Juniors, if you have still not yet picked up a college information packet from your counselors, please do so as soon as possible.

SCA Counselor nomination forms are available on the SCA/Activities Room door; if you would like to run for a class counselor position, the forms are due on Monday, June 3rd. No exceptions! Class counselor elections will take place during Advisory on June 5th.

All students signed up to usher must come to the SCA/Activities Office immediately after morning announcements today.

Young Men's Executive Club Field Trip Today meet in Coach Owens room at 3:15pm sharp!

Today, enjoy your favorite frozen yogurt and raise money for O’Connell at Zynga Yogurt at the Williamsburg Shopping Center from 3:00 to 8:00 pm. Tell them you are from O’Connell and 10% of the sale goes to the school for investments in technology!

Attention Underclassmen, all library books are now overdue; it is time to clean out your lockers and find those books! Return the books to the library and pay the fines. All books must be returned with their fines paid in order to take your exams.

Attention students, as you clean out your lockers, please use the boxes in the hallways to donate school supplies to the Medical Missionaries and Interact Clubs. Supplies will be sent to Haiti and donated locally. Thank you!

Attention ladies interested in auditioning for O'Connell Singers: Auditions are on Monday June 3rd and Tuesday June 4th, with callbacks on Wednesday June 5th. Sign-ups and audition details are outside the band room.

Billy Blanks comes to Marymount! Hey kids! If you are interested in seeing Billy Blanks, creator of Tae Bo Fitness, head to Marymount University on June 8th. Details? See Coach Owens!

O’Connell will be offering two online Computer Science and Technology-based courses this summer. Registration is underway, and there are still seats available. The two courses are 1.) Intro. To Computer Technology and Applications, and 2.) Computer Science Fundamentals. Students will be required to attend a mandatory orientation session. Please see Mrs. LaWall in the guidance office or contact Mr. Andrews for further information.

Congratulations to the class of 2013!

CLICK HERE to view a slideshow.

It was a beautiful and warm day in the city as Bishop O’Connell High School held its 53th commencement exercise at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. The Most Reverend Paul S. Loverde, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington, presented diplomas to the 305 members of the class of 2013. Included in that number this year were 35 legacies, that is, graduates with parents who are O’Connell alumni. There were also 11 graduates who received a certificate along with their diploma to indicate the equivalent of a ninth semester of study as part of the Global Studies program.

President Kathleen Prebble welcomed the students, honored guests and family members to this celebration. She took a moment to recognized members of the class of 1963 who were attendance to mark the 50^th anniversary of their graduation from Bishop O’Connell. Then she addressed the class of 2013, encouraging them to embark with confidence on their next journey. “You do not know what the future holds,” she said, “but you hold the future.” She finished her remarks by sharing the sentiments of former Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Gifford, who recently spoke at the Bard College graduation: “Be bold, be courageous, be yourself.”

Emily Lodge, the class salutatorian, marveled at how far this class had come, and how much they had already accomplished. “We’ve become superheroes,” she said, and she described the three characteristics of a superhero that were already embodied in the members of the class of 2013. The first was superhero strength, which she illustrated in both the physical and mental capabilities of class members. The second characteristic was a desire to help others, and she pointed to the Superdance, soup drive, tutoring, service hours, mission trips and March for Life as just a few accomplishments of this class. The third characteristic was a basic belief that one has power for a reason. “By using our ‘superhero’ strength for God’s purpose, we are sure to change the world for good,” she said.

Meagan David, the class valedictorian, encouraged the class to view their next steps in life the same way that she was taught to prepare for a race by her coach. She acknowledged that there were many times before a race when she would have butterflies in anticipation. “Trust,” she said. “That’s the word I want you to remember—trust your education; trust each other; trust yourself; and trust Jesus to be there with you, too.”

