanksgiving. For
more information, please
contact Mrs. Kellogg
A big Shamrock Thank You to the
ladies who have graciously given of their
time and expertise to proofread What’s
the Word newsletter this year — Diana
Lisenbee, BJ Nelsen and Cybele Bolado
and to the amazing faculty who supplied
news, articles, and photos. Have a
Blessed Summer!
Editors: Delma Cisneros
and Stephanie Denning
Order a Personalized Paver!
A Paver in the Mt. Erin Circle walkway is a wonderful way to
honor a student or friend. For more information, contact
Stephanie Denning at [email protected] or
210-832-2143, or click here.
Summer Athletic Camps
Strength and
Conditioning
Volleyball
Basketball
Softball
Click here for dates and
registration form.
For more information,
please contact Athletic
Director April Fricke at
829-3122 or
Contact April Fricke for
more information about
training and camps.
This summer Coach Fricke is biking the trail the first three Sisters took from
Galveston to San Antonio (250 miles). With support from Sr. Margaret Snyder
on this ride, she hopes to match the funds raised by the athletes this year.
All proceeds from the ride will be donated to Christus Mobile
Mammography Unit for early Breast Cancer prevention.
To make a pledge contact Coach Fricke at [email protected] or go to www.incarnatewordhs.org Support IWHS and designate
Other: “Sisters Trail”
5
We hope that you have
enjoyed the first <name
of paper> and we hope
that these stories were
refreshing for you and a
reminder of all the good
things that are happen-
ing within our school
community at IWHS. We
invite you to send alum-
nae updates, student
news and accomplish-
ments along with photos
so that we can share
your success with others.
Student Spotlight
Valedictorian Carolyn Petr
Emily Neiheisel
Salutatorian Gaielle Harb
Congratulations,
Emily!
Congratulations to the
following athletes who have
signed with universities.
Krystal Puente (volleyball)
Arkansas State University
Teanna Peavy (basketball)
Mary Baldwin College
Emily Phillips (soccer)
Louisiana State University
Haleigh Garza (softball)
Trinity University
Jenna Adams (volleyball)
Texas Lutheran University
C arolyn is a member of the National Honor Society,
Shamrock Ambassador Society, GOLP, Theatre
Company, National Thespian Society, and member of the
Varsity Swim team (all four years of high school) on which
she served as Captain her senior year. Her name plaque
hangs on the English and Math classroom walls for her
academic excellence. She was selected for the Harvard
Book Award and has received medals for the highest class
average in 13 courses at Incarnate Word High School.
Her spare time was dedicated to service at Habitat for
Humanity and teaching Vacation Bible School. While on
the IWHS swim team, she was given the 3D Award for
outstanding dedication, determination, and drive. This
young lady has demonstrated those wonderful qualities
and so much more both in and out of the classroom at
Incarnate Word High School.
D uring her four years at Incarnate Word, Gaielle
excelled in 14 advanced classes. She consecutively
received High Honors all four years of high school. She is a
member of the National Honor Society, and she also served
as an Incarnate Word High School Ambassador.
Her spare time was spent volunteering at Haven for
Hope and with the Maronite Youth Organization. Notably
on campus, she has been involved in Theatre where she is
a proud member of the National Thespian Society, GOLP,
the Ambassador Society, and the Diving Team where she
has received excellence awards in diving.
She is worldly as well as wise, as she is fluent in English
and Arabic and has traveled abroad with the UIW Prep
Study Abroad program.
6
We hope that you have
enjoyed the first <name
of paper> and we hope
that these stories were
refreshing for you and a
reminder of all the good
things that are happen-
ing within our school
community at IWHS. We
invite you to send alum-
nae updates, student
news and accomplish-
ments along with photos
so that we can share
your success with others.
Student Spotlight—TAPPS
TAPPS Soccer District and State Recognition
DISTRICT
1st Team
Bethanie Hernandez ’14
Caitlin Cortez ‘16
Jenna Villarreal ’16
Haleigh Garza ‘14
2nd Team
Claudia Montelongo ’16
Gianna Brown ’17
Honorable Mention
Jocelyn Garcia ’17
Chloe Pineda ‘15
Ashley Acosta ’17
Evita Escobedo ’16
STATE
1st Team
Bethanie Hernandez
Caitlin Cortez
2nd Team
Jenna Villarreal
Honorable Mention
Haleigh Garza
All-Tournament Team
Caitlin Cortez
Chloe Pineda
.
