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The OLMA Overview -- October 27, 2016
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What a week! On Monday and Wednesday, our seniors spent the day in Camden as part of the DeSales Service Works. The feedback I've received so far indicates that the experience is one that will stay with them for a long while. While some of the students were more shocked by what they saw than others, they all joined together and made a real difference -- even in just the short time they were there. New service projects are already emerging as the girls are motivated to do more to help.
We celebrated two senior nights this week -- one for Volleyball and the other for soccer. Congratulations to Mackenzie McNelia, Tia DuPont, Ashley Mannion, and Madison Foster. We could not be more proud of you.
Our students hosted seven shadows this week. We are pleased to be welcoming one of them, Brielle Middleton, to our Sophomore class on Monday. We are so excited to have her join us.
Tomorrow is Hermit Fest. We've arranged for a bus to make a special run to the Prep at dismissal time for any girls who want to ride. N
ext week -- Halloween! Have a wonderful weekend! -- Mrs. Coyle
P.S. -- Open House is two weeks from today. Please help us spread the word!
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Jessica Riordan, Class of 2018
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On Sunday mornings, OLMA Junior and soccer player extraordinaire, Jessica Riordan, can be found at Amanda's Field in Upper Township, NJ. It's there that she does what she loves best -- play soccer. This time, though, her teammate is a little girl who is a member of the Upper Township Challenger League. "This is a league that enables children with special needs to learn to play soccer," said Jessica. "I help the kids learn how to kick the ball and guide them around the field as they play. The best part is seeing them smile, laugh and have fun."
After all, that's what it's really all about. Jessica started playing soccer when she was five years old and just kept at it. Her goal is to compete in college, something she will undoubtedly do. In the meantime, Jessica guards the goal for the OLMA soccer team and looks forward to the first-round playoff game that will be held here on Tuesday at 2 PM.
In addition to practicing with OLMA's team, Jessica also plays on a club team and trains seven days a week for most of the year. In fact, one of her trainers is Jill Loyden, the former goalie for the U.S. National Soccer team. Not too shabby.
Jessica joined OLMA this year as a transfer student from Atlantic County Institute of Technology. "It was a good school, but OLMA is a much better fit for me," she said. "Everyone was so welcoming and sisterhood is something I experienced right away among my teammates. There's also a great sense of school spirit here, which I really like."
In addition to playing soccer, Jessica hopes to pursue a degree in Education with a focus on working with special needs kids. She's already getting lots of practice -- both on and off the field. Welcome to the sisterhood, Jessica! Go get 'em on Tuesday!
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OLMA Seniors Participate in Camden Service Experience
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It’s one thing to read or hear about the homeless and hungry and another to be among them and challenged with finding ways to help. Our Lady of Mercy Academy seniors experienced that first hand as they spent a day of service in Camden, NJ, with the DeSales Service Works ministry.
Their day began in the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception’s church hall where they assembled 400 lunches for distribution to the needy and homeless via the Cathedral Pantry. Next, the students participated in a bilingual Mass and had the opportunity to hear the story of a woman who is being helped by the “Last Stop” program.
“It was shocking to talk with children who said they didn’t have breakfast and would probably go without dinner too,” said Madison Foster, OLMA senior. “I saw people with so many different needs in just one day of working the window. I’m glad we made the trip and were able to help. We sometimes take all that we have for granted, which is why experiences like this one are so great.”
In the afternoon, students helped beautify a playground area by scraping and painting two walls that border it. Their last stop of the day was to visit with the children in Holy Name School’s after-care program. OLMA students read to the children, played games and helped with homework.
DeSales Service Works is a project of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales. It provides opportunities for face-to-face service and works to change the lives of those they serve and to expand the mindset of those who serve. All of our efforts seek to improve struggling neighborhoods while recognizing the goodness of these impoverished communities.
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Exciting news! OLMA will be hosting its first-ever Instant Decision Day on November 18th. The event will take place from 10 AM -- 12 PM and seniors must sign up with Mrs. Szawlewicz to attend. So far, the following colleges are registered to participate:
- Cabrini College
- Georgian Court University
- Holy Family University
- Immaculata University
- Monmouth College
- Philadelphia University
- Widener University
- Fairleigh Dickinson
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Celebrating Senior Soccer Players
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Last night, under the lights at St. Augustine Prep, the OLMA soccer team defeated long-time rival, Vineland High School. It was an exciting game and our three senior soccer players -- Madison Foster, Tia DuPont and Ashley Mannion -- did their part and then some. On Tuesday at 2 PM we will be back in the stands, this time at OLMA, to cheer on our team in the first-round playoff game against Roselle Catholic. Come on out and join us!
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On Tuesday night, the OLMA volleyball team took the court by storm. While the final score may not have been what they hoped for, there were only winners on the court that night. Together, the team honored their captain, Mackenzie McNelia, who will be graduating in May. They played their hearts out and had a blast! Congratulations, Mackenzie!
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Get the latest on all school activities, sports schedules and more in the calendar section of the new OLMA website.
Photo caption: While in Camden, seniors scraped and painted two walls that border the playground. Great work!
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We hope you enjoy the OLMA Overview. If you have questions or suggestions, please contact Mrs. Kinkade on ext. 140, or email her at: mrs.kinkade@olmanj.org
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