Sophomore Rafi Vazquez threw the first no-hitter in the past ten years of O’Connell baseball as the Knights beat Bishop Ireton, 6-1. The Knights struck first in the bottom of the first inning when sophomore first baseman Corey Burch drew a bases loaded walk to score sophomore Shortstop Patrick Ryan who had singled to start the two out rally. Ireton answered in the top of the second after a leadoff walk lead to a run scored following a stolen base and an error. That would be all that Ireton would get on the day as Vazquez settled in and cruised to the complete game no-hitter, tallying 9 strikeouts along the way. Offensively, the Knights registered six runs on eight hits including multi-hit days from sophomore center fielder Myles Hudzick and Vazquez who hit a towering solo homerun (his fourth of the season) in the 6th inning.

With the win, O’Connell improves to 3-4 on the season and 2-1 in the WCAC. They will face Paul VI tonight at 7 p.m. at PVI.

Congratulations to five Bishop O'Connell varsity field hockey players who were recently named to the National Field Hockey Coaches Association's High School National Academic Squad. Pictured from left to right are Olivia Barksdale, Tori Adams, Caroline Boras, Elisabeth Healy, and Katie Richardson. The players were join for the photo by Head of School Joseph Vorbach (far left), Field Hockey Head Coach Mary Quinn (second from right), and Assistant Head of School Carl Patton.

The National Academic Squad program recognizes players who have achieved a minimum cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.5 out of 4.0 through the first quarter of the 2013-2014 school year.

The Ecology Club is participating in the 26th Annual Potomac River Watershed Cleanup at Great Falls Park on Saturday April 5th. All interested students should attend the next Ecology Club meeting today, April 1st, after school in room 236. Thanks!

There will be an FBLA meeting Thursday, April 3rd, at 3:30 in room 111.

Senior boys – your RSVPs for the Annual Mother\Son Brunch, held this Sunday, are due today (Wednesday). Please bring in your rsvp, with payment, to the SCA office. If you have any questions, please Mr. Glynn or Mrs. O’Reilly.

Please continue to collect your pledged money for Superdance. Superdance Chairs and co-chairs will be coming to your classroom on Wednesday, and Thursday morning. If you want Holy Thursday off, we must receive your pledged money; otherwise, we will be in school. This day off from school is an incentive; it is not guaranteed, so please bring in your money asap. Thank you!

Coming this weekend the Drama Department presents their Spring Musical The Wizard of Oz. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 7:30 and Sunday at 2:00 pm Tickets are still a mere $5.00 and available at lunch or at the door. Don't miss out on this classic show.

Global Studies students- Ms. Funk will be offering the core course, Morals and Ethics for a Globalized World, on Tuesday, April 8th from 2-5pm in room 319. This is a sophomore retreat and AP review session day. This course begins after both, at 2pm. Mr. Betthauser will be offering the core course, Foundations of Global Business and Finance, on Thursday, April 10th directly after school from 3- 6pm in room 319. Pizza dinner will be provided.

Attention!  Any and all students participating in the Arlington Optimists Speech Contest tonight at 7:00 pm, please enter through the Underwood Street doors and come to the Conference Room by the counseling offices. This is the first step toward $2000 of prize money! Any questions, please see Mrs. Wentzel in room 326!

This Friday is the First Friday of the month. Father Cozzi will celebrate the 7 a.m. Mass in the Student Chapel. Pastries and coffee will follow in the Chapel Lounge. All are welcome!

Royalettes will be holding tryouts for the 2014-2015 season next week. Clinics are April 7-10th, and tryouts are on the 11th. Go to bishopoconnell.org/dance for more details!

On March 28, Bishop O'Connell students traveled to Hyannis, Mass. to participate in the Youth Street Reach—a program designed to integrate education, worship and outreach in order to make youth more aware of injustice and to respect the dignity of all people, especially the lonely, lost and disenfranchised. This program, which is hosted by the ecumenical group, Church Women United, gives high school students the opportunity to interact directly with those who have or are still dealing with homelessness, hearing firsthand how each life’s path leads to sometimes unexpected circumstances, and learning how a community of faith and love can change everything.

