Appreciation All Around

This past week the St. Mary's community was able to learn about the poverty that so much of the world suffers from and trying to make a change, while celebrating the blessings we have over Easter weekend. Last wednesday was Poverty Awareness day, a yearly event where approximately 200 dedicated and bright students host a day to promote awareness and solutions for global social and political problems. The theme this year was healthcare, and the many branches of issues that fall within that category. Students attended two sessions to learn about certain difficulties faced or programs of aid worldwide. I learned about the Atma Foundation where I was inspired by the influence of a single woman and her family. I was educated more about the Philippines relief, discussing natural disasters that have devastated several countries just in the past few years. As a school we then watched a documentary about the problem of fistulas for women in Ethiopia who cannot afford proper medical care, and a hospital facility that specializes in fistula repair without any financial charges. Additionally we heard a talk from a female medical care provider who traveled to countries like Tanzania for the sake of trying to improve their present healthcare status. By the end of the day money is raised for several foundations, and the whole school is educated on issues that some of us may not have even known existed. The emphasis on social justice at St. Mary's remains present especially for events like this one. 


Additionally this past week I celebrated Passover with my mother and father for the first time without my siblings or friends. I realized that no matter how many people are at the table I still enjoy the meaningful traditions. I ate matza several times a day for days, coming up with creative ways to incorporate it into my meals. While some friends hunted for Easter eggs, others looked for the afikomen. And overall, this festive week was one to remember.

So Long Winter, Hello Spring!

The winter recognition assembly was one of appreciation and admiration for our schools athletes, writers and mock trial participants. Flower petals scattered the floor and the sound of clapping filled the room while our accomplished students stood tall. SMAD.co performed two of our four numbers with our new black sweatshirts, and the students fed off the energy and fun choreography. The ski teams, basketball, swimming, mock trial and more were all honored with titles of excellence because of their outstanding work this past winter. St. Mary's celebrated our feats as a community, like we always do three times a year.

Spring Break 2014 was the last spring break of my high school career! I spent the week with my parents and sister in sunny Scottsdale, Arizona, visiting cousins and going to multiple baseball games. Getting some much needed time in the sun I returned to school ready to successfully finish out the year. Only 2 more months and yet there is so much to do! Spring concerts, SMA arts week, prom, senior retreat - I definitely have a lot to look forward to this April and May. I know the time will fly by, so all I can do is enjoy my last remaining months at the school that has been made my home.