Adding a Blizzard to the Mix of Christmas Preparations

The Christmas season (especially getting ready for the holiday) is a frantic, frenzied although fabulous time of year. It is even busier than usual and our emotions are pulled by present responsibilities, past memories and hope for what is about to be. Add twenty inches of snow to this already complicated formula and it takes more than a little focus to see solutions and find some answers.
The last week we had classes at Mt. Carmel before the blizzard was more than a little frenzied and included that strange mix of memory and anticipation so typical of the season. At the beginning of the week, there was a prayerful tree lighting ceremony out front near the grotto. It honored a fine young man. Last year on December 15 one of our students, Zack Shiflett, passed away. This year his class, now juniors, had an outdoor prayer service to mark the day. As an adult, there are not enough words to convey the injustice and heartbreak that surrounds the passing of a young person. His friends, though, were able throughout this very difficult year, to work through anger, loss, and sorrow and land at a place of hope. The entire service focused on the gift of Zack's life--his laughter, his silliness, and the joy that was his trademark. Our prayer that morning also pushed all of us to use what Zack taught to enrich our own lives and to see that, with faith "hope does not disappoint." I was so proud of our kids that morning. As tears ran down their faces, they stood with steely courage. The tree was lit and with the light came the memory of a life--too short--but well lived. The light reminds us always that darkness "wins" only when we allow it, and our faith brings with it the character, endurance, and hope which never disappoints. The lights on Zack's tree will remain lit until Easter when the months of darkness turn to light for all of us.
And, the the emotional roller coaster continued, as students and adults alike anticipated our Christmas Concert. The concert includes several solo performances by some talented singers. It also includes some of our Christmas favorites and there is more humming and singing along than is the norm for teens at a concert. By far, though, the highlight of the event is a rousing rendition of "The Twelve Days of Christmas"--Mt. Carmel style! Homerooms are assigned the lines of the song and try to outdo each other in volume rather than harmony as the song progresses. By the end of the song, everyone is standing by turn and the church walls seem to vibrate with the energy of our songbirds. This grand tradition is one which really captures the excitement and energy of the holiday. Anyone experiencing this event can not recall it without a grin emerging unexpectedly at the thought of pipers piping and geese calling--loud enough to be heard miles away!
The school week ended on Friday with excited whispers about the coming snow. And, snow it did! School was cancelled on Monday and Tuesday and I know that the students were grateful for the extended holiday. Some enjoyed a reprieve from term paper outlines and final tests before our scheduled break. It did seem strange, though, not to be able to say a final Merry Christmas to everyone. That is one reason I was so happy to see so many of our students at Mass on Christmas Eve.
My Christmas Eve experience always includes two Masses. I help with the little kids Christmas pageant at the Children's Mass at 4:00 p.m. Students from the high school read the Christmas story as the second graders create a tableau of the Nativity. After that Msgr. Bob gives his homily and the older kids sit with the little ones mostly to make sure the shepherds don't hit each other with their staffs and the wise guys do not take back the gifts! It was grand to see the high school kids volunteer their time and set such a great example for those very excited little ones. Having the high school so connected to the parish allows for this wonderful intergenerational faith experience for everyone. I think the 700 plus folks at the Mass took away a very positive vision of teenagers along with the message of salvation!
At the midnight Mass, my favorite, all the elements came together with beauty and meaning. The music was magnificent and Marty Coffman, who is responsible for it, deserves a great deal of credit. The Mass was cantored by Kelly Aquilla, a junior at Carmel, and she really did sing with the angels. The service was crowded and people joined in all the songs and prayers. Msgr. Bob had a great homily and when he sings the Mass parts that are generally spoken, there is nothing more powerful. And so, Christmas came. I saw many alumni and their families there that night and am always grateful to know that for most of our students, our relationship of sharing faith continues long after they leave high school and reach adulthood. Achieving those life long connections is Carmel's aim.
So, ready or not, the season is upon us. When we return to school there will be some regrouping to do and exams will be happening before we know it. All that can wait a little bit. Right now, it is a time to take a deep breath and remember the lessons just learned. Hope never disappoints. Students, at every age, are filled with spirit at Christmas. Sharing faith knows no age limits or boundaries. And, a painfully learned lesson for me--when it snows twenty inches, let someone else do the shoveling!!!

