12 noon-3 p.m.
French Regents Exam
Spanish Regents Exam
8-10 a.m.
Business Law (SE)
Rating Day
Have a Great Summer!
AP / Senior Exam Schedule
Mon., May 3
Tue., May 4
Wed., May 5
Thu., May 6
Fri., May 7
No Exams
12:00-3:00 p.m.
AP Statistics
4th Period
Personal Finance
8:00-11:00 a.m.
AP Calculus
4th Period
Personal Finance
8:00-11:00 a.m.
AP English Literature
8:00-11:00 a.m.
AP U.S. History
Last Day of Classes
for Seniors
Mon., May 10
Tue., May 11
Wed., May 12
Thu., May 13
Fri., May 14
8:00-10:00 a.m.
Retreat Peer Ministry
Social Justice
11:45 a.m.-1:45 p.m.
Math IVB
PreCalculus
Calculus (School Exam)
8:00-11:00 a.m.
AP English Language
12:20-2:20 p.m.
English 12
8:00-11:00 a.m.
AP World History
8:00-10:00 a.m.
Physics
Business Law
Closing Ceremonies &
Senior Class
Retreat*
*Mandatory attendance
for all Seniors all
day
St. Mary's goes Green
Solar Liberty Energy Systems of Williamsville, using a grant from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, recently installed solar panels on the roof of St. Mary’s High School. The installation is part of a program between Solar Liberty, New York State, and the Diocese of Buffalo.
According to a recent story in The Buffalo News, Solar Liberty is estimating that the solar panels will save the school approximately $5,000 to $7,000 a year in electrical costs. For most schools, this is about a quarter of their yearly electrical costs.
And on days that are particularly sunny or the school is not in session, the electricity generated by the panels will go onto the local power grid, causing the electric meter to run backwards, earning a credit for the school.
In addition to the financial gain, St. Mary’s will also be able to teach students first hand about the benefits of solar power.
As of this writing, the panels have been installed. All that is needed is a final electrical inspection, and then St. Mary’s High School will be going live with the panels.
Spirit week celebrates Olympics
By Jessica Swannie Class of 2011
What better way to plan a Spirit Week than around the Winter Olympics? After all, the Olympics’ Open Ceremony was at the end of that week.
The St. Mary’s Spirit Week kicked off in true American spirit with a USA-themed Pride Day. Students donned red, white, and blue apparel to show their support for their country in the approaching Winter Olympics.
Tuesday saw Lancer Pride, as students dressed in spirit attire and participated in class competitions, hosted by Mr. Junik and Mr. Hall, who brought laughter to the student-filled bleachers. The games included “Teacher Catch Phrase,” “Build a Lancer,” and “Scrabble Scramble,” as each class competed to be the all-around champion.
Wednesday’s theme was Sports Pride Day, and students wore the colors of their favorite sports teams. The school day closed as students gathered in the Auditorium to hear from former Buffalo Sabre and Canadian Olympian Michael Peca, who played on the Gold-winning Canadian hockey team in 2002. Mr. Peca enlightened the students on how it was to play a sport at such a high level. He shared some of his experiences and most memorable moments as well, claiming “love for the game” as one the of reasons he was so successful.
Thursday’s dress code was a student favorite – Jeans Day. All of the money collected was donated to Haitian Relief.
Friday was perhaps the most memorable, as the week closed with an Olympic-themed Mass. Students, sporting their class colors, enjoyed a fun, meaningful Mass that began with the running of the torch and the lighting of the cauldron and included intercessions in a variety of languages to stress the international theme of the 2010 Olympic Games. The Mass, and Spirit Week, came to a close as the students enjoyed a slide-show of unforgettable times they shared over the course of the week.
Overall, Spirit Week 2010 proved to be a huge success and a memory the Lancers will proudly remember.
St. Mary's scores well at Science Olympiad
Congratulations to the St. Mary's Science Olympiad Team that participated in the Regional Science Olympiad Competition held on February 6 at the University at Buffalo. This was St. Mary's best showing yet, taking home four individual medals:
Marcel Tremblay and Josh Cehulic - 1st place in Mouse Trap Vehicle
Ricky Mazella & Mike Hockwater - 4th place in Helicopter Event
Michelle Jezuit & Christina Loniewski - 5th place in Technical Problem Solving
Marcel Tremblay and Josh May - 6th place in Astronomy
Congratulations medal winners and all participants for a great competition.
