The OLMA Overview -- March 23, 2018
While Mother Nature has done her best to disguise it, spring has arrived and Easter is just nine days away. Earlier this week, OLMA Crew was featured in the Press of Atlantic City . You can read the article here . While smaller than most, our team is determined to make its mark. Led by Coach Suzi Blough, our team of rowers is dedicated and working hard. They held their first Row-A-Thon fundraiser last Sunday and are excited to get the season underway. They will participate in the Lenape Sprints in Mays Landing on Lake Lenape tomorrow. Watch our social media pages for race times and come on out. OLMA Crew also launched its new website this week. You can check it out by clicking here .

OLMA Softball and Lacrosse teams are also gearing up for the start of their seasons. Scrimmages continue next week with games starting the week of April 2. You can find the master schedule for all OLMA Athletics by clicking here .

As we put winter behind us and look toward summer, I'm pleased to announce the creation of the new Summer at OLMA Series of academic & athletic camps for girls to debut in June. We've added a special tab on our website to make the camp information easy to find. While most of the camps are for girls entering grades 5-9, we are offering an SAT PREP camp that may be of interest to our current students. We are extremely excited to offer these camps and hope you will help us spread the word.

I wish you a wonderful weekend free of snow! -- Mrs. Coyle
Student Spotlight
Amanda Willis, Class of 2018
If you know Amanda Willis, you are well aware of her love of all things basketball. Nothing short of an injury (sometimes, not even that!) can keep her off the court. She started playing at the ripe old age of 11 and has no plans to stop anytime soon. Her basketball idol? LeBron James, number 23, of the Cleveland Cavaliers. "I wear the same number on my jersey," said Amanda. "I'm a huge fan of the NBA, but my favorite team is definitely the Cavaliers."

That said, it should come as no surprise that Amanda has her sights set on attending Ohio State University. I've heard amazing things about its science programs," she said. "It's also big on athletics, which is important to me. I haven't heard from them yet, but expect to soon. I check the online portal and wait anxiously for the mail every day."

When asked how she found herself at OLMA, the Mullica Hill resident said that her mom wanted the best school possible for her. "At the time, we lived in Blackwood and my mom wasn't happy with the choices there. She really thought I would thrive at OLMA and she was right. Everyone here is so open. You can talk to anyone about anything. I don't think I'll ever find that anywhere else."

Amanda is an excellent student, athlete and leader. She plays basketball and lacrosse, is president of the senior class and a member of the Interact Club. "This is my first year on student government," said Amanda. "I used to shy away from things like that, but I've broken out of my shell and didn't want to leave OLMA without that experience." She ran and won, which says a lot for the confidence her classmates have in her.

Looking ahead, Amanda wants to pursue a career in the medical field. She's not sure of the specifics just yet, but looks forward to figuring that out -- hopefully, at Ohio State. We hope so too, Amanda, but know you will be a huge success wherever you land. There's not a college in the land that wouldn't benefit from having you on its rolls.
We Rocked Our Socks!
OLMA marked World Down Syndrome Day by participating in the organization's "Lots of Socks" event. Students went all out donning socks of different colors, sizes, It's purpose was to celebrate our differences and the fact that countless people with Down syndrome are making meaningful contributions worldwide today. They are as unique and special as are our amazing socks!
Introducing Summer at OLMA Series
Our Lady of Mercy Academy is pleased to offer a  Summer at OLMA Series  of Athletic and Academic camps!

As part of our Athletic Camps, you will work directly with our coaches and Varsity players to develop new and sharpen existing skills. You will also stay in shape, make new friends and have a fantastic time exploring our campus. This summer’s Academic Camps will take a fun approach to keeping the learning coming, as well as to building courage and confidence.

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.
OLMA Chorus Raises Funds for Robes
The old adage, "Where there's a will, there' a way," certainly rings true for OLMA Chorus. This group of angelic-sounding singers, who recently performed at The Diocese of Camden’s Anniversary Mass, needs new choir robes and is determined to raise the funds needed to get them.

"The robes we have now were donated by another area high school when they decided to replace them with new ones,” said Mrs. Patti Blackshear, Chorus Director. “While we’re grateful to have them, we can't wait to proudly wear OLMA robes that are in our school colors and carry our emblem."

Over the last two years, Chorus has sold Santa hats, cell phone wallets, popcorn, and countless other items. Slowly, but surely, they've chipped away at the $2,500 cost. They are close, but not there quite yet.   

You can help by supporting the club’s sale of WAWA Shortie Hoagies at $4 each. Money should be sent in to the attention of Mrs. Blackshear and she will exchange it for Shortie coupons to be used at your leisure. “If this fundraiser goes well, we hope to have the new robes in time for Mary Day,” said Mrs. Blackshear.  “We’re working hard to make it happen.” 
SAVE THE DATE!
Order Your BINGO Tickets Today!
Get set to play BINGO and WIN DESIGNER BAGS! It all happens on Friday, April 27 in Carew Hall. Doors open at 6 PM and tickets are just $30 each. To reserve your ticket or table (eight paid tickets required), contact Kathy Ryan at kryan62@verizon.net or Georgina Morrell at morrell1602@gmail.com. All proceeds will benefit the students of OLMA!

Copy and paste this link to share event with your friends on Facebook: https://business.facebook.com/events/199825803938242/
OLMA Spring Fest -- April 28
Rotary Scholarships -- Deadline Next Week
It's not too late to secure scholarships to help offset the cost of college. It takes a little research, but many opportunities exist out there. Here's a link to a list that we maintain for you under the Guidance section of our website. Deadlines are looming, so if you are interested, please apply ASAP. Good luck!
Upcoming Events

Easter Break Begins -- March 28

Green & Gold Club Meeting -- April 11; 6:30 PM

SAVE THE DATE -- OLMA Art Auction -- April 19

Accepted Students Saturday -- April 21



Designer Bag BINGO -- April 27

OLMA Spring Fest -- April 28
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