The AP exam schedule for the week, along with the upcoming senior exam schedule, are now posted.

CLICK HERE to view the schedules.

Superdance Update – Please bring your white Superdance collection envelopes to the SCA room so we can stop these announcements!

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

An AP pre-administration make-up session will be held today - Friday, May 2 during lunch and Knight Time in the Counseling Conference room. If you did NOT attend the AP pre-administration meeting on Tuesday please come to the Counseling Conference room during lunch or Knight Time to complete the required forms for AP testing. 

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^th.

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 today 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 today.  Members who are unable to attend must see Mr. Cassidy in room 111.

The Senior Class will have a brief meeting in the auditorium today 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 TODAY! 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!"

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

Congratulations to all the students who participated in the Festival of the Arts on Saturday. As promised, the event was amazing! Congratulations to our super fine Fine Arts Department… it was a very proud night to be a Knight! Congratulations!

The boys lacrosse team will host Good Counsel on Tuesday at 4:15 in the first round of the WCAC playoffs. There will be pizza available at halftime of the boys game for all students who come out and support!  The girls lacrosse team will host St. John's on Tuesday as well at 5:45 pm.

Attention Students in Fr. Cozzi's Confirmation Class:  Permission forms for your field trip to the Franciscan Monastery are due to the chaplain's office by Wednesday, May 7th.

Superdance Update – The top 43 most wanted students at O’Connell…please bring your white Superdance collection envelopes to the SCA room. Thank you!

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^th.

Global Studies students - Those who have already registered for the trip to the Philippines Embassy 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.

The Pro Life Baby Shower is this 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!"

We remind students that asking an individual to Homecoming or Prom is a personal matter. Out of respect for both students involved, no school venues such as AM announcements, school assemblies, banners, or academic time will be used to make these invitations. Thank you!

It was an evening to celebrate the arts at Bishop O'Connell! If you missed our annual Festival of the Arts, view our slideshow to see just a few of the highlights. Special thanks to all the students who shared their talents with us this year.

With a convincing 10-2 victory on Wednesday evening at Jacobs Field at Burch Stadium in Arlington, the O’Connell baseball team finished off their comeback in the WCAC semi-final series over Good Counsel. 

Senior Hayden Basse was outstanding on the mound with a complete game. The Falcons came out the gates fast with two runs in the top of the first inning, but the Knights answered with three runs of their own in the bottom half of the frame.  Sophomore center fielder Myles Hudzick hit the first of his two doubles on the game to lead things off for O’Connell. Sophomore shortstop Patrick Ryan and sophomore designated hitter Rafi Vazquez both drove runs in with base hits, and senior catcher Drew Tessier gave the Knights the lead with an RBI sacrifice fly. 

O’Connell would never relinquish the lead while tacking on five runs in the fourth inning with big blows coming from Ryan and junior third baseman Brian Murray with a bases-loaded double.  The Knights added two more in the 5th and Basse, along with strong defense behind him, cruised to the 10-2 win.  

The Knights advance to the WCAC championship series where they’ll meet top-seeded St. John’s.  The series will be played at Shipley Field at the University of Maryland in College Park. The first game will be played Friday, May 9 at 7 p.m. Game 2 is scheduled for Saturday, May 10 at 2 p.m. If necessary, the third game will be played Sunday, May 11 at 1 p.m.

In two tightly played ballgames in the regular season, St. John’s defeated O’Connell, but the Knights will look to ride their current momentum through the championship series.

The SCA Executive Board Elections for the Sophomore Class will take place during Advisory today, and any Junior Advisories that did not vote yesterday. Please send your completed ballots in the manila envelope to the SCA room immediately after voting so that our new Exec Board can be determined. Thank you and good luck to all our candidates!

Nomination Forms for SCA Class Officers will be available for pick up from the SCA room on Monday, May 12.

Come cheer on the baseball and softball teams in their quests for WCAC titles!

Alll seniors who are playing college athletics next year there will be a group picture today at 12:15 in the gym lobby.

Seniors:  It is only _20_ days until Graduation!  Have you turned in your All Night Grad Party forms yet?  Don't miss out on the Casino Room, seated massage, indoor and outdoor pools, and prizes for everyone!  Forms are available online and in the Center Office.  Bring your completed form and payment to the Center Office or the Bookstore.