DISTRICT
1st Team
Emily Phillips ’14
Katherine Peth ’15
Alex Henderson ’17
Caitlin McLoughlin ’16
Monica Chavarria ’15
Emily Neiheisel ’14
2nd Team
Alexia Gutierrez ’14
Briana Zunker ’17
Alison De La O ’16
Amy Tondre ’15
Honorable Mention
Marguerite Anderson ’16
Laura Erica Mena ’14
Sally Sullivan ’16
STATE
1st Team
Emily Phillips
Emily Neiheisel
2nd Team
Katherine Peth
Caitlin McLoughlin
Honorable Mention
Alex Henderson
Monica Chavarria
SOCCER
Emily Phillips
Emily Neiheisel
Katherine Peth
Amy Tondre
GOLF
Autumn Silva ’15
Kara Hernandez ’14
TRACK AND FIELD
Brandy Flores ’14
Clare Creedon ’14
Emily Phillips ’14
Katherine Peth ’15
SOFTBALL
Bethanie Hernandez
Haleigh Garza
Teacher of the Month
This month, we recognize
the hard-working and
dedicated Mrs. Mortis as
Teacher of the Month. Mrs.
Mortis has taught all levels
of mathematics and this
year taught Algebra II and
Pre-Cal AP. Along with
being the head of the math
department and being a
math wizard, Mrs. Mortis
is also a sponsor for the
National Honor Society
and Senior Class.
Mrs. Mortis’ door is
always open to help
students during open labs,
as well as before and after
school, and spends an
immense amount of time
preparing her students for
their college math success
after high school. She is
also a Shamrock supporter
and can be seen at many
sporting and school events.
In addition, she is a mentor
and model for the teachers
in her department. IWHS
has been blessed to have
such a knowledgeable
educator, role model and
strong, dedicated leader.
—Kathleen Creedon,
Student Council Historian
TAPPS Academic All-State
TAPPS Softball District and State Recognition
7
We hope that you have
enjoyed the first <name
of paper> and we hope
that these stories were
refreshing for you and a
reminder of all the good
things that are happen-
ing within our school
community at IWHS. We
invite you to send alum-
nae updates, student
news and accomplish-
ments along with photos
so that we can share
your success with others.
Student Spotlight—Awards Night
Awards Night
On May 8, IWHS held its annual Awards Night, honoring students who have shown
excellence in coursework, service, leadership, national and state competitions,
attendance and citizenship.
ENGLISH AWARDS
English I Achievement: Duo Lai Xing Spirit: Allison Grijalva
English I PAP Achievement: Mariana Melo Spirit: Emily Martin
English II Achievement: Nicollette Rodriguez Spirit: Sarah Carreon
English II PAP Achievement: Emerson Thomas Spirit: Allie Miguera
English III Achievement: Sun Young Park Spirit: Jocelyn Garcia
English III AP Achievement: Madelyn Coles Spirit: Veronica Jarzabek
English IV Achievement: Karen Lacow Spirit: Lorenza Garcia
English IV AP Achievement: Lesly Ramirez Spirit: Alexandra Knect
Creative Writing Spirit sem 1: Joyce Palmer
Spirit sem 2: Marissa Muro
Speech Achievement sem 1: Mariana Melo
Achievement sem 2: Tanner Stokes
Journalism: Editor: Kara Hernandez
Yearbook: Managing Editor: Monica Rodriguez
Editor: Sydney Doolittle
ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE AWARDS
ESOL 2 High: Jiachen Guo Spirit: Yuanyuan Feng
ESOL 3 High: Duo Lai Xing Spirit: Guadalupe Larios
FINE ARTS AWARDS
Art 1A Kristin Garcia
Art 1B Valerie Shubat
Art III A Kate Lindeman
Art III B Christelle Miller
Art IVA Portfolio Kelly Cordova
Theatre Arts I Leena Oropez
Theatre Arts II Clarissa Gauna
Dance Deandra Gonzalez
Choral (9th-10th) Sabrina Gonzalez
Choral (11th-12th) Marciela Chapa
Madrigals Deandra Gonzalez
Songwriting Mary Aldrete
RELIGIOUS STUDIES AWARDS
Religion 1 Sierra Rivera
Religion 2 Nicole Davis
Religion 3 Madelyn Coles
Religion 4 Deandra Gonzalez
GUIDANCE OFFICE
LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
Rhiannon Briseño
Madeline Martin
Mercedes Mercado
Carolyn Petr
Paulina Szinney
Harvard Book Award
Mrs. Gloria Medrano and
Tarika Srinivasa
St. Lawrence Book Award
Cierra Arguijo
Wellesley Book Award &
Bausch and Lomb Science
Scholar 2014-15
Madelyn Coles
Service Hours
OVERALL: Kara Hernandez 12th (766 hrs)
Deandra Gonzalez 12th (246)
Dominique Galvan 11th (343)
Katherine Maniscalco 10th (531)
Esmerelda Rios 9th (449) (not shown)
Four-Year Award Recipients
Alex Johnson, Deanadra Gonzales, Megan
Rodriguez, Carolyn Petr, & Sabrina Latigo
St. Michael’s Book Award Eileen Brinkman
8
We hope that you have
enjoyed the first <name
of paper> and we hope
that these stories were
refreshing for you and a
reminder of all the good
things that are happen-
ing within our school
community at IWHS. We
invite you to send alum-
nae updates, student
news and accomplish-
ments along with photos
so that we can share
your success with others.