Accompanied by Christian Service coordinator, Mannikka Heard, and theology teacher, John Allen, ten students from Bishop O’Connell joined 30 other high school students for this special Youth Street Reach weekend

“The program began with icebreakers to allow the group to get to know each other better,” said Heard. “Our students were able to interact, laugh and reflect during this time. Right away the whole group realized how much they had in common.”

The group was introduced to the program on the day they arrived. First, they heard personal experiences from a formerly homeless young woman, recovering from drug and alcohol abuse. Then they toured the town to visit local shelters and learn more about the people they serve.

The mission weekend included opportunities to serve meals, spend time in the shelters and learn more about how a local community can and is making a difference. The students attended Mass and spent time in fellowship together, making new friends with their fellow group members. This trip was a unique experience for students to be immersed with real issues surrounding homelessness.

“They came as students, but went home as teachers of all they learned on Cape Cod,” remarked one of the local organizers who expressed his genuine appreciation for the “group from Virginia.”

"It was amazing to see the power of faith affect people and bring them out of horrible situations,” said O’Connell junior, Sophia Eccheverria. “This trip definitely strengthened my own faith and made me want to continue to reach out to people in need.”

Senior boys please hand in any late RSVPs for the Annual Mother/Son Brunch held this Sunday! Bring in your rsvp, with payment, to the SCA office. If you have any questions, please Mr. Glynn or Mrs. O’Reilly.

Coming this weekend the Drama Department presents their Spring Musical The Wizard of Oz. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 7:30 and Sunday at 2:00 pm Tickets are still a mere $5.00 and available at lunch or at the door. Don't miss out on this classic show.

Mr. Hobson's Level 2 French classes should quietly report to the Library computer area today. Students should still bring all of their usual class materials.

Please continue to collect your pledged money for Superdance. Superdance Chairs and co-chairs will be coming to your classroom on Wednesday, and Thursday morning. If you want Holy Thursday off, we must receive your pledged money; otherwise, we will be in school. This day off from school is an incentive; it is not guaranteed, so please bring in your money asap. Thank you!

Paving starts today on Little Falls Road and will continue onto Monday, April 7; and Tuesday, April 8. There will be no parking available on Little Falls Road on Friday, Monday and Tuesday. Please plan accordingly and allow enough time to find other parking. Students are encouraged to use all student parking in the lots before parking on other neighborhood streets. If you must park in the neighborhood, please pay close attention to all signs and be courteous neighbors.

O'Connell's annual SADD assembly is Friday April 11th and this year the SADD club has planned an entire week for students to learn about making good decisions while driving. On Monday the halls will be decorated by the SADD Club and snow cones will be distributed for FREE. You will also be able to sign a pledge. On Thursday, there will be games and contests during your lunch periods like a pie eating contest and a drunk driving goggle obstacle course! On Friday, there is a dress down day and there is also the annual SADD club assembly. So DJO-let's get pumped for SADD week which is next week!!

Global Studies students- Ms. Funk will be offering the core course, Morals and Ethics for a Globalized World, on Tuesday, April 8th from 2-5pm in room 319. This is a sophomore retreat and AP review session day. This course begins after both, at 2pm. Mr. Betthauser will be offering the core course, Foundations of Global Business and Finance, on Thursday, April 10th directly after school from 3- 6pm in room 319. Pizza dinner will be provided.

Royalettes will be holding tryouts for the 2014-2015 season next week. Clinics are April 7-10th, and tryouts are on the 11th. Go to bishopoconnell.org/dance for more details!

Please continue to collect your pledged money for Superdance. Superdance Chairs and Co-Chairs will be coming to your classroom this Thursday and Friday. Of course, you are welcome to bring your envelope to the SCA room any time. We are currently at 70% of our 95% goal; this means that we need you to bring in your pledged money in order to receive Holy Thursday off. Thank you!