Our rowing team invites students to join them at the WMIRA League Championship Regatta at the Thompson Boat Center along the Georgetown Waterfront. There will be free Crew gear giveaways and enjoy lunch with the team. Get directions at http://www.thompsonboatcenter.com/directions.htm and find out more about our rowing team on the crew page.

Seniors - Your days as DJO students are drawing to a close, BUT before you leave us you must  return all your  library books and pay any outstanding fines. You can check the list posted outside the library. If you name is on it you may not take your exams.  That could mean no graduation!!!  If you have any questions check with one of the librarians.

The Gaming Club is sponsoring a "Magic the Gathering" 2-hour card playing tournament on Thursday, May 15th after school in Room 200.  It's a Round-Robin styled tournament, with prizes going to the top 2-3 contestants (depending on the number of people participating).  The entry fee is $5 (No Bitcoins!). For more information, please contact the Gaming Club officers (Ryan Robles or Michael Burrill), or Mr. Andrews.  All are welcomed to attend, participate, and cheer!

Prom Tickets are on sale after school today, in Mr. Britt's room, Room 236.  Tickets are $70 per person.  You may also pick up guest forms from Mr. Britt after school if you are bringing a guest that does not currently attend Bishop O'Connell. Completed guest forms are due to Mr. Britt by May 20th.

Superdance Update – The top 24 most wanted students at O’Connell…please bring your white Superdance collection envelopes to the SCA room. Thank you!

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 today.

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.

The Pro Life Baby Shower is this 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!"

We remind students that asking an individual to Homecoming or Prom is a personal matter. Out of respect for both students involved, no school venues such as AM announcements, school assemblies, banners, or academic time will be used to make these invitations. Thank you!

Superdance Update – The top 18 most wanted students at O’Connell…please bring your white Superdance collection envelopes to the SCA room.

All SCA Executive Board Candidates please come to the SCA room immediately after school. Attention Students – there will be a SCA Executive Board run-off election tomorrow during advisory. Ballots will be distributed to advisory teachers after school today.

Nomination Forms for SCA Class Officers are available in the SCA room. Please stop by if you are interested in running for Office.

Seniors:  It is only 17 days until Graduation!  Have you turned in your All Night Grad Party forms yet?  Don't miss out on the Casino Room, seated massage, indoor and outdoor pools, and prizes for everyone!  Forms are available online and in the Center Office.  Bring your completed form and payment to the Center Office or the Bookstore.

Attention Seniors - Prom tickets are on sale during Knight Time until 11:30 and after school today and Tuesday. Beat the rush and get your tickets ASAP! Tickets are sold in Room 236 and guest forms can be picked up as well. Guest forms are due May 20.

The Cyber Knights Club, including all participants in the Cyber Patriots and Cyber Aces competitions, will hold its final, end-of-year meeting on Wednesday, May 14th @ 3PM in Rm. 300. All are asked to please be in attendance, or to respond to the Edmodo poll.

OCVED (O'Connell Virtual Entertainment Design) will hold its final, end-of-year meeting on Tuesday, May 13th @ 3PM in Rm. 300. All members are asked to please be in attendance, or to respond to the Edmodo poll.

The Gaming Club is sponsoring a "Magic the Gathering" 2-hour card playing tournament on Thursday, May 15th after school in Room 200.  It's a Round-Robin styled tournament, with prizes going to the top 2-3 contestants (depending on the number of people participating).  The entry fee is $5 (No Bitcoins!). For more information, please contact the Gaming Club officers (Ryan Robles or Michael Burrill), or Mr. Andrews.  All are welcomed to attend, participate, and cheer!

Seniors - Your days as DJO students are drawing to a close, BUT before you leave us you must  return all your  library books and pay any outstanding fines. You can check the list posted outside the library. If you name is on it you may not take your exams.  That could mean no graduation!!!  If you have any questions check with one of the librarians.

We remind students that asking an individual to Homecoming or Prom is a personal matter. Out of respect for both students involved, no school venues such as AM announcements, school assemblies, banners, or academic time will be used to make these invitations. Thank you!

Superdance Update – The top 14 most wanted students at O’Connell…please bring your white Superdance collection envelopes to the SCA room.

Attention Advisory teachers – Please conduct the SCA Executive Board Run-Off Elections after announcements end and then please send the ballots down to the SCA room.

Nomination Forms for SCA Class Officers are available in the SCA room. Please stop by if you are interested in running for Office.   Candidate forms and speeches must be turned in to Mrs. O’Reilly or Mr. Glynn by 5:00 pm on Thursday.

