The OLMA Overview -- May 10, 2019
With the end of the regular school year in sight, we are gearing up for Moving-Up Day, Mary Day, Graduation, Final Exams, and the start of Mini-Mester courses. It's hard to believe, but the members of the Class of 2019 will graduate in just 13 days. Today was their final day of classes and I miss them already. This group of young women is smart, kind and caring, confident, driven -- and prepared. They've worked hard and deserve the fun they will have over the next few weeks. I'm looking forward to sharing it with them.

As the Class of 2019 prepares to graduate, the Class of 2023 is excited to join us. Last week we hosted the registered members of the Class of 2023 and their families for Accepted Students Saturday. During my remarks I asked them to stand and look around the room. While many of them were feeling nervous and uneasy, as well as excited. I assured them that the young women standing with them will play an important part in their lives. They will laugh and cry together. They will celebrate successes and be there for each other when times are tough. They will be their bridesmaids, God mothers to their children and best friends and sisters.

I look forward to welcoming one of our largest freshmen classes to OLMA this fall, as well as sharing with everyone a host of new enhancements to our curriculum and facility. We have a busy summer ahead.

In the meantime, I invite you to join us as we celebrate the achievements of the members of the Class of 2019. Have a wonderful Mother's Day weekend and best of luck to our spring athletes! -- Mrs. Coyle
Student Spotlight: Meet Nicolette Merlino
Class of 2020
This OLMA junior was pleasantly surprised when she was named, "Player of the Week" by the Cape Atlantic League for her impressive performance as part of the OLMA Softball Team. This past week, Nicolette allowed just three earned runs in 24 innings pitched, striking out 18. She threw a complete game in a 4-2 win over Cedar Creek and threw a six-hit shutout against Burlington City.

"I feel famous!" said Nicolette when asked about her reaction to the news. "I had no idea that I would be chosen. It's an honor." Never one to rest on her laurels, Nicolette says she's pleased with her performance, but is determined to improve. "It was pretty scary stepping into Morgan Hagerty's shoes this season," she said. "It was a big move to the pitcher's mound after playing second base for many years." Nevertheless, Nicolette has stepped up and together with her team is having a great season. "We are really starting to gel as a team now," said Nicolette. "We're looking forward to playoffs."

Off the field, Nicolette is equally impressive. She is an excellent student and loves giving back to the community through her involvement in the OLMA Interact.Club. She says that junior year is her best yet. While Anatomy and Physiology is her favorite class, she isn't loving the pig dissection project. "I love the science behind it, but would rather stick to teeth," she said with a giggle and grimace. Nicolette hopes to attend Dental School.

In her free time, Nicolette works as a babysitter and at the East Vineland Little League Concession Stand. It seems that she never strays too far from the field. When asked about her plans for college, Nicolette says that she's looking at schools in Florida and North Carolina. She's not sure if she will compete as part of a college team, but plans to continue playing even if just part of a intramural team.

She has plenty of time to decide. In the meantime, Nicolette is looking forward to the Business of Sports Mini-Mester course that she will be taking in June. She and her family also have a summer trip to Italy planned.

In terms of advice for incoming freshmen, Nicolette says to have fun, but work hard and play a sport. Athletics is a big part of the spirit of the school and a lot of fun. It's also a great way to meet new friends. If softball is your game, you are sure to get a warm welcome from Nicolette.
Parent Meeting on Wednesday Night

All Fall Sports: There will be a mandatory Fall Sports Parents Meeting on Wednesday, May 15 at 7:00 PM in Carew Hall Gymnasium. All of the pertinent information and forms will be presented. Any young woman interested in playing a fall sport, including incoming freshman, should attend. Short team meetings with coaches will follow to discuss summer and season schedules.
Calling all Girls Entering Grades 5-9
Last Call for Jersey Tour
This is the last week to reserve your spot on the New Jersey College Tour taking place on June 24. Our plans are to see Monmouth University and then head over to The College of New Jersey . From there, we will visit Rider University and finish the day with a walking tour of Princeton University . The cost for this tour is $110 and includes transportation and lunch. Checks should be made payable to OLMA and be dropped off in the Guidance Office. This tour is open to OLMA's rising sophomores, juniors and seniors. The deadline to register is May 20.
Anatomy Students Get to Work
This week, three little piggies and then some made their way into Anatomy and Physiology class. Here are some photo highlights of the work under way to dissect and explore this little creatures.
Build Your Own Sundae on Monday
On Monday, students can support the OLMA Softball Team by paying $5 to build their own ice cream sundae! The sundae sale will take place during both lunches on Monday. Bring your $5 and enjoy!
Lacrosse Players Mark Milestones
In the last week, two OLMA senior lacrosse players celebrated milestones. Erin Seddon marked her 300th save and Mary Meduri entered the record books with her 200th career goal. Great things are happening in OLMA Athletics.

Erin and Mary will graduate on May 23rd. Erin will attend the University of the Sciences and Mary will join Lock Haven University where she will continue her student-athlete career as part of the school's lacrosse team. Congratulations!
Upcoming Events

Compassion Quest-Interact Shirley Mae/Michael J Race Event -- May 11

OLMA Crew Competes in County Championships at Lake Lenape -- May 12

Softball Sundae Sale $5 -- May 13

Fall Athletic Parent Meeting 7 pm -- May 15


Senior Farewell and Moving Up Ceremony -- May 17

Placement Testing for Incoming Freshmen -- May 18, 9 am

Mary Day -- May 21

Graduation -- May 23

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