Student Spotlight—Awards Night
FOREIGN LANGUAGE AWARDS
French I Jhennis Lacsamana
French II Alexia Lazcano
French III Tarika Srinivasan
Japanese I Khanh Ha Le Cao
Japanese II Anastacia Herrera
Latin I Anh Nguyen
Latin II Allison Gavlik
Latin III Devyn Dullnig
Latin III Pre AP Emily LaFrance
Latin IV Marianne Thraikill
Spanish I Ashley Acosta
Spanish I Pre AP Kaylee Treviño
Spanish II Sarah Carreon
Spanish II Pre AP Mariana Melo and
Belia Camarena
Spanish III Rachel Muller
Spanish III Pre AP Allyson De La O
Spanish IV AP Victoria Sanchez
MATHEMATICS AND
TECHNOLOGY AWARDS
Algebra I Ashley Acosta
Algebra I Pre-AP Jhennis Lacsamana
Geometry Sun Young Park
Geometry Pre-AP Josie Garza
Math Models Brenda Contreras
Algebra II Belia Camarena
Algebra II Pre-AP 9th: Duo Lai (Della) Xing
10th: Emma Niemiec
10th Haijin Seo Outstanding Achievement
11th: Veronica Jarzabek
SOCIAL STUDIES AWARDS
World Geography Mariana Melo
World History Emerson Thomas
U.S. History Veronica Jarzabek
U.S. History AP Madelyn Coles
Economics Sydney Isenberg
Government Clare Creedon
Government AP Carolyn Petr
Model UN Christelle Miller
Psychology Emily Neiheisel
Child Development Alexandra Cortez
Health Elizabeth Klein
PERFECT ATTENDANCE
9th Iliana Flores, Desiree Gabriel,
& Kaylee Trevino
10th Sabrina Bazan
11th Anh Nguyen
12th Gabriel Chapa, &
Jacqueline Marrero
PERFECT ATTENDANCE/NO DEMERITS
9th Suzanne Conger, Josephine Garza
10th Naehyeong Kim
11th Allison Holzman,Pilar Meza, Megan Rodriguez, Madeline Toro, Allison Zahirniak
12th Seung Hee Choi, Alexandra Knecht, Natalie Pastrano, Carolyn Petr
Stonehill Book Award
Allison Holzman
National Achievement
Finalist
Alexis Johnson
IWHS Leadership Award
Annelise Shipley
IWHS Spirit Award
Lauren Harris
SCIENCE AWARDS
Anatomy & Physiology Marisa Alonzo
Aquatic Science Devon Yordy
Biology I Mariana Melo
Biology I PreAP Josephine Garza
Chemistry Sun Young Park
Chemistry Pre AP Allison Holzman
Chemistry AP Carolyn Petr
Environmental Science Madeline Finck
Physics Lesly Ramirez
Physics PreAP Alejandra Aranda
Precalculus Emma Birkey
Precalculus Pre-AP 11th: Allison Holzman
12th: Carolyn Petr
Calculus AP Chih-Yen (Gina) Liu
Trig. Indep. Study Sabrina Sanchez
Computer App. 1A Ileanna Guerra
Computer App. 1B Yeon Jin Song
Information Tech. Emerson Thomas
Broadcast Journalism Alexis Hazlett &
Sydney Isenberg
9
Shamrock Athletics—Sports Banquet For sports schedules,
please visit us online:
http://www.incarnatewo
rdhs.org/athletics/index.
htm
T he annual Sports Banquet was held on May
14. Athletes gathered with teammates to
celebrate the year’s successes and
accomplishments. Coaches and teams were
recognized and awards given to the three
outstanding members of each team. The coaches
announced and presented certificates and
medals to the Most Improved, Most Valuable
(MVP) and 3-D (Determination-Dedication-Desire) athletes in their sport.
