November 2014 - Incarnate Word High School
Transcription
November 2014 - Incarnate Word High School
Volume 5, Issue 4 November 26, 2014 Theatre Company Places at State O n Nov. 15, the Incarnate Word Theatre Department placed 4th out of 9 teams at the TAPPS State One-Act Play competition. This is the third year for IWHS to compete, and the first time for our girls to place at the state competition. Almost 8 weeks ago, 5 cast members, 5 crew, and 4 alternates, along with Director Lara Benavides and Assistant Director Allie Villarreal, began work on the Pulitzer prize winning play, “The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man in the Moon Marigolds.” In just 40 minutes, this play told the story of Tillie, a very gifted child who yearns to break out of what seems to be a predetermined life. By the end of the play, she succeeds in finding the hope she needs and rises above her circumstances. Both cast and crew earned awards at the Regional and State levels for their outstanding work. Congratulations to a group of very talented ladies for being the only school in San Antonio to place in the Top Four! Go SHAMROCKS! Regionals All Star Cast: Emily LaFrance, Maddie Coles, Anabelle Pena All Star Cast Honorable Mention: Devyn Dullnig, Marianne Thraillkill All Star Crew: Madeline Ortiz State All Star Cast: Emily LaFrance, Maddie Coles All Star Cast Honorable Mention: Anabelle Pena, Devyn Dullnig All Star Crew: Madeline Ortiz Father-Daughter Banquet O n November 23rd Shamrocks and their dads created treasured memories at the 2014 Father Daughter Banquet. This year’s event hosted approximately 510 guests, with a “Reach for the Stars” theme. Shamrocks and their dads enjoyed Mass with Father Mark Clarke presiding, followed by a prayer and pin ceremony. While dinner was served, Diana BarriosTrevino ’81 shared her perspective on “Life as a Shamrock.” Later, Cleto Rodriguez entertained the group with a game of “Father Knows Best.” Gloria Jimenez was the fortunate winner of the Grand Prize drawing, taking home a MacBook Air. The entire event was a huge success! Thank you to the many committee members who made this event possible. Special thanks to the 240 dads who traded an afternoon of football or golf for this special day with their daughters! 1 Principal’s Perspective Dear Shamrock Community, As we celebrate Thanksgiving and prepare for Advent, I am again reminded of how blessed we are as a community. MISSION STATEMENT In a faith-based preparatory environment, Incarnate Word High School prepares confident young women dedicated to academic excellence, Christian service and social justice. CORE VALUES Academic Excellence Integrity Service Community of Faith Compassion Stewardship ACCREDITATION Incarnate Word High School is fully accredited with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and Texas Catholic Conference Education Department (TCCED). On Sunday, I had the privilege of attending the Father/ Daughter Banquet. A long standing tradition at IWHS, this fun and spirited afternoon organized by the dads (with a little help from moms) is one of the girls’ favorite events. Thank you to Carlos Rodriguez and the Father/Daughter committee for organizing a wonderful afternoon of fellowship, prayer, good food and lots of laughter. We also extend heartfelt gratitude to our guest speaker, alumna Diana Barrios, to Fr. Mark Clark and to senior parent, Jack Brinkman, who has done a beautiful job of organizing the liturgy for the banquet for many, many years. Lastly, kudos to Cleto Rodriguez, who once again brought tears of laughter to the audience, this time as he hosted the “How Well Do you Know Your Daughter?” game. This past month, in addition to their studies, our student body has been busy preparing for and attending class retreats, hosting prospective students, promoting robotics and participating in a wide variety of service projects throughout the community. They have also been strong competitors. Special Congratulations to our theatre company for an outstanding performance and placing fourth in the TAPPS State One Act Play Competition and to our Swim team for their 2nd place finish at Battle for the Crown. A reminder that there is still time to reserve a table at the Hope for the Future sponsored “Khaki and Plaid Gala” held on January 31, 2015, and to vote for the Homecoming Court which includes IWHS alumna Diana Barrios. (hopeforthefuture.org) Your support of the Gala and Homecoming Court helps insure every student desiring a Catholic education has that opportunity. Happy Thanksgiving! Praised Be the Incarnate Word, B.J. Nelsen UIW Connection Incarnate Word High School is a part of the Brainpower Connection, and is affiliated with University of the Incarnate Word. Mr. Williams, Mrs. Nelsen, and Ms. De la Garza step out of their normal roles to help serve Thanksgiving lunch to hungry students. 