Presentation of Mary Academy ePathways 
June - July 2014
Summer greetings PMA friends and family,

Usually at this time of year we send you an online edition of Pathways, our school magazine.  But, as we began to prepare our June edition, we realized how much truly goes on at PMA over any given day, week, month, and year.  There is so much that we want to share with you.  As not to be limited by the confines of space and time, we realized that we wanted to communicate the excitement that is PMA, in a more regular and timely manner.   Thus, we are pleased to present you with the first edition of Presentation of Mary Academy ePathways! 

Around Campus

PMA's 53rd Commencement
Forty-eight students graduated from PMA on May 23, 2014. Samantha Fox was valedictorian, Jane Hong was salutatorian, and Heather Lacourse was honor essayist. Keynote speaker, Head of School Rose Maria Redman, addressed the students about changes that took place over the past four years, most notably becoming a coed school with international students residing in an on-campus dormitory.  100% of the college-bound graduates were accepted to 390 colleges and universities, including but not limited to:  Boston University, Purdue University, Regis College, Suffolk University, The University of Massachusetts, and The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. The Class of 2014 will receive $1.1 million to attend the colleges and universities of their choice.
Spring Gala a Success

Sing, Clap, & Shout! PMA's annual spring gala, was a night to remember.  Not only did the April 11th event raise needed funds, but it also provided an opportunity to gather as a family and celebrate PMA's mission and enduring  legacy. PMA faculty and staff celebrating milestone anniversaries were saluted by Rose Maria DiFiore Redman, who was similarly feted for her 25-years of dedication to the school. Legacy Awards were presented to four distinguished alumni and three friends of PMA, in recognition of their service as community difference-makers.   Through gala proceeds, generous support from community sponsors, as well as our pre-event online auction, PMA raised over $26,000 for tuition assistance.  Additionally, $1,500 was raised for the purchase of equipment for PMA's athletic and fine arts programs.

Class of 1963 Awards Scholarship

The class reunited for their 50 year high school reunion this past October and decided start a scholarship fund in the name of their favorite English Teacher, to be awarded to a graduating PMA senior.  Molly Crowley, '14 was awarded the scholarship from the class of 1963 named after Sr. Joan St. Laurent (St. Leontine) at the 2014 Commencement ceremony.

Alumni Return to Learn Fine Art of Cookie Baking 
Kristine Ord, '97 and Kathryn Ord, '99 were the winning bidders of a unique experience offered on our recent online auction.  They and 8 fellow alumna, returned to campus for a special course, the Art of Cookie Baking, offered by PMA's master bakers, Rita Lucey and Rose Maria Redman.  Not only did the group share many laughs and tasty treats, they took home recipes and fond memories as well!  
 
              
CAC Coach of Year & Softball All Stars
We are excited to share that Mr. Steve Stankus was named Division 3 Coach of the Year by the Commonwealth Athletic Conference (CAC).   Former students were quick to congratulate Stankus, calling him, as Barbara Green DiMinico did on Facebook, "#bestcoachever."    In addition, Gabby Salerno, '16 and Jordan Lena, '16 were named CAC All-Stars! It was a great season for the Panthers who  brought PMA back into State Tournament play for the first time since 2007. Well done!

Blessed Anne Marie Rivier Scholarship 
Congratulations to Sebastian Lopez, '15 for being awarded the Blessed Anne Marie River tuition scholarship.  This scholarship is sponsored by a generous alum and presented annually to a member of the senior class. Sebastian is most deserving of this most prestigious honor as he is a scholar, athlete, and a senior class officer.