Congratulations to the entire O’Connell Drama Department, including the terrific Tech crew, the musicians, the actors and the actresses, and “Toto too” on a fantastic production of Ms. E’s Wizard of Oz. The combined energy of the principle actors, the special effects, the fantastic set, the spot-on choreography, the clever use of the scrim, the beautiful, creative costumes, and the awesome direction of Ms. E and Nick created an evening (and afternoon) of wonderfulness from beginning to end!

Paving on Little Falls Road will continue today and conclude tomorrow. Students are encouraged to use all student parking in the lots before parking on other neighborhood streets. If you must park in the neighborhood, please pay close attention to all signs and be courteous neighbors..

O'Connell's annual SADD assembly is Friday April 11th and this year the SADD club has planned an entire week for students to learn about making good decisions while driving. On Monday the halls will be decorated by the SADD Club and snow cones will be distributed for FREE. You will also be able to sign a pledge. On Thursday, there will be games and contests during your lunch periods like a pie eating contest and a drunk driving goggle obstacle course! On Friday, there is a dress down day and there is also the annual SADD club assembly. So DJO-let's get pumped for SADD week which is next week!!

Global Studies students- Ms. Funk will be offering the core course, Morals and Ethics for a Globalized World, tomorrow, April 8th from 2-5pm in room 319. This is a sophomore retreat and AP review session day. This course begins after both, at 2pm. Mr. Betthauser will be offering the core course, Foundations of Global Business and Finance, on Thursday, April 10th directly after school from 3- 6pm in room 319. Pizza dinner will be provided.

Royalettes will be holding tryouts for the 2014-2015 this week. 4 clinics will be offered on April 7-10, and tryouts on the 11th. You must attend at 2 clinics in order to tryout. Go to bishopoconnell.org/dance for more details.

DJO Cheerleading Try-outs!: April 14: 7pm-9pm; (Mandatory Tryout Clinic in Aux Gym); April 15: 7pm-9pm; (Mandatory Tryout Clinic in Aux Gym); April 16: 7pm-10pm; (Tryouts in Auxiliary Gym).

Please note that there has been a change of dates in the Pro-Life Speech contest for Juniors and Seniors due to the change in the B1 day this week. The contest will now run from 11:00 am until all the contestants are heard on Thursday, April 10. If you are interested in participating to try to win some of the $400 prize money, please email or see Mrs. Wentzel in room 326 ASAP. The top 2 winners will represent DJO in the State contest in May.

Are you interested in becoming a Keyette? All freshmen, sophomore and junior girls are invited to a short, required informational meeting to be held after school at 3:10 pm in room 114 on Wednesday April 9 or Thursday April 10. If you cannot attend either one of these meetings please see Mrs. Graif in room 114 or Mrs. Koranek in room 116 ASAP

There really is NO place like home!

Bishop O'Connell's performance of the classic musical, "The Wizard of Oz," was a wonderfully entertaining production...fun for the whole family. Congratulations to the extremely talented cast and crew, and special thanks to Mrs. Milam and Mr. Horner for their dedication to our drama students.

View photo highlights of this spring musical below:

Please continue to collect your pledged money for Superdance. Superdance Chairs and Co-Chairs will be coming to your classroom this Thursday and Friday. Of course, you are welcome to bring your envelope to the SCA room any time. We are currently at 70% of our 95% goal; this means that we need you to bring in your pledged money in order to receive Holy Thursday off. Thank you!

For SADD week, Tomorrow there will be fun games and contests during your lunch periods like a pie eating contest and a drunk driving goggle obstacle course! On Friday, there is a dress down day and there is also the annual SADD club assembly. So Get Pumped!

Senior homeroom reps, please bring in two 2-liter bottles of soda to Mr. Britt's room by Friday for the 8th grade dance. The 8th grade dance is one of the last fundraisers for the Class of 2014 before prom, and we need your help to make it awesome.

Global Studies students- Mr. Betthauser will be offering the core course, Foundations of Global Business and Finance, on Thursday, April 10th directly after school from 3- 6pm in room 319. Pizza dinner will be provided.

Hey DJO! Do you sing or play an instrument? Do you have a poem or short story you would like to share with the world? If you would like to showcase your talents on the Coffee House Stage at the Festival of the Arts on May 3, then sign up outside of Mr. Britt's room, room 236. Sign ups are first come, first serve and may fill up before Spring Break.

