MILLTOWN — The Saint Mark’s High School parking lot has received a face lift this September as the asphalt has become a canvas for the seniors. They were encouraged to express their school spirit and their personalities by painting their own parking spots with unique designs and vibrant colors. The spots now feature giant smiley faces, geometric patterns, sports honors, famous characters and more.
Diane Casey, the assistant principal for student affairs, was the mastermind behind the initiative, noting it had been done at a previous school where she worked. She worked with the senior class officers to make the project possible. Class president Abbey Cresswell said it was a fun bonding experience for the seniors.
“The spots really brighten up the parking lot, and so many people have driven by just to see them. It is special to be a part of starting a new Saint Mark’s tradition,” she said.
Most Blessed Sacrament reports smooth transition back to in-person learning
BERLIN, Md. — The Most Blessed Sacrament School community has come together to help make the transition back to in-person learning as seamless as possible, the school reports. All of the students at the school returned two weeks ago and are socially distanced, wearing masks and practicing proper hygiene.
Ed and Stephanie Rohe donated new and easily sanitized playground equipment for all of the classes, director of admissions and advancement Amanda Evans said. The school has new hand-sanitizing stations courtesy of Rich Deale, who worked with Creative Assemblies in Bridgeville, Del., and Arena Signs in Lewes, Del. Evans said Duane and Josie Cover led a team of volunteers to create a sunshade over the outdoor classroom.
Principal Kathy Manns said generosity and service are part of the Most Blessed Sacrament community.
“Throughout the months leading up to our opening, our families, teachers and staff really came together with ideas, donations and support. We truly couldn’t do any of this without them. Our Diocesan school year theme is ‘Called to Serve’ and it is already taking action with the shared time, talent and treasure of our school body,” she said.
Seven Catholic high school seniors are Merit semifinalists
Seven seniors from Catholic high schools in the Diocese of Wilmington have been named semifinalists in the 2021 National Merit Scholarship program. These students are among 16,000 from across the country to receive this designation and will continue in the competition for some 7,600 scholarships worth more than $30 million that will be offered next spring.
Three Archmere Academy students were named: James Della, Alex Lu and Michael Mallamaci. From Padua Academy, Anne Shea and Annamarie Warnke were selected, and Salesianum School seniors Pratik Jacob and Mason Semenick were tabbed.
The semifinalists were selected from more than 1.5 million juniors who took the 2019 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. They represent less than 1 percent of high school seniors in the United States. In order to be considered as a finalist, a student must have a high school official submit information about the student’s academic record, participation in school and community activities, leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received.
The National Merit Scholarship Corp. was established in 1955 to conduct the scholarship program. Its grants are underwritten by its own funds and by approximately 400 businesses and institutions of higher learning.
Mount Aviat named “Educational Hero,” receives safety kits from hardware company
CHILDS, Md. — True Value hardware recently started a program called “Educational Heroes Safety Campaign,” with a focus on giving back to local communities. Up to 700 schools received a health and safety kit, and Mount Aviat Academy was one of them.
Wilmington store owners Jason and Theresa Veasey nominated Mount Aviat. The school will receive four gallons of hand soap, eight gallons of hand sanitizer, 12 empty 32-ounce bottles with trigger sprays, and 50 KN95 masks.
True Value also donated 200 buckets to Mount Aviat at the start of the school year. Students use them for storage at their desks, and when they go outside, the buckets are used for stools.
Send school news to Mike Lang at mlang@thedialog.org.
More photos from Saint Mark’s.