Seniors:  It is only 16 days until Graduation!  Have you turned in your All Night Grad Party forms yet?  Don't miss out on the Casino Room, seated massage, indoor and outdoor pools, and prizes for everyone!  Forms are available online and in the Center Office.  Bring your completed form and payment to the Center Office or the Bookstore.

 Attention Seniors - Prom tickets are on sale during Knight Time until 11:30 and after school today.  Beat the rush and get your tickets ASAP!  Tickets are sold in Room 236 and guest forms can be picked up as well. Guest forms are due May 20.

The Cyber Knights Club, including all participants in the Cyber Patriots and Cyber Aces competitions, will hold its final, end-of-year meeting on Wednesday, May 14th @ 3PM in Rm. 300.  All are asked to please be in attendance, or to respond to the Edmodo poll.

OCVED (O'Connell Virtual Entertainment Design) will hold its final, end-of-year meeting today, May 13th @ 3PM in Rm. 300.  All members are asked to please be in attendance, or to respond to the Edmodo poll.

The Gaming Club is sponsoring a "Magic the Gathering" 2-hour card playing tournament on Thursday, May 15th after school in Room 200.  It's a Round-Robin styled tournament, with prizes going to the top 2-3 contestants (depending on the number of people participating).  The entry fee is $5 (No Bitcoins!). For more information, please contact the Gaming Club officers (Ryan Robles or Michael Burrill), or Mr. Andrews.  All are welcomed to attend, participate, and cheer!

•    Seniors - You must  return all your  library books and pay any outstanding fines. You can check the list posted outside the library. If you name is on it you may not take your exams.  That could mean no graduation!!!  If you have any questions check with one of the librarians.

•    We remind students that asking an individual to Homecoming or Prom is a personal matter. Out of respect for both students involved, no school venues such as AM announcements, school assemblies, banners, or academic time will be used to make these invitations. Thank you!

The Spring-Summer edition of the Virginia Hospital Center newsletter highlights the quick actions that helped save the life of O'Connell alumnus, Trey Carter '13 at a varsity basketball game earlier this year.

Carter, a freshman at the University of Maryland who previously served as an O'Connell basketball manager, was watching the Jan. 9 home game vs. Paul VI from the railing area just outside the coaches' offices when he suddenly collapsed. Through the quick action of school staff members and medically trained bystanders, along with prayers from a packed gym, Carter was stabilized and able to be transported to the hospital for further treatment.

Read this story on the Virginia Hospital Center website.

The Bishop O’Connell softball team captured its third straight state title at the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association (VISAA) tournament last weekend at Dinwiddie Sports Complex in Sutherland, Va. In this 2014 tournament, the Lady Knights eliminated Flint Hill by the score of 11-2 and St. Gertrude School, 16-0, before facing No. 1 seeded Paul VI in the championship game. O’Connell topped the Panthers, 3-1, to capture their 19^th state title in 21 years of competing at the state level, and extending their record in state tournament play to 61-2 overall.

The determined Knights squad took the lead in the second inning and never relinquished it, pushing across single runs in the second, fourth and fifth innings despite each of those innings beginning with two outs. This proved more than enough for Erin Sweeney, who limited the Panthers to just five hits while striking out five and surrendering no free passes.     

Hayley Metcalf led O’Connell offensively, going 2-for-4 on the evening. Key hits included a run-scoring double by Olivia Giaquinto, an RBI single by Maddie Kelly, and a big double by Maggie Goldsmith. Goldsmith, Kayla Turner and Amanda Ehlers scored runs for the winners.

In doing so, the Lady Knights eclipsed the 20-win plateau for the 24^th time and 22^nd straight year since Head Coach Tommy Orndorff inherited the program 29 years ago – finishing the 2014 spring campaign with a 20-5 record overall.

Read more:

O'Connell defeats Paul VI for third consecutive state title
Washington Post, May 19, 2014

O'Connell caps season by winning another state softball crown
Arlington Sun Gazette, May 18, 2014

For more information about Lady Knights softball, visit the team web page.

On Sunday morning, the graduating class joined with their parents and the school's faculty to celebrate the Baccalaureate Mass at Bishop O'Connell. The school's chaplain, Rev. Phillip Cozzi '94 provided the Homily which included personal reflections on his calling: "Whatever your vocation might be, know that God can do amazing things through you. Don’t ever doubt it, don’t ever lose sight of that."