The Cougar Classic and the Mystery of Wrestling

This first weekend of December is always the date for The Cougar Classic. It is a weekend that showcases our winter sports teams: cheerleading, indoor women's soceer, men's basketball, and wrestling. Five out of the last seven years (including this year,of course), the first snow of the year has fallen on this weekend! Despite the complications that weather sometimes brings it is a great school spirit building weekend. There are always games and a pep rally. This year there was a sock hop as well--It was well worth chaperoning the dance to see one of our most macho basketball players in bunny socks!
The weekend is the result of many hours of planning and work by the Athletic Department. Led by Mike Naunton and including Heather Ganzman, Ashley Hanson, Drew Ganzzermiller, and a myriad of dedicated coaches, the group plans a weekend that provides competition, opportunity, and fun. Mike is always trying to find ways that the kids can have fun as well as play their sport. This year was a big success and I am grateful to this whole crew of dedicated Cougar devotees!
The mysterious winter sport that I am just beginning to appreciate is wrestling. This is only the second year we have had wrestling at Carmel and I must admit, though the kids loved it from the beginning, I was more than a little dubious. I wasn't a big fan of the uniforms and after seeing my first match last year, considered the entire event an injury generating nightmare. It seemed to me that at any second bones were going to break and muscles detach from their God given attachments! I have to admit I had no clue about scoring or skills, but I was frightened for the kids!
One strategy that Mike Naunton used to calm my anxious state was to introduce me to our coach,Tim Schoen. I was certainly impressed by Tim's wrestling credentials. Not only was he a champion wrestler himself in high school and college, he had coached teams that were ranked tops in the state. In 1999 he was recognized by the National High School Coaches Association as a Maryland State Coach of the Year. What settled my jangled nerves,though, was his calm demeaner and the way he spoke about our kids. He was appreciative of their effort, their determination to learn this new sport, and affirming of the good things they were doing in the rest of their lives--like doing well academically and taking leadership positions in the school. He was a Carmel kind of guy!
So, this is the second year of wrestling and I have just witnessed my third wrestling match. The second match was last week and I was lucky enough to sit next to one of the dad's who gave me a tutorial as we watched. I now understand the idea of pinning someone and the points you earn from throwing someone down and getting back up again. Obviously, I have a long way to go. The part I am beginning to like is the formal civility that is built into the sport. Every wrestler shakes hands with his opponent before and after every match and with the coaches after the match. The match itself is very focused and intense but the beginning and the end requires great self-control and sportsmanship too. I like that.
The other part that I really like is that wrestling gives everyone an opportunity. Because the matches go by weight and there are so many categories,kids of all sizes can be part of the team. Our smallest guy weighs only 103 lbs. and the biggest ones are problably over 200 lbs. That variation leaves lots of slots in the middle! I like this inclusive focus. What unites the guys has more to do with strength and determination than it does with size. I like that too.
So, I guess I have to say I am growing in my appreciation of wrestling. It is less a mystery but still a little frightening! I am glad we added this opportunity to our winter activities!
I am off to the last basketball game of the Cougar Classic weekend, the snow is falling,the cheerleaders are doing a super job, and there were no injuries at the wrestling match--which we won! Go Cougars!

Thanksgiving--Blessed Are We!