Dr. Matthew Shank, president of Marymount University, provided the commencement address. He shared his enthusiasm for the partnership that his school has established with Bishop O’Connell, both in the classroom and on the athletic field. His remarks for the afternoon were inspired by the words from the 2004 Natasha Bedingfield song, “Unwritten.” He reminded the graduates that this was a new beginning for them, and the path is yet undefined. “Put your faith in God, put passion in everything, and you will be spectacular and successful,” he said.

After the presentation of the diplomas, Principal Joseph Vorbach welcomed the students as fellow alumni of Bishop O’Connell. He encouraged these new alumni to share their “God-given talents” to bring about good in this world. “Bloom where you are planted,” he said, drawing on the same encouragement he often heard when he was younger.

Bishop Loverde closed the celebration with the benediction, reminding the new graduates that a “commencement” is a beginning, not an end.

Juniors, if you have still not yet picked up a college information packet from your counselors, please do so as soon as possible.

If you were unable to attend the awards ceremony, please come to the Center Office to pick up your award

There will be a mandatory Global studies meeting Monday after school in the library. Dr. Butler from George Mason University will be the guest speaker and refreshments will be served. If you are unable to attend, please see Ms. Webb.

SCA Counselor nomination forms are available on the SCA/Activities Room door; if you would like to run for a class counselor position, the forms are due on Monday, June 3rd. No exceptions! Class counselor elections will take place during Advisory on June 5th.

Attention students, as you clean out your lockers, please use the boxes in the hallways to donate school supplies to the Medical Missionaries and Interact Clubs. Supplies will be sent to Haiti and donated locally. Thank you!

Attention ladies interested in auditioning for O'Connell Singers: Auditions are on Monday June 3rd and Tuesday June 4th, with callbacks on Wednesday June 5th. Sign-ups and audition details are outside the band room.

Attention Underclassmen, all library books are now overdue; it is time to clean out your lockers and find those books! Return the books to the library and pay the fines. All books must be returned with their fines paid in order to take your exams.

Billy Blanks comes to Marymount! Hey kids! If you are interested in seeing Billy Blanks, creator of Tae Bo Fitness, head to Marymount University on June 8th. Details? See Coach Owens!

O’Connell will be offering two online Computer Science and Technology-based courses this summer. Registration is underway, and there are still seats available. The two courses are 1.) Intro. To Computer Technology and Applications, and 2.) Computer Science Fundamentals. Students will be required to attend a mandatory orientation session. Please see Mrs. LaWall in the counseling office or contact Mr. Andrews for further information.

Bishop O’Connell High School has named Phil “Flip” Collins to lead the school’s ice hockey program as its new head coach.

"We are excited to have Coach Collins join our coaching ranks,” said O'Connell Athletic Director Joe Wootten. “His demonstrated passion for the sport of ice hockey and his commitment to the athletes and to their development will lead our program to new heights.”

For the past two years, Coach Collins has been a part of the coaching staff of the Ashburn Xtreme travel hockey program, most recently serving as head coach of the U16 #3 A team. Before moving to this area, he was the head coach for the Marple-Newtown High School hockey team in Newtown, Penn.

Coach Collins played prep school hockey in Massachusetts and New York, and then served as a player-coach for the Catawba College Club hockey team in Salisbury, N.C. 

“I am looking forward to joining the Bishop O'Connell family and creating a culture with the Knights hockey program that will enhance the Bishop O'Connell experience for all,” said Coach Collins.

All lockers in front of rooms 210, 212, and 214 were moved on Friday because of construction. If you were absent on Friday or did not move your belongings, please come to the Student Life Office. They have all of your belongings and will assign you a new locker this week. Thank you!

Attention all rising Junior and Senior students who will be taking AP science courses next year, please pick up a copy of your summer assignments this week from the following teachers:

AP Biology – See Mrs. Curtin in Room 237

AP Chemistry – See Dr. Terapane in Room 231

And AP Physics C Students - See Mr. Rennekamp in Room 235

Attention Juniors taking AP Literature next year: there will be a mandatory meeting in room 323 after school Thursday. Students must attend the meeting to receive the summer assignments.

