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Student News

 

Chelsea Gray Named Gatorade Player of the Year

 

Chelsea Gray was named the 2009-10 Gatorade California Girls Basketball Player of the Year. She’s the first girls basketball player from St. Mary’s to receive the award. She is now a finalist for the Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year award to be announced later this month.

 

Chelsea averages 16.1 points, 6.3 assists, 5.3 steals and 4.1 rebounds. She has maintained a 4.0 grade point average and has been active in her church and a local homeless shelter.

 

Three Rams Featured in Lodi News-Sentinel

 

Ali Gibson, AllieMoreno and Emily Gonzalves were featured in the Lodi News Sentinel as members of the nation leading St. Mary's women's basketball team that live in Lodi. The article focused on the players and the success of the program.

 

Read Full Article

 

Daniel Gherardi Featured in Record

 

Daniel Gherardi, who has appeared in every play production during his time at St. Mary's was featured by The Record in an article that provided an insight into his extraordinary talents as well as the very talented group of seniors that allowed director Kevin Costello to put on Les Misérables.

 

Read Full Article

   

 

Chelsea Gray and Afure Jemerigbe Named to McDonald’s All-American Team

 

St. Mary's High seniors Chelsea Gray and Afure Jemerigbe have been named to the McDonald's All-American Game. to represent the West in the girls game March 31 at Value City Arena in Columbus, Ohio.

 

St. Mary's, ranked No. 1 in the nation by USA Today, is the only school with two McDonald's All-Americans.

 

   

Six SM Athletes Sign Letters of Intent

 

A large crowd of proud family and friends were on hand to see six Ram athletes sign their letters of intent on February 3rd . The signees were:

 

  • Marcus McDade -Football-Fresno State

  • Josh Harper-Football-Fresno State

  • Matt Kidwell-Water polo-CSU Long Beach

  • Taylor Setness – Water polo -Naval Academy

  • Evan Fletcher - Football- New Mexico Military Institute

  • Miguel Murillo-Soccer-Oregon State

 

   

Women’s Varsity Basketball Team Inducted Into Catholic High School Sports Faith Hall Of Fame

 

The St. Mary’s High School Women’s Varsity Basketball Team, which is rated number one in the country, received the Team of the Year Award in the 2010 All Star Catholic High School Sports Faith Hall of Fame.

 

The 2010 All-Star Catholic High School Sports Faith Hall of Fame is offered by Sports Faith International; a Chicago based media initiative, utilizing traditional and new media to showcase the connection between sports and faith and is chaired by Chicago Bears’ Patrick McCaskey.

 

The purpose of the contest is to encourage and recognize Catholic High School athletes, teams and coaches who demonstrate exemplary work both on and off the field.

 

Candidates were evaluated for excellence in the areas of Athleticism, Academics, Community Service and Catholic Faith in action. 

 

The Sports Faith Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held on February, 21, 2010 at Chicago Bears Halas Hall in Lake Forest, Illinois in conjunction with an Induction Ceremony for professional Athletes including this years recipients, Bill Bidwell of the 2009 Super Bowl Arizona Cardinals, Tom Monaghan, former owner of the Detroit Lions, Founder of Dominos Pizza and the Ave Maria Foundation, Brian Piccolo (Posthumously) and Coach John Gagliardi from St. John’s University who holds the record for most victories in the history of college football.

 

Mr. Jim Brusa, Athletic Director, at St. Mary’s High School represented the school at the induction ceremony.   

 

For more information, please visit http://www.sportsfaithinternational.org.

 

St. Mary’s Students Show They Are Pro-Life

 

Braving rain, including a heavy downpour just as the march started, a contingent of students from St. Mary’s, accompanied by Brother Nate Bolt, O.S.F.S. who is on assignment at the school for six months, Mr. Mansfield and Mrs. Turner, and two other adults, joined an excess of 35,000 peaceful pro-life walkers who filled San Francisco's waterfront as the largest crowd ever attended the 6th Annual Walk for Life West Coast, Saturday, January 23rd.

 

The crowd included people from all over the Diocese of Stockton which sent over 40 busloads to the march. Joining in the walk were 120 seminarians who came, including Tom Martin, who had worked for former Mayor Willie Brown before entering the seminary and was  quoted by Business News Network: "It's a great opportunity for the people of God to see that the seminarians are joining with them not only in praying for life, but also taking a stand."

   

Wrestling Team Volunteers at Fr. Alan McCoy Dining Room

 

The St. Mary’s High School wrestling team recently volunteered to work during breakfast and lunch at the Fr. Alan McCoy Dining Room in Stockton. The wrestlers and coaches who volunteered included Esteban Gallardo, Frank Gallardo, Jo Golden, Xavier Guerrero, Kyle Hashimota, Sawyer Hicks, Joshua Mondo, Sam Ramorino, Spencer Whyte, Travis Whyte, Daniel Vergara, coach Phil Devincenzi, coach Marcos Guerrero and coach Frank Gama.

 

 

Sign-ups for the California Scholarship Federation and the National Honor Society

 

Sign-ups for the California Scholarship Federation and the National Honor Society will begin on Tuesday, Jan 19 and run until Friday, Jan 22.  Please come to Lagorio, Room 212, to sign-up.  The following week, Monday, Jan 25 - Thursday, Jan. 28, ALL members who signed up the previous week must attend ONE meeting of the CSF/NHS clubs in Lagorio Room 212.  These dates are firm and all students interested in being in either of these organizations must comply with them.  Please contact Paula Biscaia if you have any questions. 

 

St. Mary’s Takes Second in Debate, 5th in Individual Events at Speech Tournament.

 

The St. Mary’s Speech and Debate Team took 2nd in Debate and 5th in Individual Events at the Yosemite Forensic League speech-and-debate tournament at Tokay High School.

 

Results for St. Mary’s:  IMPROMPTU B division: 3. David Bustes; IMPROMPTU A division 3. Aubrey Miller;  NATIONAL EXTEMPORANEOUS B division: 2. David Carranza, 5. (tie) Daniel Valdez;  NATIONAL EXTEMPORANEOUS A division 1. Matt Gordon; LINCOLN-DOUGLAS DEBATE B division1. Garcia.

 

Chelsey Gray and Afure Jemerigbe Cover Stars

 

The powerful duo of St. Mary's women's basketball stars, Duke bound Chelsea Gray and Cal committed Afure Jemerigbe were chosen to grace the cover of the December ESPN RISE magazine and be the feature story for the publication.

