Greetings!
In this month of Thanksgiving, I have a personal story to share about unexpected blessings for which I am particularly thankful.
On October 1st, our youngest daughter, Cris, was married to Deric. They’d been dating for a few years and we couldn’t be more pleased to welcome Deric as our son-in-law. But Deric didn’t come as a solo act: he is the father of three boys of whom he has sole custody. So when Cris married him, she became an instant stepmom to Azariah, Israel, and Jeremiah.
Well, when your daughter becomes an instant stepmom, you become an instant step-grandma!
At the time we met them, the boys were 10, 8, and 6. Now they’re 13, 11, and 9. The intervening two and a half years have been full of surprises, adjustments, and pure joy. My refrigerator once more holds chicken nuggets, hot pockets, and pizza rolls. I have become reacquainted with Pokemon, Legos, Uno, and the Teenage Ninja Mutant Turtles. New things are constant, and I now know about Imagine Dragons, graphic novels (didn’t they used to be called comic books?), and Minecraft. I have the joy of telling them poems at night, as my mom did for us, and the not-so-joyous early morning awakenings when they’re spending the night. I’ve learned not to wash the tablecloth before they come to visit, and I’m fully stocked with the now-essentials like chocolate sauce and emergency clothes (we have a creek in our backyard). Most of all, I’ve relearned the pleasure of spending time with boys who have unlimited imaginations, unexpected ideas, and an energy that is boundless. I’ve learned to be a grandma.
And this Thanksgiving, as we celebrate the boys’ official joining of our family with the marriage of Cris and Deric, I thank God for the unexpected, unimagined, and truly wonderful gift of Azariah, Israel, and Jeremiah.
And speaking of being thankful, all of us at Mother Seton School continue to be thankful for the dedication and support of so many MSS alumni. Keep reading to learn about the great things our alumni are doing and how they continue to be involved at MSS.
May you all enjoy Thanksgiving and unexpected blessings with your family and friends!
Kate Marshall
MSS Class of 1969
P.S. One more thing- we are collecting new "Toys for Tommy" until Nov. 29 in memory of Tommy Laudani (MSS 2014) who died in 2018 from a rare form of cancer. The toys will be delivered to John Hopkins Snowflake Station for pediatric patients. Click here for the flier. You can stop by MSS or have them delivered. Thank you!
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MSS STEM Fair: Alums Give Back |
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Several alumni came back to MSS to help judge this year's STEM Fair projects. We are grateful for their expertise and experience and for sharing it with MSS. Special thanks to Edison Hatter for mentoring our students through the process and organizing the fair with Mrs. Kuykendall.
(l-r) Dillon Fitzgerald '06, Ed Hatter '68, Mackenzie Orndorff '19, Edison Hatter '14, Anna Eyler '13, Bill Little '68, and Jeffrey Crefton '95.
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'Angels Above' Alumni Golf Tournament |
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Thanks to the Little Family (Tony Little MSS '78, Pam Bolin MSS '77, Mary Lou Little MSS '76, Scott Little MSS '79, Tim Little MSS '74, and Ed Little,) the 15th Annual 'Angels Above' Alumni Golf Tournament was a huge success raising over $37,000!
The 'Angels Above' Tournament has raised over $200,000 and all proceeds from the golf tournament benefit the Jack and Shirley Little Scholarship at MSS, which helps many families each year with tuition assistance.
Thank you to the Little family and all who were sponsors and played golf with us!
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Lynne Phelan Robinson (MSS 1971) |
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Lynne Phelan Robinson, Class of 1971, recently received the 2022 McElroy Award from the Friends of Catholic Education (FOCE). The McElroy Award honors individuals whose actions and achievements have advanced Catholic school education in Frederick County. Lynne has been the Director of Athletics at Mount St. Mary’s since 2007 and is one of only 50 female athletic directors in the NCAA Division 1 for colleges and universities, out of 357. Her accomplishments as Director of Athletics are numerous and include beginning the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, the Athletic Advisory Committee, and the Team Chaplaincy Program. In addition, she has served as an officer on the NACDA 1-AAA Athletic Director’s Association and is currently a member of the NCAA Division 1 Woman’s Lacrosse Committee.
Congratulations, Lynne, and thank you!
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Lynne Phelan Robinson received the McElroy Award from Friends of Catholic Education
(l-r) Michele Corr, FOCE Executive Director, Timothy Trainor, President of Mount St. Mary's University, Dottie Phelan (mother), Lynne, James Robinson (son, MSS '01), and William Milani, President FOCE.
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Lynne was surrounded by family and friends, including several MSS alumni. Above: Joan Muir Williams, MSS '70, Jim Phelan, Jr., MSS '69, and Richard Williams, MSS '70. Below: Lynne, Richard, Susan Janowiak (Mount), Christine Thomas (friend), Dottie Phelan (Mother), Kevin Robinson, Jr.
(FOCE Photos by Michele Corr)
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Congratulations to two members of the Class of 2019, currently seniors at Catoctin, who received Departmental Awards for the 2021-2022 school year. MacKenzie Orndorff was awarded an English Award and Grant Kelly received a Science Award. |
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We prayerfully remember the following |
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Nicholas Smith, Class of 2000 |
Nicholas Erin Smith, Class of 2000, who died on July 22, 2022, at his home in Emmitsburg. Nick is survived by his brother Nathan, (MSS '02), and was predeceased by his brothers Zachary, (MSS '98) and Christopher (MSS '06.) |
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Christopher Reaver, Class of 1981 |
Christopher Reaver, Class of 1981, who died after a battle with cancer on November 2, 2022. Chris is survived by his siblings, Janet Kelly (MSS ‘74), Dan (MSS ‘75), Matt (MSS ’76), Greg (MSS ‘77), MaryAnne Sheilds (MSS ’79), Laurie Dillman (MSS ’82), Vince (MSS ’83), and Brian (MSS ’85) as well as numerous nieces and nephews who are also MSS alumni. |
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Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. ~Amen~ |
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