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The OLMA Overview -- January 5, 2017
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Happy New Year! I hope you enjoyed lots of time with family and friends over the holidays. Here at OLMA we are back in high gear and focused more
than ever on growing enrollment and enhancing all that we offer the young women of South Jersey.
Just before the holidays, we proudly accepted the first 26 members of the Class of 2021. These young ladies were part of our early admissions program. We surprised them with special deliveries of OLMA cupcakes (designed and baked by Morgan Hagerty), balloons and their acceptance letters. Three of us, along with some student volunteers, made this first round of deliveries. I never had so much fun! The pure surprise and delight on the faces of our future sisters was the best Christmas gift ever. Plus, the parents were touched by the fact that we took the time to make their daughters feel extra special. That’s what we do -- not only on day one, but on every day after that. We have many more applications under review and still rolling in, so we’ll be making our second round of deliveries soon.
Back to what's yet to come this year, we are in the process of introducing a Job Shadow program for Juniors that will begin this spring. Watch for a separate email from Mrs. Szawlewicz coming soon. We are also considering a Mini-Mester program for OLMA Juniors, Sophomores and Freshmen. This will take place in June and feature a one-week, experiential course taught by current teachers and outside experts. Sample course ideas include: robotics, culinary arts, Broadway Bound, Plant Science/Gardening, Crime Scene Investigation, and more.
In the meantime, mid-term exams are right around the corner. Please encourage your daughters to start prepping right away and to ask for help if they need it. We are here and want every one of them to succeed.
Have a great weekend and thanks for all you do. -- Mrs. Coyle
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OLMA staff and students set out just before the holidays to surprise our first round of accepted applicants for the Class of 2021. Here are a few photo highlights. The next entrance exam for incoming freshmen is on Saturday, January 21. Please help spread the word. Merit Scholarship recipients will be announced in early February.
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Kate Olsen, Class of 2017
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When it comes to work ethic and the determination to do her best, Kate Olson is a shining star. Now a senior, Kate has been on the Principal's list for her entire OLMA career. While she's not playing sports right now, she was a member of OLMA's Tennis team for two years. She's also part of this year's Spanish Club, Interact Club and National Honor Society.
Kate travels to OLMA from Upper Township each day, but doesn't mind the bus ride. Some of her favorite things about OLMA are having Advent Angels and participating in Sisterhood activities. "OLMA feels like home," she said. "It felt like that from day one and is still that way today. I've made a lot of great friends and love it here." That came through loud and clear this past fall when Kate served as an OLMA Ambassador. She joined Mrs. Coyle and Mrs. Kinkade on visits to elementary and middle schools all over South Jersey. She shared her OLMA experiences and convinced many of the students she met to check us out.
As she looks forward to next year, Kate is working hard to find the college that fits her the best. "I want to be a doctor, so I plan to study Biology or Pre-med," said Kate. The good news is that she already has some great options with acceptances from Philadelphia University, Catholic University, and Loyola University. She received the Faculty Scholarship Award from Philadelphia University and President Scholarship Awards from each of the other two. She is also waiting to hear from Fordham and George Washington University.
In the meantime, Kate has focused on getting some practice through volunteer work in Shore Memorial Hospital's Pharmaceuticals department. She also shadowed Orthopedic Surgeon, Richard C. DiVerniero of Premier Orthopaedics Associates and his Physician Assistant. "It was really cool and I got to watch them treat a man who was recovering from a gunshot wound," she said. "I was right there as they drained it, which was pretty exciting."
We have a feeling that a lot more excitement is ahead for Kate as she graduates in May and moves on to prepare for what is sure to be an amazing career.
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Help Us Get the Rest of the Way
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Thanks to the generosity of so many of you, we've already received nearly $40,000 in cash donations as part of the Annual Fund. When we add this to the $40,000 in in-kind donations used to renovate our grounds and lobby, as well as update our technology infrastructure ad purchase AV equipment, we are well on our way and are extremely grateful.
That said, we still have a long way to go to achieve our Annual Fund goal of $100,000 in new donations by the school year's end. If you haven't made your donation yet, please consider doing it today. Every dollar helps, so gifts of all sizes are appreciated. No donation is too small. We are more excited for our school and students than ever before, but need your help.
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Our doorbell was ringing like crazy this week as OLMA alumnae came a calling! They arrived alone and in groups and we were thrilled to see them all! While most of our visitors were part of the Class of 2016, the Class of 2013 was also well represented -- and thrilled with what they saw. While they have been keeping tabs on happenings here via Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, they couldn't wait to come and see it for themselves.
Some of the comments made included:
"We love the new lobby!"
"I would definitely send my daughter here."
"The social media is great!"
"We had no trouble adjusting to the academics in college."
"I was well prepared."
"I just got a huge role in the production of The Crucible at De Sales."
"Our class keeps in touch through a group text. We call it The Lunch Table since it includes all the same girls we sat with every day at OLMA."
"I loved the deliveries you just made to incoming Freshmen."
"I am so proud to be an OLMA grad."
"I'm in my fourth year of a five-year, Physicians Assistant program at Drexel. I'll have my Masters when I graduate."
"I'm studying Food Marketing at St. Joseph's University."
"I love that you went on the college tour."
"Thanks for everything you did for me."
"I'm studying Health Science at Drexel."
"I loved my experience at OLMA and feel like the school is getting a fresh start."
"We are so much more prepared that others to give public presentations."
"We're not afraid to ask our professors for help if we need it, but so many of our friends are. We're just doing what we were used to at OLMA."
They visited with teachers, staff, friends and even attended some of this week's sporting events. We couldn't have been happier to see them and hear of their success. If you are reading, we hope to see more alumnae next week before you head back to school. Our door is always open. Here are a few photo highlights:
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OLMA Swim Celebrates Seniors
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It was Senior Night on Tuesday for the Swim Team as they celebrated Emily Myers and Olivia Marrone. Team captain, Emily Meyers said, "I can't believe that my four years with this team is almost over. I am so thankful for all my coaches, friends, and teammates for making my senior night special. Although we didn't come out with a win tonight, I'm so proud to be the captain of this team and for all the hard work we've put in this season."
Congratulations Emily, Olivia and the entire OLMA Swim team on a great night. We look forward to watching you finish strong this season! We'll be in the stands for your next home meet!
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Safe Travels Sisters and Brothers
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On Tuesday afternoon, OLMA's Dana and Mikaela joined a group of young men from St. Augustine Prep at the airport where they boarded a plane for Madrid, Spain. They arrived safely and are already having the time of their lives. Each of them is living with a Spanish student. In April, they come to us. We can't wait! You can follow the group's travels by visiting OLMA's Twitter, Instagram and Facebook pages, or with #HermitsAbroad on Twitter. Here are some photos taken this week:
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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
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