Spirit Week - February 8 to 12
Here is the Schedule of Events as St. Mary's celebrates Spirit Week 2010:
All Week
Penny Wars!
A container for each class will be in the cafeteria during the lunches. Every penny will be worth a point. Anything that is silver or paper money will be a deduction of the face value. Proceeds to benefit Catholic Charities.
Monday, Feb. 8 - USA Pride Day
Schedule
Dress Code
Event
Regular
Red, White and Blue Dress
Must be wearing ALL THREE colors visibly to participate
Sweatshirts, t-shirts, polo shirts, cargo pants, sweatpants are OK
Nothing sleeveless, no bare midriffs/tank tops allowed
NO JEANS/Hats
Modesty is always stressed!
Any footwear if they are participating in USA Pride Dress
Earring/shaving regulations remain in effect
Nothing Scheduled
Tuesday, Feb. 9 - SMH Pride Day
Schedule
Dress Code
Event
PM Assembly Schedule
Pride Day
(See Handbook for details)
Class Challenge
*Scrabble Scramble- teams spell out a phrase using giant scrabble tiles (19 kids)
*Battle of the Sexes- teams answer opposite-gender questions (8 kids)
*Teacher Catch Phrase- teams guess which teacher is known for their famous phrase (4-5 kids)
* Make a Mascot – Teams create a Lancer out of one of their team mates. (5 kids)
Spirit Awards Announced
Wednesday, Feb. 10 - Sports Team Day
Schedule
Dress Code
Event
PM Assembly Schedule
Sports' Team Dress
Tops—any sport team jersey, t-shirt, sweatshirt (hoodies OK)
Sports or “Pride Day” Bottoms – shorts are OK as long as they are appropriate length (sweatpants OK)
Nothing sleeveless, no bare midriffs/tank tops allowed
NO JEANS
Hats OK
Modesty is always stressed!
Any footwear if they are participating in the “Sports Team Dress”
Earring/shaving regulations remain in effect
Guest Speaker Former Buffalo Sabre and Canadian Olympian Michael Peca
Thursday, Feb. 11 - Jeans Day
Schedule
Dress Code
Event
Regular Schedule
Jeans Day to benefit Haitian Relief
(
See Handbook for details)
Nothing Scheduled
Friday, Feb. 12 - Class Color Day
Schedule
Dress Code
Event
PM Liturgy Schedule
Students may wear clothes that are in their class color.
Freshmen – Red
Sophomores – Yellow
Juniors – Green
Seniors – Blue
Faculty/staff – PURPLE!
If they choose to participate, the shirt and/or pants that they wear must be the majority of the class color. (For example, a student can’t wear a gray t-shirt with blue lettering that says, “St. Mary’s” and claim that they are wearing their class color of blue!)
Sweatshirts/t-shirts/polo shirts are allowed as well as sweatpants, shorts (appropriate length), windpants, and cargo pants as long as they are their class color.
Nothing sleeveless, no bare midrifts/tank tops allowed.
NO JEANS.
NO hats
If they are wearing their class color, they may wear any footwear.
If they are wearing a t-shirt in their class color, but don’t have any pants in their class color, then they may be in dress code bottom or pride day bottom.
Modesty is stressed at all times.
Earring/shaving regulations remain in effect.
No hats may be worn.
Spirit Week Liturgy
Student / Faculty of Month announced
Scholarship recipients announced; welcome Class of 2014
St. Mary’s High School recently
announced the recipients of scholarships
to attend St. Mary’s High School for the
2010-2011 school year.
The scholarships, with a total value of
over $85,000, are awarded to students
who will be freshmen in the next school
year. Scholarship awards based on the
admissions test, applications, letters of
recommendation, and/or personal
essays.