There will be a mandatory Global Studies meeting and final event TODAY after school in the library. Dr. Butler from George Mason University will be our honored guest speaker and refreshments will be served. A brief meeting will happen directly following the presentation. If you are unable to attend, please see Ms. Webb.

Will the following students please report to Coach Owens’ room 224 immediately after homeroom this morning: Virginia Schilder, Diego Garcia, Zachary Wilson, Alexandra Rodriguez.

SCA Counselor nomination forms are due today. Please bring your forms to the SCA room. Class counselor elections will take place during Advisory on June 5th.

Attention students, as you clean out your lockers, please use the boxes in the hallways to donate school supplies to the Medical Missionaries and Interact Clubs. Supplies will be sent to Haiti and donated locally. Thank you!

Attention ladies interested in auditioning for O'Connell Singers: Auditions are on Monday June 3rd and Tuesday June 4th, with callbacks on Wednesday June 5th. Sign-ups and audition details are outside the band room.

Attention Underclassmen, all library books are now overdue; it is time to clean out your lockers and find those books! Return the books to the library and pay the fines. All books must be returned with their fines paid in order to take your exams.

2013 Summer Reading List

2013 Summer Assignments
This list is not yet complete.

All lockers in front of rooms 210, 212, and 214 were moved on Friday because of construction. If you were absent on Friday or did not move your belongings, please come to the Student Life Office. They have all of your belongings and will assign you a new locker this week. Thank you!

The Young Men's Executive Club Permission Slips are due now and no later than tomorrow morning at 8:00 a.m. This is for the field trip to the Morgan Stanley headquarters in Washington, D.C. tomorrow. Please stop by and see Coach Owens.

There will be a brief Cyber-Knights Club meeting today at 3:10 in room 300. Any and are all welcomed to join for the final club meeting for this academic year.

Attention all rising Junior and Senior students who will be taking AP science courses next year, please pick up a copy of your summer assignments this week from the following teachers:

AP Biology – See Mrs. Curtin in Room 237

AP Chemistry – See Dr. Terapane in Room 231

AP Physics C Students - See Mr. Rennekamp in Room 235

AP Environmental Science – See Mr. Britt in Room 236

Attention Juniors taking AP Literature next year: there will be a mandatory meeting in room 323 after school Thursday. Students must attend the meeting to receive the summer assignments.

Attention students, as you clean out your lockers, please use the boxes in the hallways to donate school supplies to the Medical Missionaries and Interact Clubs. Supplies will be sent to Haiti and donated locally. Thank you!

Attention Underclassmen, all library books are now overdue; it is time to clean out your lockers and find those books! Return the books to the library and pay the fines. All books must be returned with their fines paid in order to take your exams.

This summer, seven rising seniors from Bishop O’Connell will be participating in Virginia Governor’s School programs held at various universities around the commonwealth. Since 1973, these programs have provided talented students academic and arts opportunities beyond those normally available during the regular school year. The foundation of the Virginia Governor's School programs centers on best practices in the field of gifted education and the presentation of advanced content to able learners.

Srijan Bhasin has been accepted to the Governor's School Program in Mathematics, Science, and Technology, which will take place June 30- July 27 at Lynchburg University. The program challenges each student to learn a substantial amount about a particular area in mathematics, science, and/or technology at the same time illustrating the ever-increasing interdisciplinary nature of modern science, mathematics, and engineering.

Alex Ronkainen will be participating in the Governor’s School for Agriculture, June 30-July 27 at Virginia Tech. This program provides academically rigorous educational enhancement for future scientists and leaders, where students interact with and learn directly from internationally known teachers, scientists, and researchers from Virginia Tech.

