The OLMA Overview -- June 8, 2017
From final exam prep, to an experiential trip to Cooper Medical Center, to our first on-site Athletics Banquet in a very long time, things are busy as ever in this final full week of school.  That said, the final countdown is on!  

Last week, the OLMA Class of 2017 graduated to the applause and excitement of a gym full of family, friends, alumnae, and more!  Prior to graduation, the students participated in Baccalaureate Mass, and then joined their families in an elegant reception provided by Five Points Inn.  Dessert was handmade by our very own, Mrs. Stanzione.  Our gym was transformed into a beautiful dining area with the help of Gina Rudolph (Madison '19 and Mia '20) and her crew of decorators.  Special thanks also goes to Mrs. Cusick, Mrs. Cavagnaro, Mrs. Zippel and everyone who had a hand in this wonderful sendoff for the Class of 2017. 

We also welcomed back 50+ OLMA alumnae on Saturday afternoon.  Everyone had a great time re-discovering the school and catching up with friends.  Many thanks to the committee who planned this event, as well as to others who donated funds and supplies. Check out the article below about the Salerno Society for more alumnae news.  

As we head into summer, I want to thank you for welcoming me so warmly into the OLMA family.  I could not be happier to be here and look forward to many more great things ahead.  Have a safe and happy summer break.  -- Mrs. Coyle



Student Spotlight
Meet Amelia Brago

While it's a shadow day that usually seals the deal for most young women who are considering OLMA for high school, Amelia skipped right over that step.  "My cousin came to OLMA, so I already had a lot of information about it," said Amelia.  "She loved it and from all that she said, I just knew it was the right place for me.  I could see myself there."  

Now a rising junior, Amelia can't believe how quickly the first two years went by.  "It's crazy and a little scary as college is right around the corner," she said.  She'll be trying college on for size this summer as she travels to Boston for the National Youth Leadership Forum where her focus will be on medicine.  "By the time this experience is over, I hope to know whether or not a career in medicine is for me," said Amelia.  "I'm interested in becoming a pharmacist, but you never know.  I'll finish this forum either as sure as ever, or knowing that it's time to switch gears."  Amelia will also be attending two OLMA-sponsored college tours this summer.  One will include schools in and around Philadelphia and the other will feature colleges and universities in the DC and Maryland area with a quick stop at the University of Delaware. 

During her time at OLMA, Amelia has played volleyball and rowed crew.  She also plays on the Quandomania Club Volleyball team year round.   She's a member of the Green Girls, Bake and Interact Clubs.

As she looks to next year, Amelia says she can't wait for ring mass.  She's also quite the science buff.  Chemistry is her favorite class and she's looking forward to Honors Anatomy next year.  

For now, Amelia is excited for summer and is counting the days until finals are done.  We're almost there, Amelia.  It won't be long now.    
Time to Buy Suitcases!
Click here to see the trip itinerary and download a registration form.  Get set to pack your bags!
Students Share Traumatic Experience
A career working in Cooper University Healthcare's Level I Trauma Center is not for the faint of heart.  OLMA juniors along with a small group of sophomores experienced that first hand as they watched a real emergency unfold during a recent visit to the Trauma Center.  Here are a few photo highlights:
Alumnae Enjoy Happy Hours
Beginning with the faces on their name tags, a group of 50 OLMA Alumnae had a blast celebrating the past at last weekend's Happy Hours Social.  Alumnae enjoyed exploring the school, a wonderful spread of refreshments and desserts, taking photos, and reliving their high school adventures through yearbooks and scrapbooks.  They also heard from Mrs. Coyle who updated them on happenings here at OLMA and encouraged them to be as involved in current-day life at OLMA as possible.  
Salerno Society Seeking Outstanding Alumnae

The Our Lady of Mercy Academy Salerno Society was created in 2012 and is named in honor of Sister Mary Dolores Salerno, D.M., Our Lady of Mercy Academy’s first principal. It was through her efforts that OLMA introduced sports as an integral part of the school’s curriculum.

The mission of The Salerno Society is twofold:  First, to honor Sister Dolores for her incredible commitment to OLMA as principal.  Secondly, to pay tribute to the many others who have contributed to the growth of our school as athletes, scholars, teachers, coaches, benefactors, and career professionals.

Each year, The Salerno Society recognizes former students, former faculty members, administrators, or special contributors to OLMA who have helped further the mission of the school.  Those selected are inducted into the OLMA Hall of Fame during a special dinner held in October.  Former inductees include Coach Tom McCarville; former OLMA athlete, Victoria Imbesi; long-time OLMA supporter and alumnae father and grandfather, Mr. Carmine Catalana, and more.  

The Salerno Society is now accepting nominations for the 2017 award season.  If you know of someone who deserves this type of recognition, please click here to make your nomination.  Thank you!


Last Call for Summer College Tours 
Welcome to one of the most exciting  searches of your life. Finding the school that's right for you can be a  wild ride -- a mix of fun, adventure and and a bit of fear thrown in for  good measure.

One way to replace  the fear with all fun is by starting with  a college tour. These tours are designed to help you get a feel for the  type of school that best fits your needs, wants and personality.  Printed brochures were distributed.  Extra copies are available by calling Mrs. Szawlewicz.  PDF versions of both are attached below.  These tours are open to rising Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors.  The deadline to save your spot is June 5.  Thanks. 

One-Day City College Tour -- June 29
Welcome to the 2017 OLMA City College Tour. Join us on Thursday, 
June 29, as we travel to the City of Philadelphia and surrounding area to 
visit five universities. We will make stops at: LaSalle University; St. 
Joseph's University; Villanova University; Cabrini University; and 
Immaculata University. 


Overnight DC-MD College Tour -- July 25-26
Welcome to the 2017 OLMA MD-DC   College Tour.  Join us on July 25-26,  2017 as we travel to the Washington,   DC area to visit eight schools. We will   make stops at: Delaware, Goucher,   Loyola, Maryland, Catholic University,   American, George Washington, and   Marymount.


Boot Camp -- August 2
Attention Rising Seniors!  Want to get ahead on your Common App Essay?  If so, come see how it's done from the experts at Monmouth University.  A 2-hour Boot Camp will be held at OLMA on August 2, from 9-11 AM.  To register, call or email Mrs. Szawlewicz (mrs.szawlewicz@olmanj.org).   
OLMA Athletes Earn Varsity Letters
All OLMA Athletes were honored on Tuesday night at a special Athletics Banquet!   Athletes earned certificates and Varsity letters with pins representing each of the sports they play.   Congratulations to all and thank you, coaches!  
Cross Country, Indoor Track, Track & Field
Softball
Crew
Lacrosse
Basketball
Swim
Cheerleading
Tennis Team
Tennis
Volleyball
Soccer
Attention Summer Athletes!
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!  
Stay Connected Over the Summer
While this is the final OLMA Overview of the school year, we will be posting news and information via social media all summer long.  Below is a list of where you can find us! 
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