Mount Aviat Academy Awarded National Blue Ribbon

Aviat
The
LINK
Mount Aviat Academy
•
Childs, Maryland
•
Winter 2015
Mount Aviat Academy Awarded National Blue Ribbon
O
n September
30, U.S.
Secretary
of Education Arne
Duncan announced that
Mount Aviat Academy
was selected as a 2014
National Blue Ribbon
School of Excellence. The National Blue Ribbon Schools
Program recognizes public and private elementary, middle,
and high schools where students perform at very high
levels or where significant improvements are being made
in students’ academic achievement. This prestigious award
is given annually to only 50 private schools nationwide. A
National Blue Ribbon flag overhead has become a mark of
excellence in education recognized by everyone from parents
to policymakers in thousands of communities. Principal
Sister John Elizabeth responded to the news by saying, “I’m
honored that Mount Aviat was awarded the National Blue
Ribbon. I’m so proud of our teachers and the curriculum we
offer, not to mention our outstanding students!” Students
were thrilled to hear the news at a school assembly on the
afternoon of the 30th and even more thrilled to see ice
cream trucks in the parking lot with a special treat.
Sister John Elizabeth and teacher representative Mrs.
Gina Fritz traveled to Washington, DC, on November
11th for the formal recognition ceremony. A group of staff
members and former teachers met them in Washington to
cheer them on as they took the stage to receive the school’s
Blue Ribbon plaque.
In January, two special Blue Ribbon celebrations were
held: one to applaud the work of the school’s students and
the other to congratulate parents. Students celebrated on
January 16th by taking part in several service projects to give
students the opportunity to “pay it forward” and give back to
the community as an expression of their Catholic Identity.
Continued on page 3.
Mount Aviat Academy
399 Childs Road, Childs, MD 21916
410.398.2206 (main)
877.398.8063 (fax)
www.MountAviat.org
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Harry E. Hammond, Chairman
Carl Danberg, Chair of Long Range Planning Committee
Brenda Hendron, Chair of Endowment Committee
Martin McDonough, Chair of Finance Committee
Marie Classen, Education Committee
Anthony Farina, Communications
Bridget Landis, Secretary
Derrick Lowe, Buildings and Grounds
Mark Manniso, Finance Committee
Eric Palm, Chair of Buildings and Grounds Committee
Mary Ellen Powers, Education Committee
Sr. John Elizabeth Callaghan, OSFS, Principal
Sr. Anne Elizabeth Eder, OSFS, President of the Board
ADMINISTRATION
Sr. John Elizabeth Callaghan, OSFS, Principal
From the
Principal’s
Desk:
T
his school
year
marks
a momentous one for Mount Aviat Academy and one as principal I will
always treasure. On September 30th, I had the honor of sharing this
wonderful news with our students, faculty and staff, and many parents.
U.S. Department of Education Secretary Arne Duncan had named Mount
Aviat Academy a 2014 Blue Ribbon School of Excellence (see the cover
article for more details)! I could not be more proud of Mount Aviat and
our students and teachers, and I thank God for His Blessings on us.
As word spread about this wonderful news, I was overwhelmed by the
outpouring of congratulations by the Diocese, alumni parents, and those in
the greater MAA community. The entire MAA community shares in this
achievement with us. This achievement did not happen over the course of
one school year nor by one group of students or teachers; it is the result
of years of hard work and dedication by current and previous teachers,
students and parents. Thank you all for your commitment to Mount Aviat
and support of our Mission. It is with renewed energy that we continue to
educate students to be no more and no less than their best.
The Aviat Link
Charlene Nichols, Editor
Designed by Gamine Graphics
Yours in Christ,
Sister John Elizabeth Callaghan, OSFS
Thank you to our staff and parents for volunteering your time
and talents to photograph school events.
Professional photos provided by Tom Rzaca and Joan Copeland.
MISSION
The Mission of Mount Aviat Academy is threefold:
• to provide instruction in the message of Christ,
according to the teachings of the Catholic Church,
within the context of the gentle and caring spirit of
St. Francis de Sales;
• to offer an educational environment that promotes
high academic standards;
• to instill the principles of scholarship, citizenship and
service in the minds and hearts of the students.
Educating students to be
no more and no less
than their best.
2 Mount Aviat Academy
upcoming events:
February 22 March 26
April 19
April 26
April 2-12 April 29
May 6
May 15
May 22
June 2
Open House, 2-4 p.m.
Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast
Sports Breakfast Banquet
5K and Sister Walk
Holy Week and Easter Vacation
Awards Assembly
Grandparents’ Day
Teddy Bear Picnic for Incoming Preschoolers
Family Day, Mass 11 a.m.
Eighth Grade Graduation
These projects included
 taking part in the Diocesan effort of collecting shoes for
shipment to those in need in Africa,
 making blankets for Birthright and homeless shelters in
the Diocese,
 making rosary decade bracelets for the prison ministry
and for students from the Diocese who are attending the
March for Life in January,
 making bookmarks for the elderly in retirement homes
and all clergy and religious in the Diocese,
 creating drawings for or writing cards and letters to
service men and women to be distributed by the USO,
 and completing a prayer chain for families and friends to
be hung throughout the school.
In addition, students spent the afternoon “glowing”
with school pride—literally. Students wore special glow
t-shirts and were adorned with blue glow necklaces and
bracelets in a special celebration in the gym where students
competed in fun games and even took part in a flashmob
dance. The entire student body also will sign their names
on a blue ribbon painted in the gym, leaving their mark for
future generations of students. Bishop Malooly was the first
to sign the blue ribbon during his visit to MAA in January.
Parents were treated to a lovely cocktail reception on January
25th to kick off Catholic Schools Week and even received
champagne to toast to their children’s success. In attendance
were Mayor of Elkton Robert Alt and County Executive
Tari Moore, who both presented proclamations.
1
5
The Aviat Link
~ winter 2014
3
Mission Appeals Fund New Convent
in South Africa
A
bout two years ago the Oblate Sisters in Pella,
South Africa were forced to move out of their
convent because of mold growing in the walls.
Since then, they have been living in temporary housing. The
need to build a convent for the Sisters became urgent and
the Oblate Sisters in the United States were happy to assist
them in any way they could. “What a joy for us to help our
Sisters build a simple, healthy new home where they can
praise God and work for the good of their people,” was the
response of Sister Susan Louise of Fredericksburg, Virginia.
Soup’s On for our Missions, a student-run activity, was our
kick-off event at MAA. While students in grades 1 through
7 were quietly taking standardized tests, the graduating class
organized, promoted, prepared and served a hot soup and
sandwich luncheon for some very hungry students. Over
the past two years they raised $800. Creativity has been
flowing elsewhere in the school as students made bracelets,
bookmarks, held car washes and a variety of other activities
to help our Sisters.
At Holy Cross Academy, our Sisters’ school in
Fredericksburg, Virginia, they were also very busy raising
money to help build the Sisters’ new home. Eighth graders
took on the role of street musicians at their Catholic
Schools Week Family Dinner, receiving donations in their
instrument cases. Individual classes held mini-fundraisers
to augment the building fund. The Middle School Service
Group, Young Catholics, offered a warm drink to arriving
students and parents on a chilly winter morning. It was a
perfect day for hot chocolate or Joe-to-Go.
In addition to student activities at Mount Aviat
Academy and Holy Cross Academy, the Sisters recognized
the need for larger donations. Mother Françoise-Bernadette,
Superior General, and Sr. Anne Dorothy, Regional Superior
4 Mount Aviat Academy
in South Africa, came to the United States at the invitation
of the Oblate Fathers and Brothers and the Pastor of our
Sisters’ parish in Fredericksburg. For several weeks Mother
and Sister appealed to the generosity of Americans. The
blessings they received during this mission appeal not only
helped them move forward with plans but also have been a
source of great encouragement and solidarity, forging bonds
of Oblate-Salesian charity.
Groundbreaking for the Sisters’ new home took place
in the fall of 2014 and the construction workers have been
toiling on the new convent since then. The pictures they
have sent tell the story of this internationally funded project.
Sister Anne Elizabeth stated, “To all who have
supported this project to provide simple, yet adequate
housing for our Sisters, we thank you and assure you of
our gratitude and prayers. If you would like to contribute
to this project, we are grateful for any gift you can give to
complete the Sisters’ new home. Let’s all continue to build
up the Kingdom of God.” For more information about this
project and a possible trip to South Africa for the dedication
of the convent and sightseeing, contact Sr. Susan Louise at
principal@holycrossweb.com.
Service Club Popular Among Middle
Schoolers
I
n its fifth year now, Mount Aviat’s middle school service
club is continuing to grow in more ways than one! The
St. Leonie Aviat Service Club’s membership is bursting
at the seams with 39 students signed on this year. Their
enthusiasm has been as high as ever as they take on new
roles of leadership within the club and within the school.
