Dear Kristy,

Happy May! This final Villa View is a strong reminder of how much our students and teachers have accomplished as we conclude a great school year. We recognized student service, thanked Villa parents for their volunteerism, celebrated faculty for milestones with our school, and shared special Villa traditions. The overview of academic awards given at the Awards Assembly captures some of the many benchmarks and data points for the benefits of a St. Ursula Villa education. It was a very busy 6 weeks!

We say good-bye to our graduating 8th graders and the families who will leave our extraordinary St. Ursula Villa community. We wish them well as they begin new chapters in their educational journeys.

I wish you and your families a wonderful, well-deserved summer break and I look forward to seeing you in August!

Jody Sedler

President

Traditional Kindergarteners added to their Ocean Unit study with a fun and informative field trip to the Newport Aquarium.

During their class trip to the Washington D.C. area, 8th graders visited the White House, Mount Vernon, U.S. Capitol, Arlington National Cemetary, and National Mall. A special highlight was the Ghost Tour in Alexandria's Historic Old Town district where costumed presenters share tales and legends of Alexandria's haunted past. 

3rd graders hosted a "wax museum" to embody people who made an impact in the field of STEAM. Students selected innovators, researched their contributions, prepared an informative speech, and transformed into their chosen individual. Parents attended the "museum" to see creative representations of Sally Ride, Jacques Costeau, Isaac Newton, Jane Gooda, and many others!

Main School Field Day was so much fun!

In Math, 6th graders worked together in groups to to find the total area of their given figure by measuring, dividing up irregular figures into manageable polygons, and using formulas to calculate area. They followed up by sharing their observations and tricks!

Throughout our Early Childhood classrooms, caterpillars transformed into Painted Lady Butterflies. Students observed this process and participated in Butterfly Release Parties.

During their energy unit, 4th graders worked in groups to design and create a working roller coaster from paper. They built tracks, funnels, loops, and turns from cardstock to transport a marble for 12 seconds from start to finish. Student completed the Science unit by writing a reflection about how their marble transformed potential and kinetic energy in their coaster. 

Arts Appreciation Week featured many different types of creativity - including visual, literary, digital, musical, culinary, and cinematic arts. Villa student artwork and creations were displayed throughout the Multi-Purpose Room, where fun and exciting speakers and presenters shared their crafts. Author/illustrator Jacob Grant led an activity in illustrating; Villa parent Emilie LaRosa, owner of Broadway Bound Dance Academy, choreographed and taught a special dance for the Manor House students; Schoolhouse Symphony educated about their instruments and music; and special animal "actors" from an upcoming Cincinnati-filmed movie demonstrated their skills (special thanks to Villa parent Kristen Schlotman of Cincinnati Film Commission).

The 4th through 8th grade Villa instrumentalists rocked out the end of the school year with a fantastic Spring Concert! Students played a variety of rock tunes, including "Another One Bites The Dust," "We Will Rock You," and many more. We are so proud of our wonderful young musicians!

Awards Assembly

At the May 23rd Awards Assembly, we recognized St. Ursula Villa student accomplishments during the 2023-24 school year. We commend these students for their achievements and will showcase Graduation Awards in the Summer Villa Voice magazine.

Catholic Math League Competition

The Catholic Math League is a nationwide competition consisting of four very challenging tests throughout the school year. Villa students in 3rd - 8th grades participated with outstanding results. Schools are split into divisions that consists of states in our region and our students placed impressively in many of the divisions.

The third grade placed seventh in the division. Alex Krausser - first place from the Villa, Emily Bayer - second place from the Villa, Charlie Curry - third place from the Villa.

The fourth grade won the Midwest Division! Alaina Baker and Quinn Harding - tied for first place from the Villa and second place in the division, Oliver Chlon - third place at the Villa and fourth place in the division.

The fifth grade also won the Midwest Division for their grade! Isabel Islam - first place from the Villa and fourth place in the division, Charlotte Rudolph - second place from the Villa, Griffin Gobble - third place from the Villa.

The sixth grade placed fifth in their division: Zack Roberts - first place from the Villa and fourth place in the division, Evie Scarpitti - second place from the Villa, Glady Cohen - third place from the Villa.

The seventh grade placed fourth in their division and in a test level that included both seventh and eighth grades. Brennan Klein - first place from the Villa, Cole Katien - second place from the Villa, Faith Kluska - third place from the Villa.

The eighth grade placed second in their division in a test level that included both eighth and ninth grades. Alex Crowley - first place from the Villa and first in the division (earns a trophy!), Owen Linck - second place from the Villa, Lucas Chlon - third place from the Villa.

Front row from left: Oliver Chlon, Quinn Harding, Alaina Baker, Faith Kluska, Isabel Islam, Charlotte Rudolph, Alex Krausser, Emily Bayer, Charlie Curry. Rear: Glady Cohen, Evie Scarpitti, Alex Crowley, Lucan Chlon, Owen Linck, Zack Roberts, Cole Katien, Brennan Klein. (not pictured: Griffin Gobble) Congratulations, Mathletes!