 

Read article here

 

SM Senior Arianna Martines in 'The Nutcracker'

 

St. Mary’s senior, Arianna Martinez who has studied ballet since she was 4 will be dancing in the Capitol Ballet Company's  performance of "The Nutrcracker". Arriana has loved the show since she first saw it as a 6-year-old, according to an article in The Record by Lori Gilbert. Arianna is quoted as saying: "It's so great for all little kids to understand and everything, all the dolls coming to life."  This year, it is more meaningful for her as it is the last one she will perform in. Next year, she is heading off to college with a goal of becoming a neonatal nurse. With regard to this years performance, Ariannas stated: "It's a pretty professional ballet company," Martinez said. "They're going on to the next level. It's what they want to pursue in life. They're a little more experienced than we are, so it pushes us to the next level." This is the fourth year Stockton dancers have participated in Capitol Ballet Company's staging of "The Nutcracker."

 

SM Collects 2000 Toys for World's Kids

 

Once again, the St. Mary’s High School community showed is true heart by collecting an estimated 2,000 toys that were loaded on trucks Monday, December 14th to be shipped around the world.

 

The toys were given to Ray Baglietto who runs “Seeds to the World”.  The program sends surplus seeds to poor countries in need of crop help. The first time toys were included in shipments to Haiti, Jamaica, Honduras or El Salvador four years ago.

 

Quoted by News10, Mr. Baglietto said of the shipment that went to Liberia: "There was a hundred thousand dollars worth of seed, and a bunch of clothing.  They were happy with those, but they were happier with the 40 toys.  They said some kids have never owned a toy."

 

SM Grandparents Honored

Saint Mary's honored the grandparents of SM students on December 8th, 2009 beginning with Mass for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, followed by a reception held in the Student Activities Center.

Many students hosted their grandparents, who clearly both enjoyed and expressed their pride in their grandchildren and in St. Mary's High School. <Photos>

 

Joy Clark To Represent California in Miss American Teen Pageant

 

Joy Clark, has been selected to represent California at the 2009 Miss American Teen Pageant. Clark will attend the national pageant for

her age group this week in Florida, where she will compete for the title of Miss American Teen as well as thousands of dollars in cash awards, prizes and scholarships.

 

Clark is an honors student and a member of the St. Mary’s theater and music departments. She has competed in American Coed

Pageants since middle school, winning and placing in talent, speech, photogenic, best actress, and national cover girl and hostess contests at the state and national levels.

 

The American Coed Pageants work to promote the intelligence, confidence, and beauty within each participant.

 

 

Marcus McDade Featured In Record Article

 

In an article by Jagdip Dhillon, the Record fetured Rams quarterback, Marcus McDade. Marcus was selected before the season along with seven other prep quarterbacks to take part in a reality television series “The Ride,” where one would earn a roster spot in the 2010 U.S. Army All-American Bowl. McDade made it to the second round of the competition, and episodes featuring footage of him from August’s Top Gun quarterback camp will air throughout this month on Fox Sports Net.

McDade has run St. Mary’sshotgun spread attack with ease, completing 111 of 188 passes for 1,904 yards with 23 touchdowns and just one interception. The article went on to state: “McDade said he’s gotten interest from Fresno State, San Diego State and Kansas State this fall and hopes to play football at the Division I level. Franks said that shouldn’t be a problem. “The thing that strikes me about Marcus is that we’re just scratching the surface with him,” Franks said. “He has tremendous upside at that position. The longer he does it, the better he will get.’ “

 

Four SM Athletes Sign Letters of Commitment

 

Afure Jemerigbe, Alle Moreno, Chesea Gray and Madeline Kennedy sign their letters-of-intent on Thursday. Jemerigbe, Moreno and Gray committed to play basketball for Cal, Sacramento State and Duke, respectively, and Kennedy, a gymnast, committed to UC Davis.

 

 

San Singh Finalist in Pacific High School Forensics Invititational

 

Debating the merits of high school exit exams, St. Mary's senior, San Singh was a finalist in the Lincoln-Douglas varsity debate category at the Pacific

High School  Forensics Invitational, an event that saw 350 students participate in three days of competition. Quoted by The Record, San stated: " It’s the direct competition of ideas.” referring to the nature of the competition, noting that it was more than simply winning or losing.

   

Yosemite Forensic League Speech and Debate Tournament Results

 

St. Mary’s placed 3rd in the Debate Sweepstakes and Fourth in the Individual Debate Sweepstakes.

 

Individual Results A Division: Impromptu: 2.San Singh • International extemporaneous: 3. Nico

Perrino. B division: Impromptu: 2. WanjikuMuhires • National extemporaneous:1. Matt Gordon, 2. Gus Rehmke, 4. Daniel Valdez; 6. David Carranza.

 

"Paddy" Mulrooney's Pumpkins Help Poor

 

After living 10 days in the slums of Honduras St. Mary’s Freshman Patrick “Paddy” Mulrooney, knew that children his age were suffering from extreme poverty and he wanted to do something about it.  Patrick started “Paddy’s Pumpkin Patch” in 2006 after he spent his summer vacation with his aunt and uncle who moved to one of the poorest slums in Honduras to work with families.  “I never saw anything like it and it seemed so unfair that I had a nice life and these kids were just barely making it” said Patrick of his experience.  Things he used to take for

granted –like bathrooms, running water, and safe streets became things he realized that the children in this community lived without.

 

Built on the city dump after Hurricane Fifi in 1974, Nueva Suyapa is one of the poorest and most dangerous communities in Honduras.  A maze of steep rutted dirt roads and small tin roofed dwellings, the community is one in which more than 70 percent of the children live in poverty.  The majority of children living in this community hardly finish the 6th grade due to poverty, something that was hard for Patrick to take. 

 

On his visit Patrick met Carlos, a kid his age who was living with his 10 family members in one small room, and who sometimes was forced to quit school to sell candy in the streets for money to buy food.  Carlos was much like Patrick though – he loved soccer, playing in the street, and was a regular kid who wanted to have fun.  For ten year old Patrick he knew he wanted to do something different to help kids like Carlos stay in school.  

 

Upon his return from Honduras he asked his mom, “What can we do for the kids in Honduras?”   October was coming and they thought about their big empty field next to the house.  “Let’s plant pumpkins and sell them!” The first year a friend heard about his endeavor and matched every pumpkin sold.  He was able to send $3450 to Honduras and bought 50 mattresses for orphans, put a roof on one of the schools, and helped pay for education scholarships for children.

 

The following year the pumpkins were planted but a small mite ate through the crop.  After spending hours and hours tending to the pumpkins he was heartsick, but a friend heard about “Paddy’s Pumpkin Patch” and gave him a discount on his pumpkins so Paddy could sell them and still make a profit. He sold $2300 worth of pumpkins and helped buy a van to transport children to school as well as buy play equipment for over 600 children.