The following is the complete list of
scholarship recipients:
• $12,000 Leadership Scholarship for
Lancaster/Depew Students –
Reagan Craddock from Depew
• $12,000 Leadership Scholarship for
Lancaster/Depew Students –
Christina Santucci from Lancaster
• $8,000 Gus Galasso Scholarship –
Matthew Wrobel from Depew
• $4,000 Service / Academic Scholarship – Alexandra Casillo from Depew
• $4,000 Msgr. David LiPuma Scholarship – Laura Cavallari from Lockport
• $4,000 Mrs. Brzuszkiewicz Memorial
Scholarship – Maria Dziekan from
Cheektowaga
• $4,000 Gus Galasso Scholarship –
Trevor Wrona from Cheektowaga
• $4,000 Fr. Leon Ross Scholarship –
Lucas Maciejewski from Lancaster
• $4,000 Fr. Leon Ross Scholarship – Erin
Neidhart from Lancaster
• $4,000 Alumni Scholarship – Rachel
Molino from Cheektowaga
• $4,000 Albin Kocialski Scholarship –
Erika Talbot from East Aurora
• $4,000 Academic Scholarship –
Miranda Rozek from Depew
• $2,000 Student Senate Leadership
Scholarship – Mary Therese Martin
from East Aurora
• $2,000 Katherine Czapski Kipp Memorial Scholarship – Kathleen
Bookmiller from Lancaster
• $2,000 Gordon Hoppe Scholarship –
Timothy Nowak from Cheektowaga
• $2,000 Board of Trustees Scholarship – Hayley Wnuk from Depew
• $2,000 Academic Scholarship – Laura
Enzinna from Lancaster
• $2,000 Academic Scholarship – David
Keil from West Seneca
• $1,400 Academic Scholarship – Mark
McManus from Lancaster
• $1,400 Academic Scholarship –
Abigail Salamone from Lancaster
• $1,400 Academic Scholarship – Erica
Swannie from Lancaster
• $1,400 Academic Scholarship – Clare Tremblay from Alden
• $1,400 Academic Scholarship – Collin
Zelli from Lancaster
• $750 Alumni Service Scholarship –
Chelsea Goldyn from Depew
• $750 Academic Scholarship – Joseph
Cipolla from Lancaster
• $750 Academic Scholarship – Kevin
Eggert from Cheektowaga
• $250 Service/Academic Scholarship – Kathryn Hopkins from Lancaster
• $250 Service/Academic Scholarship – Nicholas Sugg from Lancaster
• $250 Academic Scholarship – Peter
Marks from Cheektowaga
• $250 Academic Scholarship –
Hannah Steffen from Depew
The Admissions Committee of St.
Mary’s High School is pleased to announce
the complete list of students who
have been accepted as members of the
Class of 2014:
Jacob Adamczak from Lancaster
Torey Adams from Clarence Ctr
Jon David Andreessen from Depew
Kaitlyn Aquino from Lancaster
Paul Battaglia from Cheektowaga
Jenna Bettinger from Lancaster
Kimberly Bettinger from Lancaster
Catherine Blaszak from Cheektowaga
Kathleen Bookmiller from Lancaster
Michael Braciak from Cheektowaga
Dylan Braniecki from Cheektowaga
Amanda Burns from Depew
Caitlin Bystrak from Sloan
Holly Bystrak from Sloan
Alexandra Casillo from Depew
Laura Cavallari from Lockport
Joseph Cipolla from Lancaster
Alyssa Costello from Lockport
Samantha Cousineau from Buffalo
Reagan Craddock from Depew
Lena Crocker from Lockport
Thomas Decker from West Falls
Aaron Denz from East Aurora
Sebastian Drews from Depew
Natalia Dziadosz from Lancaster
Maria Dziekan from Cheektowaga
Joseph Ebner from Cheektowaga
Kevin Eggert from Cheektowaga
Hannah Elminowski from Buffalo
Laura Enzinna from Lancaster
Benjamin Evans from Lancaster
Renee Fedyk from Orchard Park
Justin Ferraraccio from Sloan
Jacob Filby from Amherst
Vincent Francemone from Lancaster
Tiffany Frazzini from Springville
Alex Goldbach from Tonawanda
Chelsea Goldyn from Depew
Marc Gonzalez from Lancaster
Justin Green from Buffalo
Gabriella Gugliuzza from Tonawanda
Jacob Hacker from Buffalo
Rylee Haffey from Cheektowaga
Marie Hahn from Clarence
Chelsea Heffernan from Lockport
Meghan Helak from West Seneca
Brett Helmbrecht from Cheektowaga
Brendan Heywood from Buffalo
Lauren Hillman from Lockport
Christopher Hoffman from Depew
Kathryn Hopkins from Lancaster
