O'Connell Singers, callbacks will be held today. Sign-ups and more details can be found on the band room door. See Mrs. Meehan for any questions.

An interest meeting for fall varsity sailing will be held in the upper gym this Thursday, June 5th at 3: 10 p.m.

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.

SCA Class Councilor forms are due today in the SCA room with signature. Forms received after 3 p.m. will not be accepted. Emails will not be accepted. Electronic transmissions are not accepted. Basically, you must physically turn in your form…today! Be sure to read the fine print!   Elections will take place on Tuesday, tomorrow, June 3 during Advisory.

The Robotics Club will have its last meeting today right after school in room 212. All current members and anyone interested should come!

The library will be closed Wednesday at 8:00 for the entire day. There will be a new parent's meeting. Remember ALL library books are overdue.   All books must be returned and ALL fines paid before you may take your final exams. Check the list posted at the library to be sure you have no outstanding books.

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.

Ryan Beck has been named head coach of the Bishop O’Connell boys lacrosse program to replace Dick Abood, who announced his retirement earlier this year.

Beck served as the defensive coordinator for the Knights last year, after previously coaching at JEB Stuart in Falls Church and St. John’s College High School in Washington, D.C. During his tenure at Stuart, Beck was a National District Coach of the Year.

“Ryan exudes passion and enthusiasm about lacrosse,” said O’Connell athletic director Joe Wootten. “I know he wants to build on the strong foundation set by Coach Abood, and he is the man to do that—to lead our program to new heights.”

“It is an honor to be a part of an institution that is so rich in tradition and is such a strong proponent of academic integrity,” said Beck. “I look forward to preparing my students and players for a life dedicated to leadership, achievement, and service to the community. I also look forward to the responsibility that is involved with leading Bishop O’Connell in the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference, which is one of the most competitive lacrosse conferences in the country.”

There will be a meeting for all interested boys lacrosse players and their parents to meet the new varsity head coach, Ryan Beck, on Thursday, June 5 at 5:30 p.m. in the school library.

An interest meeting for fall varsity sailing will be held in the upper gym this Thursday, June 5th at 3: 10 p.m.

There will be an interest meeting for all boys lacrosse players, and their parents, to meet the new varsity head coach, Ryan Beck, on Thursday, June 5, at 5:30 p.m. in the school library.

The Pro Life Club will be having a bake sale today in the cafeteria during all lunches.

The DJO LINK (Leaders in Networking KIds) Program is looking for students to act as mentors for new students who transfer in the fall to DJO from other high schools, If you are interested, please contact Ms. Usle or Mr. Giska for more detailed information about this very special program.

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.

Attention all Juniors taking AP English Literature next year. There will be a mandatory meeting today at the beginning of Knight Time in room 322. Summer assignments will be distributed at this time.

SCA Class Councilor forms are due today by Knight Time. Please bring your completed forms to the SCA room. Elections will take place on Thursday, June 5, during Advisory. Thank you!

The library will be closed today for the entire day. There will be a new parent's meeting. Remember ALL library books are overdue.   All books must be returned and ALL fines paid before you may take your final exams. Check the list posted at the library to be sure you have no outstanding books.

This Friday Father Cozzi will celebrate the 7 a.m. First Friday Mass in the Student Chapel. The Mass will be followed by coffee and pastries in the Chapel Lounge. This is a great way to finish up the school year. Hope you can join us!

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.

An interest meeting for fall varsity sailing will be held in the upper gym today at 3: 10 p.m.

Homerooms please remember to elect your class councilors today, June 5th in Advisory. Please send your ballots to the SCA room as soon as you have completed voting.

The Ecology Club will be holding an interest meeting in Mr. Britt's room, Room 236 after school on Monday.  We will discuss potential projects for next year and all are welcome to attend.

If you are interested in taking a 1/2 credit online Social Studies course please see Mr. Haas or find a sign-up sheet in the counseling office. This on-line course will give students an overview of global systems as they earn a half credit in Social Studies. Course work will provide background for any global studies thread. Students will meet in a virtual classroom for a six week course discovering various cultures. This is an all-online course! Please contact Mr. Haas at ghaas@bishopoconnell.org for syllabus and course requirements. Registration forms are available in the Counseling Office.