Elizabeth Dannenfelser has been selected to attend the Governor’s School for Humanities, June 23 – July 20 at Radford University. The Governor’s School for Humanities creates an intellectually challenging college experience in the humanities by providing unique classes that take advantage of traditional as well as contemporary instructional techniques.

Mary Barna will be participating in the Governor’s School for Visual and Performing Arts (Dance), June 23 – July 20 at Radford University. To be accepted into this program, Mary participated in a statewide adjudication, where she auditioned before a specialized dance committee.

Mary Donnelly has been selected for the full-immersion Spanish Language Academy, June 22-July 13 at Washington & Lee University. This program provides an intensive experience and unique challenge for exceptional students to continue their study of Spanish in a total immersion environment which is generally unavailable in the regular school environment.

Colleen Roney will participate in the partial-immersion Latin Language Academy, June 23-July 14 at Randolph-Macon College. This program provides an intensive experience for Latin students to continue their study in a residential setting with like-minded peers.

Sofia Goyonaga-Calatayud will attend the partial-immersion Japanese Language Academy, also held June 23-July 14 at Randolph-Macon College. This program provides an opportunity for students who have excelled in the study of another language to be introduced to the Japanese culture and language, which are not widely taught across the commonwealth.

One of the most important aspects of the Summer Residential Governor’s Schools is the opportunity participants have to live, study, and get to know other students with similar interests and abilities from across Virginia. Both co-curricular and extra-curricular activities are designed to encourage students' interests and abilities.

Pictured below (l to r): Srijan Bhasin, Mary Barna, Elizabeth Dannenfelser, Mary Donnelly, Alex Ronkainen, Sofia Goyonaga-Calatayud, and Colleen Roney.

There will be an interest meeting for the Ecology Club Today in Mr. Britt’s Room, Room 236. There will be candy! Bring a friend and stop by to see what the Ecology Club is about.

All Junior Homerooms – please vote for your SCA class councilors for next year. Please read through all the candidates and then vote for the 7 students that you feel will best help out the senior class next year. When you have finished voting, HR reps… please return the ballots in the envelopes to the SCA room. Thank you!

No elections are necessary for the Freshmen and Sophomore Class Homerooms – all students that applied for these positions were elected by default: Rising Sophomore Councilors: Katherine Baker, Isabel Fernandez, and Olivia Giaquinto; Rising Junior Councilors: Natalie Chiames, Mary Husk, John Patterson, Joshua Speier, and Matthew Wisniewski. Please come by the SCA room after announcements! Thank you!

The Young Men's Executive Club Permission Slips are due this morning. This is for the field trip to the Morgan Stanley headquarters in Washington, D.C. today. Please stop by and see Coach Owens.

Attention all rising Junior and Senior students who will be taking AP science courses next year, please pick up a copy of your summer assignments this week from the following teachers:

AP Biology – See Mrs. Curtin in Room 237

AP Chemistry – See Dr. Terapane in Room 231

AP Physics C Students - See Mr. Rennekamp in Room 235

AP Environmental Science – See Mr. Britt in Room 236

Attention Juniors taking AP Literature next year: there will be a mandatory meeting in room 323 after school Thursday. Students must attend the meeting to receive the summer assignments.

Attention students, as you clean out your lockers, please use the boxes in the hallways to donate school supplies to the Medical Missionaries and Interact Clubs. Supplies will be sent to Haiti and donated locally. Thank you!

Attention Underclassmen, all library books are now overdue; it is time to clean out your lockers and find those books! Return the books to the library and pay the fines. All books must be returned with their fines paid in order to take your exams.

For the past 20 years, Mary Lou Wentzel has been teaching English and Public Speaking at Bishop O'Connell High School. In addition to her daily classroom work, she has made the time to encourage and mentor countless students in all grades to be successful participants in speech and essay contests held at the school and in the community.