Royalettes will be holding tryouts for the 2014-2015 this week. 4 clinics will be offered on April 7-10, and tryouts on the 11th. You must attend at 2 clinics in order to tryout. Go to bishopoconnell.org/dance for more details.

DJO Cheerleading Try-outs!: April 14: 7pm-9pm; (Mandatory Tryout Clinic in Aux Gym); April 15: 7pm-9pm; (Mandatory Tryout Clinic in Aux Gym); April 16: 7pm-10pm; (Tryouts in Auxiliary Gym).

Are you interested in becoming a Keyette? All freshmen, sophomore and junior girls are invited to a short, required informational meeting to be held after school at 3:10 pm in room 114 on Wednesday April 9 or Thursday April 10. If you cannot attend either one of these meetings please see Mrs. Graif in room 114 or Mrs. Koranek in room 116 ASAP

The O’Connell baseball team won yesterday's home game against Paul VI, 8-2, to complete a season series sweep for the first time in more than a decade. Earlier last week, the Knights traveled to Fairfax to face the Panthers and came away victorious, by a final score of 8-5.

The Knights were led on the mound by sophomore Rafi Vazquez who threw a complete game allowing just four hits while striking out five players. At the plate, O’Connell received key performances from sophomore Myles Hudzick, junior Brian Murray, and junior Nick Meruvia. Senior Drew Tessier and Vazquez each provided some fireworks with big home runs.

With the win, O’Connell sits in third place in the WCAC standings with a 4-3 league record. They will face DeMatha Thursday at home at 4:30 p.m.

Monday - Anchor Schedule
Tuesday - Anchor Schedule
Wednesday - Modified Anchor Schedule
Thursday - Modified Anchor Schedule
Friday - NO SCHOOL

Yesterday we received over $7000 in pledged money; thank you, O’Connell! We are still $23,000 away from obtaining our pledged goal of $105,000. Students, if a teacher, faculty member, administrator, parent, neighbor, relative or friend pledged money on your behalf please remember to: 1) THANK THEM 2) go see them to collect the money that they already said they would donate on your behalf. Every dollar makes a difference. Thank you to all the students who have turned their money in, but if we all want next Thursday off from school we really need your help! Please bring in your Superdance money!

Hey DJO! Do you sing or play an instrument? Do you have a poem or short story you would like to share with the world? If you would like to showcase your talents on the Coffee House Stage at the Festival of the Arts on May 3, then sign up outside of Mr. Britt's room, room 236. Sign ups are first come, first serve and may fill up before Spring Break.

Royalettes tryouts are today. Go to bishopoconnell.org/dance for more details.

The Pro Life Club has begun collecting money for its annual Baby Shower! We encourage you to donate! If you wish to contribute please give your money to any of the members of the club. Once all the money is collected, the Pro-Life Club will buy baby clothes, diapers, strollers, and cribs for the expecting mothers that come to two local crisis pregnancy centers! We are also accepting any gently used baby items. Please drop these off in the chapel hallway! Thank you so much in advance and the mothers and children will be greatly touched by your generosity!

Senior homeroom reps, please bring in two 2-liter bottles of soda to Mr. Britt's room today for the 8th grade dance. The 8th grade dance is one of the last fundraisers for the Class of 2014 before prom, and we need your help to make it awesome.

Any boy who is interested in trying out for soccer there will be a meeting next Tuesday, April 15th at 3:05 in room 146. The meeting will last 30 minutes.

Senior Global Studies students who have met with Ms. Webb and have scheduled their final capstone presentation- there will be a brief meeting directly after school in room 319 on Tuesday, April 15th. If you are unable to attend, please see Ms. Webb to discuss.