With this year sales he hopes to help the many families affected by the political crises in Honduras.  Because of the crises many haven’t been able to work and so Paddy’s Pumpkins will help buy emergency food as well as build a second story on a school. 

 

Layney Silva Wind JGANC All Stars Tournament

 

Layney Silva, a sophomore from Saint Mary's High, won the JGANC All Stars Tournament held at Santa Theresa Golf Course in San Jose on Sunday. Layney finished her round with birdies on pars 15, 16, and 18 to shoot 75 on the par 73, 6,430 yard layout.

 

Matthew Zarzuela featured in Record Article

Matthew Zarzuela, a member of the "Sunday At Five" band, that performs at Church of Presentation in during the 5 p.m. Teen Mass was featured in a photo in the Record. The accompanying article discussed how the band leads singing in a way they hope helps make a connection with young people.

 

Sunday at Five, released a self-titled CD as a fundraiser for the parish’s youth center. Joseph Malvar, the lead vocalist was quoted as  saying: “We want to help draw kids closer to God and we do it by being lively and uplifting.”

 

The band’s music has been described "by turns buoyant and reverential, depending on the moment.

 

Photo by Calistro Romero, The Record

   

 

Jessica Hufford Chosen to Represent California at Convention

 

Jessica Hufford, a freshman, was chosen by the National Federation of Republican Women to represent California at its conference Sept. 10 through 13 in Orlando, Fla. As a page, Jessica will carry and present a flag during the convention’s opening ceremony, sit with a delegate and perform other duties. Jessica is the secretary of the Tracy Teenage Republicans Club.

 

"Anything Goes" Gets  6 Elly Awards & 12  Nominations

 

The SARTA (Sacramento Area Regional Theatre Alliance) "Elly" award winners were announced in a ceremony at the Crest Theatre in Sacramento September 20, 2009.The Ellys are named after the late Eleanor McClatchy, who was the president of McClatchy Newspapers, which publishes The Bee.  

 

A group of over 40 from St. Mary's attended the formal-attire event, including many cast members and their families, and adult production staff leaders. St. Mary's 2009 Spring musical Anything Goes won 6 of the 12 nominations it received in eleven "Education Musical" categories!  CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNERS, listed below, as well as our 6 other nominees:
 

SMHS ELLY AWARD WINNERS:

 

Choreography: Mrs. Nina Thiel and Mrs. Evelyn Barney

 

Costume Design: Ms. Traci LaDue (received by Mrs. Dianne Bowe) 

 

Set Design: Mr. Terry Smith

 

Supporting Actor: Ben Gibson ('09) and Michael Gilliland (TIE)

 

Lead Actor: Daniel Gherardi

 

OTHER SMHS ELLY AWARD NOMINEES

 

Lighting Design: Mr. Rex Reynolds

 

Musical Direction: Ms. Elizabeth Hodgdon

 

Supporting Actress: Joy Clark

Lead Actress: Adrienne Reynolds

 

Direction: Mr. Kevin Costello

 

Overall Production: SMHS Anything Goes!

 

Christiana Ferrari Wins Doubles Tournament

Source: The Record

 

Christina Ferrari and her partner beat their opponents in straight sets to take the championship of the mixed doubles at the 48th Annual Captain Weber tournament at the Oak Park Tennis Center on July 26th.

 

 

Ram's Golfer In Junior World Championships

Source: The Record

 

St. Mary’s High own Layney Silva, 14, after making the cut at the prestigious Callaway Golf Junior World Championships in San Diego finished 15th in the world in the 13-14 age division. Silva was the highest finisher among Northern California qualifiers. She had four birdies and shot an even-par 72  to go with her prior 70 and 81. The tournament was founded in 1968 and has hosted players from 73 countries with an annual field of more than 1,000 junior boys and girls.

 

Sam Singh In National Speech Championship

 

San Singh who will be a senior next year, has qualified to attend the National Forensic League Championship . Sam’s three-year total of 1,536 competitive speech-and-debate points is considered extraordinary. His coach, Diane Roza observed that few students earn more points.  However, as the Record quoted him, "I don't really care about total points all that much," said Singh"I just like participating."

 

In extemporaneous speaking, the students have 30 minutes to prepare a seven-minute speech on a randomly selected topic. "In terms of how well I think I'll do, I don't really have that high of expectations," said Singh, a 16-year-old senior-to-be who's debating on the "senate" side in congress. "It's only the second time I've done the event. But it concerns social and political issues that affect America. A lot will be stuff I can just talk about naturally."

 

Sam has a grade-point average is 4.58 and is considering Harvard, Brown and Johns Hopkins. He hopes to study medicine and is interested in genetics as a possibility. However, as he observed "Right now, though, I don't have enough information."

 

 

Ram Hero Records A Save For Trojan Friend

 

Corey Drivon is a catcher for the St. Mary’s varsity baseball team. Gavin Washington, his good friend, is a designated hitter for the Rams traditional foe, Lincoln. School rivalry took a back seat the day after St. Mary’s beat the Trojans on May 16 when the two friends were involved in a serious personal watercraft accident that left Gavin Washington floating face down in the water with two skull fractures. Corey helped his friend regain consciousness and held him above water until help arrived approximately 20 minutes later. Gavin is recovering slowly and Corey humbly side steps praise by saying his friend would have done the same for him. The two hope to continue their friendly rivalry in the 2009-2010 athletic season.

   

2009-2010 Class Book List

 

The list of books for each course offered at St. Mary's has been published. Books can be purchased on-line from MySchoolBookstore.com. The catalog of books can be accessed with this link.

 

Check out news and information concerning Saint Mary's students:  >Student News<

 

 

Campus Construction

 

Fitness Center

 

Fundraising is actively being pursued to build a new athletic complex and fitness center to serve the St. Mary's student body.  This new building will take the place of the venerable St. Bonaventure structure and will provide a center for fitness training for the students.

 

Progress To Date

 

The new Cortopassi Aquatics Center is open The new upgrade of the football field is complete. The Lagorio  Administration, Library and Technology building is open. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on August 28, 2005 and construction was completed in September, 2006. The building was dedicated in February 11, 2007. The new Cortopassi Aquatics Center was started in Spring 2007 and dedicated on October 7, 2007.  A new Science Building at the site of the old Administration Building is in the works and a new Athletic Fitness Center is scheduled to be built next to the aquatics center. The "Generations of Educational Excellence" project that will re-build and re-vitalize the Saint Mary's campus Three new portables were installed in the north side of the campus to provide additional classroom space and to house the Development Office.  Prior to the official start of the project, the Sprague family had donated a new field house used by baseball, wrestling and cheer, the baseball field, through the significant efforts of Coach Pete Pijl, became a "Field of Dreams" and the Thompson family had generously donated funds to create the Thompson Sports Complex.