On May 24, Dr. Douthard R. Butler and Mr. Stephen Toth, representing the Alexandria Sunrise Optimist Club, surprised Mrs. Wentzel at a school gathering and recognized her efforts with these students over the years. On behalf of the Optimist Club, they honored Mrs. Wentzel as the 2013 Teacher of the Year, and presented her with a special plaque, which read:

Alexandria Sunrise Optimist Club presents Teacher of the Year 2013 to Mary Lou Wentzel, Bishop O'Connell High School, for providing hope and positive vision to the youth in our community. You bring out the best in kids in an educational environment.

Pictured below: Stephen Toth, Principal Joe Vorbach, Mary Lou Wentzel and Douthard Butler.

In its 28th year of honoring the nation’s best high school athletes, the Gatorade Company, in collaboration with USA TODAY High School Sports, today announced Tori Finucane of Bishop O'Connell High School as its 2012-13 Gatorade Virginia Softball Player of the Year. This is the second year in a row that Finucane has been honored with this award, and she is the second Gatorade Virginia Softball Player of the Year to be chosen from Bishop O'Connell High School. Former O'Connell standout, Kelly Engman, was honored in 2006.

The award, which recognizes not only outstanding athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the field, distinguishes Finucane as Virginia’s best high school softball player. Finucane is now a finalist for the prestigious Gatorade National Softball Player of the Year award announced in June.

The returning Gatorade State Player of the Year--a 5-foot-7 senior right-handed pitcher--led the Knights (30-1) to the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference tournament title and the Virginia Independent Schools state championship this past season, both for a second straight year. Finucane posted a 26-1 record with one save, a 0.21 ERA and 341 strikeouts in 164 innings pitched. She allowed 40 hits and walked 31 batters with nine no-hitters, including five perfect games. At the plate, the two-time WCAC Player of the Year batted .554 with six home runs, seven triples, 45 RBI and a 1.054 slugging percentage.

Finucane has maintained a 3.63 GPA in the classroom, while serving as editor of The Visor and volunteering locally as a youth softball coach and mentor.

“Tori Finucane’s performance on the softball field is above reproach, both offensively and in the pitching circle,” said Frank Husson, head coach of Urbana (Md.) High. “Her numbers are a testament to her determination and demonstrate the results of her sound work ethic.”

Finucane has signed a National Letter of Intent to play softball on an athletic scholarship at the University of Missouri this fall.

Read more at:

http://www.gatorade.com/poy/winners.aspx?sportcode=SB

Final reminder to Juniors taking AP Literature next year: Mandatory meeting today immediately after school in room 323. Summer assignments and books will be distributed. Please be prompt.

Rising Seniors, if you are interested in the Theology Through Literature course, stop by room 220 during your lunch to get information from Ms. Thornton.

For any students taking the computer science fundamentals class during the summer, you must purchase the required textbook, Learning to Program with Alice, 3rd Edition. For students who are taking Intro to Technology, the suggested textbook is Discovering Computers & Microsoft Office 2010. Any questions - see Mr. Andrews.

There will be a meeting today of the Young Men's Executive Club in room 224 ! This is the last meeting of the school year. Any young man that is interested in joining should attend the meeting today!

Attention all rising Junior and Senior students who will be taking AP science courses next year, please pick up a copy of your summer assignments this week from the following teachers:

AP Biology – See Mrs. Curtin in Room 237

AP Chemistry – See Dr. Terapane in Room 231

AP Physics C Students - See Mr. Rennekamp in Room 235

AP Environmental Science – See Mr. Britt in Room 236

Attention students, as you clean out your lockers, please use the boxes in the hallways to donate school supplies to the Medical Missionaries and Interact Clubs. Supplies will be sent to Haiti and donated locally. Thank you!

Attention Underclassmen, all library books are now overdue; it is time to clean out your lockers and find those books! Return the books to the library and pay the fines. All books must be returned with their fines paid in order to take your exams.

