Tony Melendez Inspires Students Before Pro-Life March




 














Throwing a Frisbee is a daunting task even for an adult.  One can’t even fathom throwing a Frisbee with their feet.  Amazingly, Tony Melendez can.  Born without arms, musician Tony Melendez turned what one may call a sad situation around into carefree, God-loving life.  

 "It was amazing how much confidence he had. Even without arms, he is comfortable in his position and has an unending smile on his face," said senior Bridgette Lappe.

Tony Melendez and the Toe Jam band set up their guitars and drums in the Mount de Sales Academy gym on January 20, 2012.  A benefactor donated money to the school so that Tony could demonstrate his amazing talent to the community.  To get students excited for the March for Life, Tony performed songs about the sanctity of life on the guitar with his feet.  Putting the pick in between his toes and pressing down the chords with his other foot, Tony strummed away like a rock star and engaged the student body in singing.  Constantly cracking jokes about his condition, Tony made the students laugh.  His brother offered an inside look into family life with Tony, even sheepishly admitting that he was ashamed of his disabled brother.  Tony, however, taught not only his brother life lessons, but encouraged the student body to chase their dreams. 
Dreaming of making a basket with the Frisbee, Tony remarkably caught the Frisbee in between his neck and shoulder, and then launched the saucer with his foot.  Even though he missed, he said he would never give up—a moral he never wants any of his peers to forget.

C. O'Keefe '12

Hands of Service


Rebecca Huber volunteered at the Teens for Catholic Action Work Camp on October 14th and 15th.  She was one of 25 that stayed overnight in the Padre Pio Library to help paint the B-side basement hallway and clean staircases. 

“Working as a team and being able to see our finished work and knowing we did it… It gave us an appreciation for the people who do it,” said Rebecca.

Mr. Henry, professional painter and father of junior Leah Henry, instructed the girls on painting methods and correct usage of the brushes and rollers.  They prepped walls on Friday night and worked for more than four hours on Saturday finishing the paint job.  

Sister Amelia O.P., club sponsor, and the TFCA core team organized the entire project.  The first TFCA work camp was hosted two years ago in 2009 and was organized by Sister Mary Jude O.P.   TFCA bases its work off the idea that love starts at home; the club starts its work at Mount de Sales and then reaches out farther.

Maggie Smith, senior and TFCA core team member, explains that as a club “we encourage each student to work on personal holiness because we cannot give what we don’t have.”

S. Huber ‘12

Collecting Dresses for the Needy


Senior Molly Wheltle is collecting First Communion dresses and accessories and making veils to donate to the Esperanza Center as a Girl Scout project. She has been in Troop 3122 since first grade, so this is her twelfth year!

Molly got the idea from Mount Saint Mary’s University, which did the project a few years ago to donate during their mission trips. She liked the idea but wanted to do it locally. Molly heard that many less fortunate families are willing to buy an expensive First Communion dress instead of paying their BGE bills. She feels that “this project will make a big difference in many underprivileged families’ lives.


“I was originally hoping for twenty dresses, but now that I’ve has reached seventy-four, I’m going for eighty!” Dresses and accessories can be put in a box located outside the senior locker room until Friday, September 23.

K. Spaar ‘12

Christmas at the Mount


Each homeroom participated in the annual door-decorating contest in order to win spirit points for their class. On Monday, December 5th, the girls raced to decorate their doors in a Christmas theme. Door ideas included Santa’s sleigh, Christmas trees, snowmen, and even Charlie Brown.

“It was a really fun way to win spirit points, and it brought our homerooms together,” said senior Emily Ordakowski.

In Mrs. Tracey’s homeroom, pictures of students' faces were put on reindeer's bodies, and Mrs. Tracey’s face was put on Santa’s body. Each girl had written their favorite Christmas memory and they stacked them to look like presents piling up on a sleigh.

“We weren’t sure what to expect when we had talked about our ideas for the door, but it turned out way better than we all thought,” said senior Gina Salacki. 

Kelsey Kirby ‘12

Best Wishes to the Bride



Assistant Athletic director Clare Odell, now Clare Audy, married her boyfriend of six years on November 5, 2011.  She and husband Ryan Audy, son of school nurse Mary Beth Audy, celebrated with guests at St. Mark’s Chapel in Catonsville.