 

 

Faculty & Staff News

 

SM Teacher, Danny Dunne Becomes Author

 

St. Mary’s own Danny Dunne has written a novel about being a career cop in Tracy, one confused about his identity and his allegiance to an arch-conservative police department. “The Blue Mexican” is fiction largely drawn from Dunne’s life before he returned to college and became a teacher at St. Mary’s High.

 

   

Coach Dian Kern Dies After Battle With Cancer

 

Coach Dian Kern, the energetic tennis coach for St. Mary's who has coached women's and men's tennis since 2000 with a tough but motherly style, lost her battle with cancer on February 13, 2010.

 

Coach Kern fought her illness quietly, without calling attention to herself, but with the same resolute intensity as she brought to the court. May she rest in peace.

   

 

Brother Nate Boltz, O.S.F.S Arrives at  St. Mary's

 

Brother Nate Boltz, O.S.F.S. has been assigned to St. Mary's High School for a six month period. He is originally from Toledo, Ohio and is a member of the  Toledo-Detroit Province of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales.

 

Brother Nate has jumped right into helping out all over the school and can be seen working with Brother James and with Mr. Manny Mendel.

 

Welcome, Brother Nate!

   

 

Kevin Costello Named One of Most Influential in S.J. County

 

Kevin Costello, St. Mary's Theatre Director, has been named one of the most influential people of San Joaquin County by Lodi Magazine.

 

The article recognizing him is as follows:

 

"St. Mary's High School Theater Director Kevin Costello is conducting rehearsals for" Leis Miserables,'the eighth musical during his tenure at the school. It's a tough play, but Costello knows his students are up to it. choose material that gets kids excited," Costello says "It's adult material, and it challenges them to do their best. It creates a professional atmosphere in everything they do:'

From the I980s to the mid- I990s, Costello spent 12 years in traveling the­ater with his wife, Elizabeth, delivering a program designed to encourage reading in elementary school children through-cart California. It was there that he mas­tered use of"the hook," the opening scene grab that catches the audience's attention and "makes them realize they're in for something special"That same technique has made Costello's productions some of the most-sought after plays in the valley His peers are cognizing him, too: last spring, St [Ivy's entered the Sacramento Area Regional Theatre Alliance (SARTA)'s Elly Awards competition and walled offwith six awards out of 12 nominations for its production of "Anything Goes:"

 

Costello is also a pastoral associate at the Cathedral of the Annunciation, handling liter­ature in youth ministry. He's also created The Annunciation Players, an informal group of actors from the ministry who perform annual murder mysteries as fundraisers for the cathedral.The seven mysteries performed since 2003 have generated more than $100,000 for use at Annunciation. "I'm very blessed he says. "I get to do what I love, and spend time with my familyYou can't ask for more than that."

 

Beloved St. Mary’s Teacher Dies

 

Anne Marie Pierce, St. Mary’s beloved computer teacher, died on December 27, 2009 at the age of 60. The students and fellow faculty of St. Mary’s are deeply saddened by her death and will miss her dearly.

 

Anne Marie Pierce

August 28, 1949 – December 27, 2009

May Eternal Light Shine Upon Her

May She Rest In Peace

 

 

Greg Traverso Honored as Architect of Peace

St. Mary's Dean, Greg Taverso and his wife Susan were two of 30 local Stocktonians that were honored as the first recipients of the "Architect of Peace" honor.  The award is presented by the Architect of Peace Foundation begun by Rima Barkett and professional photographer Michael Collopy, a  who has photographed peacemakers around the world.  It is intended to recognize those who, through their efforts here and abroad have encouraged peace through constructive efforts. The Traversos were honored, along with former SM teacher Dave Saunders for their work with Red Rhino.

 

Mrs. Leonardini Celebrates 50 Years of Teaching

 

Mrs. Rose Leonardini is celebrating her 50th year as a teacher. She has spent 42 of those years at St. mary's teaching language courses and is currently teaching Spanish.

 

A remarkable teacher and woman, Mrs. Leonardini has inspired generations of students with a love of learning and an understanding of cultures.

 

Congratulations and Thank You Mrs. Leonardini!

 

Barbara Harada's Alpaca Ranch Featured on Animal Planet

 

She's ever friendly and helpful; a knowledgeable, intelligent and energetic go-to person in the Athletic Department and now the Alpaca Ranch that Barbara and her husband Roy own and operate with its alpacas, llamas and donkeys will be featured on Animal Planet.

 

On August 26, a crew came to film an episode for the Animal Planet show  "Weird, True & Freaky" a series on people with phobias related to different kinds of animals.  They brought a girl who was terrified of llamas and had been having nightmares about them along with a psychologist that is trying to help her get over her fear. The episode will be featured on week 13 of the series that begins at the end of September. :: Alpaca Ranch Website ::

 
General Announcements

 

Summer School

 

Summer school dates have been set. First semester will run June 1-18, 2010 and second semester will run June 21-July 9, 2010.

 

Applications for summer school will be available March 1st and the summer school admission process will begin April 1, 2010.

 

  :: Get Application Here ::

 

Successful Student Program (SSP)

This course offers students who struggle with their academics.  The course emphasizes organization, homework assistance, and test taking skills.  The course meets Monday-Thursday from 7:15AM-8:00AM and briefly after school on Friday.  The class is limited to 15 students and the cost is $60.00 per month.  For further information contact Mr. Johnston at jjohnston@saintmaryshighschool.org or (209)957-3340 ext. 209.

 

Plan Ahead for Summer Vacation Scheduling

 

It is never too early to make summer travel plans! Summer vacation begins with the completion of the final semester exam on Friday, May 20, with registration tentatively scheduled for August 11th and classes resuming on August 16, 2010.

 

Please make your vacation plans accordingly. Do not schedule trips during final exams as permission cannot be granted for students to miss exam days due to family travel or extended holiday vacations. No exceptions to this school policy will be granted. Semester exams are very important and are to be treated seriously. Please help your child understand this by NOT planning vacations during exam week.

 

Europe Trips

 

Europe 2010 has limited openings  at this time. The tour is 22 days and includes stops in Italy, Switzerland, France and England. Highlights  are stops in Rome, Florence, Venice, Wengen,  Paris and London. Current Freshmen are not eligible.