2 Upcoming Events What’s Happening in December? High School Placement Test Incarnate Word High School will be hosting the High School Placement Test on Sat., Dec. 6, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. All 8th grade students interested in applying for admission are encouraged to test on Dec. 6. Registration and payment of a $15 fee can be arranged with Enrollment. Check-in for the test begins at 8:30 a.m. The registration form is available on our school website. (www.incarnatewordhs.org) For more information, please contact Annette Zahirniak in the Enrollment Office at [email protected] or (210) 829-3123. Dec 8 2 p.m. Liturgy of the Immaculate Conception Dec 22 Christmas Ornament Sale Be sure to include Shamrock Collector Christmas Ornaments as gifts this year. The PTO will be selling these pewter ornaments during all lunch mods Dec. 2-5 and Dec. 9-12. or contact Linda Villarreal [email protected] to purchase yours. Cost is $12.00/each We welcome all 8th grade girls to join our Shamrock Community. GOOD LUCK! Poinsettias Order by Dec. 5. Delivered On Dec. 10, after school ORDER FORM Individual athletic photos courtesy of Jonathan Godsey Save the Date! Friday, April 10 for Casino Night To volunteer for this exciting new event please contact Stephanie Denning at [email protected] Proceeds from this event will benefit Scholarships. 3 Student Spotlight Cross Country Academic All-State Katherine Peth ’15 We hope that you have enjoyed the first <name of paper> and we hope that these stories were refreshing for you and a reminder of all the good things that are happening within our school community at IWHS. We invite you to send alumnae updates, student news and accomplishments along with photos so that we can share your success with others. Volleyball All-State and All-District Selections Volleyball All–State & All-District 1st Team Theresa Reyna ’15 1st Team All-State 1st Team All-District Academic All-State Alexandria Torres ’15 2nd Team All-State 1st Team All-State Alyssa Narendorf ‘15 HM All-State 1st Team All-District Academic All-State Anissa Tamez ’17 HM All-State 1st Team All-District All-District 2nd Team Ana Hurtado ’15 Lauren Guerra ’15 Shea Lopez ’18 Academic All-State Academic All-State Sofia Resendiz ’16 Alexandria Academic All-State McPherson ’17 Freshman Class Officers Save the Date! Friday, April 10 for Casino Night To volunteer for this exciting new event please contact Stephanie Denning at [email protected] Back row l-r: Genevieve Fleming Isabelle Purcell Katherine Lopez Front row l-r: Alexis Acevedo Tori Villarreal - President Kambri Garcia Proceeds from this event will benefit Scholarships. 4 For sports schedules, please visit us online: http://www.incarnatewo rdhs.org/athletics/index. htm Shamrock Athletics Battle for the Crown Purchase IWHS Stadium Seats Stadium seats are now available to purchase in the Athletic office. 1 Chair- $45.00 2 Chairs- $80.00 I Believe and GreenOut t-shirts can also be purchased from the Athletic Office -$15.00 Available sizes- S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL Varsity Volleyball O Purchase Raffle Tickets The IWHS athletes are raising money for the athletic programs and activities by selling Catholic School Sweepstakes tickets sponsored by Catholic Life Insurance. One hundred percent of the proceeds from this fundraiser will benefit our students. To purchase a ticket, please see an IWHS athlete or Coach April Fricke. Tickets are $5 each. Prizes include a truck, a sedan, or a $20,000 prepaid Visa Gift Card, as well as 55 prepaid Visa Credit Cards. Help out your favorite athlete and buy a chance to win a great prize! n Nov. 1, 2014, the IWHS Swim team placed second overall out of 10 teams. Teams from Austin, Houston, Dallas