The OLMA Overview -- April 27, 2018
I want to begin this week's note by saying thank you to all the student, faculty/staff, coach and parent volunteers who helped make last week's Accepted Students Saturday a great success. We had a full house (see photo below) and look forward to welcoming a freshmen class of 50 this fall. The students and families of the Class of 2022 are as impressive as they come and will fit in perfectly as part the OLMA family.

Hopefully, we will see some of them and all of you this weekend at one or both of our special events. Designer Handbag BINGO is tonight and we are expecting more than 200 people! Tomorrow, we will host our inaugural Spring Fest. There will be softball, lacrosse, speed gun pitching and scoring, a dunk tank, sticky wall, yard games, 50" TV raffle, food truck, spirit wear sales, and more. We'll be here all day, so stop on in when you can. While you're here, be sure to test drive one (or all) of the Ford vehicles that will be onsite. All you need is a valid driver's license. Ford will donate $20 to OLMA for each family that particpates, so get set to climb on into the driver's seat.

Next week, brings with it the month of May. Junior/Senior PROM will be held on Thursday at Scotland Run Golf Club and we can't wait! In the meantime, we hope to see you on campus at some point this weekend. Enjoy! -- Mrs. Coyle
Student Spotlight
Sydney Prescott, Class of 2021
Student athletes are some of the busiest young people you'll ever meet. They constantly juggle activities at home, school, practice, and actual games, meets, matches or races, depending on the sport. It's not easy, yet OLMA freshman, Sydney Prescott, sure makes it look that way.

Sydney joined OLMA from St. Mary's School in Williamstown where she excelled both in the classroom and on the basketball court. When it came time to select a high school, Sydney knew where she wanted to be, but wasn't sure if it was possible. "I've had my heart set on OLMA since the sixth grade when representatives came to my grade school," she said. "Other schools recruited me for basketball, but I really knew it would be a tuition-free public school, or OLMA." Fortunately, Sydney caught the eye of the Black Catholic Ministry who awarded her a scholarship.

Mary Beth Peabody, Director of Communications and Marketing for the Diocese of Camden, recently attended an event hosted by the Black Catholic Ministry and had the opportunity to hear Sydney speak. "She ended her remarks by thanking the audience for their support and making it possible for her to go to the school of her dreams," said Peabody. "Her presentation was poised and confident. She seemed genuine in her love of OLMA and showed such gratitude for the scholarship opportunity."

Anyone who knows Sydney can confirm that she is happy at OLMA. When asked about whether the real thing measured up to her expectations, Sydney says, "Yes, it's great. I was just thinking the other day about all of the friends I've made since coming here. I can't imagine my freshmen year without them." Chances are pretty good that they feel the same way.

That's certainly the case when it comes to her OLMA Basketball teammates and coaches. Sydney had an outstanding year on the basketball court, scoring up to 27 points a game, and earning a spot on the Cape Atlantic League's First Team.

Scholastically, Sydney did equally well and says that her two favorite classes are Theology and Biology. "Ms. Cop is one of the smartest people I know, so I sit up front and try to soak up every word that comes out of her mouth," said Sydney. She also loves ending most days in Mr. Coyle's classroom. "Theology is relaxing and calm and I love the way Mr. Coyle teaches," she said. "Plus, he always has some sort of food for us to snack on." Spoken like a true, always-hungry, athlete.

In addition to playing basketball for OLMA, Sydney plays for a club team and trains in the weight room at least twice a week in addition to almost daily practices. She's also serving as manager for OLMA's Track & Field Team. She's looking forward to mini-mesters in June. She'll be back with Mr. Coyle learning all about culinary arts.

As for the future, Sydney has her sights set on attending NYU where she plans to study Journalism with the hope of becoming a sports broadcaster. If anyone can do it, Sydney, you can. We are thrilled that you're here and part of the Class of 2021.
Spring Fest All Day Tomorrow!
Come hang with us at Spring Fest on Saturday. Trust us when we say that you'll want to "stick" around! Yes, a sticky wall has been added to the festivities! The festival lasts all day -- sports, games, dunk tank, contests, raffles, Ford Test Drive, food truck, face painting, and more!
Minding Your Mind

No matter how excited and brave you may be, making the transition from high school to college can be a bit overwhelming. On campus earlier this week were Molley and Andrew from Minding Your Mind. They shared their own transition stories and provided tips for dealing with
the many emotions students may feel as they adjust to being a freshmen in college. It's okay to not be okay -- and okay to ask for help. Great presentation!
Famous People Portraits
The OLMA juniors and seniors in Mrs. Helms' Intermediate Art course outdid themselves on their recent, "Famous People Portraits" assignment. Take a look at the sampling below and you'll see what we mean. They're woking on self portraits next! Awesome work!
Always On Target
Katniss Everdean has nothing on Coach Leng's archers in training! That's right, archery is front and center this spring as part of Lifetime Fitness and Physical Education. Word has it that Mrs. Coyle will be trying her hand at the sport next week! In the meantime, Hannah (pictured below) rocked her turn at the bow making 14 out of 15 shots!
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.
Help Us Support the Daughters of Mercy!
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!
Upcoming Events


Designer Bag BINGO -- Tonight!

OLMA Spring Fest -- Tomorrow, 8:30 AM--4:00 PM

Weekly MASS in OLMA Chapel -- April 29 at 10:30 AM

PROM -- May 3 at Scotland Run

Mother's Day -- May 12

Fall Sports Meeting -- May 14

Mary Day -- May 22

Graduation -- May 24

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