The OLMA Overview -- April 20, 2018
It's hard to believe that our three Spanish exchange students, Irene, Lidia and Lucia, will be heading home this weekend. We have loved having them here and hope they've enjoyed their OLMA experience. These three young women were here as part of a Spain Exchange Program that we participate in along with St. Augustine Prep and Malvern Prep. Earlier this year, three of our students traveled to Spain for three weeks. They had a wonderful time exploring Spain and learning more about the culture there. Earlier this week, we held our first information session for anyone interested in being part of this exchange next year. If you missed it and would like to know more, please let me know.

This week was a full one with Mock Interview Day on Monday, a trip to Cooper Trauma Center on Tuesday and the National Honor Society Induction ceremony on Wednesday. I am incredibly proud of our newest NHS members. The requirements necessary to achieve this honor are many and our girls worked very hard to fulfill them. I must also congratulate the juniors on a job well done with Monday's interviews. The professionals we had on campus were impressed -- and ready to hire a few of our girls on the spot! Tomorrow, we will welcome a group of more than 150 students and family members representing the Class of 2022. Many thanks to our student, faculty and parent volunteers.

Next weekend is a double header with Designer Bag BINGO on Friday night and Spring Fest all day Saturday. If you haven't reserved your spot at BINGO yet, please do so as soon as possible as our headcount is now due. I hope you will join us for what I know will be a fantastic night. Spring Fest is also going to be a blast. There will be activities going on all day long, so please be sure to stop by.

I wish you a wonderful spring weekend! See you next week. -- Mrs. Coyle

Student Spotlight
Maria Pia Difranco, Class of 2021
While only a freshmen, Maria Pia Difranco, has high hopes for college. That's what led her to OLMA for high school. "I knew a lot of people who went to OLMA and had heard good things," she said. "It's where I felt I would get the biggest leg up in terms of being ready for college." With almost one year in, Maria Pia is confident that she made the right choice. "I love it here and cannot imagine being anywhere else," she said. "This is my home. I've made friends that I know will be there for me no matter what. They are the kind of friendships that you just know will last a lifetime."

Some of those friendships got their start on the soccer field this past fall and even more are forming now that Maria Pia is playing Lacrosse. "It's crazy how close we are and how welcoming the seniors have been." she said. "They are so patient as we get the hang of everything."

Looking ahead to the rest of this school year, Maria Pia could not be happier about her upcoming trip to Canada as part of OLMA's Mini-Mester program. "I'm excited to be in a different country and to explore it with my friends," she said. "We are going to learn a lot and I absolutely love the whole idea of Mini-Mesters. They are such a great way to broaden our learning."

With Canada under her belt, Maria Pia is hoping to travel to Italy with her family sometime soon. In the meantime, she'll settle for another surprise trip to New York City to see her favorite band, In Real Life . "For my 15th birthday, my cousin suprised me with tickets to a New York fan event," she said. "We got to meet the band and will be part of a music video for their new song. It was awesome."

Maria Pia thinks the same of her teachers, especially Mrs. Backshear in Geography class. "She is so lovable and makes learning fun," said Maria Pia. "Because of that, I'm doing really well in that class." Maria Pia's plan is to keep that up across the board with the goal of earning her place in the National Honor Society one day. "I enjoyed the ceremony we had this week and want to be part of that. It's definitely a goal of mine."

Maria Pia, we're quite sure the NHS would be thrilled to have you. Keep up the good work and your chance will be here before you know it.
Art Auction Extraordinaire!
There were works of art from all walks of life -- and then some! Here are some photo highlights from last night's Spring Art Auction.
Practice Makes Perfect
When it comes to preparing for interviews with colleges and potential employers, practice does indeed makes perfect. With that in mind,  OLMA Juniors arrived at school on Monday, April 16 dressed for success and ready to participate in Mock Interview Day. Each student interviewed once and was given immediate feedback before moving on to a second session. This annual event was made possible with the help of seven outside professionals who volunteered their time and expertise. 
New NHS Members Inducted
During a special candlelight ceremony, Our Lady of Mercy Academy (OLMA) inducted 15 students into the The Mother Patricia Gaynor Chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS). Candidates are accepted into the NHS after completing the first semester of their Junior year. Eligible students must hold a 3.7 cumulative GPA. Students must also demonstrate outstanding scholarship, leadership, character and service. 

This year's inductees included:  Kristi Baker, Alaina Balestriere, Savannah Barr, Annalise Barrett, Alexandra Bisignaro, Amelia Brago, Denise Dimapilis, Maria Eaise, Samantha McBurrows, Courtney Mosley, Madison Rudolph, Erin Seddon, Atira Smith, Mikaela Szamreta, Jenna Troyano, and Alexis Weaver.  Congratulations!
Designer Bag BINGO Next Week!
Now that spring has officially sprung, tickets are going fast and our headcount is due! Reserve your spot today by contacting event chairs, Kathy Ryan at kryan62@verizon.net or Georgina Morrell at morrell1602@gmail.com.

OLMA Designer Bag BINGO happens on Friday, April 27 in Carew Hall. Doors open at 6 PM and tickets are just $30 each. 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/
Summer Camp 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.
Spring Out And Over To Spring Fest On April 28
Support Our Superheroes
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. Refreshments will be served!
Upcoming Events

Accepted Students Saturday -- April 21

Weekly MASS in OLMA Chapel -- April 21 at 4 PM

Designer Bag BINGO -- April 27

OLMA Spring Fest -- April 28

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

PROM -- May 3 at Scotland Run
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