After Mass, the celebration continued at the Waterford in Springfield, where the group enjoyed a bountiful breakfast, hosted by the PTO. Special guest speaker for the Baccalaureate Breakfast, was Lt. Col. Molly McNerney Klote ‘84, U.S. Army, Chief of Research Programs at the National Military Medical Center. She shared stories of her time at O'Connell and beyond, reminding the soon-to-be-graduates to stay true to their "compass" as they make their own way in this world.

View photo highlights from the Baccalaureate events below:

Congratulations to the The Varsity Softball Team for beating Paul VI, 3-1, on Friday night to win its third straight VISAA State Tournament title at Dinwiddie Sports Complex in Sutherland, VA. Erin Sweeney enjoyed her best outing of the spring during the championship, pitching a 5-hitter and striking out five in notching the win.  The O'Connell offense was led by Hayley Metcalf, Olivia Giaquinto, Maddie Kelly, Maggie Goldsmith, Kayla Turner and Amanda Ehlers. It was O'Connell's 19th title in 21 years competing at the State level.  The DJO girls now own a 61-2 record overall in State play.  It is the 22nd straight year that O'Connell has eclipsed the 20-win plateau since Tommy Orndorff inherited the program 29 years ago -- finishing the 2014 spring campaign with a 20-5 record overall, so congratulations softball!

Seniors:  Be sure to turn in your All Night Grad Party forms to the center office.

Seniors, Prom is on Friday! Be sure to bring your tickets and student ID (for you and your date) and arrive in appropriate formal attire for a Catholic High School Prom. Check-in begins at 7pm and you should be at the waterfront no later than 7:30. If you still need a ticket for you or your guest, find Mr. Britt in Room 236 immediately. A reminder to all students bringing a non-O'Connell guests, Mr. Britt must receive your guest form by Tuesday May 20. Guest forms can be delivered to Mr. Britt in person in Room 236 or by using the fax number on the form.

There will be a brief meeting in room 146 for those interested in trying out for Girls Soccer this fall today at 3:05. Please don't be late!

The last Global Studies event is tomorrow, Thursday, May 22^nd, in the library after school. Our guest speaker is the Former Acting Director of the CIA, Michael Morell. This event is mandatory for sophomores and juniors. End-of-the year business will also be discussed in preparation for next year.

As you clean out your lockers, you will find boxes in the hallways marked with a Medical Missionaries - Interact Clubs School Supplies sign. Please put any books, binders, notebooks, paper, markers, pens, pencils or other usable school supplies that you do not want or need. These will be distributed to 4 locations from Virginia to Haiti. Thank you for thinking of others.

O'Connell Singers auditions will be held on Tuesday, May 27th and Wednesday, May 28th after school. You only need to sign up for one day. Callbacks will be held on Monday June 2nd. Sign ups and more details can be found on the band room door. See Mrs. Meehan for any questions.

The last Global Studies event is today in the library after school. This event is mandatory for sophomores and juniors. End-of-the year business will also be discussed in preparation for next year.

Seniors, Prom is on Friday! Be sure to bring your tickets and student ID (for you and your date) and arrive in appropriate formal attire for a Catholic High School Prom. Check-in begins at 7pm and you should be at the waterfront no later than 7:30. If you still need a ticket for you or your guest, find Mr. Britt in Room 236 immediately. A reminder to all students bringing a non-O'Connell guests, Mr. Britt must receive your guest form by Tuesday May 20. Guest forms can be delivered to Mr. Britt in person in Room 236 or by using the fax number on the form.

As you clean out your lockers, you will find boxes in the hallways marked with a Medical Missionaries - Interact Clubs School Supplies sign. Please put any books, binders, notebooks, paper, markers, pens, pencils or other usable school supplies that you do not want or need. These will be distributed to 4 locations from Virginia to Haiti. Thank you for thinking of others.

O'Connell Singers auditions will be held today (Tuesday, May 27) and Wednesday, May 28th after school. You only need to sign up for one day. Callbacks will be held on Monday June 2nd. Sign-ups and more details can be found on the band room door. See Mrs. Meehan for any questions.

There is a fundraiser today being held at Chipotle on Broad St in Falls Church by Famous Dave's and Starbucks. This fundraiser is for the All Night Grad Party (ANGP). The fundraiser will be from 5:00-8:00pm and Chipotle will generously donate 50% of the sales to ANGP. The flyer is on the O’Connell website; you must either bring a copy of the flyer or bring it up on your phone.