 

Europe 2011 is a 15-day tour and will include Ireland, Scotland and England. The itinerary and pricing is available in Room 16. An orientation and sign-up meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 22nd in Room 81, 7:00 p.m. This meeting is only for the 2011 trip. Current frosh, sophs and juniors are eligible.

 

Students or parents who would like the 2010 or 2011 itineraries, pricing and paperwork, please contact Jon Gustorf by calling 957-3340, Ext. 254. Jon's email address is: jgustorf@saintmaryshighschool.org. Students are invited to stop by Room 16 for information.

 

Refer a Student

 

Current students, parents, alumni, and friends play an important role in our student enrollment.

 

We encourage you to e-mail or call us directly to recommend a prospective student to St Mary's High School.

 

Once we receive the information from you, we will send the prospective student all of the appropriate admission information.

 

Email: dmalcoun@ saintmaryshighschool.org or Phone: 209-957-3340, Ext. 180.

 

Volunteers Needed

  • to make Annual Appeal follow-up phone calls. These local calls may be made from your home. Script and numbers will be provided.

 

  •  to help Becky Carlson with the Teacher Appreciation Luncheon on March 10th, 2010.

If interested please call 209-957-3340, Ext. 195 or email sutowne@ saintmaryshighschool. org.

 

Thanks for any help you can give!

 

Cortopassi Pool Gets Reptile Visitor

 

Saturday, August 29, 2009 started off fairly normally for the Junior Rams Football team who were going to take their photos by Cortopassi Pool! Suddenly the players began yelling and running. When the coaches went to investigate, they found an alligator had come calling at the pool. Six police officers and two animal control officers finally corralled the wayward reptilian visitor.  There is no information as to how the 'gator got to the pool.

   

St. Mary's High School Student Academic Honor Code

 

"... For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord, but also in the eyes of man ..." Romans 8:21

 

"Goodness is the only investment that never fails ..." Henry David Thoreau

 

St. Mary's High School is a community with a proud tradition in which faculty and students share knowledge, ideas, and creative works. St. Mary's High School Academic Honor Code expresses our commitment and moral

responsibility to accurately represent the contribution of each individual and to ensure that those contributions are made in an honest fashion with personal integrity as a cornerstone of this call to honor.

 

The purpose of the Code is to help students develop habits of moral character. Each student is an important member of the St. Mary's High School Family and must make the ethical and moral commitment to act honestly and to encourage other students to act in the same way.

 

This Code outlines the expectations of the St. Mary's High School student and the consequences for violating those same expectations. The teacher will notify the Academic Dean of all MAJOR violations of the Academic Honor Code. The teacher will provide proof of the violation and the teacher will be informed of the appropriate consequence. The Academic Dean will notify the parent/guardian of the situation and meet with the parent/guardian.

 

EXPECTATIONS

 

1. All work will be the student's own original work. All quotes, statistics, facts and sources will be properly cited as taught by the SMHS English Department using the MLA format. Plagiarism will not be tolerated.

Plagiarism is defined as taking ideas or writings knowingly from another person or source and presenting those ideas or writings as one's own original work.

 

2. All tests will be taken according to the teacher's instructions and requirements. Cheat sheets, electronic cheating, or any other verifiable proof of cheating is a violation of this honor code.

 

3. The student will submit required essays to turnitin.com as instructed by the teacher.

 

Honor Code Definitions

 

MAJOR VIOLATION: This is an assignment or test which makes up a major part of the student's grade (at least 5% of the quarter grade). The violation must be accompanied by PROOF to the Academic Dean.

 

MINOR VIOLATION: This is cheating on an assignment such as a daily reading quiz or written homework assignment. Copying or cheating on such routine assignments will be handled by the classroom teacher in a way he/ she feels appropriate and reasonable. Minor violations may also include the teacher seeing the student copying an answer from another student's paper. These violations will be dealt with by the teacher. The class syllabus will outline the consequences for minor violations of the Student Honor Code and the teacher will enforce his/her class rules.

 

PROOF: Major violations of the Student Honor Code must be provable. Such proof includes, but is not limited to, cheat sheets, crib notes, notes on a student's physical person, turnitin.com violations, two tests that are 100% exactly alike, phone or text messages, twitter or other electronic messages, emails, etc.

 

CONSEQUENCES: Major violations of the Honor Code will result in a student/parent conference with the Academic Dean as well as a zero on the assignment in question. Repeated major violations will result in an additional conference with the Academic Dean and additional academic and disciplinary sanctions.

 

Grade - Credit- On Line Class Verification

 

For eligibility purposes, final grades and earned credits from schools other than St. Mary's, including online classes, must be verified by the first full day of classes In August For Ql eligibility and the Friday before the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday in January for Q3 eligibility. Grades from courses taken at schools other than St. Mary's, Including online classes, will be computed for eligibility in Fall and Spring semester gpas only. Q2 and Q4 eligibility will be determined using only St, Mary's grades earned the previous quarter.

 

A member of the St, Mary's Guidance Department will proctor final exams for online and/or correspondence courses. Appointments for taking final exams must be scheduled ahead of time with a member of the Guidance Department. Exams may be taken on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month. When school is in session, these exams will be administered at 2: 15 p.m. For testing on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays in June, July, and August, students can call Mr., Nomellini, 957-3340, Ext 124, to schedule a testing time.

 

A fee of $25 will be assessed for each final exam proctored. The fee is due prior to the administration of the final exam.

 

Dennis Uniforms Site Link

 

Dennis Uniforms is the official provider of uniforms for St. Mary's High School. Parents wishing to order uniforms or get more information can visit the site with this link: Dennis Uniforms

 

St. Mary's Chapel Hours

 

Daily Mass

Monday - Friday

6:50 a.m. & 7:30 a.m

 

Saturday

7:00 a.m.

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SchoolPoP Program Helps Support St. Mary's

 

Schoolpop’s name-brand online merchants contribute up to 20% of every purchase you make to Saint Mary's High School. Use the link to begin supporting the school.

 

 

Cortopassi Aquatics Center Lap-Swimming Memberships

 

St. Mary's has made the Cortopassi Aquatics Center available for lap swimming between the hours of 10 a.m and 1 p.m. Monday through Friday on a year-round basis. Parents, alumni and friends may purchase one year memberships for $300. Contact Dragan Bakich at 957-3340 extension 108 for more information.