Did you ever witness something and know, even as it was happening, that you would never forget it? That happened to me several times within an hour or so last Tuesday morning. We had what I hope will be our first annual Thanksgiving Breakfast. The meal was designed as a little thank you to some of our donors who support the Adopt-a-Student Program in the school. We invited about twenty donors--ten could attend. I also invited ten or so students who were recipients of the Adopt-a-Student funds. I thought that these two groups of wonderful people should know each other. I believe I was right.
First of all, the students did a great job of being themselves. They chatted about their lives and their dreams for the future. Without even knowing it , they presented the best of themselves and of Mt. Carmel--willing to work, able to succeed, and fueled by hope. I think the donors realized that their gifts, used to assist these students with tuitions, had been put to good use.
The donors were grand as well. They, truly all examples of humilty and generosity, talked to the students about what they were doing in life and about why they chose to give their money to our school. They, too, were eloquent as they spoke of the need to develop leadership for the future, the need to foster faith in our world, and the need to share ones blessings. Both students and donors taught each other many lessons just by their presence.
I had also invited two alumni to speak at the breakfast. Ally White is a freshman at The College of Notre Dame of Maryland who will major in structural engineering. Stephon Dingle, a sophomore at St. Mary's College, is already talking about graduate school. (Since he is the president of his class, perhaps we will be voting for him one day!) Both of these students spoke with great affection and gratitude for Mt. Carmel High School and the people who guided, taught and inspired them. They offered encouraging words to the students before them saying, "You can do it too--just keep on working."
The truth of the matter is that neither of these successful college students would have been able to finish high school at Mt. Carmel without significant help from the very people in the audience. They were living proof of how much the donations of many result in opportunities for young people.
The lump in my throat formed when I glanced out at the generations represented at that breakfast. I saw "connections" the way they should be. The young being cared for by the old and being inspired by those just several years removed. The older folks, realizing the great good that comes from sharing our blessings, interacting with students that truly are the future.
Pope John Paul II once said someting that I think continues to ring true. He said, "There is hope for the future, and its name is youth!" I have learned that this hope only comes to fruition with the help of many. I was privileged to share our little Thanksgiving Breakfast with people who really see that future and are willing to contribute to it--person by person and dollar by dollar.
During this holiday season, as we all appreciate our family and the things we love more than we sometimes do, you might feel a sense of generosity bubbling up within you. If you do, may I suggest supporting a great student with the gift of opportunity? Please contribute to our Adopt-a-Student Program and may you be blessed for your goodness if you do! (Contact Tom Rose in our Development Office to obtain details about the Adopt-a-Student Program--trose@olmcmd.org

The Saga of Two Bull Roasts

One of the truths about Catholic schools is that in order to make things work, people have to work together. This dictum is true on many levels--students have to do their work, parents have to work hard and sacrifice to afford the tuition, everyone works to build the community, and we hope that the Holy Spirit "works" to make education of both heart and mind happen. As I tell you about the two bull roasts I attended over the last two weekends, I think you will agree that we hit on all of the above!
Last spring I was part of a conversation with our Development Team and we were talking about how difficult it was to have successful fall events in Cougar Land because so many groups were having events at the same time. Our high school and elementary school co-sponosred a Bull Roast/Auction, our parish and schools together held a huge Fall Festival, and our Athletic Association held a Bull Roast--all within two months of each other. Our conversation touched on the awful economy, the cost to young families who needed not only ticket money but also babysitting dollars, and the difficulty of trying to pick among several worthy causes. In that conversation, an idea was born. Why not combine the two Bull Roasts and split the profits among the schools and Athletic Association? The fear was that in such a tough economy there would not be enough profit to satisfy the needs of all. It was a gamble to be sure!
So, the Bull Roast/Auction to benefit all three groups was held last weekend and it was a huge success in every way. The attendance was great--better than either single event. The food was fabulous thanks to the culinary skills of our chef in residence, Mr. Jim Moore. The auction had many donated items and there were even some deals to be had. Most of all, it was so much FUN!!! Laura Cummins, Katie Fitzpatrick and Tom Rose, our Development Team, did a fabulous job of creating an atmosphere of unity, commuity, and fun. They deserve a great deal of credit for the success of the night. The attendees, who came from all parts of our school and parsih families, deserve the same. So--the budget needs were met, people had a grand time, and everyone was reminded that working together often doesn't feel like work at all. Don't you love it when a good idea comes to fruition?
The second event happened this weekend and it was the Annual Michelle Lee Bevans Memorial Scholarship Bull Roast. This event is close to the hearts of many of us who knew Michelle, a high school student who died during her junior year after a five year battle with cancer. She was a courageous and wonderful girl who loved school, her friends, and cheerleading--probably not in that order! Her family (which includes not only her parents and brother, Dan, but also countless aunts, uncles, and cousins)works together to hold this event and several others each year to fund a scholarhsip in Michelle's honor. The scholarship assists students whose families are struggling with tuition in our elelmentary, middle, and high school. Over the years, thousands of dollars have been given and an endowed scholarship is being funded as well.
Many of Michelle's classmates, all grown up and some with children of their own, always come to the event. So do many of Michelle's teachers. They are joined by friends and family and the group is generally 300 or so strong. At each bull roast, in the midst of the fun, there is a remembrance of Michelle. This event hallmarks a courageous and faithful family who show us how love transcends all boundaries. We learn this as we enjoy great company, feast on endless food, drink our fair share of brew, and dance away the night. It is amazing how much can be accomplished when people work together. Sometimes it doesn't even seem like work at all. And, as we do so often, we have come full circle! I think that is the thought with which this saga began!!!