For any students taking the computer science fundamentals class during the summer, you must purchase the required textbook, Learning to Program with Alice, 3rd Edition. For students who are taking Intro to Technology, the suggested textbook is Discovering Computers & Microsoft Office 2010. Any questions - see Mr. Andrews.

Attention all rising Junior and Senior students who will be taking AP science courses next year, please pick up a copy of your summer assignments this week from the following teachers:

AP Biology – See Mrs. Curtin in Room 237

AP Chemistry – See Dr. Terapane in Room 231

AP Physics C Students - See Mr. Rennekamp in Room 235

AP Environmental Science – See Mr. Britt in Room 236

Attention students, as you clean out your lockers, please use the boxes in the hallways to donate school supplies to the Medical Missionaries and Interact Clubs. Supplies will be sent to Haiti and donated locally. Thank you!

Attention Underclassmen, all library books are now overdue; it is time to clean out your lockers and find those books! Return the books to the library and pay the fines. All books must be returned with their fines paid in order to take your exams.

Congratulations to the Bishop O'Connell athletes who were named to the Spring 2013 Washington Post All-Met listing.

Seniors Jillian Ferraro and Tori Finucane were named to the Softball 1st Team.

Three other O'Connell athletes were given Honorable Mention recognition:

Amanda Ehlers - Softball
Devin Nihill - Lacrosse
J.J. LaPointe - Track

"We are extremely proud of all of these athletes," said Athletic Director Joe Wootten. "In this very competitive area, this kind of recognition is especially noteworthy."

Go Knights!

Read the complete Spring 2013 All-Met listing in The Washington Post.

Watch a video feature and interview with Ferraro and Finucane HERE.

Pictured: Jillian Ferraro (left) and Tori Finucane.

Thanks to the hard work of PTO volunteers, Bishop O'Connell families can buy and sell used books and uniforms.

CLICK HERE to visit the Used Book and Uniform Sale page.

Questions? Contact usedbooksale@bishopoconnell.org.

Claire Crutchfield – High School Volleyball Sportswoman of the Year
Michael Curtin – High School Wrestling Sportsman of the Year
Meagan David - High School Girls Track and Field Sportswoman of the Year
Junior Etou – High School Boys Basketball Sportsman of the Year
Jillian Ferraro - High School Softball Sportswoman of the Year
Clayton Koch - High School Ice Hockey Sportsman of the Year
Tommy Schefer - High School Boys Lacrosse Sportsman of the Year

In addition to these student honors, O'Connell's cross country and track coach, Cindy Walls, was surprised and honored to be named the 2013 Arlington Coach of the Year.

"This was a great evening for celebrating sports in Arlington,” said Athletic Director Joe Wootten. “We were especially thrilled to see Coach Walls recognized in this way, and for our students who receive these wonderful honors. We are grateful to the Better Sports Club for celebrating local high school sports and the importance of good sportsmanship.”

Read more about this event in the Arlington Sun Gazette.

Pictured below (left to right): Jillian Ferarro, Michael Curtin, Meagan David, Clayton Koch, Cindy Walls, Claire Crutchfield, Tommy Schefer, and Junior Etou.

A group of students from Bishop O'Connell High School have been chosen by local American Legion posts and auxiliaries to participate in summer residential programs designed especially for high school students interested in citizenship, government and the law.

Boys State

The American Legion Post 85 has selected four students from Bishop O’Connell to participate in this summer’s Boys State, which is held June 16-22 at Radford University: Rhys Bergeron, Paul Bothwell, Jerome Delgaudio and Jethro Torczon.

American Legion Boys State is an educational program of government instruction for high school juniors. Each participant becomes a part of the operation of a simulated local, county and state government, and the students participate in legislative sessions, court proceedings, law enforcement presentations, assemblies, bands, chorus and recreational programs.

The Virginia Boys State is a "leadership action program,” designed to develop a working knowledge of the structure of government. Along the way participants have the opportunity to learn the political process. Each level of government is run by those delegates who are elected to serve. Instructional sessions focus on the law and court system, parliamentary procedure and Virginia political history.