 

Generations of Excellence Updates

 

The new Cortopassi Aquatics Center is open The new upgrade of the football field is complete. The Lagorio  Administration, Library and Technology building is open. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on August 28, 2005 and construction was completed in September, 2006. The building was dedicated in February 11, 2007. The new Cortopassi Aquatics Center was started in Spring 2007 and dedicated on October 7, 2007.  A new Science Building at the site of the old Administration Building is in the works and a new Athletic Fitness Center is scheduled to be built next to the aquatics center. The "Generations of Educational Excellence" project that will re-build and re-vitalize the Saint Mary's campus Three new portables were installed in the north side of the campus to provide additional classroom space and to house the Development Office.  Prior to the official start of the project, the Sprague family had donated a new field house used by baseball, wrestling and cheer, the baseball field, through the significant efforts of Coach Pete Pijl, became a "Field of Dreams" and the Thompson family had generously donated funds to create the Thompson Sports Complex.

 

Reminder To Parents

 

ATTENTION The Bus Bay in front of the school on EI Dorado Street is NOT to be used for drop-off or pick-up before or after school The Bus Bay is a very dangerous place to stop. It is important that you drop-off ON Campus in the designated drop-off/pick-up zones. Please talk to your students about this.

 

PLEASE NOTE: The Stockton Police Department has notified St Mary's that they will be issuing tickets to anyone using the Bus Bay or EI Dorado Street for drop-off or pick-up purposes.

 

General Rules of Conduct

 

a) No student shall conspire or commit any act that degrades, or disgraces any fellow student or person attending St. Mary's.

 

b) The entire school area will be considered a closed campus during school hours. Anyone who wishes to visit classes must obtain a pass from the Vice Principal.

 

c) Eating or drinking in the school buildings and hallways is not allowed.

 

d) No student shall place litter of any kind (paper, cans, wrappers, food, etc.) on the ground, on a table, or any place other than a trash can or recycling bin of some kind. GUM IS NOT ALLOWED. If, at the discretion of the Deans, the school grounds are considered littered, school will be extended for that day until the trash has been picked up by students assigned from each class.

 

e) School lockers are the property of St. Mary's High School. At no time does St. Mary's relinquish its exclusive ownership and control of lockers provided for the convenience of the students. All locks used on lockers shall be purchased from the Ram Center (PE locks and lockers will be issued through the PE department). Any loss or damage to lockers or the contents of the lockers shall be the responsibility of the student to whom the locker was assigned.

 

f) Electronic devices (including but not limited to cell phones and Ipods are not allowed. These items if visable during school hours will be confiscated. Confiscated items will be returned after the student serves a 45-minute detention. Video cameras are not allowed on campus unless pre-approved by a teacher and the Dean of Students. Video cameras may be confiscated and held for the remainder of the school year.

g) Students shall carry their Student Body Card with them at school and school related activities and present the card upon request.

 

h) No student is allowed to use the school facilities for any purpose without the permission and presence of a faculty member or coach. This includes, but is not limited to the athletic fields, weight rooms, gymnasiums, hallways, cafeteria and classrooms.

 

i) Cutting: Students will be given 3 hours of detention for each class cut and socially suspended until the detention hours are cleared.

 

Search of Personal Property

 

Inspection of personal property including (but not limited to) lockers and their contents, clothing pockets, backpacks and cars may be conducted by the Principal, Dean of Students or their designee for any reason, at any time, without notice and without student or parent consent.

  

Law Enforcement Interview of Students

 

Law enforcement officials have the right to arrest, take into custody, or interview students in attendance at school. St. Mary's High School has no obligation to protect a student from interview by law enforcement officials. In any such matter, other than child abuse, parents shall be informed of the interview as soon as possible. In some cases this may be after the police investigation is complete.

 

Plan Ahead

 

The  2009-2010 Parent/Student handbook contains the dates and times for all Scholarship and Guidance Department events.

 

Just in case you were not aware:

 

Tardies: Students are given a 1-hour detention that must be served the same day for an unexcused tardy. In years past the student had two days to serve a fifteen-minute unex­cused tardy detention. Students realized that this penalty was not so bad. Consequently we were up to 40-45 tardies on any given day. Since the 1-hour tardy detention has been in effect, the students quickly learned one hour is too long to stay after school. Our unexcused tardy detentions on a daily basis are now as few as 2 to 6 tardies per day. It is working.

 

Drug Dogs: We recognize the hardship created by drugs and alcohol. Therefore, we continually strive to provide a drug free environment, safe for student growth and learning. A drug dog continues to periodically come on campus to sniff for alcohol, drugs, or weapons. We strongly believe that since we have contracted with the company Kontraband, Interdiction and Detection Services, K.I.D.S. Inc. the results have been very effective as a preventive measure towards the use of or selling of drugs/alcohol on campus. We ask that you please do your part and not allow your homes to be a place where alcohol is accessible to teenagers.

 

Dress Code: We believe that dressing in an appropriate, modest and neat manner sig­nals to self and others that school is a place where a seriousness of purpose can be found. Boys' pants must be fitted around the waist and appropriately tailored for school wear. Girls' shorts and skirts must be at most 3 inches length from the knee. We cannot supervise the dress code alone. We need your help in monitoring what your child wears to school. Remember, any and all types of sweatshirts worn to school must be a Saint Mary's High School sweatshirt purchased from the school bookstore.

 

Parents are required to actively support the dress code. A student who comes to school out of dress code will be given a 45 minute detention (to be served the same day) and the student may also be required to contact a parent/guardian to have proper attire delivered to school before the student is allowed to return to class. Continual disregard for the school uniform is grounds for dismissal from SMHS. The Dean of Students shall be the arbiter and decision-maker on what is a violation of the dress code.

 

Hair:

  • Hair must be neat, clean and of the student's natural color.

  • Hair styles that draw undue attention (e.g. shaved heads, spiked hair, bleached or dyed hair) are not allowed. Ponytails are not allowed.

  • Hair must not touch the collar or extend beyond the eyebrow.

  • Sideburns may not extend beyond the earlobe and cannot be wider than one inch.

  • Boys must be clean shaven.

  • The final decision on hairstyle rests with the deans.

Trash/Litter: This condition has become a major area of concern particularly after the lunch hour. More and more students are leaving their trash on their tables and not using the trash receptacles. We have a school policy that states the school day will be extended, if at the discretion of the Deans, the school grounds are considered littered beyond what is reasonable. Please tell your children to throw their trash away when they are finished eating.

 

Cell Phones: Modem technology has provided the opportunity for students to use their phones to text message answers of tests to other students or to actually photograph and send a quiz or test to another student. For this reason, as well as the fact that cell phones are disruptive, students who use their cell phones during the school day will have their phones taken away and they will not be returned until the student serves a 45 minute detention.

