The OLMA Overview -- February 9, 2018
This week, we were fortunate to have 12 career professionals on campus for our Annual Career Day. We heard from medical and anti-money laundering professionals, social workers, health and wellness experts, a U.S. Ambassador, police officer, lawyer, business marketer, pharmacist, and Information Technology technician about what it takes before during and after college to find your passion and be successful. The day began with introductions and a keynote speech by Laurie Dwyer, Health Sciences Advisor at Rowan University, before transitioning into small group sessions. We wrapped up with a career fair in the gym that provided students with the opportunity to speak personally with each of the professionals.

Career Day is just one of the many initiatives we offer to prepare our students for college, as well as for making future career decisions. Some of our other efforts include: Summer College Tours, Junior Job Shadow Program, Mock Interview Days, Instant Decision Days, and College Essay Writing Bootcamps. We are seeing great results as students are consistently securing acceptances to the colleges of their choice, as well as continuing on as leaders in a wide variety of fields including medicine, law, education, engineering and more. 

Next month, juniors will participate in our Job Shadow Program. Now in its second year, this program provides our students with a real-world feel for a career that interests them. Students typically have one of two experiences. They either love what they saw and become certain that they are moving in the right direction, or decide that it may be time to explore other options. Both outcomes are successful as students learn more about themselves and the endless possibilities available to them to make their mark.

I am grateful to all of the professionals who shared their time and talent with us this week and look forward to having them back on campus soon. We are still looking for a few more professionals to participate in this year's Job Shadow program. If you are interested in participating, or know of someone else who may want to be part of it, please contact Mrs. Szawlewicz.

Next week, we will celebrate Ash Wednesday Mass with the students, faculty and staff of St. Augustine Prep. Mass begins at 10 AM over at the Prep if you would like to join us. Finally, our Super 50-50 is just three weeks away. Our Parents Society and staff have put countless hours into planning this event. It's our largest fundraiser of the year, so if you haven't yet purchased a raffle ticket, please consider doing so. There are only 25 left! If you've reserved a ticket, but haven't yet made payment, please do so this week.

As always, thank you for all you do. Have a great weekend. -- Mrs. Coyle
Career Day Photo Highlights
Student Spotlight
Elizabeth "Liz" Myers, Class of 2020
Spend as little as 15 minutes with OLMA sophomore, Liz Myers, and you will be begging her to run for President of the United States one day. She exudes a self confidence that is both humble and inspirational. She is determined to make a difference in the lives of others, will never settle for mediocrity, and possesses a sense of humor that makes people want to be around her all the time. She is her own woman and proud of it.

Liz's older sister, Emily, is a 2017 graduate of Our Lady of Mercy Academy. She loved OLMA and encouraged Liz to attend. Liz wasn't so sure, though, as she wanted to make that decision on her own without being pressured by Emily or her parents. "When I was in 7th grade, my parents announced that they were sending me to OLMA," said Liz. "Oh no you're not, I told them. That's for me to decide."

In reality, Liz already felt very much at home at OLMA. "Since Emily was here, I spent a lot of time here too," she said. "I attended swim meets, Communion Breakfasts and many other events, so as much as I fought the idea early on, I knew OLMA was the best place for me."

Nearly two years in, Liz is certain that she made the right choice. "There are so many opportunities here to excel, especially as a leader," said Liz. "I'm in my second year as class president and hope to continue in that role next year and, as a senior, become president of Student Council." Liz says that she's also trying lots of new things in an effort to find the one that she can own and master. "I'm kind of like a jack of all trades, master of none," she said. "I do a lot of things pretty well, but am searching for the one that let's me really shine. At OLMA, the opportunities to get involved in many different things are endless, so I'm hoping to find 'the one' while I'm here."

In addition to her role as class president and member of Student Council, Liz is on the swim team and recently joined crew. She was in the school musical both this year and last. She's also in chorus and was among the OLMA singers and musicians who performed at the Diocese of Camden's recent Jubilee Mass. Liz is working on getting her life guard certification and is also involved in service activities at OLMA and in Hammonton where she lives.

Academically, Liz's favorite class this year is Literature with Mr. Jarrell. "He is supportive, open minded and his classes include a lot of discussion," said Liz. "Plus, he's helping me improve my essay writing skills." Looking ahead, Liz is interested in a career that involves enironmental protection and sustainable living, but in true Liz fashion, is keeping an open mind. She also has interest in studying abroad, particularly in the United Kingdom. "I want to do something new and different in a place I've never visited before, " she said. "I'm excited for life and want to make the most out of every oppotunity."

Watch out world, here comes Liz!
25 Tickets and Counting
The evening of February 24 is quickly approaching! This year's Super 50-50 event has a luau theme, so it's time to break out your favorite Hawaiian attire! We are going to have a great night filled with music, delicious food, great friends, and a chance to win some big-time prizes -- and cash! If you purchased tickets, watch your mail. If you reserved a ticket, but still need to pay for it, please do so no later than Friday, February 16, or they may be released. We have 25 tickets still unspoken for, so if you want one, move fast. Call the office and drop off your payment ASAP. See you on February 24!
Jess Riordan Signs with University of Lynchburg
Surrounded by family, friends and teammates, OLMA senior, Jessica Riordan, officially signed with the University of Lynchburg to play soccer while attending school there. As part of OLMA's Soccer Team, Jess was the captain of the defense, directing and positioning the players that earned them 11 shutouts on the season, tying a school record. This day has been a long time coming for Jess and she couldn't be more excited.
Want to Boost Support for OLMA Athletes?
If so, please join OLMA's Athletic Director, Matt Lenguadoro, on Monday, February 26 to discuss the possibility of forming an OLMA Athletic Booster Club. The club's goals would be to assist all athletic teams, as well as seniors who are interested in continuing athletics in college. The meeting will be held in the gym beginning at 6 PM.
OLMA Art Auction -- April 19
You will see these again at the OLMA Spring Art Auction, so SAVE THE DATE!
It's Week No. 3. Do You Have Your SCRIP?
During the month of February, every family that orders at least one gift card each week will earn a Dress Down Day for your daughter to use on March 5.

Remember, every dollar you spend is returned to you in the form of your favorite gift cards. You can order online and pay by check or via Presto Pay. It's free and easy -- and makes some extra cash for all involved. Click here to download an order form, or visit ShopWithSCRIP.com.
OLMA Students Launch Service Project to Help Puerto Rico Rebuild
Hammers, nails, caulk guns, electrical tape, screw drivers, wrenches, duct tape, shampoo, mouthwash, and soap are some of the many items being collected for delivery directly to individual families in the hardest hit areas of Puerto Rico. Bins are being set up in the cafeteria. Gently used tools are welcome, so take a trip to your basement and garage and gather up what you don't need.

This service project, launched by Student Council, is school wide and began as part of this year's Catholic Schools Week activities.
Upcoming Events

Iyanla Kollock Competes in New Balance Grand Prix -- February 10 (watch live on NBC)

Ash Wednesday Mass at St. Augustine Prep -- February 14

Happy Valentine's Day -- February 14

President's Day/No School -- February 19



Super 50-50 Drawing Party -- February 24

Senior Depart for Florida -- February 26

Job Shadow Week -- March 12

Speak Up! -- March 13

Lenten Penance Service -- March 15

Easter Break Begins -- March 28

SAVE THE DATE -- OLMA Art Auction -- April 19

SAVE THE DATE -- Designer Bag BINGO -- April 27
We hope you enjoy the OLMA Overview. If you have questions or suggestions, please contact Mrs. Kinkade at 856.697.2008, ext. 140, or email her at: mrs.kinkade@olmanj.org