Girls State

Bishop O’Connell junior, Elizabeth Dannenfelser, has been selected by American Legion Auxiliary Post 194 to participate in this summer’s Virginia Girls State, which will be held during the same week at Longwood University. This program is designed to provide functional citizenship training for young women who are rising high school seniors. Girls State affords these students an opportunity to live together as self-governing citizens, informing them about the duties, privileges, rights, and responsibilities of American citizenship, in order that they may understand and participate in the functioning of their government.

It is a week-long study of Virginia government that includes special activities and classes such as: women in government, judiciary, public speaking, public service, newspaper publishing, parliamentary procedure, activism in art, chorus, band and several athletic activities.

Junior Law Cadets

Two sisters from Bishop O’Connell, Allison and Veronica Sullivan, have been selected by American Legion Post 44 to participate in the 2013 Virginia Junior Law Cadet Program. This program is designed to present the opportunity for boys and girls to learn about law enforcement responsibilities and training from representatives of various city, county, state and federal agencies. The 23rd annual session in Virginia will take place July 14-19.

Approximately 40 eleventh graders students from across the commonwealth have been selected to attend this year’s Virginia Junior Law Cadet Program, which will be held at the Virginia State Police Academy in Richmond. During the five-day residential session, students will participate in daily classroom sessions, and learn about the operation of radar, VASCAR and other State Police equipment.

Nathan “Kitt” Rom felt good after he took the May SAT, but he was still surprised a few weeks later when he discovered he had scored a perfect 2400 on the standardized test.

According to College Board, the administrators of the SAT, of the 1.6 million students who take the SAT each session, approximately 360 students receive a perfect score of 800 on all three sections: math, writing and critical reading. That number is equivalent to about 0.022 percent of all test takers.

Rom is a junior at Bishop O'Connell. “It certainly takes the pressure off as I enter my senior year in the fall,” said Rom, who already had his sights set on a few colleges, but may investigate a few more opportunities that come his way in the next year.

It has never been “all books all the time” for Rom. He is a member of the O’Connell rowing team, where he is the coxswain on the boys 2^nd varsity 4+ boat, which won the Washington Metropolitan Interscholastic Rowing Association title earlier this year. In the winter, he wrestled for the Knights.

Although his favorite subject right now is physics, he excels in all subjects. Rom and several other students founded a philosophy club this year, where they get together regularly to read and discuss topics of their choosing.

While some of his classmates may be busy brushing up on their test-taking skills over the summer, Rom is looking forward to more rowing, a trip to Italy and several weeks of pottery classes.

The Bishop O’Connell High School music program is pleased to announce this year’s winners of the De La Salle Awards for Instrumental and Vocal Performance.

The De La Salle Awards are nonrenewable $1,000 awards presented to incoming freshmen who exhibit excellent music skills and a desire to be involved actively in music during their high school years. Two instrumental and two vocal scholarships were awarded for the 2013-2014 school year.

Vocal award winners are Jessica Gliot (from St. James School in Falls Church) and Katherine Hales (from St. John Academy in McLean). Instrumental honors were awarded to Teresa Nguyen (from St. Michael School in Annandale) on the violin and Bennie Spady (from Gwynn Park Middle School in Brandywine, Md.) on the clarinet.

The De La Salle Awards were determined by audition and interview in the spring. Twenty-one students from area schools registered for the auditions, which consisted of a prepared piece, a scale for instrumentalists and vocalization for singers. In brief interviews, the students were asked to speak about their accomplishments and why music is important in their lives.

“We were impressed with the talent and poise of all of the candidates,” said music teacher Mary Beth St. John. “Our staff is excited to see the contributions that our winners will bring to our programs in the coming years.”

Pictured: Jessica Gliot (top left), Katherine Hales (top right), Teresa Nguyen (bottom left), and Bennie Spady (bottom right).