National Latin Exam

More than 100,000 students from every state in the U.S. and 10 countries from around the world took the National Latin Exam this year. We commend these students for their top scores. 



Cum Laude is a Latin phrase that means “with praise.” Villa students earning a Cum Laude certificate are seventh graders Jade Herring and Anthony LaRosa.

Magna Cum Laude means "with great praise." Villa students earning a Magna Cum Laude certificate are seventh graders Grayson Becker, Olivia Bosse, Maria Carullo, Adelyn Wasik; and eighth graders Livia Butcher, Trey Cassady, and Alex Crowley.

Maxima Cum Laude means "with very great praise.” Students earning a Maxima Cum Laude certificate are also awarded a silver medal. Our winners are seventh graders Mason Bevis, Eliot Hanneken, Eleanor Hass, Cole Katien, Brennan Klein, Sam Sweeney; and eighth grader Laila Schlotman.

Front row from left: Brennan Klein, Grayson Becker, Sam Sweeney, Livia Butcher, Laila Schlotman, Trey Cassady, Alex Crowley, Anthony LaRosa. Rear: Cole Katien, Mason Bevis, Eliot Hanneken, Jade Herring, Eleanor Hass, Olivia Bosse, Maria Carullo.

National French Contest Finalists

Over 43,000 students entered Le Grand Concours, a 60-minute national competition sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of French to recognize and reward individual student and teacher achievement. Elementary and high school French students, in all 50 states and abroad, take a written test and compete against students with similar educational backgrounds. The competition uses authentic cultural material from a number of francophone countries and tests students’ reading and listening comprehension. 

Congratulations to (front): Ciara Bentle (Bronze medal), Lucy Strub (Honorable Mention), Darby Pohlman (Honorable Mention), Alex Rowe (Honorable Mention). Rear: Henry Roepke (Honorable Mention), Graham Chimento (Honorable Mention), Kaelyn Shafto (Honorable Mention). (not pictured: Oshi Jones, Honorable Mention)

National Spanish Exam Finalist

The National Spanish Examination is a motivational contest to recognize student achievement in the study of Spanish and to stimulate further interest in the teaching and learning of the language. The online standardized assessment tool, given to over 85,000 students across the U.S., measures the performance or interpretive communication and the achievement of students studying Spanish as a second language.

We congratulate Lucas Chlon for earning a Silver Medal.

First Honors

We commend these 64 students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades who received certificates for earning First Honors in every trimester this school year.



Listed alphabetically: Sydney Beatty, Ciara Bentle, Maeve Bentle, Mason Bevis, Olivia Bosse, Joseph Breazeale, Livia Butcher, Charlotte Cassady, Trey Cassady, Lucas Chlon, Glady Cohen, Harper Coleman, Abby Crowley, Alex Crowley, Elaina DalleMolle, Francesca DeNicolo, Courtney Doxsey, Devin Ealy, Joey Emerich, Vivian Faulkner, Amelia Finn, Sean Foley, Lucy Geoppinger, Charlotte Gibbs, Eleanor Hass, Piper Heffernan, Jade Herring, Osian Jones, Cole Katien, Brennan Klein, Michael Klein, Faith Kluska, Parker Knight, Brooke Lewis, Catherine Lichter, Owen Linck, Jack Moran, Ainsley Parchman, Ryan Payton, Darby Pohlman, Zack Roberts, Jack Rockenfield, Alex Rowe, Evelyn Scarpitti, Laila Schlotman, Penny Schmidt, Matthew Sebens, Alyssa Sedler, Michelle Sedler, Liam Selker, Kaelyn Shafto, Jacob Stover, Peter Supinger, Sam Sweeney, Natalie Tabone, Adelyn Wasik, Luke Wittekind, and Elizabeth Wolfer.

Sister Mary Lawrence/Kristi Kuhn Award

The Sister Mary Lawrence/Kristi Kuhn Award is given to a student who demonstrates the following characteristics during Gym class every day: a good attitude towards their classmates, an outstanding effort in all activities and games, and the willingness to improve their skills. Sister Mary Lawrence, a long-time Villa teacher, and Kristi Kuhn, a former Villa student, both made a difference to the St. Ursula Villa community during their time at the Villa.

We congratulate Francesca DeNicolo for earning this recognition.

Student Council Officers

At the Awards Assembly, Student Council Officers were introduced as student leaders who were elected by their peers for the 2024-25 school year.

Congratulations to (front right): Brennan Klein (Historian), Anthony LaRosa (Treasurer), Mason Bevis (President), Sam Sweeney (Public Relations Secretary). Rear: Faith Kluska (Vice-President), Courtney Doxsey (Historian), Eleanor Hass (Historian). Not pictured: Oshi Jones (Recording Secretary)

We congratulate these students who were nominated by their peers and teachers for being positive role models for the Ursuline Characteristic of Focus for the Month of May - A Strong Family Spirit within the School. The student leaders who were selected 

• lead by example, demonstrating kindness and cooperation in their interactions
• show respect to teachers, staff, and fellow students
• foster a sense of community and inclusivity, and 
• are approachable and friendly to all.

