Today @ St. Rose

 Congratulations to Geraldine Mabagos ’12 named a

National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalist.

Geraldine Mabagos '12

National Merit Scholarship Program

The National Merit^® Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships that began in 1955. High school students enter the National Merit Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT^®)–a test which serves as an initial screen of more than 1.5 million entrants each year–and by meeting published program entry/participation requirements.

Program Recognition

Of the 1.5 million entrants, some 50,000 with the highest PSAT/NMSQT^® Selection Index scores (critical reading + mathematics + writing skills scores) qualify for recognition in the National Merit^® Scholarship Program. In April following the fall test administration, high-scoring participants from every state are invited to name two colleges or universities to which they would like to be referred by NMSC. In September, these high scorers are notified through their schools that they have qualified as either a Commended Student or Semifinalist.  

Semifinalists

In early September, about 16,000 students, or approximately one-third of the 50,000 high scorers, are notified that they have qualified as Semifinalists. To ensure that academically talented young people from all parts of the United States are included in this talent pool, Semifinalists are designated on a state representational basis. They are the highest scoring entrants in each state. NMSC provides scholarship application materials to Semifinalists through their high schools. To be considered for a National Merit^® Scholarship, Semifinalists must advance to Finalist standing in the competition by meeting high academic standards and all other requirements explained in the information provided to each Semifinalist. (taken in whole from the NMSC website http://www.nationalmerit.org/nmsp.php)

Congratulations to Chris DeRitits ’12 and Nicholas Greenquist ’12 named

National Merit Scholarship Commended students.

Christopher DeRitis '12

Commended Students

In late September, more than two-thirds (about 34,000) of the approximately 50,000 high scorers on the PSAT/NMSQT^® receive Letters of Commendation in recognition of their outstanding academic promise. Commended Students are named on the basis of a nationally applied Selection Index score.  Although Commended Students do not continue in the competition for National Merit^® Scholarships, some of these students do become candidates for Special Scholarships sponsored by corporations and businesses. (taken in whole from the NMSC website http://www.nationalmerit.org/nmsp.php)

JOURNEY TOWARD GREATNESS

CHOOSE YOUR DESTINATION

If you could choose to go anywhere is the world, where would you go?

Today, that infinite possibility is open to you.  It’s the start of a new school year.  It’s a clean slate.  What’s gone before does not have to determine where you go next. 

What do you want for yourself? Where do you want to go? Where do you want to be at the end of this marking period? this school year?  The end of your high school career?  Choose your destination for yourself.

CHART YOUR COURSE

There are many ways to arrive at the same point.  Once you’ve determined your destination, your need to chart your course. 

How do you want to get where you are going?  What is important to you about how you make the journey?  Are you looking to “just get there” along the shortest, fastest route possible or are their stops you’d like to make along the way?

As you begin this school year, name your intent and desires.  What is it you want to get out of your experience?  With your destination in mind, sit down and map out your route. Name your goals for yourself.  List the behaviors, attitudes, actions and choices you will make this year to get you where you want to go.  Keep your map in hand and refer to it often.  You’ll need it when you get lost along the way or are detoured by unexpected construction or delays.

KNOW WHAT TO PACK

Once you’ve identified your destination, and mapped your course, you need to pack.  What’s the weather going to be like? What do you need in your suitcase?  

Pack what you need but don’t bring your “baggage”.  Remember, checked bags cost more.  Go with what you can carry.  Know what you to bring with you and what can you pick up along the way.

Take time to inventory for yourself your strengths and your weaknesses.  Use your strengths to help you build up the areas where you may need to improve.   Maybe you are not the most organized person, but you are really creative.  How can you use your creativity to help you structure and organize your learning? 

BE PREPARED TO STOP FOR TRAFFIC DELAYS, ROAD CONSTRUCTION AND DETOURS

Once you are on the road understand that there will be delays along the way.  Traffic, construction, airport delays and unexpected detours are part of any journey.  Don’t allow delays to frustrate or derail you. 

If you get stuck or get off course, refer to your map and be willing to “re-calcualte” your route. 

If a detour leaves you lost, don’t be afraid to stop and ask for directions.  Teachers, parents and guidance counselors are here and ready to help you when you need to re-route

BE OPEN TO THE UNEXPECTED

One of my favorite road signs is a Carolina blue sign you’ll see from time to time along the shoulder that reads “Scenic Overlook.”  It’s an indication that a beautiful view is about to happen upon you. 

Don’t be so locked in on your destination and your journey that you refuse to stop and enjoy the beautiful views along the way.  It’s the side trips in life that can offer some of the most unexpected treats. 

Just be careful that you don’t settle in and forget about your real destination.  It’s easy to be distracted.  That’s why it is important to keep your map handy and refer to it often.

REST STOPS

Finally, it’s important to make regular pit-stops.  Be sure to take care of yourself along the way.  Stop to get something to eat.  Be sure to get enough rest.  Build in time to read, enjoy your hobbies, and spend time with family and friends.  Go to dances and games.  Join a club or a team.  Get involved and have some fun along the way. 

As you embark on your Joureny Toward Greatness, know that you do not travel alone.  Your parents, family, friends, teachers and God are all here to help and support you along the way and to cheer you on to your ultimate destination. 

May God bless you and may enjoy a happy and successful school year.

St. Rose, patron of our school community,

grant that we may be what God wants us to be.

May we accept the responsibilities of learning,

support our school and teachers,

perceive, judge and act wisely,

grow in age and grace,

furnish educational hope for all,

make new friends and keep old friends,

be patient with our students and teachers,

keep our school clean and pleasant, and

embody school spirit and pride.

Come, O Holy Spirit, and fill the hearts and minds of your faithful.