Jeffrey Hunziker from Lancaster
Sydney Irish from Lancaster
Austin Kaetzel from Buffalo
Colin Keenan from Buffalo
David Keil from West Seneca
Nathaniel Keith III from Buffalo
Cory Kiebzak from Cheektowaga
Michele Kruzynski from Cheektowaga
Courtnie Labenski from Lancaster
Andrew LaMartina from Williamsville
David Lesser from Depew
Chelsea Levan from Cheektowaga
Kimberly Long from East Aurora
Patricia Long from Cheektowaga
Richard Luczak from Lancaster
Ana Lyons from Buffalo
Lucas Maciejewski from Lancaster
Rebecca Mann from Amherst
Peter Marks from Cheektowaga
Mary Therese Martin from East Aurora
Nicole Mauri from Buffalo
Alexander Mayne from Williamsville
Mark McManus from Lancaster
Bailey Michalski from Cheektowaga
Rachel Molino from Cheektowaga
Molly Munro from West Seneca
Erin Neidhart from Lancaster
Larissa Nicholson from Lockport
Timothy Nowak from Cheektowaga
Abigail O’Brien from East Amherst
Allison Parente from Lockport
Derrick Parker from Buffalo
Joseph Podwika from Cheektowaga
Juliana Poy from Depew
Gabrielle Procter from Williamsville
Katarina Raab from Depew
Colin Rankin from Cheektowaga
Nathan Ress from Alden
Francesca Rockwood from Lockport
Sydney Rogers from Lancaster
Ciara Rosten from Cheektowaga
Miranda Rozek from Depew
Victoria Rozler from Lancaster
Casey Ryan from Williamsville
Abigail Salamone from Lancaster
Christina Santucci from Lancaster
Matthew Schaefer from Cheektowaga
Claire Schroeder from Buffalo
Amy Seep from Willamsville
Jillian Senko from Lancaster
Taylor Sharman from Depew
Nicholas Soluri from Depew
Jessica Sowa from Gowanda
Lucas Sperduti from Lockport
Olivia Staniszewski from Buffalo
Alex Staszczyk from Lancaster
Jacqueline Steck from Depew
Hannah Steffen from Depew
Christian Stegmeier from Lancaster
Rachel Stephenson from Hamburg
Nicholas Sugg from Lancaster
Erica Swannie from Lancaster
Christopher Szumla from
Cheektowaga
Erika Talbot from East Aurora
Clare Tremblay from Alden
Nicholas Vallone from Depew
Celeste Velocci from West Seneca
Alyssa Walczyk from Hamburg
Wayne Warnke from West Falls
Jack Windschitl from East Amherst
Hayley Wnuk from Depew
Steven Wong from Cheektowaga
Matthew Wrobel from Depew
Trevor Wrona from Cheektowaga
Collin Zelli from Lancaster
Grant Ziomek from Cheektowaga
January Exam Schedule
Mon., Jan. 25
Tue., Jan. 26
Wed., Jan. 27
Thu., Jan. 28
Fri., Jan. 29
Regular School Day
8-10 a.m.
Geometry A MT (10)
Geometry H MT (9,10)
Alg II/Trig A MT (11)
Alg II/Trig H MT (10,11)
8-11 a.m.
Math B Regents
Exam Retake (12)
10 a.m.-12 noon
Economics FINAL (12)
12-3 p.m.
English Regents Exam
Session I (11)
8-9 a.m.
Spanish I MT (9)
Spanish II MT (9,10)
Spanish III MT (10,11,12)
French I MT (9)
French II MT (9,10)
French III MT (10,11)
9:30-11:30 a.m.
Global Studies I R MT (9)
Global Studies I H MT (9)
Global Studies II R MT (10)
12-3 p.m.
English Regents Exam
Session II (11)
AP Calculus MT (12)
AP World History MT (10)
8-11 a.m.
MANDATORY Review for Mr. Hall’s
Geometry B Class (10)
8-10 a.m.
US History MT (11)
AP Stats MT (11,12)
12-2 p.m.
Chemistry R MT (11)
Chemistry H MT (10,11)
12-3 p.m.
Integrated Algebra Regents Exam (10)
8-10 a.m.
Health FINAL (9-12)
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Religion 10 FINAL (10)
Religion 11 (Morality) FINAL (11)
Int. Algebra A MT (9)
Int. Algebra B MT (9)
(Grade Level)
MT = Mid-term exam
Mr. Fay wins National Award
Washington, D.C.- Thomas Fay, math, religion and Latin teacher at St. Mary's High School, Lancaster, N.Y., is one of six recipients of the National Catholic Educational Association's (NCEA) Secondary Schools Department Award for 2010. Fay will receive this national award during the Secondary Schools Department's annual convocation and awards ceremony Wednesday, April 7, at the NCEA Convention in Minneapolis-St. Paul.
