I shared an experience last night with millions of other people as I watched "Help Haiti Now", a global plea for help for the Haitian people who are reeling from the catastrophic earthquake that happened there. I was touched by the sincerity of the artists and the stories of search, rescue, treatment and tragedy. I felt a lump in my throat at the sight of a sweet, shy little boy who could not stop coughing from dust from the rubble under which he had been trapped for eight harrowing days. He had been saved from the rubble only to find out that his parents were dead and he is now an orphan. By the time Justin Timberlake sang "Alleluia", I had made my pledge.
This past week at Mt. Carmel there have been many discussions about how we, as a Catholic school, can respond to this disaster. Our kids,sometimes rough around the edges in terms of social skills and fairly self-absorbed as most teens are,remain always generous of heart. Many of them have a sense of empathy well beyond their years--I believe because they themselves have had to bear sadness and loss already in their young lives. So, I knew they would have some great ideas to help and they did! The Campus Ministry group, led so lovingly by Missy Lawrence, our Campus Minister, has pledged the profits from our annual pre-Lenten pancake breakfast to the cause. This event which is scheduled for February 14, 2010, in the high school cafeteria is a ticket at the door event. Come join us for pancakes, sausage, and eggs, served by the best teen "cooks" ever. The kids have dubbed the event "Pancakes for Port-au-Prince" and I know the breakfast will be a success.
Two senior girls are spearheading a raffle based on guessing the number of lifesaver candies in a huge jar. They liked the idea of lifesavers for life saving! There are also plans for a 50/50 raffle at Report Card Conference Night and there is always the rather self-serving Tag Day idea where kids can get out of wearing uniforms for a day by paying a dollar to a worthy cause. I think that all our ideas together will be a compassionate response to a great need. Since 80% of the people of Haiti are Catholic, I think our choice of supporting Catholic Relief Services is a good one. This sad event provides a life lesson for all of us that stems from a recognition that we are all one family on this earth and we need to take care of one another.
In thinking about our immediate "right now" response to this tragedy, I was mulling over the importance of developing a sense of compassion and service for the long run--not just when catastrophe strikes. It made me think of a little event shared by the faculty and staff recently. Our pastor, Msgr. Bob Hartnett celebrated his thirtieth anniversary as a priest this year. In honor of this milestone, he treated the faculties and staff of the entire Carmel complex--elementary school, high school, parish--to lunch on our annual dual retreat day in November. Always one to enjoy a good party, I think the event pleased the Monsignor! I think his words at the event, though, reminded us all of something important. He thanked all of us for sharing in his ministry and allowing "good" to come from the work that we share. There is no limit to all that can be accomplished when leaders, like Msgr. Bob, create environments where the mission is shared. When many people can say--"Here we are compassionate." "Here we work together for the good of the weakest among us." "Here we worry about the needs of people rather than who gets credit for what is accomplished."--a place for potential miracles is created. For us at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel I think that mission includes sharing faith and teaching young people to grow in mind and heart so that they, too, can be leaders who work for "good."
In conisdering both these recent events, I think there is a solitary lesson to be learned. In a situation like the one in Haiti, there must be an immediate response that overflows with generosity and compassion. In every day life, especially when we are reminded by the great example of leaders who have made a committment to the long race of building a better world--person by person--we need to learn to be generous and compassionate in the LONG run. I think we'd all like to say, at the end, along with another great leader and example--"I have run the good race, I have fought the good fight..."
So, if you haven't already donated to our brothers and sisters in Haiti, do so. Plan to come join us for pancakes on February 14 from 8:00-12:00. Most importantly, think about how to respond to the work of each day with a compassionate heart.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Monday, January 18, 2010
Beginning Again
I spent this wonderful day off tying up loose ends. Still a bit saddened by the Ravens game over the weekend, I faced an equally dismal debacle when I gazed at my house this morning. There were remnants of Christmas all over the place as well as a stack or so of uncorrected exams. I always feel more in control of my environment when I make a list (though I know this is self-imposed trickery), so that is what I did. Now, several hours later, the last of Christmas has been relegated to the attic, the exams are graded, and I am thinking about what I need to jot down for my next list.
This time of year can be a little bit of a downer for everyone. The holidays are past, the weather is cold, it is dark both going to and coming from work and many New Year's resolutions have already gone by the wayside. I am a firm believer, though, in not giving in to these negative vibes. What we need to focus on is what is to come!
In a school, there is a great deal of time during these winter months given over to imagining what could be--How could we make programs better for students? How can we modifry schedules so that we can get the most out of every day? How can we use the resources that we have, limited as they may be, to help students be ready for the challenges they will face after graduation? Questions such as these certainly add excitement to what could be a down time of the year.