Grant us faith, knowledge and perseverance

so that we may go forth and spread the Good News. 

Amen.

AP SCHOLARS NAMED

Twenty-three St. Rose students have been named AP Scholars in recognition of their exceptional achievement on the AP Exams. 

AP SCHOLARS –recognizes students who have earned scores of 3 or higher on three or more exams.  Congratulations to our AP scholars

Nicole Allocca ’11

Mary Bianco ‘11

Kyle Buckley ‘11

Robert Chinery ‘11

Caroline Foz ‘11

Stephen Frost ‘11

Nicholas Hudak ‘11

Katheirne King ‘12

Emily Lowry ‘11

Geraldine Mabagos ‘12

Christine Perez ‘11

AP SCHOLARS WITH HONORS – recognizes students who have earned an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams.  Congratulations to our AP Scholars with Honors

Stephanie Bivona ‘11

Clare Fallon ‘11

William Faugno ‘11

Caroline Kropke  ‘11

Michelle Pathe ‘11

Elizabeth Rondholz ‘11

AP SCHOLAR WITH DISTINCTION – recognizes students who receive an average grade of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken and grades of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams.  Congratulations to our AP Scholars with Distinction

Michael Benanti ‘11

Colleen Flynn ‘11

Hannah Krotulis ‘11

Meredith Munro ‘11

Joseph Risi ‘11

Gabriella Villacis ‘11

Congratulations to Kacie Capozzoli, Shannon Peropat and Nicole Van Schaak named winners of Monmouth University’s Woodrow Wilson Essay Contest.

Kacie Capozzoli ’12

First Place

Shannon Peropat ’12

Honorable Mention

Nicole Van Schaak ’12

Honorable Mention

Congratulations to the newest members of “The 800 Club”!

PERFECT SAT AND SAT SUBJECT EXAM SCORES

Christopher DeRitis ‘12

US History

Madeline Fallon ‘12

US History

Geraldine Mabagos ‘12

US History

Molecular Biology

SAT Writing

SRHS Juniors who took the SAT and SAT Subject tests in the winter and spring did exceptionally well.  Twenty-five juniors took a total of thirty-two subject area exams including: US History, Math 1, Spanish, Biology Ecological, Biology Molecular, Literature and Physics.  Of those students nearly half scored 700 or better on their respective exams.

Academic excellence is the demonstrated ability to excel in scholastic activities and achieve superior performance but it is much more than just making good grades.  Academic excellence represents the fullest development of your intellectual abilities and skills as well as the realization of who you are as God calls you to be.

At St. Rose High School we are committed to helping you develop your whole person: academically, socially and spiritually.  We encourage you daily to be responsible, careful and serious about your studies; to develop fully your talents and abilities; and to make good choices that support your goals and your dreams.  

Today it is my honor to name the Valedictorian and Salutatorian of the Senior Class of 2011.  These honors recognize the efforts of two students among us who have challenged themselves to achieve academic excellence. 

Salutatorian is the academic title given to the student ranked second highest among those graduating from a school.  The title derives from the salutatorian’s traditional role as the first speaker at a graduation, delivering the salutation, or greeting, to open the ceremony. 

At St. Rose the salutatorian addresses the graduating class at the Senior Awards ceremony.  This honor is based upon the graduate’s grade point average over seven semesters of coursework at St. Rose.

We are pleased to announce the distinction of Salutatorian for the SRHS Class of 2011 is awarded to Joseph Risi. 

Valedictorian, the academic title conferred upon the highest ranked student among those graduating, derives from the Latin vale dicere “to say farewell”.  It is rooted in the valedictorian’s historical role as the final speaker at a graduation ceremony.  The valediction is a farewell address to classmates before they disperse.   

St. Rose High School awards the title of Valedictorian to the Senior student in the graduating class who has earned the highest grade point average over seven semesters of academic coursework. 

We are pleased to announce the honor of Valedictorian for the SRHS Class of 2011 is conferred upon William Faugno. 

The distinctions these gentlemen have earned for themselves are the fruits of choices made consistently over the last four years.  They have arrived at this place of honor because of their commitment to academic excellence and their faithfulness to challenging themselves in their coursework beginning with freshman year. 

Congratulations gentlemen!  These are honors well deserved.

Congratulations to the Boy’s and Girl’s Soccer teams who their respective Non-Public B Sectional Titles.  The Boys beat Trenton Catholic Academy on Thursday 6-2 and the Girls’ triumphed over Holy Cross 2-1.  Both teams advance to the State Championship.

The Boys will  play Oratory Prep for the State title Tuesday, November 16, at TCNJ.  Our Girls will play Morris Catholic Thursday, November 18, also at TCNJ.  Both games begin at 5:30PM.

Be sure to sign-up for the FAN BUS for each game.  The cost to ride the FAN BUS is $5 and sign-up sheets are located in the Main Office.  The bus will leave school at 4PM on Tuesday and Thursday and return to St. Rose following the games.  Dress warmly, wear your purple and gold, and come cheer our teams on to victory.  Go Roses!

Sign up to ride the Fan Bus!  Fan Busses will leave school at 3:15PM on Thursday for the Boys and Girls’ Soccer Games in Voorhees.  Students riding the fan busses sign-up in the AD’s office and pay $5 for the bus. Be sure to sign-up today or tomorrow morning at the latest so we have an accurate count. 

Students may change before boarding the bus.  Be sure to follow the dress down guidelines in the handbook, dress warmly, and wear your purple with pride!  Students will return to school following the last game.  We anticipate returning to St. Rose by 9:30PM and will send a Honeywell Alert when we are approximately 45 minutes away from school.