Eighth-graders Molly Passow and Mary McCauley were among 16 elementary school students to be honored in August with the Bishops' Scholarship for Excellence…
Bishop Scholarship Recipients
Eighth-graders Molly Passow and Mary McCauley were among 16 elementary school students to be honored in August with the Bishops’ Scholarship for Excellence from the Catholic Education Endowment Trust. The scholarship is awarded to students after an extensive essay and application process.
Students participated in an essay contest and received recommendations from their teachers and principals.
This year’s essay theme was “How the Holy Eucharist empowers you in making choices in your everyday life.”
The Bishops’ Scholarship for Excellence program is in its 18th year and awards scholarships to both high school and elementary school aged students. St. Mary School is very honored to have two of its students recognized this year. Principal Mary Petelin was pleasantly surprised to have two students honored given there are only 16 awards presented annually.
“We hope to maintain a long standing tradition of involvement with the scholarship program,” commented Petelin.
Back to School Events
St. Mary School kicked off its school year officially on Aug. 22, but festivities and preparations started long before the bus arrived on the first day. New families and students were welcomed by staff and the PTU for a night of fun on Aug. 17, including a visit from East Coast Custard’s treat truck, bus riding practice with Chardon transportation officials and a balloon release to send the school’s best wishes out for a great year!.
The next evening, the entire school began moving supplies in to their classrooms for the year on Drop In Night.
When asked if she was ready for this year, fifth-grade teacher Jenny Rodriguez said enthusiastically, “I’m ready to just have the kids back and get started.”
On Monday, the first day included the ceremonial pictures in front of the school in newly pressed school uniforms. Some parents were sad to see their little ones go while others were ready for the challenge of the new year.
The school hosted a Boo-Hoo/Yahoo Coffee gathering where some parents were consoled and others celebrated. All there made plans and shared information with each other about the upcoming year.
Father Dan Redmond said, “It’s good to have them back in the building. It’s too quiet without them here.”
Rounding out the week was Curriculum Night for the parents and families to learn more about all school news and information, and individual teacher expectations and announcements for the school year. Principal Mary Petelin announced the addition of new STEM enrichment programs, expanded preschool offerings and welcomed all families back for another great year of learning and growing together.
