The OLMA Overview -- May 4, 2018
Welcome to May! To say that this month is going to be a busy one is the understatement of the year. Each week is jam packed with activity as underclassmen prepare for final exams and Mini-Mesters and seniors get ready to graduate. Last night, our juniors and seniors attended Prom. It was a great night and it's my hope that many happy memories were made by all. Congratulations to Ms. Hopman and the Prom Committee for a job well done.

On Sunday, the OLMA Vocal Performance Group will sing at Sacred Heart Church in Vineland, at the 11 AM Mass. They were invited to be part of liturgy and junior, Atira Smith, will also briefly share some thoughts about what it's like to be an OLMA student. If you can make it, I know the group, led by Mrs. Blackshear, would appreciate your support.

Monday will be our annual College Shirt Day for seniors. This is always fun as the students proudly wear the names, colors and logos of the colleges they will attend this fall. Watch for some photos that afternoon. Next week, students taking AP courses will sit for the official AP exams. On Thursday, we will come together as a community for Ascension Thursday Mass. It begins at 11 AM and you are welcome to join us in the OLMA Chapel.

I hope you are enjoying the arrival of some wonderfully warm weather and wish our Crew Team good luck as they compete in the City Champtionships on the Schuylkill River this weekend. See you soon. -- Mrs. Coyle
Student Spotlight
Lia D'Orio, Class of 2020
While OLMA sophomore, Lia D'Orio, prefers not to be the center of attention, there's a lot about this young woman that is certainly derserving of the spotlight. For starters, she is thriving as part of the Class of 2020, despite the fact that her original plans for high school did not include OLMA. "I was all ready to go somewhere else, but decided to shadow at OLMA," said Lia. "I shadowed in 7th grade and then again when I was in 8th, and had great experiences both times. I also spent a day at the school that I had planned to attend and figured out pretty quickly that it just didn't feel right."

While Lia is successful across the board academically, she is a bigger fan of Chemistry than she ever thought she'd be. "I want to be a Kindergarten or First Grade teacher," said Lia, "I didn't think I'd like the sciences as much as I do, but Ms. Hop is a great treacher and really funny. The right teacher really does make a difference." Amen to that.

In addition to her studies, Lia is an accomplished dancer. She also runs as part of OLMA's indoor track tream. While relays are her favorite, Lia also ran the 300-, 200- and 55-meter races, as well as competed in the high jump. She's also a member of Mr. J's Ping Pong club and loves every minute of that friendly competition.

Lia is also a fan of Mini-Mesters. "Mini-Mesters are a great idea and allow us to experience something totally new," she said. "I'm signed up for Culinary Arts with Mr. Coyle and can't wait for it to start." As this school year begins to draw to a close, Lia says that she can't believe she's about to be a junior. "It's going by so fast," she said, "but I am looking forward to the new classes I'll be taking and the new teachers I'll have next year."

When asked about why she thinks middle school girls should consider OLMA, her first word was sisterhood. "We are all really close here, so the sisterhood is real," said Lia. "Even if you're the only one coming from your school, which was the case for me, don't worry. It's really easy to make friends here." Lia is living proof of that!
Spring Fest a Huge Success
If you missed it, don't worry because OLMA Palooza is planned for August 18th and will be just as fun. Plus, Spring Fest will be back next year. Many thanks to the many volunteers who made this day possible. Mr. Lenguadoro spearheaded the event. His reward was wins for both softball and lacrosse! Below are some photo and video highlights from the day. Enjoy and save the date for OLMA Palooza!
Mr. J gets dunked for a good cause! You're a great sport, Mr. J!
Lacrosse enjoys an early morning breakfast to power them up for the day's big game.
Morgan reaches two milestones in one day -- 100 career hits and 500 career strikouts!
OLMA Lacrosse battles its way to a win!
Adrianna "sticks" around for a full day of Spring Fest!
Nearly 100 families helped raise needed funds by taking a Ford Test Drive!
BINGO Was a Blast!
OLMA's Designer Handbag BINGO was a blast! We had gorgeous bags complete with great bag models, raffle baskets, a 50-50, and so much more. The house was full and everyone enjoyed a fun night out. Many thanks to Kathy Ryan and Georgina Morrell for chairing this event. Stay tuned for news on the next one!
Grotto Gets Makeover
As part of a group project, Mrs. Duffy's sophomore Religion class recently gave the Grotto a springtime makeover. They added some plants, gave it a good cleaning and learned about its significance. The Grotto is home to the Statue of Our Lady of Lourdes. In her honor, the students prepared and participated in a special prayer service led by Elizabeth Myers, Derien Hartline, Catherine Thomas, and Meadow Karpiak. Wonderful job, ladies.
Want to Play Fall Sports?
Calling all Fall Sports athletes! We will be holding a mandatory Parent Meeting on Monday, May 14 at 6:30 PM. We invite you to come out early (4 PM) and help cheer on our Lacrosse and Softball teams. Class of 2022 athletes and parents are invited too! Refreshments will be served!
Summer at OLMA Series for Girls
Click here for more information on how to register. Click here to download a copy of the Summer at OLMA Series brochure. Printed brochures are available in the main office, Athletic Director's office, or by calling
856-697-2008.
College Tours -- July 9-12
OLMA will be offering two college tours this summer during the week of July 9th. One will be a single day and the other an overnight trip. While the details are still being finalized, we wanted to let you know to please save the date! The tours are open to OLMA's rising Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors, and are a wonderful way to begin identifying the types of schools that fits you best. More information is coming soon.
Help Us Support the Daughters of Mercy!
PROM Perfect!
Here are a few photo highlights from OLMA Prom 2018! For more photos, visit our Facebook Page .
Upcoming Events

Vocal Performance Group at Sacred Heart Church -- May 6; 11 AM

College Shirt Day -- May 7

Ascension Thursday Mass - May 10; 11 AM

Mother's Day -- May 12

Canada Mini-Mester Parent Meeting -- Mary 14; 6 PM

Fall Sports Meeting -- May 14; 6:30 PM

Mary Day -- May 22

Graduation -- May 24

NO School/Study Day -- May 25

Underclassmen Exams -- May 29--31

SAVE THE DATE:
July 9-13, 2018 -- COLLEGE TOUR WEEK
MORE INFORMATION TO COME.
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