The NCEA Secondary Schools Department award honors significant leadership and service contributions to Catholic high school education. The award brings national recognition to the achievements of six outstanding educators who reflect the richness and diversity of American Catholic education.
Fay has never waivered in sharing the teachings of Christ, and young people and adults alike in the Diocese of Buffalo have benefited tremendously because of his commitment. Whether he is teaching in the classroom, leading a retreat, assisting the campus ministry team, coaching football, stepping into administrative positions at critical moments or even driving the school bus, Fay unselfishly and generously gives his time in service to the school community. His work with the school community and with several parishes and the diocese is a remarkable example of love, service and devotion.
Established in 1904, the NCEA is the largest private professional education organization in the world, representing 200,000 Catholic educators serving 7 million students in Catholic elementary and secondary schools, in religious education programs, in seminaries and in colleges and universities.
Basketball team visits Children's Hospital
The Christmas season is about more than just getting; it’s also about the giving. And members of the St. Mary’s High School Men’s Varsity Basketball Team learned this lesson first hand as they recently went to Women and Children’s Hospital of Buffalo.
Led by Coach Dan Gill, the five players – Joe Cellino, Joe Barnhardt, Vince Kazmierczak, Jeremy Pyszczynski, Peter Notaro and Chad Griffin – visited the hospital as part of a week-long affair.
First, the players and their families collected gifts that would be perfect for the hospital’s patients. These gifts were then wrapped in holiday style. Then, on Monday, Dec. 21, the players hand-delivered the gifts to the children at the hospital.
Coordinated by St. Mary’s parent LuAnne Brown, chief nursing officer of Women and Children’s Hospital of Buffalo, the players brought the gifts to the hospital. Then they received a personal tour of the facilities, getting the chance to meet patients who would benefit from their generosity.
“It was a great experience for me,” said Barnhardt. “It is something I will never forget.”
“You don’t realize how good you have things until you experience that,” added Kazmierczak.
“It was an eye opening experience for me,” continued Notaro. “To see kids/families being forced to spend the holidays in the hospital and to be able to put a smile on their face made it a very rewarding experience for me.”
“I couldn’t believe how happy the kids were after we brought them their gifts,” said Griffin.
“This was a great experience for all involved,” said Coach Gill. “This trip was certainly valuable in teaching life-lessons.”
Please note – due to the age of the patients, St. Mary’s High School was not permitted to take photos of the basketball players during the visit.
Students collect shoeboxes for charity
St. Mary’s High School, led by the Campus Ministry and Religion departments, kicked off the holiday season by helping students experience the joy of giving as the entire school participated in the Operation Christmas Child Collection.
As part of this project, students worked in pairs, collecting school supplies, small toys, and toiletries which the packed into decorated shoe boxes. The students also collected money to cover the postage of sending the boxes to needy children in other parts of the world.
According to Religion teacher Mrs. Cindy Power, who organized the event, she learned of this project through one of the parents.
“I heard about this project from the LeRoy family, who have participated in it for several years now,” Mrs. Powers said. “I thought this project was something that St. Mary’s would get excited about and participate in.”
The school had set of a goal of collecting 100 boxes; the students went beyond this bringing in 112.
“The students were excited to participate,” Mrs. Power continued. “They had a lot of fun shopping for the gifts and imagining the child who would open it.
“I think this was a wonderful way for our students to experience compassion for those who have so much less than we do.”
Students beautify campus
Members of the St. Mary's chapter of SADD recently spent an afternoon preparing for spring by plantng bulbs.
David Sobczynksi, with the help of moderator Mrs. Sarah Neudeck, plants some tulip bulbs outside the front of the school.
St. Mary’s High School is pleased to welcome the following new teachers, counselors, and media center specialist to the school community:
St. Mary's welcomes new teachers, counselors,
media center specialist
St. Mary’s High School is pleased to
welcome the following new teachers,
counselors, and media center specialist
to the school community:
Erin Bellavia
Position: English 9
and English 12,
Writing/Reading
Development
teacher
Education: B.A. in
Communications
from
Allegheny
College; M.S. in Secondary Education
from D’Youville
Previous positions: Cleve-Hill Middle
School & High School, Clarence
Middle School, St. Josaphat School, Western New York Catholic
Background: Hometown is St. Marys, Pa.
Married to Rand. Enjoys reading,
writing, baking, and calligraphy
Why St. Mary’s: “I was a student-teacher
here, and it seemed like a great place
to work.”