 

Once again, thank you for your help and support.

 

Office of the Deans

 

New Cell Phone Plans

 

There are new cellular phone plans designed specifically for parents The plans allow parents to set parameters for their children with regard to their cell phone/text message usage The Dean's Office strongly encourages you to consider this type plan for your child

These plans allow you to set limits for

 

Number of text and instant messages.

Dollar amount of down-loadable purchases (ring tones. games. etc.),

Time available for Web browsing/data usage per billing cycle.

Time periods for which the phone can be used for text-messaging. Web-browsing and outbound calling:

Who can be phoned or texted (incoming or outgoing), and

The access of content inappropriate for children.

 

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Greg Traverse or Kathy Smith at 957-3340. As a reminder, according to school policy, cell phones are not to be used during school hours. It is our hope that using this type of calving plan would significantly curtail the use of text-messaging during school hours

 

The Diocese of Stockton mandates that all people who work with children and youth in our parishes and schools must undergo child abuse prevention training through the Shield the Vulnerable online program The training details five steps to prevent child sexual abuse. Know the warning signs of an inappropriate relationship with a child

 

1. Know the signs!

2. Control access to children by carefully selecting the adults who work with children and youth

3. Monitor all programs for the safety of children and youth.

4. Be aware of and sensitive to what is going on in the lives of children.

5. Communicate concerns to the appropriate person in authority

 

For particular help you may call Linda Dillen Manager/Benefits/Safe Environment Department for the Diocese of Stockton, (209) 466-0636. Ext 611

 

Basic overview of some of the laws that apply to teenagers

 

Laws are constantly changing and this guide is intended to provide you with general information.

 

The Age of Majority

In most states, including California the age of majority is 18. Teenagers have the right to: enter into binding contracts, sue or be sued in their own names, vote in state and local elections, consent to all types of medical treatment.

 

Alcohol and Kids

It is illegal to possess false identification or use a fake I.D. to purchase or attempt to purchase alcohol. It is illegal to provide alcohol to anyone under 21. Parents can be held criminally liable for contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

 

Curfew Laws

Under state law, parents can be charged for the administration and transportation cost of returning a minor to his or her home on a second curfew violation. Curfew in Stockton for teenagers under 18 is enforced from 11:00 P.M. until 6:00 A.M.

 

Graffiti

California law makes parents liable in certain circumstances when their kids damage, destroy or deface the property of others. Fines range from up to a year in jail or as much as $50,000 fine and/or imprisonment depending on the extent of the damages. Taggers between the ages of 13 and 21 could have their driver's licenses revoked or delayed for up to a year.

 

Help for kids who have run away from home: The California Youth Crisis Line 1-800-843-5200

 

Internet safety information can be found on the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children's Web site : www.missingkids.com

 

Smoking and Kids

It is against the law for minors to purchase, receive or possess tobacco products and to knowingly sell, give or furnish tobacco products (including chewing tobacco) to children under the age of 18.

 

Vandalism

Parents can be held liable for vandalism committed by their children. Some common types of vandalism among youth are mali­ciously scratching a car, egging property, re-moving highway warning signs, being cruel to animals, opening or reading a sealed letter or envelope without the authority to do so and tampering with fire alarm apparatus and giving false alarms.

 

Work, Work Permits and Taxes

Children who are 16 and older can obtain full-time work permits. Those age 18 and older no longer need such a permit. Young people may be required to file federal and state income tax returns.

 

The above information was taken from the Kids and the Law Guide. Copies or additional information can be found at www.kids@calbar.ca.gov.

 

Counselor's Corner

 

Junior class parents and students are reminded to log on to www.collegeboard.com and www.act.org to register for the SAT Reasoning and ACT Tests.

 

Parents wishing to receive periodic announcements and updates from their child’s respective guidance counselor may join a group email list through our school website, www.saintmaryshighschool.org. To sign up, click on the Guidance link and scroll down toward the end of the page. Please note: if you were on the email list last year, you will need to sign up again for this academic year.

 

Wednesday, March 10, 2010 is the day of standardized, school wide testing. It is mandatory for the freshmen and sophomores to attend school on this day. We will administer the EXPLORE test to freshmen, and the PLAN test to sophomores. Both tests serve as preparation for the ACT. The ACT is a college admissions exam. The school day will end at approximately 11:40 a.m. Please plan accordingly.

On this same day, juniors and seniors will have the opportunity to attend an information session sponsored by San Joaquin Delta College. This session is voluntary and will be held at 8:30 a.m. in the library. Topics covered will include programs, services, and other items relevant to admissions. For more information, please contact Mr. Nomellini at 957-3340, Ext. 124. Please note: If juniors and seniors choose not to attend the Delta College presentation, they are not expected to be at school on March 10th.

 

Parents are encouraged to log onto PowerSchool through our school website. If you have misplaced your username and/or password please contact Julia Scriven, our Registrar, at 957-3340, Ext. 103.

Scholarship Information

 

In January, all seniors should apply for financial aid from colleges/universities and the federal/state government by filling out the FAFSA form online at www.fafsa.ed.gov, and if the college requires one, a PROFILE form. The mailing period for these forms is January 1-March 2, 2010. Remember, some colleges/universities have an earlier FAFSA deadline. Also, several private universities require the PROFILE form. The PROFILE application form can be completed online at www.collegeboard.com. GPA verification forms will automatically be submitted by St. Mary’s after the semester grades in January.

A reminder: students must reapply each year for the St. Mary’s scholarships. Applications are due to the Scholarship Office by March 2, 2010 at 8:15 a.m.

 

To apply for St. Mary’s scholarships students can:

 

1. Go to the saintmaryshighschool.org website.

2. Click on “Scholarships.”

3. In Financial Aid, click on “SM Scholarship Application.”

4. Click on appropriate grade level for information and application.

 

All students should check the Scholarship Office regularly to see if there is a scholarship for which they can apply or an essay contest they can enter. Many organizations open scholarships to the entire student body.

 

SM Cookbooks are now available in the Scholarship Office for $20.00. Purchase your copy by coming to Room 227 or calling 957-3340, Ext. 121. All proceeds benefit St. Mary’s scholarships.

 

Tickets are now available for the scholarship drive-thru dinner to be held on Wednesday, February 24, 2010. Tickets are $12.00 and dinner includes chicken, pasta, salad, bread and dessert. For tickets and information contact the Scholarship Office at 957-3340, Ext. 121.

 

Message from Father Fallon

 

The Fog of Uncertainty

 

Living as we do in the central valley of California, we have all had to come to grips with our wintertime companion—valley fog. I think it is safe to say that most people do not love the fog. For the most part, we tolerate it since we know that its presence is inevitable and we have learned to deal with it.

