PMA Friends and Family,
In this edition of
ePathways you will see what PMA students and staff have been up to this past month. Things have been busy with the Junior Ring Ceremony, Senior Retreat,the Christmas Concert, class plays and everything in between. We hope you enjoy and have a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year!
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The Senior Retreat took place at the Toah Nipi Retreat Center in Rindge, NH on November 19 and 20. The retreat functioned around the ministerial work of Dave Dumaine. His energy, humor, and powerful witness had a substantial impact on the senior class. The seniors were given time to let the message of the speakers sink in and to grow spiritually and fraternally as a class.
Some student reflections of the retreat:
"There was a lot of spiritual bonding over the course of the two days." - John Muldoon "I appreciated the time we were given to share with each other both physically and emotionally." - Nick Vincenty "All around I thought this was exactly what the senior class needed!" - Michael Walsh "It brought everyone as a class closer together." - Jackie Stone "I didn't want to go at first, but I ended up having a lot of fun. The food was also great." - Elizabeth Morris "It was enlightening. It has helped me to look forward to the rest of senior year with my classmates." - Catie Griffin "The down time was great. It allowed us to explore and grow closer as a class." - Elsy Utate
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The Junior Ring Ceremony was held on Monday, November 23. English teacher, Mrs. Zygmont, addressed the junior class in a touching speech, reminding them of the importance to personally live out their faith and potential, but also for them to share this light with one another and with the rest of the world. She reminded them that the class ring or selected token that each member of the class chose to be blessed will now serve as a symbol of their connection to the school. She concluded her speech by saying, "Congratulations on this milestone. Continue to be awesome, and dedicate yourselves to continuing the legacy of PMA as a school of academic and personal growth, and a place that really feels like family. It's now your job to show the underclassmen how it's done."
The ceremony also honored the Sisters on the Feast day of the Presentation of Mary. To commemorate this blessed anniversary, the junior class officers gave the sisters flowers in honor of the Feast Day.
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Aidan Lena, '19, Katie Quinn, Jordan Lena, '16, Merdith Gebski, '19, and Brady Quinn, '19.
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Lift is a night of praise and worship where youth and young adults come from all over the Archdiocese to sing uplifting Christian rock songs, receive the Sacrament of Confession, and spend time in prayer before the Eucharist in Adoration. Five students from PMA went with PMA Campus Minister, Mr. Stanton, to the Cathedral of the Holy Cross on Friday, December 4, to participate in this event. The speaker for the night, Jackie Francois, is a nationally known speaker and singer associated with youth ministry. She spoke about dating, Theology of the Body, and why she is Catholic. The students had nothing but positive feedback for Lift. Freshman Brady Quinn noted,
"It felt so real and authentic. Everyone who was there really wanted to be there. It made a huge difference for me." Meredith Gebski states, "I liked it a lot. I jammed out to the songs and I thought the speaker was very funny."
It seems that Lift was a positive and powerful experience for the students who attended and know the attendance will only grow for next year.
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The Northeast Dance Center presented the Christmas classic, The Nutcracker on December 4 and 5. PMA Students, Willa Norman, '18 and Jacob Miller, '18 both starred in the production, in fact, Jacob played the role of the Nutcracker.
Alumni, Helen Pinard, '13 and Rebecca Santone, '15, also took part in the performance.
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Willa, after the performance, with English teacher Mrs. Viscosi.
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| PMA students attended the show to support their fellow classmates. |
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On Saturday night, December 5, junior and senior drama students put on a production of
The Giver, a
play based on the children's book by Lois Lowry.
Below are a few images capturing the show.
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| AP Lit Students Reenact The Tempest |
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Just before Christmas vacation, Mrs. Zygmont's AP Literature and Composition class staged their version of Shakespeare's last play, The Tempest. Students spent three days editing the script and preparing costumes and staging. They performed the play over two days during their regular class period. Highlights included Jodi-Ann Simmonds-Brown and Gabrielle Fillion as the drunken clowns Trinculo and Stephano, and Robert Pauley's antics as the monster Caliban. Jordan Lena was a mermaid-like fairy as Ariel, and Joshua Dionne used silly string to perform his magic as Prospero. The lovers, Ferdinand and Miranda, were played by Lillian Alvino and Eric Tang respectively. A good time was had by all, though the class capers left the audience somewhat confused, although amused.
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| Student and Staff Spotlights |
| Joshua Dionne, '16: Kwanis Club Scholarship Recipient |
J
oshua Dionne, '16 of Salem, NH was recently honored with the Citizenship Award by the Greater Lawrence Kiwanis Club. Joshua was honored during a luncheon meeting at the Lanam Club on Thursday, December 3. This award is given to a college-bound high school senior who has worked to make his/her community a better place. The recipient must also must have outstanding academic achievement.
As an active member of student council, cross country, interact, yearbook, select chorus, drama, track, and a member of the Tri-M Honor Society, Josh works hard to make PMA a better place and always with a smile on his face. We can see why he was chosen for this award. Congratulations, Josh. We are proud of you and your accomplishment!