Carolyn Montalbo
Position: Sophomore/
Senior
Counselor
Education:
Undergarduate
degree in Music
Performance /
Music History /
Literature from
SUNY Geneseo; Master’s degree in
School Counseling from SUNY atBuffalo
Background: “Originally from Vancouver,
B.C., I grew up in Utica and moved to
the Buffalo area two years ago with
my husband. I’ve been playing the
cello professionally for several years
and also enjoy playing tennis and
yoga and I am an avid Buffalo Sabres
fan.”
Why St. Mary’s: “I fell in love with the family
atmosphere and the dedication of the
students, faculty, and staff. I feel so
blessed to be a part of such a
wonderful community. I am truly
looking forward to getting to know
each student and helping them to
reach their goals.”
Sarah Neudeck
Position: Freshman /
Junior Counselor
Education: A.A.S. in
Paralegal and
B.S. in Human
Services from
Hilbert College;
M.Ed. from St.
Bonaventure
Previous position: Long-term sub in
Counseling at Holland; substitute
teacher
Background: “I live in Strykersvile with my
wonder-husband Ed and our two
children, Zachary, 15, and Melissa, 12.
I enjoy reading, flower gardening,
spending time with family and friends,
and soccer.”
Why St. Mary’s: “I love the small environment
at St. Mary’s. I had been praying
that God would lead me in the
direction He wanted me to go: I was
thrilled when Mrs. Kranz called and
offered me the job. It is a privilege to
work with young people, and I am very
thankful to be a part of the St. Mary’s
family.”
Cara Nisbeth
Position: Ceramics
and Intro to Fine
Art teacher
Education: Bachelor
of Science
degree in Art
Education /
Ceramics from
Buffalo State
College
Previous position: Ceramic artist
Background: “I’m originally from
Westchester. I have been living in
Buffalo for the last four years.”
Why St. Mary’s: “I am excited to share my
knowledge and skills (as an artist). I
am very happy to be a part of the St.
Mary’s community and am looking
forward to a great year.”
Jenna Sheehan
Position: Math IIIB and IVB teacher
Education: Mathematics / Mathematics
Education degree from Canisius
College
Previous position: Algebra teacher inFlorida, longterm
sub at
Lancaster
Background: “I am
from Depew
and went to
Depew High
School. While
at Canisius I
met my husband, Milt, and we moved
to Florida. Due to budget issues we
moved back to Western New York.”
Why St. Mary’s: “I am extremely excited to
have my own class and new opportunities
in such a tight-knit environment.
The family atmosphere at St. Mary’s is
what drew me in.”
Emily Sityar
Position: Library/
Media Center
specialist
Education: B.A. in Anthropology
from Hunter
College; M.A. in
Linguistics from
U.C.L.A.;
Master’s in Library Science from
SUNY at Buffalo
Previous position: Media Specialist at St.
Mark’s School, North Buffalo
Background: “My husband and I just
celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary.
We have three daughters, ages
16, 11, and 8, and a golden retriever,
age 4. Before moving to Williamsville
nine years ago, we lived in Germany
for five years. When I’m not taking my
daughters to their soccer games, I
like to read and walk my dog.”
Why St. Mary’s: “While I loved working with
the young children at St. Mark’s, I’m
looking forward to teaching in a high
school. At my job interview, I was
impressed with Mrs. Kranz’s energy
and with the school’s focus on
community spirit and academic
excellence. Everyone has been so
kind and welcoming here at St.
Mary’s.”
Dan Stachelski (Class of 2001)
Position: Music courses, including Jazz
Band, teacher
Education: A.S. in Music and Entrepreneurial
Studies Certification from Villa Maria College,
B.A. in Music
from Buffalo
State College
Background: “Music has been an important
part of my life for as long as I can
remember. My parents were very
supportive of this and sent me for
piano lessons. I have been playing
piano for over 15 years. I currently live
in the Lancaster area. I also enjoy
nature, reading, writing, and being
amongst my friends.”
Why St. Mary’s: “Ever since I graduated
from St. Mary’s it has been a dream of
mine to come back to SMH and lead
the music department forward, in a
new direction. When I was a student
at SMH, I was involved in numerous
clubs, including Student Senate,
liturgical music, and RPM. It was my
experiences here that have shaped
me into who I am today.”