and Corpus Christi competed. This year we had five seniors recognized for distinguished honors: Kwin Kellar, Natalia Legaretta, Cierra Arguijo, Sun Young Park, and Racquel Rodriguez. The girls worked hard for this meet and intend to be back next year competing for the Crown. The girls wore the pink breast cancer caps while competing at this meet to show their support for the cause. This year’s Battle for the Crown meet also hosted the third annual Fastest Man in Texas competition. The whole idea of this meet is to raise money to aid those with cancer. Josh Davis is the founder of the Fastest Man Shootout in remembrance of his mother who lost her battle with cancer. All proceeds from this meet go to the Joan Davis Cancer Foundation. Volleyball Seniors Recognized on Senior Night l-r: Katheryn Gabriel (manager), Lauren Guerra, Alexandria Torres, Alyssa Narendorf , Theresa Reyna, and Ana Hurtado 5 Advent, the Season for HOPE Campus & Peer Ministry Memorial Mass O n November 3rd the Shamrock Community remembered those who have gone to be with our Lord. Fr. Tom Dymowski, O.SS.T., presided over our special Memorial Mass. At this mass we honored the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, alumna, past faculty, friends, and family who have passed during the past year. We also celebrated the completion of the Mary Ninfa Ozuna ’79 Scholarship Endowment. Ninfa was a cherished member of the Shamrock Community, and it was our great pleasure to be joined by George Ozuna and Andrea Ozuna for this Mass. Andrea pinned the first two Ninfa Ozuna Scholarship recipients, freshmen Briana Caballero and Daniela Cardona. Thank you to the Ozuna Family for joining us, and special thanks to the Madrigals for their significant fundraising efforts towards this endowment, as well as all those in the greater Shamrock Community who contributed. Peer Ministers Congratulations to these Peer Ministers who were commissioned in October. Join us for Rosary on the 1st Wednesday of the month in the school chapel led by Sr. Jane at 7:30 a.m.. Next rosary on Dec. 3. Ireland Jordan Dominique Ramos Dominique Galvan Lauren Garcia Nadia Medina Sophia Rose Ramirez Viana Salinas RETREAT SCHEDULE Jan 29-30 Senior Retreat ADVENT PROJECT During the month of December, IWHS will participate in a service project to reach out to the San Antonio community during the holiday season. Details regarding this years advent service project will be discussed in advisories soon. We thank you in advance for your participate and support by giving to those in need. Gabby Nandin Angela Martinez Catalina Tapia Samantha Garza Tina Hernandez Katherine Maniscalco Allison Gavlick Anne Marie Hamon Angelica Baez-Chavez Jenna Villarreal Aylin Montes de Oca Junior Retreat O ur Junior class had a great time at their annual retreat on Nov. 20-21. They went into the hill country to Camp Capers in Waring, Texas. They spent time bonding and growing spiritually with their Shamrock sisters. The theme of the retreat was from Psalm 138:3: “When I cried out, you answered; you strengthened my spirit.” The weather was beautiful and the team of peer ministers and adults did a wonderful job executing the retreat and making it a success. A special thanks goes out to our Junior Peer Ministers and other facilitators, the retreat music ministry, our Junior advisors, April Garza, Dr. Williams, Mrs. Purcell, Mrs. Villarreal, all our bus drivers and Sr. Jane Farek. We couldn’t have done it without all of your hard teamwork and dedication! 6 Shamrock Clubs & Organizations Robotics S aturday, October 18, the two IWHS robotics teams participated in the Just Robots program at the Forest Hills Branch Library. The students demonstrated their robot, provided information about Alamo FIRST, and attended presentations on artificial intelligence and underwater robots. They taught children how to drive the robot and the Sphero. The Robotics teams recently received grants from the Texas Workforce Commision to continue their program. Residence Hall Shamrocks kept themselves busy with the Spooktacular activities in October! From SATs, PSATs, to Renaissance Festival, Senior Trunk or Treating service and the craziness of day to day business, we had a productive fun month. November has been just as busy. Several students dressed in costume for Dia