This Friday, June 6, is the last Food Distribution of the year at St, James, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. See Ms. Yanine for more details.

There will be an interest meeting for all boys lacrosse players, and their parents, to meet the new varsity head coach, Ryan Beck, today at 5:30 p.m. in the school library.

The DJO LINK (Leaders in Networking KIds) Program is looking for students to act as mentors for new students who transfer in the fall to DJO from other high schools, If you are interested, please contact Ms. Usle or Mr. Giska for more detailed information about this very special program.

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.

This Friday Father Cozzi will celebrate the 7 a.m. First Friday Mass in the Student Chapel. The Mass will be followed by coffee and pastries in the Chapel Lounge. This is a great way to finish up the school year. Hope you can join us!

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.

The Ecology Club will be holding an interest meeting in Mr. Britt's room, Room 236 after school on Monday.  We will discuss potential projects for next year and all are welcome to attend.

Have dinner at Potbelly TONIGH between 4 and 7 PM to benefit the DJO PTO! Hope to see you and your family there!

There will be an interest meeting for the Men’s Crew Team on Monday after school in the upper gym.

If you are interested in taking a 1/2 credit online Social Studies course please see Mr. Haas or find a sign-up sheet in the counseling office. This on-line course will give students an overview of global systems as they earn a half credit in Social Studies. Course work will provide background for any global studies thread. Students will meet in a virtual classroom for a six week course discovering various cultures. This is an all-online course! Please contact Mr. Haas at ghaas@bishopoconnell.org for syllabus and course requirements. Registration forms are available in the Counseling Office.

Today, June 6, is the last Food Distribution of the year at St, James, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. See Ms. Yanine for more details.

The DJO LINK (Leaders in Networking KIds) Program is looking for students to act as mentors for new students who transfer in the fall to DJO from other high schools, If you are interested, please contact Ms. Usle or Mr. Giska for more detailed information about this very special program.

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.

"Have no fear of moving into the unknown. Step out fearlessly, knowing that Christ is with you." - Saint John Paul II

Congratulations to the class of 2014 on their many accomplishments! Here are just a few examples:

$18.5 million in college and university scholarships

Military Academies
John Joseph Brough III - U.S. Naval Academy
Gillian Gerton - U.S. Coast Guard Academy

ROTC Scholarships
Brian Ellis - Air Force ROTC - Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Kathleen Kinsella - Navy ROTC - University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill
Brandon Love - Air Force ROTC - University of Tampa
Allison Sullivan - Navy ROTC - University of Virginia
Veronica Sullivan - Navy ROTC - University of Virginia
Paul Tansey - Air Force ROTC - Villanova University
Nathanael Kolbe Wilson - Army ROTC - Clemson University
Grace Young - Army ROTC - James Madison University

Entering the Corps of Cadets
Jared J. Filzen - Virginia Tech (USMC)
Michael Hewitt - The Citadel (USMC)
Peter O'Neill - Virginia Military Institute (U.S. Army)

Valedictorian
Alessandro Luna
Read more about Alessandro in a feature story in the Arlington Catholic Herald.

Salutatorian
Sydney Boll

Global Studies Certificates
Read more about this O'Connell certificate program
Catherine Arendt
Diane Arnos
Catherin Bergaust
Emily Cuello
Elizabeth Dannenfelser
Sofia Goyonaga-Calatayud
Tori Hasty
Robert Hecton
Hayley House
Briana Ince
Catherine Irvin
Ashley Jean
Abigail Markle
Natallia Purdy
Maya Retterer
Patrick Reyes
Belen Rogers
Alex Ronkainen
Selina Tette
Elizabeth Trocchi
Tara Ulepic
Katherine Walker

Distinguished Honors
An A- or better in all subjects throughout senior year
Diane Arnos
Jessica Auclair
Abigail Austria
Tyler Boczar
Sydney Boll
John Brough III
Nicholas Connell
Maria Cordoba
Mary Donnelly
John Durel
Austin Hall
Amelia Lucas
Alessandro Luna
Rose Montgomery
Nyla Papiernik
Maya Retterer
Alex Ronkainen
Nairan Wu