Within the club itself, members have generated a variety
of ideas for new service activities and played a greater role
in deciding what activities to take on. One helpful set of
changes suggested by students was simply a number of new
ways to manage the annual “Giving Tree” service project,
from visiting classrooms to share in person about the
importance of this Advent outreach project, to looking after
the tree and the gifts around it, and finally to using a video
to advertise for it. Another way that students shared their
voice within the club was by giving input as to where to send
the funds raised by our first activity of the school year. In
the end, they split the proceeds from that carpool line bake
sale between our missions in South America and those in
South Africa.
The club also put a twist on their December visit
to Singerly Manor Assisted Living. Rather than simply
rehearsing and singing some songs, students had a series
of brief but fun, interactive activities with the residents:
trimming their Christmas tree, singing a few impromptu
carols, sharing some Christmas cookies baked by a member
and wrapping up the afternoon with a game. At the next
meeting in January, members created some unique carpool
numbers to be distributed to each carpool as a service to the
school community.
Some tried-and-true ways of serving stayed on
the schedule, to be sure, from baking for the mentally
challenged at Thanksgiving to coordinating a schoolwide
“To-Go Bag” project for the homeless. As they share their
ideas and contribute their time in service, members are
surely each growing in their own ways of following in the
footsteps of St. Leonie Aviat.
Athletic Association Bids Farewell to
Longtime VB Coordinator
I
n the Fall, the Mount Aviat Athletic Association fielded
four girls’ volleyball teams to participate in the Catholic
Diocese of Wilmington league. This year, a change
in our leadership was introduced as longtime coach and
coordinator, Larry Ertle, passed the ball to Tracy Willman
to be our new Volleyball Coordinator. Tracy demonstrated
outstanding leadership in organizing the teams, recruiting
new coaches and ensuring that everyone had a positive
experience. We sponsored 37 players for 4 teams across the
4th to 8th grade levels.
The 4th grade team was coached by Larry Ertle,
Maureen Donovan, George Poole and Vera Greenplate.
This was also the largest team with 11 enthusiastic players
who experienced the fundamentals of the game. The 5th
grade team, led by Jeffrey Stout and Craig Fausnaugh, had
another great season building on their success from last year.
The 6th grade team, led by Tracy Willman, Larry Ertle, and
Ed Murray, also had a strong building year while competing
in a very challenging division. The Varsity team featured a
combination of 7th and 8th grade girls and was led by the
dynamic leadership of Larry Ertle, Dino Camponelli and
Tariq Mahmud. The Varsity team proudly took home the
2nd place trophy in their division!
The enthusiasm for volleyball continues to be a strong
tradition at MAA, with the foundations being laid by Larry
Ertle over the course of his long-time involvement with
the program. We thank him for his leadership and service
to create such a winning attitude. That team spirit carries
over into off-the-court activities, as for the second year in
a row, the volleyball players and their families attended a
University of Delaware women’s volleyball match, where
our players formed the “high-five” tunnel, further inspiring
these wonderful student-athletes.
The Aviat Link
~ winter 2015
5
Making Memories at MAA
1
1. Students gather at the Grotto to form the Living Rosary, an
annual tradition at MAA. 2. Poor weather conditions doesn’t
stop MAA’s annual crib ceremony so students carol throughout
the halls and even the library. 3. Ronald McDonald greets several
first-grade students after a comical but valuable presentation
on important life values. 4. Fourth-grade students Chase Black
and Riley Trainer really get into character in their class Parade
of Saints. 5. Brothers Juan and Antonio Jaramillo break bread
together during the Preschool and Kindergarten Thanksgiving
feast. 6. Fourth graders Samuel Najera and Molly Donovan
impress the audience with their skills on the violin during the
Christmas Band Concert.
4
2
3
5
6
7
8
7. Mary, played by Aubri Loudermilk, receives a visit from the Angel Gabriel, played by Elijah Landis, in the Kindergartners’
heartwarming Christmas show. 8. Joseph and Mary, played by third-grade students Jacob Livingston and Lillian Beverung,
rejoice in the birth of the Savior in the Lower School Christmas Show. 9. First-grade students steal the show as the
Friendly Beasts in the Lower School Christmas Show. 10. Preschooler Nathan Smith makes a special delivery as one of the
Three Kings in the Preschool Christmas Show.