ML Verdi-Korte
Position: Living
Environment
and General
Chemistry
teacher
Education: Bachelor
of Science in
Biochemistry
from SUNY
College of
Environmental Science and Forestry;
Master’s in Education from D’Youville
Previous position: Over 20 years in
research and manufacturing for
several large pharmaceutical and
chemical companies in Western New
York
Background: “Born and raised in Buffalo, I
now live in Clarence with my husband,
three children, and two dogs. I
occasionally get their names right.”
Why St. Mary’s: “The St. Mary’s atmosphere
seemed very welcoming and
supportive. I hope to bring a sense of
what it is like to work out in the ‘real
world’ of science to my students.”
St. Mary's presents Marian Award
At its 105th Commencement Ceremonies held on June 2 at Villa Maria College, St. Mary’s High School presented the school’s Marian Award to Depew native Steven Wrobel.
The Marian Award, the highest award presented to a St. Mary’s graduate, recognizes the senior who has shown friendliness to all people, willingness to help others, leadership, and active support of the school. It is the only award presented at Graduation.
The nominees for this award are selected by their classmates. After the nominees are chosen, they are asked to write an essay explaining what their four years at St. Mary’s High School has meant to them and their personal growth. The faculty and staff then voted for the winner of the award.
As a Marian Award recipient, Steven received a trophy and a special gift from the school’s administration.
The other nominees for the Marian Award were Andrew Adolf, Victoria Reitz, and Samantha Spisiak.
Mrs. Rebecca Kranz, principal of St. Mary's High School, presents the Marian Award to Steven Wrobel.
NHS inducts 20 new members
On Monday, February 9, the Marian Chapter of the National Honor Society inducted 20 new members in a ceremony held in the new St. Mary's Auditorium.
Juniors: Emma Concannon, Alex Beilman, Sara Dudek, Justine Pazderski, Jeremy Pyszczynski, Christina VanDewater
Sophomores: Nicole Gangloff, Daniel Hamilton, Michelle Jezuit, Amy Kawa, Emily Kowalski, Christina Loniewski, Anthony Runk, Molly Spisiak, Jessica Swannie, Brandon Tytka, Michael Wrona
In addition to the students, NHS members honored Mr. Keith Junik as the 2009 Teacher of the Year. Mr. Junik is the Dean of Education and chair of the Social Studies Department.
Present NHS member Amanda DiPiazza lights the candle of new members Kara Dudek, Alex Beilman, and Jeremy Pyszczynski.
Mr. Herr named Sam's Club Teacher of the Year
Mr. Herr receives his Teacher of the Year Award
from Sam’s Club representative Nancy Michalski.
Mr. Peter Herr, head of the Fine &
Performing Arts Department, was recently
named the Teacher of the Year by the
Cheektowaga Sam’s Club. Mr. Herr
received a $1,000 grant for St. Mary’s High
School, a $100 gift card to purchase
supplies for the classroom, and
a personalized certificate.
Each Wal-Mart store, Sam’s
Club, Neighborhood Market, and
Wal-Mart Distribution Center
selects one teacher to honor as
Teacher of the Year.
The teachers are nominated
by members of the community
and selected by a committee of
facility associates. Nationwide,
more than 4,000 teachers are
being honored through this
program.
“Our area has fantastic
teachers,” said Sam’s Club
manager Matt Lindsey. “We are
pleased to honor Mr. Herr as the
Teacher of the Year.”
Senior finds money for charity
By Samantha Spisiak Class of 2009
Did you ever wonder whatever happened to those extra nickels and dimes that are dropped on the floor? Or change that mysteriously escaped your pocket and ended up on the ground? Hopefully, your lost loose change actually goes to a good cause.
A senior at St. Mary’s High School is making sure the change he finds is used to help the less fortunate.
Tom Interdonato has been a member of the St. Mary’s “Work Crew” for over three years now, and during that time he has been collecting and keeping the change he finds while cleaning the St. Mary’s hallways. Naturally, after years of collecting a nickel here and a penny there, things started to add up. Tom eventually sat down to count it: he had collected over $150.
But instead of using the money for his personal Christmas shopping, Tom had a much better idea.
“It was right around Thanksgiving time and St. Mary’s was holding a food drive to benefit St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy,” Tom said. “So I went to Wegmans and purchased $150 worth of non-perishable food items for the drive.”
Tom showed the St. Mary’s community what the true meaning of the season is all about.
“Who knew what a huge difference some spare change could actually make?” Tom humbly asked.