National Latin Exam
Elizabeth Dannenfelser - Gold Medal in Levels 1, 2 and 3

Recognition by Civic Groups
Ian Davidson-Taylor (Optimists Alexandria Sunrise Chapter) - First place in oratorical competition
Mary Donnelly (Catholic Daughters of America) - First place in state and local art competition
John Durel (Fr. Diamond Council of the Knights of Columbus) - First place at the state and local level of the Virginia Society for Human Life Oratorical Contest
Nathan Rom (Optimists Alexandria Sunrise Chapter) - Good Government Award
Maria Toch (Catholic Daughters of America) - First place in state and local poetry competition
Katherine Walker (Rotary International Young Leadership) - Essay contest winner

Student-Athlete Commitments
Hayden Basse - Hampden-Sydney College (Baseball)
Gillian Gerton - U.S. Coast Guard Academy (Basketball)
Jack Gigliotti - Virginia Tech (Diving)
Tim Hogan - Stevenson College (Baseball)
Will Iacobucci - Alderson-Broaddus College (Baseball)
Timera Kemp - DeSales University (Basketball)
Hayley Metcalf - University of Pennsylvania (Softball)
Kamrin Moore - Boston College (Football)
Connor O'Connell - Misericordia University (Soccer)
Stephen Osu - Presbyterian College (Basketball)
Lindsey Paul - Belmont Abbey College (Basketball)
Jeff Phelps - University of New England (Lacrosse)
Marquis Rowe - Iowa Western (Football)
Scott Rucks - Franklin & Marshall College (Lacrosse)
Romelo Trimble - University of Maryland (Basketball)
Tara Ulepic - University of Pennsylvania (Lacrosse)

CLICK HERE to view a list of colleges and university where the class of 2014 is headed.

READ MORE and VIEW PHOTOS from the graduation ceremony of the class of 2014.

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.

An interest meeting for fall varsity sailing will be held in the upper gym this Thursday, June 5th at 3: 10 p.m.

The DJO LINK (Leaders in Networking KIds) Program is looking for students to act as mentors for new students who transfer in the fall to DJO from other high schools, If you are interested, please contact Ms. Usle or Mr. Giska for more detailed information about this very special program.

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.

Attention all Juniors taking AP English Literature next year. There will be a mandatory meeting on Wednesday at the beginning of Knight Time in room 322. Summer assignments will be distributed at this time.

SCA Class Councilor forms are due Wednesday, June 4 by Knight Time. Please bring your completed forms to the SCA room. Elections will take place on Thursday, June 5, during Advisory. Thank you!

The library will be closed Wednesday at 8:00 for the entire day. There will be a new parent's meeting. Remember ALL library books are overdue.   All books must be returned and ALL fines paid before you may take your final exams. Check the list posted at the library to be sure you have no outstanding books.

This Friday Father Cozzi will celebrate the 7 a.m. First Friday Mass in the Student Chapel. The Mass will be followed by coffee and pastries in the Chapel Lounge. This is a great way to finish up the school year. Hope you can join us!

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.A

Monday - Modified Anchor Schedule
Tuesday - Exam Schedule
Wednesday - Exam Schedule
Thursday - Exam Schedule
Friday - Exam Schedule

This week's exam schedule has been posted. Click on the link below for details.

Semesters 2 Exam Schedule - June 10-13, 2014

As a reminder, the drop-off times for the PTO Used Book & Uniform Sale are as follows:

Friday, June 13 and Saturday, June 14
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

There have been some technical issues with the online registration system. If you were not able to make a reservation, please come during those hours and let our volunteers know.

We apologize for the inconvenience. We want to make sure every family who wants to sell back uniforms and books has the opportunity.

Please contact usedbooksale@bishopoconnell.org if you have any other questions.

Updated information will be available at www.bishopoconnell.org/ubs.

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.

The PTO has added one more drop-off date for families unable to make the previous dates and times.

Bring your used books and uniforms to the history hallway (enter through the front doors) this Wednesday, June 25 from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m.

Visit the Used Book & Uniform Sale page for more information.