Clare was introduced to Ryan by her roommate and MDS alum Mattie Powell ’04.  Ryan’s younger sister Katie Audy graduated in 2010. Both Powell and Audy were bridesmaids in the wedding.

“It was a great time, and so sweet to see someone who’s part of the MDS family look so beautiful on such a special day.  We’re so happy for her!” said Rosie Ruzzi ’13, a close family friend and neighbor of the Audy’s.

The wedding was full of fun times and high-jinks.  During the ceremony, Ryan’s best man and brother, Jamie Audy, first pulled out Cheerios for the ring getting a chuckle from Clare and guests.  At the reception, Jamie donned a Ray Lewis jersey sewn to the back of his vest and maid-of-honor, Clare’s sister, waved a Steelers Terrible Towel.

“I was really calm all day long.  After being together for six years, things just make sense,” said Clare.

Clare and Ryan had their first dance as husband and wife to Blake Shelton’s “God Gave Me You”.  Clare surprised Ryan with that song.  He thought they would be dancing to something else.

After the reception at Tabrizzi’s in downtown Baltimore, Clare and Ryan honeymooned in the Dominican Republic for one week.

Emily Sipes '12

NAHS Pumpkin Painting



Children of all ages gravitate towards the National Art Honors Society’s homecoming table to paint pumpkins!  On October 8, 2011 Mount de Sales celebrated its 159th homecoming with sports, club tables, food, and fun.  NAHS’s table in particular targeted the young ones who normally attend the homecoming festivities with their families. 

For several years now, NAHS has organized a table that provides paint, paintbrushes, and pumpkins to children who can then put their own designs on the pumpkins.  Senior Veronica Zoeckler, president of NAHS, explains, “We like to have an activity for the kids at Homecoming to be able to have fun with… they have control of it and make it their own creation.” 

The cost was four dollars per pumpkin.  They also sold key chains of the Mount de Sales pendant for only one dollar.  

Sarah Huber ‘12

Purple Reign


The Baltimore Ravens had an exciting season with an undefeated record at home, and the title of Divison Champions for the AFC North. Baltimore fans, and football fans across the nation, are anticipating the Ravens-Texans match-up scheduled for Sunday, January 15.

 Students at Mount de Sales got pumped up for Sunday's game by having Purple Friday on January 13. The girls were high energy all day, and seniors Emily Sipes and Angela Shipley (above) ran around acting like the players they sported on their jerseys.

"Being at school with everyone in their purple gear made me even more excited for the game on Sunday. I am so hoping for a Ravens Superbowl this year," said junior Lauren Sprankle.

"I love being so proud of my home team, and seeing Ravens jerseys everywhere I turn when it's Purple Friday at school," said senior Angela Shipley. With emotions high at Mount de Sales Academy, and all over Baltimore, it's clear that here--Purple Reigns.

M. Lawrence '12

A Win for Mock Trial

Mock Trial Club members act out a real trial in the Towson Courthouse.  This year the group is off to a good start with a first match win against Loch Raven High School.  Although the club takes a lot of hard work and dedication, the students hope their efforts will bring them to the State Championships in April. 
The criminal case involves neglect during soccer tryouts at Abraham Lincoln High School.  Club members  act as the principal of the school, a player impacted by the incident, and the responding EMT as well as their lawyers for the Prosecution side of the case. 
“I’m proud of our team.  They prepared and were poised.  They impressed the judge with their command of the case and the defense side looks forward to beating St. Paul’s on January 31,” said Mrs. Schorr, faculty adviser.
 The members are also advised by Mr. Seeberger, an attorney, who is the father of both graduated students and freshman Emily.
The club grew in popularity this year.  Just two years ago there were 6 members but currently it is made up of 18 sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
“The club is not just for future lawyers, it also benefits anyone who wants to get better at public speaking or just wants a new experience,” said sophomore member Mary Kate Halligan.
C. Halligan ‘13

Purple Friday at Mount de Sales Academy.

Ravens' Nation.Purple Friday.Ravens' Nation.Purple Friday.Ravens' Nation.Purple Friday.

Remembering Caroline



One big happy family! During this holiday season a group sailors of the girls realized what this season is all about. Along with becoming Santa for the day and helping less fortunate families with their Christmas, the school also held a door decorating contest. The officers of each class picked Ms. Fuecker's door for first place.