A Big Shamrock Thank You goes to the Athletic Recognition Committee for
arranging such a special evening!
10
Campus Ministry
May Mass and Student Council Inductions
Outgoing STUCO
President Annelise Shipley
leads newly-elected
President Natalia
Legarretta. Below Vice-
President Lexi Hazlett
receives her tie from
out-going VP, Monica
Rodriguez.
T he final mass of the year was
held on May 2 with Fr. Carlos
Velasquez from Holy Spirit
presiding. Fr. Carlos applied the
message of the Gospel of the Loaves
and Fishes to the situations faced by
the students and especially the
seniors. He said, “In our own lives we
feel so overwhelmed that we don’t
know what to do or where to turn.
The gospel reading tells us that we
really need to be at peace. We need to
rely on God for everything. This last
part of the semester there may be
some things that are overwhelming
you, such as exams or events in your
personal lives. We must take the
time to be at peace and to rely on the
Resurrected Christ and be open to
the miracles around us.”
During this mass, the new Student
Council officers were introduced.
Following tradition, the new officers
were led in by the outgoing officers.
They received their specially-
embroidered ties, and accompanied
by their parents, took their oaths of
office for the 2014-15 school year.
After taking her seat as the new
STUCO president, Natalia
Legarretta received gifts and advice
to prepare and assist her in her
many duties.
Providing instrumental and vocal talent were Valentina Melo on the violin, Eileen Brinkman on guitar, and Counselor Sharon Carlton.
11
Shamrock Traditions
The Changing of the Chairs
F ollowing Shamrock tradition, on
May 19 the students performed the
Changing of the Chairs. During the
ritual, each class moves
“ceremoniously” to its rightful place,
according to their status as the new
senior, junior and sophomore classes.
Wearing the colors of their class, the
students danced, sang and acted their
parts, acknowledging their new roles
and responsibilities.
J uniors said
“farewell” to their
old status and
celebrated their new
roles as Seniors at the
annual Junior
Breakfast held on
May 19 in the
courtyard.
Junior Breakfast
Sister’s Corner
Life is a series of hellos
and goodbyes for each of
us It was no different for
Jesus, the Incarnate
Word. He said hello to
becoming human, goodbye
in his death on the cross,
hello when he rose again,
and goodbye in his
ascension, with many
other hellos and goodbyes
during his years of
ministry. Three years ago
I said hello to the
Shamrock community and
experienced the cycle of
hellos to new classes of
freshmen and the
goodbyes to graduating
seniors along with the
faculty, staff and
administration. I have
truly enjoyed my ministry
here at IWHS and will
carry each of you in my
heart as I say hello to my
new ministry on our
congregational leadership
team. I leave behind
another t-shirt quilt that
says “thanks for the
memories”. Abundant
blessings are prayed for
each of you! Keep the
mission alive!
-Sr. Margaret Snyder
12
Around Campus
Ring Ceremony
Silver Tea
O n Sunday, May 4, the Alumnae
Association hosted Silver Tea 2014
for Seniors, parents, alumnae and friends
in the McCombs Center Rosenberg Sky
Room at UIW. Each attending Senior was
presented with an alumnae pin and
traditional white carnation as a symbol of
their induction. Guests dined on
sandwiches, fruit, pasta salad and bites of
dainty desserts as they enjoyed the senior
class slide show. The Class of 2014 then
walked to the podium to announce their
college of choice and plans for the future.
Established in 1994, the Mother
Columkille Colbert Award (MCCA) is the
highest honor awarded by the IWHS
Alumnae Association, to recognize an
alumna or alumnae family who is selected
for their accomplishments, community
service, leadership, and commitment to
IWHS. This year’s MCCA was presented to
Amelia G. Nieto ’85. Amy’s career path as
an amazing fundraiser, her remarkable
commitments in her leadership role as a
volunteer and the journey of her life as a
loving mother are the strong foundation of
her success. These admirable traits make
her a true representation of the spirit and
mission of Incarnate Word High School.
Ms. Barrientos’ Spanish
classes fortified themselves
for the final exams with a
piñata party on May 16
during lunch.
Real Chickens
In addition to the paper
chickens pinned to the
Lenten mural in the
cafeteria, Mrs. Slater gave
IWHS the gift of real baby
chicks and pheasants. As
she has done during the
past two years, Mrs. Slater
set up an incubator in her
classroom with chicken and
pheasant eggs from her
father’s farm. The students
were delighted to witness
new life when the birds
hatched and took their first
steps.