High School Sports--The Way It Should Be!

Tomorrow is an important day at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel High School. Our men's soccer team will play for the championship of the MIAA C Conference at 4:00 p.m. at Archbishop Spalding, a neutral site. There will be excitement building all day tomorrow in school. Students will wear the school colors of blue and gold instead of their uniforms. I am sure some faces will be painted blue and ponytails will be adorned with gold and blue ribbons. The school day will end with a pep rally and then the team will depart. They will be followed by a school van full of cheerleaders and a rented bus full of student fans. It has been several years since our team has gotten this far--to the very last game--on a championship run. Actually, the last time we won the big prize, our coach Drew Ganzerrmiller was a player! And, that brings me to the real reason that I write this commentary tonight instead of after the game tomorrow.
In recent years, professional athletes and even college level athletes seem to have lost something that all athletes used to embody. Most sports had a sense of purity now lost at these upper levels. High school sports, though,still has that magic . There is still something wonderful about high school athletics that causes the fan--student, parent, alum or principal--to yell with delight at a great play or get a lump in the throat when disappointment is a game's result. Our student athletes play because they love the game. Be it soccer, volleyball, lacrosse--you name it--they participate because they love the game and value the deep comraderie that results in working as part of a team. Athletics, at the high school level, still allows the loner to become part of things, allows the less skillful player to make a contribution, and allows the student leader to set a standard of sportsmanship and character that surpasses whatever number is on the scoreboard. Student athletes really care about each other. They care about their school and desire to bring "glory" to their efforts through hard work and cooperation. They want to win for the right reasons and they are willing to work hard to make that happen. (Our fall athletes began practice in mid-August and have put in two-three hours everyday since then training and practicing!)
I decided to write my comments while I was sitting in Church this morning! Today just happened be the Mass celebrating the children (ages 3-14 or so) who participate in our parish Athletic Association. This group includes coaches, parents, and kids that are part of the traditional CYO league. They play either on Saturday or Sunday during the fall and learn the skills I spoke about earlier including how to play soccer, how to share, how to accept a win with grace, and a defeat with sportsmanship. One glance at the flying helmets and late hits on television later on Sunday afternoon emhasizes just how important these life lessons are for kids who see great athletes some of whom have traded a love for their game for something else.
So,finally,here is the reason I chose to write my blog entry today! This morning I saw an example of high school athletes reaching the highest standard possible! Into the 10:00 a.m. Athletic Assoication Mass, marched our men's varsity soccer team. These high school boys were dressed in their uniforms and had decided to pray with the younger athletes before the last practice before their big game. They sat together as a team, toward the front of the Church. They were, every single one of them,reverent, respectful, and sincere. Fr. John wished them well and the congregation applauded. Better yet, the eyes of every little kid soccer player in that Church watched them. Those little kids saw prayer, respect, and community. They watched those older boys and looked up to them both literally and figuratively and dreamed of a day when they, too, might have a chance to play for a championship.
I think that in the bigger game of life, our boys have already won. They have dedicated themselves to hard work, doing their best, putting priorities in order, and setting a standard for others to follow. I am enormously proud of this team and the other athletes like them who may not have made it to a final championship game. Sports at Mt. Carmel remain close to what high school sports should be because our kids know what is really important--Striving to be the best without sacrificing who you really are! As for tomorrow, let's win that game! GO COUGARS!!!!

Open House Time

One of the most important days of the fall for Catholic schools is the day of Open House. At Our Lady of Mt. Carmel High School it is a celebration day. Each department plans a presentation that conveys information about course options and also gives a sense of the creativity of the department. This year there was a fantasy Spanish/French restaurant, games about events in history, and a gooey science experiment that resulted in a homemade version of play-doh. There were also club displays,a dance performance, and athletic presentations. What a busy and excciting night for our school and for the middle school students who came to check out the program.
This year our Open House was well attended and good spirited! The best part of the evening for me was the presence of so many of our current students. Students volunteerd to lead the tours, participate in the presentations, and mingle with visitors. This year our students did an exceptional job--They looked poised and in uniform, and they spoke with knowledge and affection about our school. I was so proud of them! They are really our best resource as well as the reason we work so hard to "deliver" on our promise of an excellent, Catholic education for each of them.
Many parents also spent the evening sharing the Carmel experience with visitors. They, too, spoke about the community spirit so evident at Mt. Carmel. As I looked out at the crowd, I was so grateful for the positive relationships shared by all of us in the Carmel family. What a wonderful place to learn--where the presence of every student is valued!
So, our Open House event was a busy, exciting, and exhausting evening. I think those who visited were impressed by our programs and our community. Share the good news--If you know a middle school student who wants a "quality education with a a personal touch" please send them our way!

