Our Director of College Counseling Jamie Whitwood was named to the 2019-20 College Board Counselor Recognition Program. Only 26 counselors were chosen for such an honor in New York State. As one of our seniors said of Mrs. Whitwood, “She is always willing to lend a listening ear and has been there with me through every step of my college application process. It is in no small part because of her that I have been accepted to five schools so far – all with scholarship offers.” Congratulations, Mrs. Whitwood! We’re so lucky to have her as part of our St. Mary’s Family!

The 51st annual Bishop’s Altar Server Awards were held at St. Joseph’s Cathedral. Four Lancers were honored with Altar Server of the Year Awards, and we could not be prouder! Congratulations to senior Daniel May for his service at Our Lady of Pompeii Parish, junior Molly Callahan for her service at St. Gabriel’s in Elma, Class of 2019 alumna Nicole Gorny for her service to Resurrection Parish in Cheektowaga, and junior Samantha Garry (unable to attend the ceremony) for her service at St. Mary’s High School’s Masses.

Here’s another awesome story coming out of the Fine Arts Department! Five of our very best art students (from left to right: Allison Shepard ’21, Maggie Kellner ’20, Marie Rhodes ’20, Megan O’Brien ’20, and Mary Owczarczak ’20) created portraits of children living as refugees in Malaysia that will now be sent overseas to these children. As part of a coordinated effort among high school art students throughout the country, students create handmade portraits for children living in refugee camps, orphanages, and in similar situations around the world as part of the Memory Project. The portraits are a once-in-a-lifetime gift for the children who receive them. A special thank you goes out to our amazing Art Teacher Mr. Richard Christian for coordinating this project.

The artwork of three St. Mary’s students has been submitted to the Daemen College All High School Art Show. The landscape digital photograph was created by senior Joe Kupczyk, the mixed media drawing of shells was done by senior Mary Owczarczak, and the mixed media drawing of skulls was made by senior Megan O’Brien. What a talented bunch of students led by teacher Mr. Rich Christian!

The senior class took a field trip to Our Lady of Victory Basilica – which is now led by SMH alumnus Fr. David LiPuma ‘78 – to learn about the spiritual and architectural history of the basilica. They were then treated to lunch afterwards at Ilio DiPaolo’s Restaurant and Banquet Facility. It was a great day as the entire class got to spend the day together, growing in their faith.

The St. Mary’s Diversity Club headed out with other club members from high schools throughout the area on a field trip in January. It was a great morning with wonderful conversation. The St. Mary’s contingency represented the school with integrity and class throughout the day.

The St. Mary’s Music Department shared the stage with The Enchords from University at Buffalo. The Enchords were gracious enough to hold a workshop with our Varsity Chorus and Glee Club before our Winter Pops Concert held at Our Lady of Pompeii. It was fun evening for our students, and the performance was incredible!

Keeping the Christmas spirit alive, junior Shannon Dienes and some of her classmates made up 75 boxes of cookies and 100 bags of fresh popped popcorn to give to children and families who spent the holidays at Oishei Children’s Hospital. Kids helping kids – what more can you want?