The Seniors also realized how much love everyone has. Caroline Herrmann's third year anniversary, on December 9th and to show respect to her and to honor her memory, the seniors wore something orange because it was her favorite color.

"We wanted to show people that even though she's gone, she's still as much of part of our class as any of us are. She brought us closer as a class and no one will forget her," said senior Lesley Nalley.

E. Zalucki '12

A Hike to The Top


The newly formed Outdoor Adventure Club hiked across a swinging bridge, 50 feet above the Patapsco River in the Avalon area. The 15 club members share a love for the great outdoors and hiking. 

“It was really nice to spend time with people outside of school who you see everyday. You get to hear stories about people you would have never known about. I enjoyed just being able to relax and not thinking about anything stressful for a while,” says senior Gina Salacki.

The Cascade Ridge trail took an hour to complete. The whole time the club laughed and bonded over their common love of nature. Sister Anne Catherine, O.P, Sister Amelia, O.P, Mrs. James, Mrs. Clements and students representing every grade.

“I love this club so much! It is nice to be able to go on hikes right after school instead of going home to do school work. I hope that next year I can become an officer and be even more involved,” says junior Ashley Witzke.

Begin Phase II

                                                                        Begin Phase II

At a big unveiling after mass on last Friday, the school presented the blueprint for a state-of-the-art athletic field which is to be built on the current natural grass field. The total cost of the new field will be 1.5 million dollars, but the school has already raised $620,372 for the cause. Construction will begin after the end of the lacrosse season next spring, and is expected to be finished before school begins in Fall 2012.

The new athletic field is the first priority in Phase II of the Capital Campaign; which is the school’s master plan to improve and renovate the school to make it a safer a more modern learning environment for the students. The reveal of the new field design kicked off Phase II of the Campaign, which follows an extremely successful Phase I. Phase I included the construction of a new security fence and installation of the much appreciated HV/AC system throughout the main building.

-T. Tornatore ‘12

Have a Holly Jolly Prom

Tis’ the season for fundraising. Jodi Phelan, mother of senior, Kelly Phelan, dedicated her time to creating jewelry for the Christmas Bazaar on December 4th.

“Raising $1,424 was worth every late night spent wire wrapping and stringing beads,” said Jodi Phelan, mother of two, and Ellicott City resident.

Bracelets, necklaces and earrings were sold and half of the earnings were distributed into the Prom fund for the senior class. Phelan spent over 100 hours preparing for this event and continued to create up until the night before. With the help of seniors Emma Talbot, Bridget Boland, Mikia Omar, Clare Stavely, Maureen Cashen, Meghan Lawrence, Julie Ratcliffe, Kara Hand, Jess Ladd and Kelly Phelan working the table, the sales were up and running. Phelan has only been making jewelry for a year and a half now, but once presented with this opportunity, jumped right on board.

“I’m so proud to see all of my mom’s hard work pay off. She’ll be thrilled to hear how many girls are wearing her necklaces around school,” said Kelly Phelan.

Seniors "GOTZ" Spirit


Seniors line up outside the gate house at 6:00 am to decorate the school for Fall Fest. Cars pulled in packed with balloons, posters, steamers, and fun costumes. Seniors yell and greet incoming students as music plays from car stereos in the background. The weather was in the 30’s but no one would even know by the excitement in the seniors faces. 

“We have all been looking forward to this day for a long time! All my friends and I went out to get crazy costumes and we were up until past midnight making posters. I have been waiting since freshman year to be a senior and be able to decorate the school in yellow. I think it really shows how close we are all,” said senior Hunter Cynkar.

The day ended with an exciting talent show. Acts varied from singing to jump-roping to Kelly Phelans’ renounced hip-hop dance. The senior class took first place, followed by the sophomores, juniors and freshman. 

N. Dowling ‘12

Sailors Spread Christmas Cheer by Singing Loud for all to Hear


The concert choir and chorus class practiced hard for months in preparation for the Winter Concert held on December 9 in the music hall. The music hall was packed with family, friends,alumnae, and of course the sisters.

"I was very proud of the girls, the hard work really paid off and I was very pleased with their performance," said Mr.Hosier, Music Director. 