Festival Weekend: Enthusiasm and Dedication

As many know, there is a weekend in October and a weekend in early May where a major transformation takes place at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. As parking spaces disappear, rides for young and younger as well as stands of cakes, games, and delicous food appear. The entire community--parish, elementary school, and high school--joins forces to create an "event." There are some parishioners (several who are still assisting) who have memories of festivals four decades ago! There are some families like the Heids, Donahues, Brotzmans, Copes/Bonner whose younger members are filling the big footprints of volunteerism set by their parents. The Festival is a strong, life-giving tradition!
For the past several years, the Friday night of the Festival has been designated as Alumni Night. On that evening between the beef stand and the beer stand, alumni gather to sign in, get their give-away mug and tee shirt, chat with former teachers and reunite with friends. It is a wonderful and growing gathering. This year the crowd was huge with alumni numbering between two and three hundred people. It was great to catch up, meet spouses, see new babies and hear of life changing accomplishments. There were two things that resonated to me--one was how successful most of our alumni are and the other was how genuinely happy they were to be "back" on campus. We heard from Chris who works for CNN and helped create the amazing map that Anderson Cooper and John King play with as they discuss politics. There is Nikki, always creative and talented, who is a graphic artist at NIH. There are several nurses, researchers, engineers, as well as plumbers, electicians and builders. The common themes they share are that they love what they do and that the first glimmerings of talents recognized, confidence built, and goals formulated began at Mt. Carmel. The Friday evening of the Fesival is one which makes me proud of our now grown-up kids!
I write this on Sunday as the Festival continues and I think of how many times blessed our community really is. Of course, there is the huge issue of good weather for the Festival weekend. It couldn't have been better this year. More importantly, there is the blessing of our people--the ones who love this community and are willing to share time and talent to build it, grow it, and preserve it. These, of course, are our most treasured blessings. The hundreds of peole who sell the food, bake the cakes, man the stands, and spread hospitality as they work are the real treasures. When I take a few minutes to think about this , I am grateful beyond words that I landed among such good people so many years ago and was smart enough to remain. Thanks be to God!
Now, off I go for one more beef sandwich! Happy Festival weekend!

A Few Weeks of Ambivalence

This year I have the pleasure and the challenge of teaching junior English. "Ambivalent" was one of our recent vocabulary words and as we determined a definition, I recognized the past two weeks as ambivalence at its best!
Two weeks ago we learned of the passing of Linda Fannon who taught art (and life!) at Mt. Carmel for almost twenty years. As we prepared for her funeral, emotions ran high. As always at Carmel, it seems that the most difficult experiences bring out the best in us. So many teachers and staff helped prepare a Mass that I believe Linda would have loved. It was a tribute to her in every way. The music, under the direction of Dr. Jeff Bunn was powerful,and many alumni and current students sang. It could not have been more lovely. The readings described Linda as if the inspired Scripture author had her particularly in mind. Msgr. Bob's homily rang true. The celebration was a worthy send off!
As I sat in Mt. Carmel Church that day, I saw so many former students who came back to pay their respects and to say goodbye. At the viewing the day before, there was another outpouring of support. The presence of hundreds and hundreds of visitors, many of them alums, was a tribute to the love we have for Linda and the family. It was wonderful to see so many of you that graduated lately and many years ago. I was touched by your presence and so was the Fannon family. You did "good" during these sad days.
I started this by talking about ambivalence. Here it comes! Guess what else happended last weekend? You are right--Homecoming! On Friday night there was the traditional dance which was very well attended. Students looked grand as they danced the night away. Some things never change--Girls took off their shoes and yanked up their dresses while boys pulled down their ties. Fun was had by all and behavior,overall, was quite impressive!
The weekend continued with games all day Saturday. The morning hours were filled with volleyball contests and soccer games were played in the afternoon. The victories and defeats were mixed but the enthusaism was high all round. The weather held until the boys' varsity soccer game when the sky opened!
The new (and I hope first annual) event of the weekend was an Alumni Night. The plan was to begin outdoors and then move into the cafeteria for food and festivities during the evening. The rain made our move to the cafeteria earlier than planned! Old yearbooks were available and there were tours of the building as well as a DJ, food, and dancing. It was fun to watch people find themselves or friends in the yearbook and then burst into laughter. The times really have changed and so have styles!
Our very first graduating class, the Class of 1963, held their 50 th reunion at the Alumni Event. They had so much fun! They had stories about each other, their teachers, the building of the gym, and the rules they followed--or at least mostly followed. They also spoke of the deep friendships that were forged at Mt. Carmel High School, some that have lasted half a century. They spoke of the academic program and how prepared they felt to meet the challenges life had in store for them. They spoke of learning respect, self-discipline, and the importance of hard work. They also spoke of the inner strength that comes from having faith and applying it to all aspects of their life. They stated that, though they didn't appreciate it so much in their youth, the lessons taught at Mt. Carmel had provided them with a life time of values.
I know that the values of which they spoke remain priorities in our school today. Though the world is very different, some things remain true: faith is key to facing life's joys and challenges, success does not come without hard work, and discipline must come from within. It was a joy to meet the members of the Class of 1963! I hope that 50 years from now, our current students can share fond memories and such a positive testimony about their love for Carmel--even in these days of ambivalence!

