STMA Achieves Success in Model U.N.

Nine STMA students attended Model UN Conference at Padua Academy on Saturday, March 17, 2012. These nine students represented six countries at multiple levels of the conference.

Senior Melissa Micek recieved a verbal commendation for her representation as Canada in the U.N. General Assembly for her involvement in issues dealing with the Arab Spring, the Palestinean settlements in Israel, and the situations in Iran and North Korea.

Juniors Brendan Smith and Jordan Caudill both received honorable mentions for their representation of South Korea in the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) and their input on nuclear power, safety, weaponry and non-proliferation.  Go Ravens!

Silent Auction: Record Number Attended 2012 Event

Our 2012 Silent Auction was our school’s most successful to date. Plied with alumni, regional parish representatives, alumni parents, current parents and benefactors, this year’s Silent Auction exceeded everyone’s expectation. An estimated 280 paid guests filled St. Thomas More’s Bishop Michael A. Saltarelli Gymnasium; this was in addition to STMA and Holy Cross School student workers and various parent and teacher volunteers.

The evening started about 6:30pm, when guests started arriving. The gym was set in an elegant dining decor for, what this year was, a multi-course plated dinner (prepared by Chef Jim Baaden). Prior to each course coming out a wine perfectly paired to that course was served to each guest. In between courses our dinner guests were invited to peruse and bid on various items at the auction. Following the last course of the night a final go ’round of bidding went on, along with some dancing in our dance area near the front of the gymnasium.

Following the closing of bidding, a 50/50 raffle being held that evening had its winner announced: Our own Miss Maggio. A special drawing for an iPad found long-time school supporter John Grady as its winner. At the end of the evening all winning bidders claimed their prize on the way out of the auction and made their way home with their goodies.

The auction staff was wide ranging: dozens of students from STMA and Holy Cross School; a multitude of parent volunteers and our committee leaders: Chairwoman Sue Venezia, Sandy Zaragoza, Valerie and Dave Sharp, Lenay Madera, Jim and Diane Baaden, and far too many other to name here! In short we had a mini-army of volunteers in place to the 2012 Silent Auction the biggest and best one in the history of STMA! The school collectively thanks all of the many, many, many volunteers who jumped in a did yeoman’s work for us!

Here are some photos from Silent Auction 2012

Students hit the dance floor along with teachers and guests during the 2012 Silent Auction.

Magnolia Can Dance! Dr. Zink and Senora Emelia dance their hearts out during the Silent Auction.

A view from the front side of the gym, of the 2012 Silent Auction. Just stunning!

Dinner guests enjoy the ambiance and delectable cuisine at the 2012 Silent Auction

Auction guest mingle and converse at STMA’s 2012 Silent Auction

Middle States Update

Parents, we need your input as we prepare for the Middle States reaccreditation process. Please click on the link titled “Middle States Parent Survey” on our home page to begin taking the survey.  Your participation is essential to our determination of how well we are doing, and which areas still need improvement.  We hope to have at least one parent/guardian complete the survey by March 23.  Thank you for your cooperation.  Any questions can be addressed to Mrs. Powers at apowers@saintmore.org.

Swim Team News: Water Ravens Do Us Proud at State Meet

Philip Kopunek of our Swim Team swam the 50 free in a time of 22.86, breaking a record.

We have some great news from our STMA Swim Team:

On the 200 Medley Relay – Dylan Vansant, Anthony Caruso, Philip Kopunek, Jack Kelly broke the school record with a 1:57.34 (previous time was 1:58.02) and finished 19th at the State meet on Saturday, February 25.

On the 200 Free Relay – Jack Kelly, Justin Woinski, Dylan Vansant, and Philip Kopunek smashed the school record with a 1:41.58 (previous time was 1:44.14) and finished 20th at the State meet.

On the 400 Free Relay – Dylan Vansant, Billy Thomas, Anthony Caruso, and Jack Kelly smashed the school record with a 4:04.71 (previous time was 4:06.92) and finished 25th at the State meet.

Senior Philip Kopunek swam the 50 free in a time of 22.86, placing 9th (making it back for the “b” final for Saturday) and broke the school record (previous time was 23.13). He also swam the 100 Breaststroke in a time of 1:04.24, placed 8th (making the a final and the all state team) and smashed the school record (previous time was 1:05.92).

Write On! STMA Students Pen their Way to Del Writing Awards

The pen, indeed, is mightier than the sword!

Congratulations to the following students for winning awards in the 2012 Delaware Regional Scholastic Writing Awards Program:

• Sophomore Kyle Davidson garnered 2 Silver Keys in the Science Fiction/Fantasy category and 6 Honorable Mentions in the Science Fiction/Fantasy, Flash Fiction, and Dramatic Script categories.

• Senior Melissa Micek garnered an Honorable Mention in the Personal Essay/Memoir category.

• Senior Lea Scarangella garnered an Honorable Mention in the Flash Fiction category.

Scott Wallen and Dylan Vansant: Keepers of the Flag

Our American Flag

by Morgan Trythall

Many people think about the American flag only on major holidays like July 4th or Memorial Day. However, here at St. Thomas More Academy, the flag is remembered daily by two unsung heroes: Scott Wallen and Dylan Vansant. These dedicated young men raise and lower the flag every day, even in the bitter cold weather or on extremely hot and humid days. Because of their patriotic spirit, these two juniors were asked to take on this responsibility, which they have carried out each day.

Every morning as I drive into the parking lot, I see Scott and Dylan raising the flag with smiles on their faces and pride in their movements. Both have ties to the military. Scott is a part of the Cape Henlopen State Park, Fort Miles, and as the youngest member, he is used to raising the flag. Dylan is interested in joining the Coast Guard since he is also interested in boats.

The American flag is a symbol of national pride, as well as a reminder of those who fought for this country’s independence. Consequently, if the flag is dropped on the ground or gets faded or torn, it must be burned. In addition, as a sign of respect, the American flag must be taken down if there is inclement weather and the flag cannot be left flying on the pole after dark unless it is illuminated.

You may have noticed recently that our flag has not been displayed. This is due to a broken clip which normally holds the flag in place. However, you can look forward to its reappearance in a week or so, when the clip is replaced.

And speaking of replacements, any student who is interested in helping Scott and Dylan in their flag duties, or taking over the responsibility after they graduate next year, should contact either one of these unsung heroes of our school.

Finally, if you have an old, faded or torn flag, you should take it down and contact the people at flagkeepers.org who will help dispose of your American flag properly. God Bless America. And God bless our selfless, patriotic Keepers of the Flag: Scott Wallen and Dylan Vansant.

Yearbook Sales: Looking Forward to Looking Back!

Yearbooks!

by Michael Simpkiss ’13

It’s not too late to order the 2011/2012 yearbook.  The cost for the all-color book of memories is $85 and can be purchased in one of two ways: with a credit card, by clicking on the “click here to order your yearbook” icon on the STMA homepage; or by check, made out to STMA, marked as yearbook order, and delivered to the school office.

This year’s theme is “Looking Forward to Looking Back.” Order your copy soon so that you can look forward, worry-free, to delivery at the end of the school year. Quantities are limited and the books are selling quickly. Make sure you will be able to look back at the memories of an eventful year. The yearbook is packed with student portraits, and photos of sports, club activities, dances, concerts, plays, and student life. Don’t miss out on this collection of treasured memories.

Any questions can be addressed to Mrs. Powers at apowers@saintmore.org.