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The OLMA Overview -- May 18, 2017
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If you happened to be on campus on Tuesday afternoon just before dismissal, you witnessed our senior class taking their traditional victory lap around the school and in and out of classrooms. It marked their last day of classes after four years of hard work. We are extremely proud of them. In a few short months, they will be on their own -- and will surely succeed in whatever they put their minds to doing.
Last week, we reported that these young women had earned more than $2.5 million in academic scholarships and grants. This week, we are pleased to announce that the Class of 2017's scholarship number has nearly doubled to $5 million. For a class of only 20 girls, that's an extremely impressive accomplishment. Next week, the real celebrations begin with Mary Day on Wednesday, followed by Baccalaureate Mass and Graduation on Tuesday, May 30.
Volunteers are still needed to help with Mary Day next week. If you can lend a hand -- even for just an hour or two -- please let Mrs. Cusick know.
Our underclassmen aren't done quite yet, but they do have an exciting few weeks ahead with Moving Up Day, field trips to Cooper Trauma Center, our Athletics Banquet on June 6, and more. It's going to go by fast. Enjoy this beautiful weather! -- Mrs. Coyle
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Student Spotlight
Meet Alyssa D'Alessandro
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This young lady is a self-proclaimed "girly girl" who loves to shop and dress up. What she doesn't say, but is is clearly evident after even just a few minutes of conversation, is the fact that she is a big thinker who is not afraid to speak up, is extremely caring, and takes her studies very seriously. She's an avid reader and prefers non-fiction books. She is currently engrossed in Maya Angelou's, "I Know Why the Caged Birds Sing" -- the first in a seven-part series that shows how a strong character and love of literature can help overcome racism and trauma.
When it came time to look at high schools, OLMA was a natural choice as Alyssa's brother, Joseph, was already a student at St. Augustine Prep.
"It just made sense for us to go to brother-sister schools," said Alyssa. As a soon-to-be rising junior, Alyssa stands by her decision to attend OLMA and can't imagine being anywhere else. "I love the home feeling of the school and the fact that I can be myself," she said. "I was never afraid to show who I really am and found great friends here who feel the same way. I'd like incoming freshmen to know, that it's okay to be themselves."
While her career choice is not set in stone, Alyssa is very interested in the field of Pediatric Oncology -- one that calls for a special kind of person. Her kind and caring demeanor would surely be an asset in this field -- as well as in others. She'll soon be volunteering at the hospital -- an experience that she thinks will help her begin to hone in on the type of medicine for which she is best suited.
In the meantime, she plans to continue serving both children and adults in her role with Project WHAM, or "Winning Hearts and Minds." She first got involved with Project WHAM when she was much younger and part of the Cohansey Soccer Team coached by her parents. "One of the other parents had a son serving in Afghanistan who told us that the kids there would roll up big balls of paper and use them to play soccer," said Alyssa. "So we started a huge collection of soccer balls, cleats, socks, and jerseys and shipped them over. They were amazed by what happened. Instead of being afraid of, or thinking the American soldiers were the enemy, the kids began to bond and actually started looking out for their new friends."
As it turns out, Alyssa's brother, Dominick, chose the U.S. Army as his career path and also serves overseas.
He sees first hand how the children react to the kindness of the soldiers. Next week, OLMA will get the chance to help. Alyssa will be visiting classrooms to explain the program and invite students to get involved in Project WHAM's latest effort in support of back-to-school time. "We are collecting new and gently used backpacks and school supplies," said Alyssa. "Most of us have old packs and leftover supplies at the end of the school year. Those would be perfectly fine and appreciated."
Watch for more information from Alyssa -- and congratulate her on a job well done.
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Welcome to Outward Bound!
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OLMA Sophomores recently spent a day as part of Outward Bound -- gaining valuable leadership, teamwork and character skills. Check out this video recap!
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Still Time to Sign Up for Camp
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Summer is a great time to meet new friends, try a new sport and/or hone your skills for next season. This summer, OLMA is holding five different sports camps -- Soccer, Softball, Volleyball, Swim and Lacrosse. No experience is necessary and all camps are open to young women in middle and high school (see age range on individual registration forms). You can register online by clicking here. You can also call or stop by the office for a registration form. Join the OLMA Sisterhood this summer!
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Register for Athletics Banquet by Tomorrow
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OLMA athletes and coaches train and play hard on the field, court, pool, and track all year long -- giving their all for our school. We are both proud of and grateful for their efforts and will be honoring them on Tuesday, June 6 at the 2017 OLMA Athletic Banquet.
The event will take place in Carew Hall beginning at 6 PM and will feature dinner and awards. There is no cost for honored athletes to attend. Tickets for friends and family fans are available for $25 each.
We hope you will join us for this special evening in support of OLMA Athletics. Please RSVP and purchase your tickets via the button below by Friday, May 19, 2017. See you there!
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Science Students Surprise Moms
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Quietly and behind the scenes (not to alert OLMA moms who happen to work here), freshmen and seniors brought in glass containers from home and made beautiful terrariums for their moms on Mother's Day. This mom, for one, was delighted!
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Softball Honors Senior Players
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The OLMA Softball team honored its leaders on Wednesday night as they shut out Bridgeton High School at home. Congratulations to Dana Durham (batter) and Madison (Hagerty) catcher! Dana will be attending Catholic University in the fall and Madison will continue her studies and softball career at Rosemont College. We are so proud of you.
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Get Your OLMA Cell Phone Wallets!
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The next time you have to run into WAWA, go to the boardwalk, or even to the beach, you can leave your purse at home. Instead, slap one of these cool, new OLMA Cell Phone Wallets and you're good to go. It's great for holding keys, credit cards, identification, and even a few dollars. OLMA Chorus is selling these now for $5 each. Please see Ms. B or a chorus member to purchase one!
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May 19 -- Last Day to Get Your Gear!
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Now available for order is a whole catalog full of OLMA spirit wear. Moving forward, we will hold 3-4 sales per year. Our current sale wraps up TOMORROW. Items will come and go according to season and popularity! Students can get a printed copy of the catalog by visiting Mrs. Kinkade. You can access it online and begin ordering now by clicking here. Please contact Mrs. Kinkade with any questions. Thank you!
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Want to show your support for the Daughters of Our Lady of Mercy? It's easy. Just purchase a calendar raffle ticket for $20! You'll be doing a lot of good and getting 102 chances to win prizes over the course of 20 weeks. Tickets were sent home with your daughters. If you'd like more, please call the office and we'll send them your way.
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You can also get a preview of what's in store this winter in the calendar section of the new OLMA website. Click here to the revised "annual calendar" for Semester Two.
Past issues of The OLMA Overview are available on our website. Click here to check them out.
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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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