de los Muertos 5K run, held at Northwest Vista College. Participants: Sun Young Park, Anh Nguyen and Melissa Martinez. Robotics on the Road T he Incarnate Word Robotics class traveled to St. Anthony Catholic School to teach the 1st- 5th graders about the importance of robotics. We set up different stations for the childrens’ participation. These stations included arts and crafts, driving the competition robot, navigating the sphero through Draw and Drive and Sphero, and ended with the marshmallow challenge. The robotics girls enjoyed teaching and interacting with the different types of children and, hopefully, future engineers. The most exciting part of the trip was watching their creative minds make a homemade robot. Emily Corona, one of the robotics students, said, “It warmed my heart to see the children of the next generation take interest in the robotic field.” All in all, the robotics girls had fun and we hope we can continue taking robotics on the road! 7 Clubs and Organizations Pax Christi N ovember was an exciting time for IWHS Pax Christi USA. First, from Nov. 5-19, PC USA held its annual winter clothing drive. People from every facet of IWHS campus life gave blankets and various cold weather clothing items which were given to a local parish to assist in their work with those less fortunate. The several boxes collected are a testament to the successful efforts of PC USA. A special thank you to the Pax Christi officers who assumed this extra roll during this busy time of year. The other big news relates to PC USA’s ongoing involvement in inter-faith dialogue. On Nov. 16, IWHS’s own senior Tarika Srinivasan spoke to the group about Hinduism. Always eloquent and gracious, Tarika gave an impressive presentation of the rich history and traditions of Hinduism, concluding with an activity celebrating the Puja prayer ceremony. This was the second time Tarika addressed Pax Christi, and we are grateful. (FYI: Part of Tarika’s presentation can be seen on the IWHS’s latest edition of “Shamrock News and Views”) International Club Pax Christi Officers International Culture Club Members celebrated Thanksgiving with their 2nd annual Pot Luck meeting. The members feasted on chicken, chips, dips and assorted cookies and cakes. To work off the calories the girls played a turkey waddle relay and Thanksgiving trivia. It is not too late to join International Club; our next meeting will be in December. Back l-r: Gabrielle Uribe, Isabella Hurtado, Iliana Mallett, Paola Sanchez Front l-r: Daria Flowers, Tahlia Sowa-Gutierrez, Jasmine Jaramillo At the Library Christmas Craft Our third annual Christmas Crafts at the Library program will be on December 5th, 2014. This year we’re making felt poinsettia hair clips, for yourself or to give as a gift! Interested in joining us? Sign up by December 4th. Remember, space is limited!! Books Over the Break Did you know you can check out books over Christmas break? Come by the library and find some great books to enjoy over the holidays. We’ve got over fifteen new baking books, tons of new fiction, and fantastic new nonfiction titles. Any books checked out from December 1 – December 19th will be due back in January, so come in today! 8 Around Campus Davidson Respite House D Spanish Club Doings avidson Respite House is the only non-profit emergency home for children with disabilities in Texas. They provide a shelter for them, give them food, and care for them. Boys and girls up to the age of 16 are held in safety here. Some sophomore students from Incarnate Word H.S. were given the opportunity to help out this organization. We cleaned many windows and the lawns for some of the houses. Some of our students even got the chance to help out in the nursery. Not only were we helping out a non-profit organization but we had fun doing so. It The members had fun making sugar skulls for Dia de los Muetos. was a great experience for all of us and challenged us to do more for others. - Talia Christian (10), Incarnate Word High School Veteran’s Day O n Tuesday November 11, the Social Studies Department was once again proud to have The Extended Run Players from the University of the Incarnate Word for our Veteran’s Day assembly. This was made possible by Sr. Germaine Corbin from the Theater Arts Department of the University. The group performs at different venues across the city, but Incarnate Word High School was given priority for the Veteran’s Day performance. To honor America’s veterans, the group read stories about actual WWII participants, while flashing pictures up on the screen. They also sang patriotic music, as well as the song of each branch of the military. Like last year, the students, teachers, and staff responded enthusiastically to the performers. We want to thank Sr. Germaine, and all the Extended Run Players for making our Veteran’s Day assembly so special, and meaningful. 