The OLMA Overview -- November 6, 2020
This week will go down in history for more reasons than one. It's difficult to miss the tension that exists all over our country as we watch election results roll in and wait for official word on a winner. At the same time, COVID-19 cases continue rising, which increases the uncertainty we've all been feeling since last spring. Emotions are running high, but we must not lose sight of what's most important -- the relationships we have with our friends, family, and God. 

We took some time to talk with the girls about this during assemblies held earlier in the week. Our goal was to remind the girls that we would all still be here as friends and classmates after the election is over and that we cannot forget that. Before long, the candidates will remain in their political worlds, and us in ours. Life will continue. We will still live, work, learn, play, and pray together. It's up to us to choose to be decent, loving, caring, and compassionate humans. 

During the assembly, Mrs. Cavagnaro shared some election history. The girls learned that this isn't the first time our nation has faced a tumultuous election -- or pandemic. Mrs. Revere, Mr. Coyle, and two student speakers addressed relationships and shared tips on navigating them even when opinions are worlds apart. I challenged the girls to really listen and to reflect on what they heard. I challenge us all to do that -- today and always. 

Closer to home, OLMA Tennis made some history of their own. For the first time, the team secured the NJSIAA Southwest Region Championship after defeating Bishop Eustace in the final. As I watched the girls and listened to them afterward, what struck me most was not the win but how they treated each other. It was a team effort, and that's what mattered most. I'm incredibly proud of every player and grateful to our coaches for helping our girls realize that they are capable of much more than they ever thought possible.

The weather promises to be just about perfect this weekend, so please enjoy it -- and be well. -- Mrs. Coyle 
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT:
MEET GRACE HAMBURG
CLASS OF 2021
After Wednesday's championship win, senior tennis player, Grace Hamburg, celebrated with her family over a homemade lasagna dinner. "It's one of my favorites and a perfect meal for topping off my high school tennis career," said Grace. "It has been a long but great journey." Grace began playing tennis when she was five years old but said that her favorite years were the ones she has spent at OLMA.   

Grace transferred to OLMA as a sophomore. She was looking for a smaller, closer-knit high school experience. That's what she found at OLMA, along with her best friend, a huge dose of self-confidence, and teachers who truly know and care about her.  "I wasn't so sure about OLMA at first," said Grace.  "I was looking for a change but didn't want an all-girls school or one that was religious and had uniforms. I remember driving onto campus and telling my mom that I didn't want to stay. She convinced me to give it a try, and I'm so glad I did. I met the other girls and immediately felt at home. By the end of the day, I knew OLMA was the right place for me, even with the uniforms which ended up not being bad at all."  

Grace said that her proudest and biggest "aha" moment came during last year's Gloucester County Tennis Tournament. "I grew up playing with most of the girls I knew I'd be competing against," she said. "I went into it determined to do my best but not expecting to make it to the final. I played three matches on the first day, and the last one went on for three and a half hours. It was crazy because we were still playing at 8:30 at night and had to turn on the lights. It was a big effort, and I won, which I didn't expect to do. I ended up making it to the final and played against one of my good friends the next day in another four-hour match. She was amazing and beat me, but I was so proud to come in second. That tournament taught me that I was capable of doing more than I thought I could and not to underestimate myself ever again." 

That was a great lesson learned and continues to serve Grace well as she prepares for what's next: college.  She's looking at ten schools and hopes to play tennis in college, but is laser-focused on achieving her dream of becoming a biomedical engineer. "I'm a tinkerer," she said. "I've always loved making things. I'm also passionate about helping people. I grew up visiting the University of Pennsylvania, where my mom works and around many medical professionals. That's what led me to want to study biomedical engineering. I want to make prosthetics. That way, I can tinker, make things, and help people at the same time."  

We think she may be on to something big. Good luck, Grace. Any school would be lucky to have you -- in the classroom and on the tennis court. 
SISTERHOOD BATTLES HUNGER
More than 42 million Americans live in food-insecure households defined as uncertain of having or unable to buy enough food to meet their family's needs. Due to COVID-19, this Thanksgiving will be one of the hardest in history for many low-income families. To help ease this burden, OLMA Student Government and Campus Ministry teams have joined forces to provide meals for families in need. Each sisterhood team will sponsor a family this Thanksgiving. Please watch your email for more information and a sign-up form. Items are due by November 18. Thank you!
TEACHER FEATURE
MEET DOMONIQUE REVERE
While having a two-minute commute is a definite plus, Business and L2T Teacher Domonique Revere said OLMA's rich tradition and sisterhood are what attracted her to the school. "Having a tribe that 'gets you' is important at any stage in life, but to have that available to you as a young person can be life-altering," she said. "It gives you a chance to show up authentically, while taking chances, not fearing judgment or retribution. That's what OLMA offers and why I'm so proud to be here."

Mrs. Revere comes to us from the business world, where she worked as a Human Resources Executive in the BioPharma space in Philadelphia. She participated in OLMA's Mock Interview Day last year and was impressed with all of the girls she met. So much so that when opportunity knocked on her door, she opened it jumped right through it. 

Of course, transitioning to a career in education during a worldwide pandemic is not for the faint of heart, but Mrs. Revere is up for the challenge. "Working at OLMA has been a great experience so far," she said. "Engaging students differently, during uncertain times, has been a blessing and a challenge. It has allowed us to find common ground and work together to find the best solution possible, understanding that many times, it's not a one-size-fits-all."  

Mrs. Revere is the type of person who thrives in creative places and is excited to have the opportunity to contribute, collaborate, and create at OLMA. "Be it curriculum content, programs, clubs, or simply sharing my perspective, the faculty, staff, and students are open to and welcome that."

Now for a few little-known facts. Mrs. Revere grew up in Cleveland, OH, and graduated from Maple Heights High School. She then went on to Strayer University for her Bachelor's degree in Marketing and Masters in Adult Education. Mrs. Revere is currently a Strategic Leadership Doctoral Candidate at Liberty University.  She has a fashion brand called Empress, that specializes in women's garments like swimsuits. Mrs. Revere was a print and runway model for several years. Both she and her fashion line have been featured in magazines and on runways in Paris, California, Texas, Washington, DC, and New York. She has coached women's college basketball and played semi-pro softball.  

Can you say, WOW? Welcome, Mrs. Revere. We are so glad you're here.
HAVE YOU SEEN OUR VIRTUAL TOUR?
A picture says a thousand words — and a virtual tour even more! If you are new to OLMA or haven't been on campus lately, we invite you check out our new Virtual Tour. It features 12 of the most popular spots on campus. Click on the square in the upper right-hand corner of each image and use the arrows to get a 360-degree, full-screen view.  Want to see the real thing? Email OLMA Admissions at olmainfo@olmanj.org and we'll schedule a visit. Enjoy your tour!
BLOOD DRIVE: NOVEMBER 17
Did you know that you can save up to three lives with one blood donation? Join us for OLMA's first blood drive of the new school year on November 17. The drive runs from 8:30 AM--1:30 PM in the Carew Hall gymnasium. See you there! 
UPCOMING EVENTS

November:

11/1-30 -- Free Shipping on OLMA Outfitters with a purchase of $50 or more.

11/11-12 -- Student Photo Retakes

11/13 -- Instant Decision Day

11/17 -- OLMA Blood Drive; 8:30 AM--1:30 PM

11/20 -- Flex Friday; Academic Awards


11/22 -- Sports Leadership Academy, Sophomore Athletes

11/25-29 -- Thanksgiving Break

See additional school event dates HERE.
Get the latest sports schedules HERE.
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