O’Connell… we are $15,000 away from our goal… Freshmen please bring in $2878 in pledged money, Sophomores $2521, Juniors $6222, and Seniors $4185! In order to receive Holy Thursday off from school these monies must come in; otherwise, the entire school body will be here and taking many, many tests! Students, if a teacher, faculty member, administrator, parent, neighbor, relative or friend pledged money on your behalf please remember to: 1) THANK THEM 2) go see them to collect the money that they already said they would donate on your behalf. Every dollar makes a difference. Let’s face it, WE ALL WANT THURSDAY OFF FROM SCHOOL! Please bring your white Superdance collection envelopes to the SCA room! Thank you!

Young Men’s Executive Club - There will be a brief ten minute meeting in room 224 during Knight Time today 4/14/14. This is mandatory for every member to stop in and see Coach Owens. Topic to be discussed is Community Service projects.

DJO Cheerleading try-outs are tonight, tomorrow, and Wednesday from 7 – 10 p.m. Please see the many posters around school for more information.

Any boy who is interested in trying out for soccer there will be a meeting tomorrow, Tuesday, April 15, at 3:05 in room 146. The meeting will last 30 minutes.

Hey DJO! Do you sing or play an instrument? Do you have a poem or short story you would like to share with the world? If you would like to showcase your talents on the Coffee House Stage at the Festival of the Arts on May 3, then sign up outside of Mr. Britt's room, room 236. Sign ups are first come, first serve and may fill up before Spring Break.

The Pro Life Club has begun collecting money for its annual Baby Shower! We encourage you to donate! If you wish to contribute please give your money to any of the members of the club. Once all the money is collected, the Pro-Life Club will buy baby clothes, diapers, strollers, and cribs for the expecting mothers that come to two local crisis pregnancy centers! We are also accepting any gently used baby items. Please drop these off in the chapel hallway! Thank you so much in advance and the mothers and children will be greatly touched by your generosity!

Senior Global Studies students who have met with Ms. Webb and have scheduled their final capstone presentation- there will be a brief meeting directly after school in room 319 tomorrow, April 15th. If you are unable to attend, please see Ms. Webb to discuss.

O’Connell…Superdance money has been steadily coming in this morning but we still need everybody to bring in what they have pledged if we hope to have Holy Thursday off.   Look in your back pack, your locker, your pockets – find your white collection envelope and get your money in!! Students - if a teacher, faculty member, administrator, parent, neighbor, relative or friend pledged money on your behalf please remember to: 1) THANK THEM 2) go see them to collect the money that they already said they would donate on your behalf. Every dollar makes a difference. Let’s face it, WE ALL WANT THURSDAY OFF FROM SCHOOL! Please bring your white Superdance collection envelopes to the SCA room! Thank you!

DJO Cheerleading try-outs are tonight and tomorrow from 7 – 10 p.m. Please see the many posters around school for more information.

Any boy who is interested in trying out for soccer there will be a meeting today, April 15, at 3:05 in room 146. The meeting will last 30 minutes.

Please claim your lost and found items located in the school store by Wednesday, April 16.  All items, not claimed, will be donated to charity

Hey DJO! Do you sing or play an instrument? Do you have a poem or short story you would like to share with the world? If you would like to showcase your talents on the Coffee House Stage at the Festival of the Arts on May 3, then sign up outside of Mr. Britt's room, room 236. Sign ups are first come, first serve and may fill up before Spring Break.

The Pro Life Club has begun collecting money for its annual Baby Shower! We encourage you to donate! If you wish to contribute please give your money to any of the members of the club. Once all the money is collected, the Pro-Life Club will buy baby clothes, diapers, strollers, and cribs for the expecting mothers that come to two local crisis pregnancy centers! We are also accepting any gently used baby items. Please drop these off in the chapel hallway! Thank you so much in advance and the mothers and children will be greatly touched by your generosity!

Senior Global Studies students who have met with Ms. Webb and have scheduled their final capstone presentation- there will be a brief meeting directly after school in room 319 tomorrow, April 15th. If you are unable to attend, please see Ms. Webb to discuss.

Last week, music ensembles from Bishop O’Connell traveled to Montreal and Quebec City, Canada to perform in the Rhythms International Music Festival.