S chool traditions are one of the many
reasons so many young ladies attend
IWHS. On May 15, the Junior Ring
ceremony was held at the Chapel of the
Incarnate Word on the University of the
Incarnate Word campus. One hundred
and five young ladies processed into the
beautiful Chapel filled with parents,
grandparents, relatives and friends. The
ring holds great significance to the
recipients. It represents a long-standing
heritage, reflects accomplishments and
development of the
student, and solidifies
the bonds of friendship
built at IWHS. During the
ceremony, juniors were
called to the front of the
church where they were
met by their parents, who
placed the senior ring on
their daughter’s finger
and received a flower in
exchange.
13
IWHS Graduation
Congratulations and Best Wishes to the Class of 2014.
14
Shamrock Happenings
School Administrators
B.J. Nelsen Principal
(210) 829-3107 [email protected]
Michelle De Anda Vice-Principal
(210) 829-3105 [email protected]
Nina Avila Director of Student Services
(210) 829-3106
Sr. Margaret Snyder Director of Mission Integration
(210) 829-6054 [email protected]
April Fricke Athletics Director
(210) 829-3122 [email protected]
Annette Zahirniak Director of Enrollment
(210) 829-3123
Audra Cardona Director of Campus Ministry
(210) 829-3121
Stephanie Denning Director of Development
(210) 832-2143 [email protected]
Debbie Zielins Registrar
(210) 829-3112
Cybele Bolado ’86 Director of Alumnae Relations
(210) 829-3103
Liz Valerio Residence Life Coordinator
(210) 841-7403 [email protected]
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Moms to Snack Rescue during exams.
Senior Megan Rodriguez received an $8,000 scholarship from Ronald McDonald's HACER Scholarships for Hispanics.
Parent-Teacher Organization
PTO Set for Another Successful Year
SHAMROCK SPIRIT SHOPPE Open Tuesdays & Thursday’s during all
lunch mods (10:56 a.m. – 1:18 p.m.).
This is a great time to stock up on your
IWHS spirit apparel!
2013 -2014 Board
Executive Officers
President
Margaret Garcia ’81
Vice-President
Linda Villarreal ’84
Recording Secretary
Laurette Kirby
Treasurer
Bill Fisher
Faculty Representative
Dr. Georgia Piez
PTO Committee Chairs
Athletic Committee Rep.
Rossana Hernandez
Campus Ministry
Tracy Garcia
Campus Beautification
Vacant
Communications
Janelle Adams ’89
Social Committee
Letty Garza
Chris Mallett
Father/Daughter Banquet
David Lindeman
Mother/Daughter Luncheon
Debbie Walton
Melissa Zamora ’84
Spirit Shoppe
Melissa Barrett
Student Spirit Activities
Loretta Medina
Teacher Appreciation
Susan Holzman
Yvonne Grothues ’86
Jean Hebert
Volunteer Coordinator
Delia Thomas
Word Day/BTS Picnic
Linda Villarreal ’84
Dear Shamrock Community,
It is hard to believe that my daughter has graduated and that my time at
IWHS is over. While it is bittersweet, I want to take this time to thank you because
without your help and support much of what the PTO was able to accomplish would
have been impossible. As an alum and parent of two young women who also made
IWHS their home, Adriana ’08 and Clarissa ’14, it was both a privilege and a pleasure
serving you and this community. I made some great friends along the way and
learned much about what it takes to keep this community going.
A heartfelt thank you to our Principal BJ Nelsen and her administration
team who always listened and guided me in all that I did and a very special thank you
to the members of the PTO Executive Board and Committee Chairs, without your
support and gifts of your time and talent I would have been at a complete loss. In my
two years as President, it has been a privilege to work alongside such talented parent
volunteers who give so freely of their time and gifts to enhance the IWHS community
experience.
During my time on the board and as PTO President we have funded a variety
of events and activities including the annual back-to-school picnics, white & green
outs, exam snacks, teacher luncheons, parent coffees as well as smart boards, campus
beautification projects, iPads, College Prep Genius, Robotics and many others. In
addition, PTO even purchased two cows as part of the IWHS Lenten Project with
Heifer International. Thanks to you, our IWHS community is changing the lives of
families all over the world. How many PTO’s can claim that!
A very special word of thanks to the senior parents on the board who I worked
so closely with over the last four years; thanks for making every project, meeting,
workshop and event FUN. You are what got me through it all and reminded me that
it was “All about the Girls!”
Once again, thanks for putting your faith and trust in me as PTO President.
It has been my pleasure. Blessings to you all for a safe and happy summer.
Sincerely,
Margaret Margaret Garcia ’81
PTO President, 2012-2014
“It’s All for the Girls.”
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