9 Around Campus Girl Power Prevails A At the Thanksgivingthemed Girl Power meeting last week, the girls participated in making their own turkey cookies out of Oreos, Reese's peanut butter cups, candy corn, and a malt ball. The fun was enthusiastically embraced by everyone searching for a creative way to release stress and spend time with friends. When everyone completed the final touches on their cookies, they enjoyed taking pictures of and with them. The turkey cookies were a sweet way to usher in the Thanksgiving season. t the Girl Power meeting in October, the members had fun making environmentally friendly crafts. The girls brought empty milk and juice cartons, which they made into biodegradable coin purses. Treasurer Joan Kennedy showed the group how to transform their trash into treasure. Member Marissa Muro excitedly delved into the project, determined to make her tiny Goldfish carton into a handy coin purse. The meeting was deemed a success as every student discovered the importance and versatility of recycling. At a November Girl Power meeting, a representative from Women's Global Connection visited the students to speak about an important issue faced by women around the world: availability of clean water. Often, in order to obtain clean water, women have to walk as far as four miles round-trip carrying heavy buckets of water on their heads. This duty prevents young girls from attending school because it becomes a full-time job. During the meeting, members made bracelets to be sold at the Women's Global Summit to be held this upcoming February. The profits will go toward building cisterns to collect rainwater so the women don't have to spend so much time traveling, and the girls can go back to school. Girl Power members conducted their annual pumpkin carving event, led by President Ana Gaona. Whether carving, drawing, or “stickering”, a good time was had by all. L-R Marissa Muro, Jenny Vasquez, Evita Escobedo, Lauren Garcia (Secretary), Ana Gaona (President), and Katarina Gaona Music/Lyrics Class We hope that you have enjoyed “What’s the Word,” and we hope that these stories are informative for you and remind you of all the good things that happen within our school community at IWHS. We invite you to send student & alumnae news and accomplishments along with photos so that we can share your success with others. Editors: Delma Cisneros and Stephanie Denning The Music/Lyrics students visited the Bulverde Academy of Music this fall. They learned about the features of a state-of-the-art professional recording studio, as well as some of the skills involved in the sound engineering aspect of music production. The girls were also given the opportunity to record a song as a group! 10 Parents in the Know Semester Exams School Administrators B.J. Nelsen Principal (210) 829-3107 [email protected] LaShaundra Caesar Vice-Principal of Student Academics (210) 829-3105 [email protected] Dr. Langston Williams Jr. Vice-Principal of Student Affairs (210) 829-3106 [email protected] April Fricke Athletics Director (210) 829-3122 [email protected] Annette Zahirniak Director of Enrollment (210) 829-3123 [email protected] Audra Cardona Semester exams are scheduled for the last week of the semester, Dec. 16-19. All students are expected to be in attendance this week and families should schedule vacation travel after Dec. 18th. Students need special permission in advance for any planned absence this week.. FIRST SEMESTER EXAM SCHEDULE DECEMBER 16-19 TIME TUESDAY 12/16 WEDNESDAY 12/17 THURSDAY 12/18 FRIDAY 12/19 8:00 – 8:10 ADVISORY ADVISORY ADVISORY ADVISORY 8:20 – 9:50 Cafeteria available SCIENCE RELIGIOUS STUDIES ENGLISH BREAK BREAK BREAK BREAK 10:20 – 10:30 ADVISORY ADVISORY ADVISORY ADVISORY 10:40 – 12:10 Cafeteria