Front: Andie Dietz, Caroline Curry, Graham Parchman, Tripp Ginocchio, Charlie Birck, Elyse Woolf

Rear: Valerie Rath, Jade Herring, Catherine Lichter, Brooke Lewis, Jake Jodrey, Taylor Bankes, Carson Frey, Teddy Emerich, Henry Roepke, Devin Ealy

Our Villa community gathered to celebrate Mary, the Blessed Mother. Students placed flowers at Mary's feet and Mary was crowned by an 8th grader selected by her classmates for exemplifying Mary's characteristics.

We loved our school's first "living rosary" where 2nd through 7th graders gathered in the gym to honor Mary. Student participants sat side-by-side to form a living rosary, passed a microphone from one to another, and prayed the rosary prayers together. 

Manor House classrooms welcomed special guests for a morning of Muffins with Moms.

We commend these K-6th grade students who dedicated 20 hours to community service and 7th and 8th graders who dedicated 40 hours to community service. They were recognized at our final school Mass for their Commitment to Christian Service, one of the nine characteristics of an Ursuline education.

Kindergarten: Ava Grace Papparella

1st Grade: Katherine Treleven

3rd Grade: Piper Bosse, Maddie Jeck, Isla McGuffey, Reagan Rockenfield

4th Grade: Ward Headley

5th Grade: Eshan Kotecha

6th Grade: Joseph Breazeale, Glady Cohen, Sean Foley, Piper Heffernan, Teddy Hurst, Michael Klein, James Krausser, Lilly Lamont, Jack Rockenfield, Evelyn Scarpitti, Penny Schmidt, Matthew Sebens

7th Grade: Sydney Beatty, Griffin Borsky, Olivia Bosse, Maria Carullo, Courtney Doxsey, Vivian Faulkner, Eleanor Hass, Jade Herring, Brennan Klein, Faith Kluska, Jack Moran, Ryan Payton, Peyton Pinson, Michelle Sedler, Sam Sweeney, Natalie Tabone, George Vogelpohl, Peter Wittekind, Elizabeth Wolfer

8th Grade: Ciara Bentle, Livia Butcher, Lucas Chlon, Alex Crowley, Devin Ealy, Molly Gilreath, Isla Hardrick, Owen Linck, Charlotte McPeek, Cohen Postlewaite, Alex Rowe, Gabe Scarchilli, Laila Schlotman, Liam Selker, Gus Smith-Rogers, Jacob Stover, Nathan Stover, Lucy Strub, Luke Wittekind

We thanked our wonderful parent volunteers with a reception following the Closing Mass.

Congratulations to Ms. Wolfer, Director of Mission Integration and Villa parent, for receiving the Girl Scouts of Western Ohio Appreciation Pin in recognition of her outstanding service and support of the girls and adults in this council. 

May Party, a cherished Villa tradition for more than 30 years, is an amazing day of games, food, treats, basket raffles, and FUN!

This lucky Cake Walk winner selected an amazing and entirely edible cake created by 7th grader Elizabeth Wolfer!

Muffins for Moms & May Party

The Manor House moms enjoyed a special morning with their children at the Muffins for Mom event in May. The VPO treated them to muffins and coffee while they enjoyed a special activity in the classrooms with their children.

May Party is definitely the BEST DAY EVER! This VPO-sponsored carnival is one of the most anticipated days of the year! Students enjoyed games, face painting, balloon animals, raffle baskets, pizza, and much more! This event requires the help of over 80 volunteers and the VPO was so grateful to all the parents who helped make May Party a success!

Villa Boosters

Congratulations to Villa girls and coaches for participating in the Girls on the Run 5k race on May 11th!

We enjoyed another great season of Boys Volleyball with our 3rd & 4th grade boys team, coached by Stephanie Ryan and Rob Gould, earning Runner-Up in the GCCYS end-of -season tournament.

Villa parent Jim Murphy has led a Villa family triathlon team, Wild Child, for three years and encourages others to join the fun (check out the pics from last year!) The team is currently training for the first event of the summer, Cincinnati Redlegs Run at Great American Ball Park on Saturday, June 1st.

Faculty Awards

We congratulate these Villa teachers and staff who earned recognition for milestone years of service to our school: Marty Rethlake (25 years), Susan Friedman (10), Jessica Harding (10), Cathy Plummer (10), Katy Evers (5), Julie Ezzell (5), and Amy Aatucci (5).

We say a fond farewell to these Villa teachers who are retiring from our school: Chris Orr, Marty Rethlake, and Catherine Smith.

HAVE A WONDERFUL SUMMER !!!