Students enrolled in AP Biology for next year should report to room 233 anytime during Knight Time or after school to pick up their summer assignments.

If you have signed up to usher for Graduation you must check in with Mrs. Adkins in the Activities Office today.   Two permission slips are required and many students have only turned in one.

As you clean out your lockers, you will find boxes in the hallways marked with a Medical Missionaries - Interact Clubs School Supplies sign. Please put any books, binders, notebooks, paper, markers, pens, pencils or other usable school supplies that you do not want or need. These will be distributed to 4 locations from Virginia to Haiti. Thank you for thinking of others.

Former deputy CIA director, Michael Morell, stopped by Bishop O'Connell for an after school discussion with student participating in the Global Studies program. After laying out the basic functions of the Central Intelligence Agency, Morell underscored the growing importance of intelligence for today and into the future. He answered student questions about his career and about his perspectives on national security topics and events.

Morell is currently a senior counselor with Beacon Global Strategies and also a senior fellow at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.

In his over thirty years at the Agency, he played a central role in the United States’ fight against terrorism, its initiatives to halt the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and its efforts to respond to trends that are altering the international landscape. During his tenure with the CIA, he served as George W. Bush's intelligence briefer before being named deputy director in 2010. Twice he was called upon to fill the role of acting director of the Agency.

Morell holds a B.A. in Economics from the University of Akron and a M.A. in Economics from Georgetown University.

Find out more about the Global Studies Certificate Program at www.bishopoconnell.org/global.

Members of the executive board of the SCA handed over a check today to the development manager for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Ashleigh Kades, in the sum of $109,000. This is added to online donations and money already collected from auxiliary events to bring the total 2014 O'Connell Superdance collection for 2014 to $117,859. Thank you students, parents, faculty, alumni and friends of O'Connell for supporting this incredible tradition each year!

Read more about Superdance at www.superdance.org.

PICTURED (l to r): Paul Feghali, Ashleigh Kades (Cystic Fibrosis Foundation), Rhys Bergeron and Catherine Irvin.

Congratulations to the class of 2014!

CLICK HERE to view a slideshow.

Bishop O’Connell High School held its 54th 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 280 members of the class of 2014. Included in that number were 36 legacies, that is, graduates with a parent (or in one case, a grandparent) who is an O’Connell alum. There were also 22 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.

Head of School Joseph E. Vorbach III, a 1983 graduate himself, welcomed the students, families and honored guest to this celebration. He noted how this special occasion honors tradition, commitment and accomplishments. He pointed to the rich traditions of our Faith, the traditions of Catholic education, and the traditions of our school; the devoted commitment of Catholic school educators; the importance of family and the many sacrifices parents and others have made to bring the graduates to this very moment; and the accomplishments of the class of 2014. He shared a quote from Pope Francis as his closing words, “May we enter into true friendship with Jesus, so that following him closely, we may live with and for him.”

Sydney Boll, the class salutatorian, reminisced about the past four years—about the many firsts that the graduates experienced together. She recalled the journey that brought them from their freshman year to this graduation day, and shared her delight at the friendships made along the way. “We will always be Knights,” she said. “Long live the place where we grew into the young adults we are today—a place you can always call home.”

Alessandro Luna, the class valedictorian, reminded the graduates of the foundation that has been built during their past 18 years—a foundation of family and faith. He encouraged them to build on this foundation to create their own successes...successes measured not by monetary gains, but by hearing these words from family and mentors: “I am proud of you.” Luna acknowledged that everyone makes mistakes along the way, and failure can be viewed as an opportunity to reinvent your path. “There is a divine path with your name on it,” he said. “As you write your next chapter, never forget where you started.”

Catherine Murphy Keating, head of J.P. Morgan Investment Management Americas and chairwoman of the board of trustees at Villanova University, provided the commencement address. She is a 1980 graduate of Bishop O’Connell. Keating shared her fondness for her memories at O’Connell, but let the graduates know that the best is yet to come. She thanked the faculty for continuing to model faith and keep a focus on building a strong foundation for graduates each year. She encouraged the class of 2014 to spend as much time building their reputations as they do building their resumes. “Be known for your character—someone others can count on,” she said. “Be known as kind; be known to serve others. Stand up for what is right.”