The trip included the mixed choir, the O’Connell Singers, the orchestra, the symphonic band, and the jazz ensemble. For the first time, the group also included the school’s popular guitar ensemble. Each group performed three or four musical selections for university level adjudicators. In addition to providing comments and ratings of the performances, the adjudicators also worked with each ensemble in a master class type setting addressing each musical selection that had been performed.

“Our ensembles were able to work with an extremely talented group of adjudicators who helped pull out the best in our students and inspired them to do even more,” said band teacher Mary Beth St. John.

While in Canada, students were able to tour both cities. Some of the highlights in Montreal were visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral in Old Montreal, Mont Royale, and having dinner at the Cabane a Sucre where the students made maple syrup lollipops on snow. In Quebec City, students were able to visit Old Quebec to take in the architecture and see one of the five Holy Doors in the world.

The festival ended with an awards ceremony banquet dinner and dance with live entertainment from a jazz quartet. As icing on the cake, members of the O’Connell’s jazz ensemble were invited to the stage to jam with the quartet during dinner.

Congratulations to the following seven Bishop O’Connell seniors who signed National Letters of Intent on Wednesday, Apr. 17, in the presence of their families, coaches, school administrators, teammates and friends:

Hayden Basse (Baseball) - Hampden-Sydney College

Gillian Gerton (Basketball) - U.S. Coast Guard Academy

Jack Gigliotti (Diving) - Virginia Tech

Tim Hogan (Baseball) - Stevenson College

Timera Kemp (Volleyball) - DeSales University

Hayley Metcalf (Softball) - University of Pennsylvania

Lindsey Paul (Basketball) - Belmont Abbey College

For an updated list of signings from the class of 2014, visit www.bishopoconnell.org/commit.

Superdance Update – only 77 students need to finish collecting your last pledges. Please bring your money to the SCA room or give your white envelopes to the Superdance chairs and co-chairs on Wednesday. 34 Seniors will not be able to purchase their prom tickets or a ticket for their date until the SD pledges are fulfilled. “Hey Jamie, would you like to go to prom with me?” “Oh sorry, I still own SD money so I won’t be going to prom.” Avoid the awkwardness Seniors… bring in your money!

For all students who registered for Superdance but did not get a shirt, please stop by the SCA Office to pick one up!

The Senior Class will have a brief meeting in the auditorium on Friday immediately following advisory. Senior advisory teachers please escort your advisories to the auditorium. Students should sit in advisory seats. The meeting will last approximately 10 minutes. Important information related to graduation will be presented.

ATTENTION ALL JUNIORS -----do you enjoy partaking in all O'Connell events? Do you want to develop priceless leadership and people skills? do you think you have what it takes to be part of the Student Council Executive Board? For all JUNIORS interested in running for President, Vice President, secretary, and treasurer of the SCA Exec Board, please stop by TODAY if you haven’t already done so to pick up an application! Please turn in this application WITH YOUR SPEECH for review by THIS FRIDAY. All details are outlined in the application. Speeches are on Wednesday, May 7th! We are looking for motivated and dedicated individuals.

The Pro Life Baby Shower is next week! Please bring any gently used baby items to the chapel hallway. The Pro Life Club members are collecting money during classes! Please be generous O'Connell! Your money will be spent on baby clothes, diapers, strollers, and other baby items for local mothers and children in the area!"

The Stock and Finance Club will hold its final meeting of the year today at 3:05 PM in room 202. We will be electing officers for the next school year at this meeting. All are welcome.

The senior class is running a bake sale during all lunches TODAY.  Seniors who brought baked goods should bring them to the cafeteria outside the activities office.  All proceeds go towards prom and the Senior Class gift.

French Honor Society seniors - If you would like a French Honor Society cord for graduation, you must pay Ms. Webb $12 by tomorrow! There will be no orders after Thursday.

Come out and celebrate this Saturday, May 3 from 6:00-9:30pm at Bishop O’Connell’s 16th annual Festival of the Arts Show! This year’s theme is A Knight in the Far East.  Tickets are $5 per person, $15 per family & students who come in Asian-themed clothes will get in for FREE! What will a ticket get you to the festival of the arts?  FREE FOOD & drinks, entry into student art gallery in the gym, Continuous music performances on 3 stages, Relaxed Coffeehouse Tent in Courtyard, drama performance of “Billion Dollar Saint” in Auditorium, dance performances in Gym and Auditorium, fashion show in Auditorium, Cultural displays and performances.