The alumnae had a wine and cheese event in the alumnae hall before the concert and then were given front row seats to the performance. Following the concert there was an array of deserts set up for a reception in the dining hall.

Door Decorating Contest Gets Competitive

Papers flying, scissors cuttings, and writing utensils are being used. With only 2 days to spare students get busy at work to ornament their doors and try to represent their class. The winning class will receive 12 spirit points.

Sudden visits from Mrs. Lanciotti spark the mood of the homerooms because she said “This is my favorite time of year”. It’s her favorite time of year because instead of receiving she is glad that we giving back to those less fortunate then us. 

M. Omar`12

Practice Makes PERFECT


A sea of perfect curls, orange legs and faces, two thousand dollar dresses, and beauty-pageant like makeup swarmed the JW Marriott in Orlando, Florida this past weekend.  Add in some nerves, stress, and blood, sweat, and tears, and you’ve got the perfect equation for the Southern Regional Oireachtas (pronounced o-rock-tas).

From December 2 to December 4, Irish dancers from Maryland to Texas gathered together to compete in their regional qualifiers.  Dancers each perform two rounds, in hardshoes and then softshoes (similar to tap and ballet shoes).  Then, they wait in anticipation to see if they have placed in the top half of their competition, and if so, they dance a third round by themselves.  Competitions held from about twenty to over 120 girls or boys each.

Simone Loysen, a nine year old from the Culkin School of Irish Dance, won her age division with a perfect score of 900, beating out 65 other girls.  Each round has a panel of three different judges, who can award up to 100 points.  As a result, Simone received 100 from all nine judges she had.

“Her hard work, dedication, and practices with Cierra certainly paid off,” said her coach Sean Culkin.  “It was so exciting to see such a tiny powerhouse on top of that tall podium.”

Many other Mount de Sales girls represented their respective schools at regionals this past weekend.  Amanda Golebiowski ‘13, Meredith Miller ‘13, Claire Welzant ‘14, and Emily Sonni ‘12, each competed.  Amanda placed in the top half of her age group.

“It’s good to know that all the hard work I put into practice and training payed off in the end and that I am on my way to accomplishing my goals,” said Golebiowski.
 
-C. O'Keefe '12

Road to the Lombardi

Students at Mount de Sales show their purple pride dressing up for purple Friday.
With the best record in the AFC North, the Baltimore Ravens enter the playoffs with a 12-4 record, clinching the second seed gaining our first home playoff game in the past five years.

“The last time the Ravens were in the super bowl, I was 6 and I had to go to bed at halftime because it was past my bedtime it would be awesome to be able to stay up and experience a Ravens super bowl win,” said senior Cierra O’Keefe.

Senior Taylor Tornatore sported the “unstoppable” Fu man chu stash, while Randi Amoss wore a t-shirt saying, “fear the stash”.  
Joe Flacco started the mushtache trend, promising fans that he would not shave until the Ravens brought a super bowl win to Baltimore.

“Seeing the way the Ravens played this season all they deserve is the title of Champions, Super bowl winners. Our team leaves their blood, sweat, and tears on the field each game and to bring the Lombardi to Baltimore will be our way to prove ourselves to everyone that as ever knocked us down. We are on the road to success,” said junior Monica Sturgill.

Bridgette Lappe '12

The Ambassadors Achieve




The Academy Ambassador’s promote the Mount de Sales community in hopes of recruiting future students.
“The girls in the club are all so dedicated and always willing to step up and help,” said Mrs. Cohagan, the club supervisor.
They help recruit the future faces of Mount de Sales Academy. Whether it is attending high school fairs, open houses or just simply greeting the shadows in the morning before they begin their days, the girls are always present with a smile. Not only does the club do things to help the school community, but they also hold meetings to better themselves.
“At our meetings we are going to try to have some speakers come and talk to the girls about leadership and how they can better themselves in their roles,” said Mrs. Cohagan.
L.Nalley ‘12