9
10
A Lot of Help from our Friends
T
he Friends and Families of the Oblate Sisters
(the Friends) have once again concluded a busy
fall. Beginning in August, the Friends held the
annual Ice Cream Social for all families entering first grade,
kindergarten, and preschool as well as all new families. After
welcoming remarks and pertinent information was shared on
school uniforms, car pool line and other important matters, all
were treated to ice cream sundaes.
The monthly taco lunch began in mid-September to an
overwhelming response. A big “thank you” to all the moms
and dads who help prepare and serve the tacos as well as the
eighth graders who did a great job helping the first graders
navigate the taco lunch line for the first time.
Just ten days later, the Oblate Sisters welcomed many
friends, old and new, to the annual Roast Beef Dinner while
the Friends served over 450 dinners. This could not have been
possible without the help of parents, students and alumni who
helped prepare, serve and clean up on that day.
As we said goodbye to summer and welcomed the cooler
weather, the little ones, dressed as their favorite Halloween
8 Mount Aviat Academy
characters, were treated to a fun-filled afternoon of Trunk
or Treating in the upper parking lot at MAA. It was a
beautiful October afternoon and the smiles and giggles on the
children’s faces let everyone know that the event was a hit.
After weeks of planning, cooking, and preparing, the
52nd Annual MAA Christmas Bazaar was held on Saturday,
November 22. St. Joseph’s Hall was filled with many friends
reminiscing, shoppers looking for that perfect gift and anxious
children waiting to talk to Santa. The Cream Puff Booth was
very busy trying to keep up with the request for cream puffs
and the Baked Goods table was overflowing with delicious
homemade apple and pumpkin pies and other homemade
goodies baked by our school families. The food line was also
busy with many shoppers taking time out to enjoy the always
popular stuffed cabbage, macaroni and cheese, homemade
soup and other delicious food made by a dedicated kitchen
crew.
Finally, the Friends would like to thank all the volunteers
who have helped make this fall very successful and they look
forward to a productive spring.
How long has Mrs. Betty Bienert continued with her annual
tradition of filling a mission bank and delivering it to MAA for
Christmas?
~
C
A: 40 years .
~
of Friend
e
l
c
s
ir
Annual Drive: Circle of Friends
T
he Annual Drive for 2014-2015 has raised
close to $70,000 in pledges. To help us
reach our goal of $80,000, please send your
contribution to: Mount Aviat Academy, 399 Childs
Road, Childs, MD 21916. The Annual Drive closes on
June 30, 2015. For more information about the Annual
Drive, contact Mrs. Charlene Nichols at 410.398.2206,
ext. 214 or Advancement@MountAviat.org. Listed
below are giving totals as of late January 2015:
Alumni
$2,225
Alumni Parents $19,060
Businesses
$785
Grandparents $25,425
Parents
$13,400
Special Friends $8,385
The Aviat Link
~ winter 2015
9
Going, Going, Gone!
Successful Auction Funds New Playground
M
ount Aviat’s annual dinner auction was a joyous
occasion from beginning to end. Guests enjoyed
fine New Orleans cuisine prepared and served
by The Chesapeake Inn, beginning with muffalata bites,
crawfish flatbread and Andouille sausage stuffed mushrooms.
The four-star dinner included steamship round of beef, creole
chicken penne pasta, seafood jambalaya, red beans and rice
and Southern succotash with a lovely peach cobbler for
dessert.
The theme, “Mardi Gras, Let the Good Times Roll,” was
particularly appropriate this year. On September 30, 2014,
the U.S. Department of Education announced that Mount
Aviat was selected as a 2014 National Blue Ribbon School of
Excellence, and it was apparent throughout the evening that
our guests recognized this achievement and were giving back
to the school with enthusiasm.
Our 150 guests had a wide variety of silent auction items
to bid on, including Swiss Army luggage, Tiffany & Co.
jewelry, theatre tickets and original photography and artwork.
This year’s live auction began with enthusiastic bidding for
delicious crepes prepared by Sister Joseph Margaret, and the
thrill and excitement continued to build. The live auction
items also included original artwork; local weekend getaways;
exciting ticket packages to watch the Baltimore Ravens,
the Baltimore Orioles and Philadelphia Eagles; a one-week
vacation in Aruba; professional grade snow thrower; and a
dining extravaganza at Woody’s Crab House. The highlight
of the live auction was having your children’s likeness
incorporated in Mount Aviat’s library hall mural, painted by
local artist, Bruce Parlier.
Each year, Mount Aviat has used the proceeds of the
auction to purchase “large ticket” items that directly benefit
our students. This year, the Auction proceeds will be used to
purchase new playground equipment.
