The OLMA Overview -- November 15, 2019
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With Thanksgiving nearly here, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank our many student and parent volunteers. In the last six weeks we have hosted the Communion Breakfast and Sisterhood Day, Open House, Dueling Pianos, Powder Puff, Group Shadow Day, and the Blood Drive. Every event was successful, thanks in large part to your willingness to help.
I want to give a special shout out to the nearly 40 students who helped make this week's blood drive a success. We had more first-time donors than ever before. There was a lot of hand holding and sharing of positive vibes -- sisterhood in its truest form. We will be holding a second drive in March, so get ready to roll up your sleeves once again in the spirit of saving lives.
I also want to thank our Parents Society. They are always working on something in support of our school and students. Led by Kathy Ryan, this group of parents is the machine that makes every event go. Right now they are getting ready for the long-awaited drawing of the Louis Vuitton bag raffle. They are also hard at work planning for Junior Ring Mass, the Super 50-50 and Designer Bag BINGO. I cannot thank you all enough.
Next week brings with it the annual OLMA-PREP play. This year's musical production is
The Addams Family
and I cannot wait to see it. The show opens at The Landis Theater in Vineland on Wednesday night and runs through Friday. Showtime is 7 PM on all three nights. Let's fill the house!
As Thanksgiving and Christmas draw near, I want to remind students to look out for one another as the holidays can be stressful and emotional for many. We need to be mindful of our sisters and their families and ready to provide support. I remain grateful for each and every member of the OLMA family and wish you all a wonderful weekend. -- Mrs. Coyle
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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: GIANNA TERPOLILLI, CLASS OF 2021
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If you had to pick one word to describe this young woman, it would be heart. She has a big one and isn't afraid to show it. OLMA junior, Gianna Terpolilli is new to the OLMA family. She transferred in this fall and is glad she made the change. "My main reason for transferring was to get more of a challenge academically," said Gianna. "I'm definitely getting that here. I'm also surrounded by friendly and welcoming girls who made the whole transition really easy for me. Everyone is so nice."
That's quite a compliment coming from Gianna who is about as nice as they come. Recently, she found out that the son of one of her mom's good friends was losing hope due to his battle with cancer. "Nick has leukemia and his treatments are not working well," she said. "It's a very tough time for him and his mom. When I heard that his 14th birthday was coming up I wanted to find a way to make it special. With the help of the girls and teachers here, my softball friends, football players from Assumption College, friends from Hammonton, and my church youth group, I mailed him a package of more than 100 handmade birthday cards. I wanted him to know that people care and that he matters. I wanted this birthday, unlike his last one, to be happy."
It was a simple gesture that meant the world to Nick -- and living proof that little acts of kindness can go a long way. This is something that Gianna knows well from the work she does with her church youth group at Saint Mary of Mount Carmel parish. "As part of the lead team, I help plan a lot of different service activities, " she said. "We help the Ronald MacDonald House, make sandwiches and serve them at food pantries in Camden and the Bronx, and do the Walk for Life every year."
Next week Gianna will be representing her youth group at the National Catholic Youth Conference in Indiana. "The conference happens every two years and involves kids from all around the world," she said. "I wanted to go two years ago, but was having surgery so I couldn't make it. This year, I'm ready and excited to go."
Gianna is also excited to be part of the OLMA Softball team. She started playing when she was four years old and has a true love for the game. She also puts her entire heart into it. Gianna, we are so glad you're here. Good luck next week. Enjoy every minute of it.
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OLMA and Wawa Honor Veterans
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When Our Lady of Mercy Academy (OLMA) hosts prospective students for its annual Group Shadow Day each fall, the agenda wouldn't be complete without a session on service. This year's event coincided with Veterans Day weekend, so our local heroes were the focus of a service project that involved 100 prospective students and OLMA Ambassadors, class officers, and Interact Club members. Together they made 50 patriotic bandana wreaths that were hand-delivered to the Veterans Memorial Home in Vineland the following day.
This service project was made possible with a $1,000 grant from The Wawa Foundation -- a big supporter of everyday heroes. The grant was used to purchase the materials needed to create the wreaths. "The students had a blast with this project, and we are grateful to Wawa for helping to make it happen," said Mary Jane Kinkade, OLMA Interact Club adviser. "Service is an integral part of life here at OLMA and something that our students do because they love it and enjoy making people smile. It's through projects like this one that kids learn how much fun it is to give back."
Interact Clubs are youth-sized versions of Rotary Clubs -- designed to help students embrace service in a way that it becomes a natural part of their lives. The Tri-County Rotary Club, serving individuals and organizations in Vineland, Buena, Newfield, and Millville, sponsors OLMA Interact.
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OLMA-PREP MUSICAL NEXT WEEK!
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There will be singing, dancing, acting, and a whole lot of fun going on in The Landis Theater next Wednesday, Thursday and Friday as the curtain opens on
The Addams Family
! Showtime each night is 7 PM. The Landis Theater is located at 830 East Landis Avenue in Vineland. You won't want to miss it! Let's fill the seats in support of our sisters and brothers on stage! Tickets available at the door. See you there!
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LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT GIFT?
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If you are looking for the perfect gift for your OLMA or Villa girl, we have just the thing. Our Lady of Mercy Academy, together with Williamstown Diamonds and Fine Jewelry, proudly presents this first edition keepsake necklace! It's gorgeous!
Click here
for an order form.
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Entrance Exam Testing
-- November 16
ADDITIONAL Entrance Exam Testing Dates -- November 19 (7:30-9:30 AM) and November 20 (4-6 PM)
The Addams Family OLMA-PREP Musical
-- November 20-22 at The Landis Theater in Vineland; 7 PM
S
emi Formal
-- November 26; 6:30-10:30 PM
THANKSGIVING BREAK
-- November 27-30
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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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