The OLMA Overview -- September 21, 2018
Happy fall! It's going to be a busy one here at OLMA, but we would not have it any other way.

This week, I had the pleasure of joining Ms. Valore and Mr. Lenguadoro in recognizing OLMA scholars and athletes for achievements they earned in the 2017-2018 school year. The recognition was well deserved and, we hope, an inspiration to all students to accept nothing but their very best.

One of my favorite parts of our recognition assemblies is having the opportunity to also honor one of our educators for going above and beyond for our students. OLMA would not be what it is without the dedication of our teachers. Each of them brings something special and unique to the community. This year's honoree was Mrs. Patti Blakshear. The applause and standing ovation she received when her name was called said it all. Thanks for always putting your students first, Mrs. Blackshear.

Next week, brings us to the end of September and Back-to-School Night on Thursday. We hope to see you all here to visit with your daughters' teachers and learn more about what's expected of them academically. We have a great night planned, so please make every effort to attend. Everything begins in Carew Hall at 6:30 PM.

Have a wonderful first weekend of fall. See you next week. -- Mrs. Coyle
A group of OLMA seniors congratulate Mrs. Blackshear and pose for a quick picture.
Here's how some of our students describe "their" Mrs. B:

  • Good teacher who is very fair
  • Patient, understanding and funny
  • Puts positive pressure on us to succeed
  • Brings fun to education and puts a smile on our faces every day
  • An amazing teacher, gives very thorough lessons, always provides help and gives good life advice
  • Extremely intelligent and always has a smile
  • Genuinely wants every student to succeed in everything they do
  • One of the nicest and most caring teachers I've ever had
  • Cares about all students and encourages us to be the best we can be every day
  • Is the kind of teacher that encourages you and makes you want to strive for success
  • Considers us family
  • Her class is the one I most look forward to
  • Her constant jokes and stories help us to understand and remember what is taught
  • One of the most amazing teachers I've ever had
  • Turns learning about boring history into exciting history
  • Tells the material like a story...with so much enthusiasm
  • The reason why I enjoy my Monday mornings
Student Spotlight
Gabrielle Staropoli, Class of 2019
When it came time to select a high school, Gabrielle "Gabby" Staropoli thought she would be going on to purlic school with her friends. Little did she know that her parents and grandparents had other ideas. Gabby's mom is an OLMA alumna (Class of 1991) and wanted the same for her daughter.

Now an OLMA senior, Gabby is grateful to be a student here. "I was so quiet freshmen year," she said. "I hardly ever talked, so it was a little rough for me. Everything changed in sophomore year when I met my best friend, Laura Sloan, in Chemistry class. I felt comfortable, we started talking and became best friends. Every day after that has been great!"

This year, Gabby plays field hockey and is a member of the Debate club. One of the things she remembers most about her high school years was the summer that she and classmate, Alyssa D'Alessandro, volunteered to be part of the "Summer in the City" program. "We slept in a convent and spent an entire week meeting new people and doing service," said Gabby. "The experience really opened my eyes to some of the sad realities of the world. I saw so many homeless people and many of them were children, I was glad that I could help." Along the way, Gabby and Alyssa became great friends.

When she's not in school, Gabby likes to spend as much time as possible with her two horses, Cassie and Prin. "Prin is Cassie's filly and I'm helping my grandfather train her," she said. "I used to compete and hope to do it again some day."

Looking ahead, Gabby hopes to pursue a career in nursing. She hasn't selected a college just yet, but is working on it. For now, her focus is on doing her best in the classroom and on the hockey field. Her advice for incoming freshmen? "Don't be afraid to be yourself. Interact with other people, even if you're scared and you will love it here." Have a fantastic senior year, Gabby!
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Join us for Breakfast on October 7
OLMA's    Annual Communion Breakfast    will be held on Sunday, October 7, 2018, so please save the date! It's an absolutely beautiful morning that begins with the celebration of Mass at 10 AM followed by a full breakfast. Please mark your calendars for a morning with your OLMA family.

Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for senior citizens and children (FREE for children under age 3). Follow the button below to purchase your tickets. See you there!
Get Your OLMA Football Shirt!
Be like Elena, and order your OLMA Football shirt today. All proceeds will benefit OLMA Basketball!
OLMA Student Leaders Elected
Earlier this week, elections were held for all student government positions. Congratulations to OLMA's newest student leaders:


Study Body President - Atira Smith
Student Body Vice President - Samantha McBurrows
Student Body Secretary - Alyssa D’Allessandro
Student Body Treasurer - Alex Bisignaro

12th Grade:
President - Elena Anglani
Vice President - Jenna Troyano
Representative - Maria Eaise
Representative - Mikaela Szamreta

11th Grade:
President - Delaney Donzola
Vice President - Maris Horner
Representative - Elizabeth Myers
Representative - Kimmy Kinkade

10th Grade:
President - Maddie Kavanagh
Vice President - Olivia Stefano
Representative - Maria Pia DiFranco
Representative - Ani Shubert
Representative - Steph Savella

9th Grade:
President - Isabella Zanghi
Vice President - Maggie McMahon
Representative - Hailea Anderson
Representative - Jessica Haddad
Representative - Lucia Scarpinato

OLMA Hall of Fame Induction Dinner
October 26, 2018
Among OLMA's biggest supporters are two individuals, one team and one couple chosen for induction into the 2018 OLMA Hall of Fame. Selected by the school’s Salerno Society, in recognition of their significant contributions to OLMA’s vision to change the world, one young woman at a time, this year’s honorees include: Lauren Hartman (Class of 2011), Nicole Covella (Class of 2009) and Caitlyn Covella (Class of 2013), the first three scholar athletes to score 100 goals for OLMA Lacrosse; Dawn Coia; long-time OLMA educator and alumnae parent; Honorable Georgia M. Curio (Class of 1974), the first female superior court judge appointed for Cumberland County; and Tony and Mary Jane Stanzione (Class of 1972). Mary Jane runs the food service operation at OLMA and she and Tony are alumnae parents, contributors and volunteers.

In their honor, OLMA will hold a Hall of Fame Induction Celebration dinner event on Friday, October 26, 2018 at The Greenview Inn in Vineland, NJ. All proceeds will go toward OLMA’s growing athletics program which currently offers 13 competitive supports.

The Salerno Society was created in 2012 and is named in honor of Sister Mary Dolores Salerno, D.M., OLMA’s first principal. It was through her efforts that OLMA introduced sports as an integral part of the school’s curriculum. “The mission of The Salerno Society is twofold,” said Society Chairperson, Bernadette Corwonski-Miller. “First, we want to honor Sister Dolores for her incredible commitment to OLMA as principal. In addition, we want to pay tribute to the many others who have contributed to the growth of our school as athletes, scholars, teachers, coaches, benefactors, and career professionals.”

For more information about how you can be part of thanking and recognizing this year’s members with a program booklet ad, donation, or by purchasing tickets to the Hall of Fame Induction Celebration dinner, please click here , or call Mary Jane Kinkade at 856.697.2008, ext. 140.


Honorable Georgia M. Curio
Mrs. Dawn Coia
Mary Jane and Tony Stanzione
Coach Tom McCarville, Caitlyn Covella, Lauren Hartman, Nicole Covella, and Coach Jerry Covella
Upcoming Events

Retakes for Sr. Pictures -- September 25

Spain Exchange Mtg. -- September 25, 6 PM at PREP

College Fair -- September 25, 7 PM at PREP

Back-to-School Night -- September 27, 6:30 PM

Opening Mass and Sisterhood Ceremony -- October 4

Annual Communion Breakfast -- October 7, 10 AM

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