This week at Mt. Carmel we will be having a Strategic Planning meeting that will focus on several of these issues. The Planning Team is a group of about 25 dedicated people who have worked for the last several years to move our school into the future. The committee is composed of people who are dedicated to our school and who also have vision. They are community members, alums, students, faculty, Board members and parents. Every stakeholder group is represented. When a person leaves the committe, they are replaced by someone in the same stakeholder group so that all perspectives remain represented as we plan for the future. One of our big topics at our up coming meeting will be technology. We are ready to move into another phase of our plan as we renew/update our lease agreement. Thank goodness the price of some of the equipment is coming down because it is crucial that every student have access to resources that are "out there!"
We are so blessed at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel High School to have Diana Fitzpatrick serve as our Director of Technology. Diane is a real example of someone who is a life-long learner. She is constantly searching for new information and then sharing her discoveries with the faculty. She teaches at CCBC, too, and is able to offer some of our seniors two three credit courses in Multi-Media as electives. They get the benefit of her expertise right on our campus and get 6 college credits too! This is quite a deal,I'd say.
Recently, Diane has been working with the faculty so that they gain some new skills to use in the clssroom. The technology boom is here to stay and is moving forward exponentially. We are getting students ready for a world that is yet to be!
Knowing that our responsibilty in a Catholic school is not only to teach students to access all this new information but also to teach them to use these tools ethically with a focus on improving life in moral ways, adds several quite complicated layers to our task of education. Students (all of us really) have to consider issues of respect,privacy, collaboation and integrity as we journey down new roads and through uncharted territiory on the rod to the information society. It really is exciting to think about what the world will be like in the next decade or so--Think of all the changes in the last few!
As Catholic educators, we need to be committed to learning the most up to date techniques in order to allow our kids to grow to be their best--in both mind and heart! What an adventure remains!
I think I just talked my way out of my dismal, post holiday mood--There are wonderful adventures waiting just over the horizon! Now, if I could only learn how to use my Facebook account!
This time of year can be a little bit of a downer for everyone. The holidays are past, the weather is cold, it is dark both going to and coming from work and many New Year's resolutions have already gone by the wayside. I am a firm believer, though, in not giving in to these negative vibes. What we need to focus on is what is to come!
In a school, there is a great deal of time during these winter months given over to imagining what could be--How could we make programs better for students? How can we modifry schedules so that we can get the most out of every day? How can we use the resources that we have, limited as they may be, to help students be ready for the challenges they will face after graduation? Questions such as these certainly add excitement to what could be a down time of the year.
This week at Mt. Carmel we will be having a Strategic Planning meeting that will focus on several of these issues. The Planning Team is a group of about 25 dedicated people who have worked for the last several years to move our school into the future. The committee is composed of people who are dedicated to our school and who also have vision. They are community members, alums, students, faculty, Board members and parents. Every stakeholder group is represented. When a person leaves the committe, they are replaced by someone in the same stakeholder group so that all perspectives remain represented as we plan for the future. One of our big topics at our up coming meeting will be technology. We are ready to move into another phase of our plan as we renew/update our lease agreement. Thank goodness the price of some of the equipment is coming down because it is crucial that every student have access to resources that are "out there!"
We are so blessed at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel High School to have Diana Fitzpatrick serve as our Director of Technology. Diane is a real example of someone who is a life-long learner. She is constantly searching for new information and then sharing her discoveries with the faculty. She teaches at CCBC, too, and is able to offer some of our seniors two three credit courses in Multi-Media as electives. They get the benefit of her expertise right on our campus and get 6 college credits too! This is quite a deal,I'd say.
Recently, Diane has been working with the faculty so that they gain some new skills to use in the clssroom. The technology boom is here to stay and is moving forward exponentially. We are getting students ready for a world that is yet to be!
Knowing that our responsibilty in a Catholic school is not only to teach students to access all this new information but also to teach them to use these tools ethically with a focus on improving life in moral ways, adds several quite complicated layers to our task of education. Students (all of us really) have to consider issues of respect,privacy, collaboation and integrity as we journey down new roads and through uncharted territiory on the rod to the information society. It really is exciting to think about what the world will be like in the next decade or so--Think of all the changes in the last few!
As Catholic educators, we need to be committed to learning the most up to date techniques in order to allow our kids to grow to be their best--in both mind and heart! What an adventure remains!
I think I just talked my way out of my dismal, post holiday mood--There are wonderful adventures waiting just over the horizon! Now, if I could only learn how to use my Facebook account!
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
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 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!!!
Saturday, December 5, 2009
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!
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!
Saturday, November 28, 2009
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
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
Sunday, November 22, 2009
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!!!
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!!!
Sunday, November 8, 2009
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!!!!
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!!!!
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