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| Mother and Daughter Presidential Award Recipients |
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PMA wants to congratulate Mrs. Sarah Previte Hamilton, '81, Associate Director of Admissions, as the recipient of a Gold Presidential Service Award. She was nominated by Debbie's Treasure Chest for her countless hours of service and commitment to the community.
Sarah's daughter, Caroline Hamilton, '19 was also honored with a Susan Paul Sirkman 2015 Hero Award for inspiring greatness.
The mother and daughter pair were presented with their awards on Friday, December 11, by State Senator Kathleen O'Connor Ives. Also at the event were Mayor of Methuen, Steven Zanni, Mayor of Lawrence, Dan Rivera, and State Representative Linda Dean Campbell to help
present the National Honor and Letter from President Obama along with federal, state and city citations.
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| PMA Spirit Shop: Our School Store |
There are some new and great items available in the PMA Spirit Shop. Below a few things, that our current students and families love, that we want to make available and easily accessible to you through online purchase.
If you would like to see the items in person, plus all the other goodies available in the store, regular hours are Monday - Friday, before school, from 7-7:30 a.m. and from 10 -10:30 a.m. If these times do not work for you, additional hours can be made to accommodate your schedule, just email
egeorge@pmamethuen.org to arrange a time.
If interested in purchasing any of the items
below
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Knit Winter Hat
$10.00
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Knit Winter Hat With Pom Pom
$12.00
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Navy Blue Front Lace Sweatshirt
Pullover / hood / front pockets
Sizes small - x-large
$30.00
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Gray and Blue Combo Sweatshirt
Pullover / hood
Sizes small - x-large
$30.00
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Grey Sweatshirt
Pullover / 3/4 zip
sizes small - x-large
$30.00
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Blue Fleece Jacket
Full zip / no hood
sizes small - x-large
$30.00
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PMA Travel Mug
Stainless steel / d
ishwasher safe
$12.00
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Beverage Tumbler
Dishwasher safe
$12.00
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iPad Charger
$15.00
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iPad Cover with Notepad
Compatible with 2nd, 3rd or 4th generation iPad
*Not iPad Air compatible
$8.00
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| On Saturday, November 19, members of Students Council marched in the Methuen Santa Parade. A few pictures of them preparing their float are below. |
| Staff Bowling Extravaganza |
| A staff that bowls together, stays together. On Friday night, December 4, PMA staff and their families, gathered together for a night of bowling, pizza and overall fun. |
| The annual Christmas Concert was held on Sunday, December 13. As usual, the PMA chorus and band delighted us with Christmas classics to get us in the spirit of this joyous season. There was even a surprise performance by the dance team. |
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Thank you for taking the time to keep up to date with our PMA news and happenings.
We hope you enjoyed this edition of ePathways. Please watch for our next edition of ePathways.
Rose Maria DiFiore Redman '85
Head of School
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Yankee Candle Fundraising Drive
PMA grossed $11,000 with the Yankee Candle fundraiser. Thank you for your support. Yankee Candle has committed to help PMA all year long.
Anytime you shop online they will make a donation to our school. Visit
www.yankeecandlefundraising.com and enter group #99896054 in the "start shopping" box.
Thank you for your support!
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GoodShop
Don't forget to use GoodShop as you finish your online Christmas shopping. They partner with over 5,000 stores to offer you daily online promotions and coupons. Plus, they give a percentage of your total back to your favorite non-profit. That could be us!
Before you shop, quickly set up a user name and password and don't forget to assign Presentation of Mary Academy, Methuen, MA as your non-profit of choice! Everybody wins! Happy shopping.
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PMA Calendar
Click here to view the latest events on the
PMA CALENDAR.
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Classes Resume
Christmas Break is over
Monday, January 4
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Midterms
January 19 - January 22
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Catholic Schools Week
January 25 - January 29
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Call for Legacy Award Nominations
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Help us honor the best of PMA! Now is the time to submit nominations for 2016 PMA Legacy Award recipients.
Do you know a PMA Alum who exemplifies the values and
mission of Presentation of Mary Academy, and through service and/or career has
made a difference in our community?
Nominations may be submitted by sending an email to Paula Mansor-Laliberte, '82,
plaliberte@pmamethuen.org explaining why your nominee deserves a PMA Legacy Award. Provide any supporting materials that will assist the awards committee in the decision making process. Nominations must be submitted on or before February 1, 2016. A committee of alumni, school administrators, and trustees will select all recipients. Awards will be presented at our Spring Gala Legacy Evening on Friday, April 8, 2016 at the Atkinson Resort & Country Club.
SAVE THE DATES
Online Auction
March 23 - April 7, 2016
Spring Gala Legacy Evening
Friday, April 8, 2016
For more information please contact Sarah Hamilton via email at
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The 2015-2016 Annual Fund
The Annual Fund Drive is underway. If you would like to support PMA you can do so with the secure link below.
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Stay Connected
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