The businesses that support the auction through
sponsorship and advertisement provide the funding needed
to hold this annual event. Thank you for your spirit of giving,
and we in turn support the community that is so generous
to us. The auction committee extends a warm thank you to
all of our donors, volunteers, sponsors, and guests. Thankyou sponsors of this year’s auction include Newark Dental
Associates; American Partner Technologies, LLC; Delaware
Medical Management Services; Salesianum School; Intech
Services, Inc.; Padua Academy; Premier Auto & Tire; and
Remline Corporation.
5th Annual MAA 5K / SISTER WALK ~ Sunday April 26, 2015
Race Time:
9:15 am (registration opens at 7:45 am) Mass will be celebrated in Holy Family Hall at 8:00 am.
Location:
Vicinity of Mount Aviat Academy
Benefits:
Mount Aviat Academy
Course:
Timed by Fuel 3 Sports
Amenities: T-shirts (Only guaranteed for pre-registered participants by 4/17/15) and refreshments
Awards:
Trophies to overall male and female winners. Medals to top three
(male and female): under 6, 7-10, 11-14, 15-19, ten year age groups 20 - 69, 70+
Entry Fee:
$20 pre-registration (through April 17th)
$22 on race day
MAA Pre-Registration Family Rate: $50 includes registration for all family members and up to 4 T-shirts ($6 for additional shirts)
Entry Info:
Make checks payable to Mount Aviat Academy
Contact:
302-893-5074 or dinaokie@verizon.net | 443-907-7175 or kandischreuder@gmail.com
Mail Entry To:
Mount Aviat Academy, 399 Childs Road, Childs, MD 21916 : Attn: 5K RUN
Notice: No baby strollers are allowed in the run portion of this event. You may walk baby strollers.
No dogs are allowed due to insurance liability.
5K Registration Form (For MAA family registration, please complete separate form for each participant—Additional Forms may be downloaded at MountAviat.org)
Name:_____________________________________________________Age (Day of Race): _______
Sex: M F 5K ____ SISTER WALK ____
Address: ___________________________________________________City:_______________________ State: _____ Zip Code:__________
Telephone:_______________________________ T-SHIRT SIZE: YS YM
YL
S
M
L
XL XXL (Circle one)
EMAIL: ____________________________________________________ SIGNATURE:____________________________________________
(Parents signature if under 18 years old)
In consideration of this entry being accepted, I, intending to be legally bound,hereby for myself,
Please discourage unofficial entrants (bandits) from competing in our races. Bandits consume scarce resources and
my heirs, executors, administrators, waive and release any and all rights I may have against the
can delay or inhibit accurate race results. Unregistered runners, running with dogs, strollers, rollerblades, bicycles
organization holding this event, its agents, representatives, successors and assigns for any and all
and the wearing of headphones are prohibited on the race course at any time to ensure runners’ safety and to
injuries suffered by me at this race.
comply with liability insurance standards.
NO REFUNDS—THE RACE DIRECTOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY ENTRY
Alumni News
Don’t forget to like our Facebook page!
Mount Aviat Academy Alumni Association
has an official Facebook page that you
can access from the link on the Alumni
page of MountAviat.org, or directly at facebook.com/
MountAviatAcademyAlumniAssociation
Jennifer Buhler ’00 received her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology on
August 22, 2014 from Immaculata University. She is currently pursuing a
post-doctoral internship at Girard Medical Center in Philadelphia, PA.
Julianna Logan ’05 is a crime analyst at the Cecil County Sheriff’s Office
and has been credited by county law enforcement leaders with aiding in
reducing the county’s crime rate.
Kevin Locke ’06 (right) graduated from the University of Delaware, Class of
2014, with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Criminal Justice. Kevin
currently works in Wilmington and is licensed as a Private Investigator.
Jordan Short ’08 achieved Dean’s List for Fall 2014 at Delaware Technical
and Community College. Jordan is majoring in Human Services and will begin
an internship with Delaware Division of Family Services in Spring 2015.
If you have alumni news you would like to share, please contact Mrs. Charlene Nichols, Advancement Director, at Advancement@MountAviat.org.
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MAA Students Celebrate Blue Ribbon with Service
Kindergartner Alyssa Bathgate concentrates on beading a rosary during
a morning of service where students celebrated their recognition as a
Blue Ribbon School of Excellence by giving back to the community.
MAA Awarded Blue Ribbon…1 | New Convent Built in South Africa…4
Service Club & Volleyball…5 | Friends’ Fun…8 | Auction Highlights…10