Losing Linda

There have been very few days over the past many years at Carmel that have broken my heart, but today was one of them. Today I had to tell our students that Linda Fannon, our friend and beloved art teacher, had lost her battle with cancer. Linda died on Sunday at her home surrounded by her family. She had refused earlier that day to return to the hospital and so fulfilled her wish to pass from this life to the next at her home with the people who loved her most. So be it.
I was in my office at school when I returned Bill Fannon's call. After hearing his news I walked across the hall to Linda's room--the 9-B homeroom she loved. Her presence in that room is overwhelming and it is impossible to tell where her things stop and Carmel things begin. They are and will ever be intertwined. There is artwork everywhere--some from many years past. There is still the upside down bike and the beautiful photo of Emily. There is a picture of Wish with no hair and several of Linda and Bill. Everywhere there are remnants of what Linda loved--color, beauty, the quirky and eccentric,the silly and the lovely. All the things in the room are connected most of all with the people she loved over the years...most particularly her students.
Linda was a teacher par excellence. She was personally talented and could teach those who were not. Most importantly, she saw in every student potential and she provided a haven where that potential could blossom. How many teen conflicts were discussed over pastels and charcoal? How much good advice was given while the smell of paint permeated the room? How many of you learned that service was part of life while making PB & J's for Beans and Bread? How many times did I observe her class and know that our students were experiencing the best that Catholic schools--any school really--could offer?
Linda was always known for her generosity and her optimism. Especially during her illness she set such a high standard for courage that it became impossible for any of the rest of us to complain. She was at school every day that she could physically attend. She said often,"We can do this." I thought she meant that we could get through the day or the particular problem at hand. I wonder now if she had much bigger issues on her mind.
About two weeks ago I went into the faculty room and found Linda resting on the couch. She seemed so small and frail and tired. As I walked in , she stirred,turned and smiled and said, "I am so happy to be here." It was one of the last days she was with us.
I have thought all day long about losing Linda. Her passing leaves a hole in our hearts and in our community that cannot be filled. So, I have decided to refuse to lose her. I know by faith that Linda is at peace and suffers no more. I know, too, that it is now our turn to learn from Linda and to honor the person that she was. In her honor, I choose optimism. In her honor, I choose hope. In her honor, I will be courageous. In her honor, I will teach. I have decided never to lose Linda and I hope you decide that too.