Junior Ring Mass

Receiving junior rings represent becoming upperclassmen and distinguish each student as a “Sailor for life”.  When they arrived at school on December 7, a green ribbon was in each junior student’s mailbox.  It is a school tradition to wear this ribbon on the finger where the ring will go the day of the Junior Ring Mass. 
“I love this tradition.  After helping out the past two years at the Ring Masses, I’m glad to finally get to experience this myself,” said Leah Henry.
Throughout the day, the juniors eagerly awaited the ceremony that night.  After the half day of school, everyone went home to get ready and came back in time for the start of mass at 7:00.  The program cover, which featured an enlarged drawing of the ring, was designed by Breanna Becker.  Jen Parker’s uncle was the priest at the Mass and shared stories about his own ring. 
“Knowing that our class was in charge of putting this all together made the Mass more personal for the juniors,” said Claire Halligan.
The students had to adhere to a dress code which included no leggings, no shoulders showing, no cowboy boots, and no open toe shoes.  They were also advised to bring an extra outfit in the car if they were not sure their dress was completely modest.  Only at Mount de Sales!  However, these rules stuck with the students and everyone looked great.

Ecology Club Clears out Trash in the Bay


The Ecology Club went to Ft. McHenry to clean up trash in the bay. When the Mount de Sales students arrived, they started cleaning the park and making the bay a cleaner, more friendly, place for people to enjoy.
Mrs. Sargo, head of the Ecology club, said, “My favorite part of the club is finding ways to help make the school more environmentally friendly.”
The girls took time out of their Saturday to help make their local bay a safer environment for children and families that go visit. It was a hands on activity that not only helped them learn about the world around them, but helped them realize how extreme pollution in the world is, or is becoming.
Mrs. Sargo said, “Taking a group of students to the park to help clean made them more aware of how much trash and waste there really is in the environment.”
E. Salas ‘13

Dancing Queens


All work and no play? Not at the Mount. Sister Amelia learns a thing or two on the dance floor from junior Abbey Mules and sophomore Jackie Clauser, on September 9 at the Red, White, and Blue Mixer.

“It was really fun to teach Sister how to dance…she’s pretty good,” admitted Abbey.

The night consisted of a bake sale to benefit Wounded Warriors, costume contests, and dancing.

“A night of fun, dancing, friends, laughs, and a support towards a good cause, what more could you want?” said Abbey.
K. Burns '13

Sailors Support Our Troops

             

Every morning a student at Mount de Sales wakes up in her air conditioned home and grabs food and water, a soldier in Iraq awakens to a balmy 127 degree day with food that tastes like dust.  An idea circulated around the school last year to form a new club called “Support the Troops.”  It was met with an overwhelming response by students who are directly or indirectly affected by the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as those with family members serving.  At the beginning of the 2011-2012 school year, the Support the Troops club opened its doors.  Forty to fifty students come consistently to the meetings at lunch every other week.  Mrs. Clements, the sponsor of the club, has a son currently serving overseas in the United States Army.  

“The kids are wonderful—they really get it.  Growing up in the Vietnam era, I never really knew much about the war.  And still today, we hardly ever hear about the war in Iraq,” said Clements.  “Everyday is dangerous for them, yet they do their job so everyone can be safer.”

The Support the Troops club has been very successful.  So far, they’ve raised $1,000 for the Wounded Warrior Project, a program that gets the public involved in helping wounded soldiers adjust to daily life and meet their specific needs.  Thirty three students also participated in “Operation Welcome Home” at BWI Airport, where they greeted 387 soldiers returning from duty. 

“It makes me feel good that I’m helping someone directly who gave their life to defend our country,” said junior Amanda Golebiowski.

Sailors in the club collect items for care packages to send overseas to the soldiers, and led the school wide service on 9/11.  They look forward to things to come during the school year, such as a wounded warrior that is coming to Mount de Sales to speak to the students in February.  Most importantly, Mrs. Clements waits in anticipation for her son to return home.  

The Support Our Troops club at Mount de Sales, through every act, increases awareness in our community about the prices these soldiers pay to fight for our freedom.  It gives us an inside look at the overabundance of “courage and perseverance” a soldier must have to wake up each morning in sauna-like conditions, and fight for our freedom, even when everything tastes like dust.

C. O'Keefe '12

Deck the Halls with obnoxious sweaters


A majority of the seniors decided on the Christmas dress down day to wear the ugliest christmas sweaters they can find. The girls got a good laugh out of the sweaters they found. Nicole Dowling, Patricia Basil, Courtney Geier, Molly Ritmiller, Amanda Gates, Emma Talbot, and Kara Hand show off their hideous sweaters.

 M. Thomas '12