An interest meeting for fall varsity sailing will be held in the upper gym this Thursday, June 5th at 3: 10 p.m.

The DJO LINK (Leaders in Networking KIds) Program is looking for students to act as mentors for new students who transfer in the fall to DJO from other high schools, If you are interested, please contact Ms. Usle or Mr. Giska for more detailed information about this very special program.

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.

Attention all Juniors taking AP English Literature next year. There will be a mandatory meeting on Wednesday at the beginning of Knight Time in room 322. Summer assignments will be distributed at this time.

SCA Class Councilor forms are due Wednesday, June 4 by Knight Time. Please bring your completed forms to the SCA room. Elections will take place on Thursday, June 5, during Advisory. Thank you!

The library will be closed Wednesday at 8:00 for the entire day. There will be a new parent's meeting. Remember ALL library books are overdue.   All books must be returned and ALL fines paid before you may take your final exams. Check the list posted at the library to be sure you have no outstanding books.

This Friday Father Cozzi will celebrate the 7 a.m. First Friday Mass in the Student Chapel. The Mass will be followed by coffee and pastries in the Chapel Lounge. This is a great way to finish up the school year. Hope you can join us!

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.A

Eight members of O'Connell's Medical Missionaries Club were joined by two alumni and three chaperones for a week-long mission trip to Haiti in June.

The group flew into the Dominican Republic with their suitcases packed tightly with medical supplies. After spending the night in Banica, they continued on their journey--this time a four-hour journey by truck--to reach the St. Joseph Clinic in Thomassique, Haiti.

While in Thomassique, the students took up the work that previous O'Connell groups had started. They engaged with the local youth group, taught English lessons, and supported the staff throughout the clinic, as they served the local community who come in for routine and emergency services.

John Patterson '15 provided his reflections on this life-changing trip in our Student Blog.

READ JOHN'S BLOG ENTRY HERE.

Other members of the Medical Missionaries Club on this year's trip were all members of the class of 2015:

Anne Di Gregory
Brooke Fernandez
Tarah Fisher
Meagan Leverone
Katie Liverman
Emma Malloy
Susie Rodriguez

Two former members of the club from the class of 2013 returned to join the group:

Elaine Harrington (University of Virginia)
Randee Miller (University of Kentucky)

They were accompanied by three chaperones:

Dr. Trina Sensenig (former O'Connell service coordinator)
Dr. Peter Dirr (Medical Missionaries)
Ms. Gachard Jean Pierre (Medical Missionaries)

Summer brings changes around our school. The hallways and lockers are empty for now, but crews are busy renovating and cleaning in preparation for new school year.

In the Chaplain’s office, the summer brings change, too. Rev. Phillip Cozzi ’93, who has served our students and our staff with dedication for the past three years, was recently appointed as parochial vicar at St. Timothy Church in Chantilly. As with our previous clergy at the school, Father Cozzi leaves very big shoes to fill here at O’Connell and we pray for continued success in his ministry to the Church.

Our school welcomes its new Chaplain, Rev. Gregory Thompson (pictured here), who most recently served as parochial vicar of St. John the Beloved parish in McLean. He has extensive experience working with parish youth groups, both at St. John and at All Saints in Manassas, where he previously served.  

Father Thompson was born and raised in the Philadelphia area and attended Catholic schools from elementary through high school. He was taught by I.H.M. Sisters at St. Ephrem School in Bensalem, Pa. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from George Washington University before entering the seminary. He was ordained a priest in the Diocese of Arlington in 2006.

Father Thompson’s hobbies include guitar, ice hockey and improv theater. In fact, he is part of a Catholic improv troupe recently featured in the Arlington Herald.

“I am really looking forward to being a part of the Bishop O'Connell family,” said Father Thompson. “ It is my hope that every student, faculty member, and staff deepens in their relationship with Jesus Christ as a member of the O'Connell High School community. I hope to be as available as I can to everyone in the community and especially to those who are experiencing a difficult time in their lives and are looking for the consolation that only Christ can give.”

Please join us in welcoming Father Thompson into the O’Connell community.

He can be reached at frgthompson@bishopoconnell.org or 703-237-1441.