Living Through the First Week of School

I know that for most people, the calendar year sets the pace of one's days. Other than the big holidays, one week is very much like another. The experience of all those involved in education, however, recognizes that New Year's Day is really in September when the new school year begins. The pace changes and accelerates for students, teachers, and parents. Everyone gets up earlier, feels and is busier, and tries to adjust to the responsibilities of the school year. It is often a tough transition!
I am happy to report that all of us at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel made it through our first week with good spirits and enthusiasm. We had fun! It was Welcome Week which is sponsored by Student Government. The week included the Opening of School Mass, a Clubs Presentation, Honors Assembly,PTSA Back to School Night, distribution of yearbooks, and an ice cream sundae social on Friday at lunch. Every activity was well planned and added to the excitement of the week.
At the Mass on Wednesday, Fr. Bob talked about living in "hope" and acting out of our faith. He talked about really believing in our own future and making good things happen for ourselves and our community. Several students spoke, too, about how important the support of the Carmel community has been for them as they faced some difficult decisions and situations. I am always amazed and touched by how articulate our students are and the maturity of their thinking. A community of people who care about each other is a joy in happy times and a real comfort in difficult ones.
The Honors Assembly was great too. So many students who earned honor status for last term last year got Honor Cards. Mr. Naunton also recognized scholar athletes who managed to play sports and earn honors. Many of you know how many hours of effort it takes to be on a team and the exhaustion that accompanies that commitment. I was elated to hear that more than half of our athletes are also on the Honor Roll.
When the yearbooks were distributed on Friday, there was plenty of commenting by returning graduates and current students. Even they could see how much they had grown up in a year! Mr. Bunn and his yearbook staff did a great job on the book and it is overflowing with great photos. It really is a keepsake.
So, this first week of school was overflowing with activities not to mention it was the first week of classes--and the start of homework-- for everyone. No wonder everyone was tired by Friday afternoon!
Our Student Government really did a great job of pulling the week together without disrupting the classes. I am very proud to say that our SGA has been recognized as a "Council of Excellence"--the only one in Maryland, I might add! This recognition comes from following the guidelines of the organization and going above and beyond in terms of leadership training, organizational planning, and character development. I am so proud of our young leaders!
Though this first week of school was exciting, I am hoping for a little more hum-drum next week. Some of us (me!) are still trying to get up early and not fall asleep before the evening news is over!

Here Comes the Class of 2013!

There is nothing more exciting than the arrival of a new freshman class. Today 51 students arrived at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel High School to meet their teachers and each other. Though they were nervous and some were shy, most of them were very enthusiastic and positive.
About 20 of the older students planned the Orientation Day. They are the Campus Ministry Team. They have already experienced an overnight retreat in late July and a Leadership Retreat last week. At those events they focused on their own growing leadership and responsibilities as well as planned for the arrival of the freshmen.
Our day stated with "get to know you" activities which were fun for everyone. The older students took the new kids on a tour of the campus (Remember how some of you always said there was a swimming pool on the third floor???) and then delivered them to homeroom. There the freshmen struggled with the infamous lockers and the challenging combinations. Most of them were successful! Mrs. Fannon (still fighting against cancer) has already convinced her 9-B ers that they are the best homeroom ever!
After homeroom, we had lunch provided by Jim Moore, our new cafeteria guru. Wow! Can he cook!!! He served the best burgers around and everyone seemed happy with the lunch. Wait until they see the great menus for the year. The next session after lunch was a "talk" about handbook rules and uniforms etc. by Mike Naunton and Elaine Hartnett, the assistant principals. We ended the day in the chapel with a prayer service which the Campus Ministry Team planned. We ended with our daily mantra, "Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Pray for us!" With that shared prayer another group of students joined our little community!
It was a great day and I think what made it wonderful was not only meeting our new students (It is always a surprise to see how young they are and to sense how much they want to be older!) but also to see our older students volunteer their time to share their feelings about the school. One student said today, "You are going to love it here!" I hope that becomes true for every one of our new freshmen! It is also a joy to see how many of the upper level teachers came to meet the new students and say hello and welcome. Our little school remains a place of hospitality and welcome. Let's hope God blesses our new freshmen and that we have many more happy days with them!

The Teachers Are Back!