 

In a certain sense the fog introduces a strong dose of uncertainty into our lives. When we look out the window in the early morning, we wonder how the drive to work or to school will be. Do I have to leave a tad earlier and take my time and get to my destination safely? And then suppose in the evening we have to drive to an unfamiliar place, we probably will be somewhat apprehensive. A very frightening experience comes with being lost in the fog.

 

You know that our life journey is sometimes beset with foggy conditions and these are often difficult to deal with. If there is one thing that we humans like to be assured of it is certainty. We like to have the "i’s" dotted and the "t’s" crossed—we would like to have a clear road to travel as we go about our daily lives. One of the worst things is not knowing.

 

But like the fog of the valley in the winter, we need to learn how to deal with uncertainty. Granted, we crave certainty—but that certainty often comes only by degrees.

 

There is no question that we live in very uncertain times. The security of a once strong economy has diminished. People are apprehensive about their livelihood and their ability to do some of the things that they had become accustomed to doing over a long period of time.

 

For the most part, we all know from experience the fog of early morning burns off into brilliant sunshine. So it is with the fog of uncertainty in our lives. It is our faith in God and our trust in his providence for us that will burn off the fog of uncertainty and reveal a brilliant sunshine of God’s love.

 

In his Introduction to the Devout Life, St. Francis de Sales writes "that we must preserve our equanimity in the midst of uncertainty. Though all is uncertain around us we must remain immovable, our eyes and our hearts ever fixed on God. Whatever course a ship may take, north or south, east or west, no matter what wind sweeps it on, its compass will ever point to the polar star. Even if our world, either within ourselves or outside of us, turns upside down or is unclear or uncertain, whatever we may experience, our compass will always be fixed on God, our Creator and Redeemer, our one and only good, toward whom our love forever carries us.”

 

In the fog of uncertainty, remain courageous and trust in the Lord always.

 

Message from Mr. Morelli

 

“Do not conform yourself to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2

 

Borrowing some themes from the history of marketing gives us a few words of wisdom and it can be argued that they are consistent with Romans 12:2.

 

We all realize that advertising slogans and phrases help us recognize certain products.

 

“You deserve a break today” McDonald’s, “Mmm Good” Campbell Soup, “See the USA in your Chevrolet” General Motors and, “Be All that You Can Be,” United States Army.

 

The last slogan was created in the post Vietnam era by Earl Carter in the mid 70’s. In an attempt to increase enlistment in an all-volunteer army, Major General Maxwell R. Thurman adopted the slogan in 1981. This phrase is an engaging and easy to identify term. “Be all that you can be” places a burden on an individual to set the pace and establish a scope of his/her dream. This slogan reminds us to keep dreaming and keep reaching for the stars.

 

Almost four hundred years ago, St. Francis de Sales (1567-1622) similarly said, “Be who you are and be that well.”

 

Each day I marvel at the way our students carry out these themes. Of course, it is evident that our athletic teams and those who participate in sports are successful. All you have to do is read The Record’s Sports Section where they are frequently mentioned.

 

However, all one has to do is walk in B hall near the Art rooms and observe a variety of student Art projects. Walking further down the hall, one hears the different choruses practicing and witnesses first hand the talent these students possess. Turning left is the next classroom where the school paper is written and where the speech and debate team practice. In the next classroom, the Yearbook staff is preparing pages for the school’s book. In an about face and at the other end of the corridor, the drum line, guitar, jazz band and concert band perform.

 

 

St. Mary’s High School, a co-educational school in the Catholic tradition, empowers students to define their vision and pursue their goals with confidence, competence and Christian generosity.

 

Also four students have been selected to the county honor band. The Jazz and Symphonic groups both placed 3rd at the Lincoln band review. And at the heritage festival last year, St. Mary's received the Spirit of Anaheim Award, which is given to the school that best represents its community and state.

In choir two students received the Nelson Zane Award for their four-year participation in County Honor Choir. St. Mary’s sent 29 students to the County Honor Choir, more than any other high school in the county. Four students were recipients of the California Central Region All State Honor Choir, and two students gained recognition in the California All State Honor Choir.

 

The 2009 Spring Musical Anything Goes was nominated in all 11 categories for the Sacramento Area Regional Theatre Alliance (SARTA) "Elly Awards" in the Category "Education Musical." St. Mary’s won 6 awards: Best Choreography, Best Costumes, Best Set, and Best Actor. Anything Goes and A Midsummer Night's Dream broke attendance records for the spring musical and the fall play, respectively. We are looking forward to the production of Les Miserables, which will be performed at Tillie Lewis Theatre on the San Joaquin Delta College Campus.

 

Our art students take part in the Tidewater Gallery's Annual Student Art Exhibition every year. Many of our students have won awards and have sold their artwork at this event. St. Mary's had the largest number of student entries at this exhibit last year.

 

The yearbook (Cauldron) in 2006 and 2007 received "All American" ratings from the National Scholastic Press Association, with marks of distinction in Design, Coverage, Photography, Concept, and Writing and Editing.

 

In Model United Nations, St. Mary’s represented Mexico and won the following awards:

• Outstanding Delegation for the U.N. Development Program committee

•Outstanding Delegation for the Social and Humanitarian committee

•Rapateur for the World Health Organization committee (Rapateur award is given to the most congenial and respected delegation.)

 

St. Mary’s Speech and Debate teams have qualified students to the State Tournament of Champions every year since 1999-2000. They have qualified for the National tournament 6 out of the last 10 years.

But being all that you can be is also witnessed in the classroom. This year the students performed at an 85% pass rate on all AP tests taken.

 

The movie “Field of Dreams” is about finding one’s niche. For one person, it was about forsaking baseball for a career in medicine; for a writer, it was about venturing into the unknown to get the story of a lifetime; for another, it was about growing in his love for his wife, his daughter and an opportunity to be at peace with the spirit of his father.

 

St. Francis de Sales wrote, “We must stay in our own ship to make the journey from this life to the next.” (Selected Letter, p.251) For each of us, following Jesus is about finding our unique, God-given niche in life…and sticking to it. “Be all that you can be” and/or “Be who you are and be that well,” are both good options for daily life.

 

As we journey through Lent, “Live Jesus” by remembering to be who you are and be that well.

 

Mary, Queen of Angels, St. Francis de Sales and St. Dominic, pray for us.

 

 

Student News :: Campus Construction :: Faculty News :: Announcements

 


 

St. Mary's High School
5648 N. El Dorado St.
Stockton, CA 95207