available FOREIGN LANGUAGE MATH SOCIAL STUDIES CONFLICTS CONFLICTS CONFLICTS 9:50 – 10:20 Cafeteria & Gym 12:45 – 2:15 CONFLICTS CONFLICTS CONFLICTS (To include those taking 2 math, religion, foreign language, or social studies tests) Director of Campus Ministry (210) 829-3121 [email protected] Stephanie Denning Director of Development (210) 832-2143 [email protected] Debbie Zielins Shamrock Golfers at the Shamrock Classic Registrar (210) 829-3112 [email protected] Cybele Bolado ‘86 Director of Alumnae Relations (210) 829-3103 [email protected] Liz Valerio Residence Life Coordinator (210) 841-7403 [email protected] Like us on Facebook Madrigals performing on KABB to promote Light the Way. 11 Parent-Teacher Organization PTO Set for Another Successful Year Incarnate Word High School Community, 2014 -2015 Board Executive Officers President Linda Villarreal ’84 Vice-President Mary Sullivan '85 Recording Secretary Caroline Du Treasurer Ana Cobian Rodriguez Faculty Representative Blanca Marquez Sanchez PTO Committee Chairs Athletic Committee Rep. Ken Palacios & Anastasia McKenna Campus Ministry/Outreach Tisha Alanis Campus Beautification Bill Pfeiffer Communications Annette Salazar Social Committee Chris Mallett Lorena Contreras ’90 Patricia Gonzalez Father/Daughter Banquet Gilbert de la Rosa Carlos Rodriguez Mother/Daughter Luncheon Melissa Zamora '84 Andrea Gonzalez '88 Spirit Shoppe Melissa Barrett Student Spirit Activities Loretta Medina Vickie Muller Maria Resendiz Teacher Appreciation Susan Holzman Yvonne Grothues ’86 Jean Hebert Volunteer Coordinator Delia Thomas Word Day/BTS Picnic Roberta Palmer Carolyn Obregon As we enter the blessed Advent season and prepare our hearts for the birth of our Savior, PTO wishes you the joys and wonders of this time of year. I also hope the Christmas break is a chance for your daughters to rest, relax and rejuvenate after a full fall semester. To commemorate its 2014th year, PTO is selling a limited number of pewter Christmas ornaments during lunch mods in December, or you may email me. Buy one early so you have time to engrave a message on the back, if you so choose. In the Spirit of Christmas, our Teacher Appreciation Committee is planning the annual Holiday luncheon for all Administration, Faculty and Staff. They will also receive a small gift to say “thank you.” During exam week the Student Spirit Committee will provide your daughters with healthy snacks to boost their spirit and energy. Praise and gratitude to Carlos Rodriguez and the Father/Daughter Banquet committee for hosting a memorable afternoon of blessings and laughter for the 500 fathers and daughters who attended this year’s banquet. The sisterhood and special bond between fathers and daughters was celebrated, while at the same time raising funds for a special initiative PTO is exploring. The money raised from the silent auction and grand drawing will be used to create a living and learning environment for the girls in the current cafeteria loft. It is the desire of the Administration and the PTO to create a space for the girls to study independently or collaborate as a group. More ideas will be brainstormed in the spring semester as we embark on this project. Not long after we flip the calendar to 2015, the Mother/Daughter Banquet will be upon us. Melissa Zamora and her committee is planning a Hollywood event on Feb. 22, 2015, at the Omni Hotel in the Colonnade. I still have fond memories of the four Mother/Daughter Banquets I attended with my mother, sister, and IWHS friends when I was a student. Make it a special memory for your daughter as well. Thank you, PTO, for the delicious hot Once again, PTO extends wishes for a Baked Potato Lunch on a very cold very Merry Christmas and a blessed new November day and the yummy Bundt year, and gives thanks for the many ways cakes. the community of Incarnate Word supports our efforts. Your presence is always welcome to attend and celebrate the holy mass and the first Wednesday rosary in our chapel, as well as volunteering on a committee. Praise be the Incarnate Word, forever. Amen Linda Linda Villarreal ‘84 IWHS PTO President SHAMROCK SPIRIT SHOPPE Open Tuesdays & Thursday’s during all lunch mods (10:56 a.m. – 1:18 p.m.). This is a great time to stock up on your IWHS spirit apparel! 12 Shamrock Community 13