We had our first faculty meetings of the year today. It was great to have all the teachers back and begin to get organized for next week when the kids arrive. Tom Rose, our Development Director, told everyone about the plans for our anniversary year and teachers signed up to help. We are going to try to contact all the former faculty members from years gone by and invite them to the big dinner on April 21,2010.
With the help of the archivist at the Mother House, I was able to get the faculty lists from 1959 through the eighties when most of the staff were Sisters of St. Francis! We will be able to list the names of all the Sisters who taught or administered the school from the first day the doors opened. Though plans are still being discussed, I am sure we will find a way to honor the Sisters for their service to the school. The Sisters gave so much to the schools and parish and we are so grateful for all the good that they did!
I was thinking today as I met with the teachers how much each faculty member gives of him/herself to meet the needs of our students. In order to be a great teacher, a person has to have two areas of "competence." Obvioiulsy they need to know their content material--and really like it! They also have to have a real dedication and belief in young people. The best teachers really believe that each child has gifts and potential and that, through them, the world can be a better place.
In a Catholic school, these beliefs are not just philosphical notions, they are a matter of faith. Catholic school teachers have to act every day out of the belief that all can be good, all can be successful, and all are not only gifted but called to serve. The Gospel becomes a reality on a daily basis when educators meet this standard.
I have worked with the most wonderful teachers at Mt. Carmel over the years and when we have not met our goals, it was not from lack of trying! I know that our current faculty will work for lofty goals too--all for the benefit of our students. We have a few more days to get ready and next week they will arrive. I know it will be a great anniversary year!

Parents are a Plus

Last night I had the first meeting of the year with the PTSA (which stands for Parent/Teacher/Student /Association) Executive Board. It is one of the key organizations that support the activities of the school and it provides a way for parents to really help. Maggie Eshman, Lil Paepke, Patrice Brylske, and Anne Aquilla are the officers this year. What a great crew! We talked about calling new students to welcome them, inviting folks to be part of the upcoming Festival (October 9,10,11) and Auction/Bull Roast (November 14) We talked about how fast the summer flew by, getting kids ready for school, and our high hopes for the 2009-2010 anniversary year.
The part of these conversations I love the most is the very prominent undercurrent of how much these parents believe in and are willing to work for the school and their kids. No matter what the challenge they are willing to pitch in and help.
I've discovered over the years that this spirit of working hard and being welcoming is true for most of our parents. As I think back there are so many names I remember of people that I could really count on: Copes, Crum, Brotzman, Kriss, Dwyer, Odle, Lyons, Reed, Concordia, Bosse, Issenock,Greaver, Pfeiffer, Edebe, Fillius, Steck, Donohue, Kammen, Celmer! I could fill pages with names of families who have given hours of service to benefit our school and ultimately their chilren--all of our children! To me this is like the Litany of the Saints! I hope these families and all the ones I did not list as well ( and they are many) know how deeply grateful I am and will always be for the work that they did and the joy with which they did it. I think that parent support in a school is a crucial ingredient for success. Whew! I am glad we have it in abundance!
The other thought I had last night is the whole notion of how important "community" is to our school. At Our Lady of Mt. Carmel everyone and everything is somehow connected. It's like the "Six Degrees of Separation" game. Connections between elementary and high school, both schools and parish, and among families is always amazing. How wonderful that community is and what a support it has been in good times and bad. That will be a story for another day! Let's just say that the community of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel has "saved' me more than once and I am truly grateful. Parents are an important ingredient in that community. Aren't we blessed!

The Anniversary Year Begins

Today I finished signing several thousand (that's not even an exaggeration) letters that will arrive at the homes of alums, parents, and friends of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel High School in the next few weeks. My letter announces the 50th anniversary of our school. It is a time to look back at the traditions, joys, and struggles that our school family has experienced and a time to look forward to providing a great education, that touches both mind and heart, for students now and in the future.
It is my hope that this blog chronicles some of these experiences, past and present. Those of you who know me are sure to be a bit frightened at this moment because you know that I could talk for hours (that's not an exaggeration either) about Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. I came to the campus in 1983 as a young professional, fell in love with the people and the place, and have stayed forever it seems. I have watched many children grow up including my own and have gained countless experiences about what to do with what life throws at us-- good and bad. I have learned that it is our faith and our community that allows us not only to "make it through" but to live a life that is full and happy.
Tom Rose, our Director of Development, has convinced me that I should take technology head-on and communicate via this blog. He even believes that some of you will enjoy reading what I have to write. I hope so!
So, when your letter arrives and you look up this site I will be ready to greet you with memories and new information. There are many truths I have learned along life's way but I am certain that this one ranks high--Our Lady of Mt. Carmel High School has been and continues to be a special place that is blessed by wonderful people(especially our kids). It is a school that has remained faithful to our mission to educate students in the ways of the heart as well as the head and to lead them to an understanding and appreciation of God, themselves, and their community. I have always found this mission inspiring and challenging. It's a good thing we have our patroness working for us!
So, welcome to the anniversary year chronicle! I have so much to tell you! Oh my goodness, I have taken the "blogging plunge" and we are off on a new adventure!