As the Lenten season draws to a close, I find this to be a good time for reflecting upon the spiritual dimension of our school. As a Catholic school, we have the opportunity and the responsibility to share faith formation activities with our students. Sometimes these efforts may go unnoticed or simply get taken for granted. I would be remiss if I did not publicly offer some words of appreciation.       

Mrs. Marie Gallo-Lethcoe serves as our Director of Mission Effectiveness and plays a key role in planning and organizing many of our spiritual development efforts. Mr. Daniel Trout, a member of our Theology Department, coordinates the planning of our school-wide liturgical celebrations. Many other faculty and staff members assist with their efforts, too.

During Lent, several area pastors came to Lopez to offer Mass in the chapel during lunch periods. Members of the clergy returned to provide Reconciliation services for our students. Our school chaplain, Rev. Stephen Ogonwa (Father Seno), joined us for our all-school Masses.

Our Prayer at the Cross gatherings continued during Lent. One session included a special blessing for 14 students who would make a week-long journey to assist youngsters in our sister diocese in the Dominican Republic. They were accompanied by three members of our faculty ( Mr. Daniel Boyd, Mrs. Regina Boyd and Mrs. Robbie Snyder) as they put faith into action.

Lenten activities at Lopez will conclude on Wednesday with Stations of the Cross.

In closing, let me once again offer my gratitude for the support and assistance of the area clergy. I am also grateful for the many wonderful members of our faculty and staff who do so much to help our students grow in faith and knowledge.  

May the joy of Easter be yours as we rejoice in knowing that Christ is risen!

Principal Lee Sayago recently announced the valedictorian and salutatorian for the Class of 2015.

Valedictorian Michael Krusick is the son of Joe Krusick and Sonia Mori '78.  Michael has a GPA of 4.609 and has never received a grade less than A in his four years at Lopez. He was recently voted Most Likely to Succeed by his peers. Michael plans to enter the pre-medical program at Stetson University.

Salutatorian Emma Albrecht is the daughter of Eric and Annie Albrecht. Emma has a 4.575 GPA and was voted Best Leadership by her peers. Emma is a News-Journal Medallion of Excellence winner and a top area golfer. She committed to Notre Dame in her junior year and plans to enter their pre-medical program.

Congratulations to Michael and Emma. Both will address their fellow graduates and guests at the 56th Father Lopez Commencement Exercises on Saturday, May 16.

COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES ANN OUNCED
Our Guidance and College Planning counselors have announced the arrival of additional college acceptances. Congratulations to the f o llo wing seniors:  Anita Annaheim - Daytona State College; Victoria Brown - American University; Grayson Cooper - Bennington College, Boston University, Maryland Institute and College of Art, Pratt Institute, Sarah Lawrence College, Savannah College of Art and Design and University of the Redlands; Lauren Fox - University of North Carolina Wilmington; Andrea Giuffrida - Fordham University; Hogan MacIntyre - Stetson University;  Janet Petravica - Lake Forest College; and, Quan Van - Daytona State College. 

Four Lopez students were recently invited to present to middle school girls at St. Brendan Catholic School. Remi Arline, Natalie Cecil, Emily Edwards and Annie Morejon did a fantastic job speaking to the 60 middle-schoolers about the power of positive female friendships, conflict resolution, and the difference between "bullying" vs. "buddy" behaviors.

The highlight of the spring sports pep rally on March 19 was a rap battle between coaches.

Our Hispanic and French National Honor Societies inducted new members on March 20.

A group of AP Government students took the classroom on the road and enjoyed a jam-packed itinerary while touring our nation's capitol.

Earlier this week, the boys' tennis team defeated The Geneva School, 7-0, to improve their season record to 12-0. Five seniors on the team and their families received special recognition following the match. To make it a perfect day, the girls' team improved their record to 9-4 with their 4-3 win.