Introducing
Rick Beshara, Academic Outreach Coordinator
Experienced, enthusiastic, and entertaining are only a few words that describe Rick Beshara.   Now in his second year at PMA, Mr. Beshara retired from the Methuen Public Schools in 2013 after 34 years as an educator, including 9 years as principal of the Marsh School. Come September, Mr. Beshara will teach English as a Second Language (ESL) to international students and mentor 3 Merrimack College graduate fellows who will be teaching at PMA.  He will also will work with PMA's international students as they integrate into campus life and activities and advise the student council.  Mr. Beshara appreciates the "smallness of PMA," as it "allows [him] to really get to know each student."  He added that the school community "really feels like a family, students can be themselves and feel safe."   Mr. Beshara and his  wife of 38 years,  Mary Ellen (Smith) Beshara have 2 children, 5 grandchildren, and make their home in Methuen.
Quick Pics
Recipients of 2014-2015 Scholarships
Celebrating the Last Day of Classes
Asst. Principal Laurice Hajjar 
Serving Students
Four Square with Sr. Lorraine
We hope you enjoyed this edition of ePathways.   Watch for our next edition in August. On behalf of all of us at PMA, I wish you a fun, safe, and relaxing summer. 

Peace,
 
Rose Maria DiFiore Redman '85
Head of School
In This Issue
Email Us
General Inquiries
Admissions Office
Advancement Office
Alumni Relations Office

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Upcoming Events
PMA Calendar
Click here to check out our most recent calendar of events.
Music Workshops
David Comtois of the PMA Music Department will be offering condensed, guitar and ukulele workshops.  Two-hour sessions will be held on June 17th and August 15th.  The cost is $55 per student. For more information, email: dcomtois@pmamethuen.org 

Fall Sports 
Tryouts for fall sports will be begin Thursday, August 21, 2014 and continue each day until teams are selected. The schedule will be posted on our school's web site and will be available on the sports department telephone (978-682-9391, ext. 110) during the week of August 18, 2014.   Please visit our website for all  required athletic and health forms. For questions, please email:

Mandatory iPad Sessions
Incoming 9th graders are required to attend an iPad informational seminar on August 19th at 6:30 p.m. Students entering grades 10 or 11 should plan to report on either August 20th or August 27th at 6:30 p.m.  All students must attend in the company of a parent or guardian to sign an iPad contract for the coming year, even if they already have an iPad.  If you have any questions, please email:

Indoor Yard Sale
The PMA Alumni Association will host an indoor yard sale on Saturday, September 27th at the Dupre Center. Start organizing and reserve a table for $25.  Plan to shop and turn someone else's "trash to treasure." Upcycle for PMA!  Proceeds will support an Alumni Association scholarship for a graduating senior. For more information, please email: 
2014 Legacy Sponsors
Platinum ~ $2,500

TD Bank

 

Gold ~ $1,000

Commonwealth Motors

Market Basket

Methuen Assisted Living          

       Partnership

Pelham Street Donuts, d/b/a                Dunkin' Donuts

 

Silver ~ $500

Bridget (Quinn) Grella, '86

Claudia (DiNitto) Spada, '83

Enterprise Bank

Manzi, Bonanno & Bowers

Methuen Family Health Center

 

Bronze ~ $250

Downey Sweeney Fitzgerald & Company, PC

Santone Chiropractic

Pest End Inc./ Pro-Tech Lawn           Care

Pollard Funeral Home

Superior Cleaners & Tailors


2014 Legacy Award Recipients
Alumni Legacy Honorees
Susan (Scarth) Ginchereau, '72

Cheryl Hajjar, '88

Meghan (Murphy) Therriault, '95

Marion (Frederick) Vanasse, '72

 

Legacy Honorees

Edward G. George

Ann Guastaferro

Brian Martin 

 

Annual Fund Appeal Ends
 
 Our 2013-2014 Annual Fund appeal ends on June 30th.  We are so close to our goal.  If you haven't already given, please 
consider making  a tax-deductible donation today. Follow this link to be directed to our secure Paypal account.  Know your support is most appreciated and will make a difference for the students of Presentation of Mary Academy.
 
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Senior Breakfast
PMA Alumni returned in May to officially welcome members of the Class of 2014 into the Alumni Association.  Francesca Messina spoke of the benefits of remaining involved with PMA.  Senior Lyndsay Hajjar was presented with the PMA Alumni School Spirit Award. 
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Presentation of Mary Academy provides a quality education that seeks to integrate Catholic beliefs and values with academic excellence, thus empowering young men and women to assume roles of leadership and service to family, church and community.

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