Superdance Update – only 60 students need to finish collecting your last pledges. Please bring your money to the SCA room or give your white envelopes to the Superdance chairs and co-chairs on Wednesday. 25 Seniors will not be able to purchase their prom tickets or a ticket for their date until the SD pledges are fulfilled. “Hey Jamie, would you like to go to prom with me?” “Oh sorry, I still own SD money so I won’t be going to prom.” Avoid the awkwardness Seniors… bring in your money!

For all students who registered for Superdance but did not get a shirt, please stop by the SCA Office to pick one up!

SENIORS- please notify the counseling office ASAP of any scholarships or merit money you have received from a college or university. This includes any money from a college you are not planning to attend. The deadline for submittal is Friday, May 9.

Global Studies students- There are a few spots left for the trip to the Embassy of the Philippines next Thursday, May 8th. Please see Ms. Webb by tomorrow if you would like to attend. Those who have already registered, you must get your permission form from Ms. Webb to have it signed or you will not be able to go.

WARNING---- AP students!   All overdue library books must be returned and all fines paid BEFORE you may take your AP tests. If you have any questions see one of the librarians to check your record.  You have worked too hard to prepare for the test to miss it now.

There will be a meeting for newly inducted National Honor Society members in the balcony after school on Friday.  Members who are unable to attend must see Mr. Cassidy in room 111.

The Senior Class will have a brief meeting in the auditorium on Friday immediately following advisory. Senior advisory teachers please escort your advisories to the auditorium. Students should sit in advisory seats. The meeting will last approximately 10 minutes. Important information related to graduation will be presented.

ATTENTION ALL JUNIORS -----do you enjoy partaking in all O'Connell events? Do you want to develop priceless leadership and people skills? do you think you have what it takes to be part of the Student Council Executive Board? For all JUNIORS interested in running for President, Vice President, secretary, and treasurer of the SCA Exec Board, please stop by TODAY if you haven’t already done so to pick up an application! Please turn in this application WITH YOUR SPEECH for review by THIS FRIDAY. All details are outlined in the application. Speeches are on Wednesday, May 7th! We are looking for motivated and dedicated individuals.

The Pro Life Baby Shower is next week! Please bring any gently used baby items to the chapel hallway. The Pro Life Club members are collecting money during classes! Please be generous O'Connell! Your money will be spent on baby clothes, diapers, strollers, and other baby items for local mothers and children in the area!"

Tomorrow is the first Friday of May. Mass will be celebrated at 7:00 a.m. in the Student Chapel. A light breakfast will follow in the Chapel lounge. All are invited.

French Honor Society seniors - If you would like a French Honor Society cord for graduation, you must pay Ms. Webb $12 by tomorrow! There will be no orders after Thursday.

Come out and celebrate this Saturday, May 3rd from 6:00-9:30pm at Bishop O’Connell’s 16th annual Festival of the Arts Show! This year’s theme is A Knight in the Far East.  Tickets are $5 per person, $15 per family & students who come in Asian-themed clothes will get in for FREE! What will a ticket get you to the festival of the arts?  FREE FOOD & drinks, entry into student art gallery in the gym, Continuous music performances on 3 stages, Relaxed Coffeehouse Tent in Courtyard, drama performance of “Billion Dollar Saint” in Auditorium, dance performances in Gym and Auditorium, fashion show in Auditorium, Cultural displays and performances.

Just before the Easter break, Bishop O'Connell's SADD club (Students Against Destructive Decision) organized an assembly to highlight the life-changing consequences of driving while distracted or under the influence of alcohol.

A report by senior Amelia Lucas was published in the Arlington Catholic Herald. Read our student correspondent's story HERE.

Pictured: O'Connell alumna, Noreen Connell Dinndorf '73, serves as victim advocates with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). She returned to her alma mater as a speaker at the SADD assembly.