Seniors Brooke Fernandez and Kevin Fraser were recognized at the 4th Annual Courage Award Reception of Catholic Athletes for Christ (CAC), held earlier this month at Top of the Town in Arlington.

Fernandez is a four-year varsity swimmer and field hockey player. She volunteers her time as a high school ambassador at Children’s National Medical Center and as a tutor at the neighborhood elementary school. She is a member of the Spanish Honor Society, Keyettes and the Medical Missionaries Club. Over the summer, she traveled with the Medical Missionaries Club to Haiti to provide assistance to the staff at St. Joseph’s Clinic in Thomassique.

Fraser is a four-year varsity soccer and lacrosse player at Bishop O’Connell. He is an active member of St. Ann’s parish in Arlington, where he has participated in the work camp program. He has also dedicated his time to volunteering in the local community, through organization such as the Greenbrier Learning Center, Arlington County Parks and Recreation, Arlington Food Assistance Center and Lose the Training Wheels, a recreational therapy program. Fraser plans to play lacrosse at Ursinus College next fall.

O’Connell chaplain, Father Gregory Thompson, was on hand at the awards ceremony as these students were honored along with student-athletes from other diocesan high schools. CAC presented former Major League Baseball player, Darrell Miller, with the 2014 Courage Award for his leadership in athletics and his Catholic Faith.

Catholic Athletes for Christ serves Catholic athletes in the practice of their faith and shares the Gospel in and through sports. The organization work with athletes at all levels of sport in an effort to promote a Catholic sports culture. CAC was formed in response to Pope John Paul II's call to evangelize the world of sports and his establishment of the Vatican's Office of Sports.

Pictured (l to r): Athletic Director Joe Wootten, Kevin Fraser, Brooke Fernandez and Father Thompson.

Congratulations to the Bishop O'Connell girls cross country team who captured the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) title for the eighth straight year. The championship race was held Saturday, Oct. 25 at Lake Fairfax in Reston, Va.

The Lady Knights were led by sophomore runner, Isabell Baltimore, who finished the race in second place. Not far behind her were senior Sarah Davis (5th place), junior Briana Broccoli (7th place), junior Gabriella Baltimore (9th place), freshman Grace Pulliam (13th place), senior Theresa Matula (14th place) and senior Mackenzie Nihill (18th place).

O'Connell took third place in the boys race, finishing closely behind Good Counsel and Gonzaga. With three DJO runners in the top 15, this was the best team finish in more than ten years. The O'Connell boys were led by Junior Kevin Dannaher (6th place), senior Josh Speier (7th place) and senior Marty Knauf (14th place).

Read more...

"O'Connell Girls Win Eighth Cross Country Title" (Oct. 27, 2014)
Arlington Catholic Herald

Complete Race Results by M&D Timing

The Gamer Club will meet after school today, Tuesday, Oct. 28, in Rm. 202.  All are welcomed to come out and join in on the fun.  

There will be a General meeting of the SADD Club during "B" Lunch in Coach Owens Room 224 on Wednesday October 29. We encourage all members to attend we will have food! 

Attention all members of the French Club and those interested in joining! Do not miss the early bird deadline to pay French Club dues. This is for anyone who pays BEFORE the October 29 meeting and Halloween party! Bring payments to Mr. Hobson in 311. Members, do not forget to join the French Club Edmodo group! If you no longer have the code or need it for the first time, see one of the officers: Shelby Rieger, Kathryn Baker, Isabel Fernandez or Jane Greenhalgh, and she will provide it when convenient to her. You do NOT need to speak French to join. If you missed the chance to interact with our visiting students from France, be sure not to miss out on other opportunities to celebrate the French-speaking world and learn more about our ties to it.

Do not forget about the $500 Col. C. A. Seone Award that will go to 3 DJO students. Enter and respond to “Why I Like Being an American Citizen.” The deadline is October 31. Please go to Edmodo and enter the code vdn5b3 for this and a few other available contests. Good luck to all who enter!

Attention Students: Are you interested in going on a Mission Trip this Spring Break? See Ms. Hogan in the Christian Service Office during lunch or Knight Time to pick up an application. Application deadline is THIS FRIDAY!

Seniors-the second round of senior sweatshirt orders ends Monday, November 3.  Delivery will take place before the senior retreats.  Forms can be picked up in Mr. Britt's room, room 236 or in the center office.

Attention senior advisory reps: please bring 2 2-liter bottles of soda for the eighth grade dance to room 236 by Thursday. Thank you!

Good luck to the varsity boys and girls soccer team today with their first round of the WCAC tournament!

Congratulations to the volleyball team in beating Bishop Ireton in the WCAC quarter-finals, 3-1. On Wednesday, they will play in the semi-finals against Holy Cross at Ireton @ 6pm. They would love some support from our student body. Go Knights!

On Oct. 27, fifteen Bishop O'Connell students attended the Anti-Defamation League’s annual Concert Against Hate at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. This powerful and inspirational event honors heroes in the fight against intolerance, extremism and terrorism. Stories are told about individuals who have performed extraordinary acts of valor and courage when confronted with bigotry, hate and other discriminatory acts.

This year's event honored Olympic gold medalist William Mervin ("Billy") Mills, who has devoted his life to giving back to the Native American people; Jacqueline Murckatete a survivor of the Rwandan Genocide and a human rights activist; and Reat Griffin Underwood, Dr. William L. Corporon, and Teresa Lamanno, who were killed by a white supremacist at the Jewish Center and Retirement Home in Kansas.

The concert was hosted this year by Leslie Uggams and Isiah Whitlock Jr. The National Symphony Orchestra, along with the Washington Performing Arts' Children of the Gospel Choir and the ADL Choir, performed selections from Tchaikovsky, Debussy, John Williams, Pete Seeger, and others.

Dr. Daniel Stabile, Mrs. Monica Stabile and Mr. Andrew Edmondson organized and chaperoned the event. This is the seventh consecutive year that O'Connell students have attended this event.

Bishop O'Connell High School has a long-standing French exchange program with a Catholic high school in Reims, France--Lycée Jean XXIII. Students from each school have the opportunity on alternating years to travel to the others' country, stay with a host family and experience the life of a student in a different culture. This year, our O'Connell families served as hosts for a group of students and their chaperones from France.

Our Spanish program hosted students from Barcelona's San Ignacio de Loyola School during the same time period, adding a multinational and welcome new dimension to the O'Connell exchange experience.

Read personal reflections from O'Connell students and view photos on our Student Blog page at www.bishopoconnell.org/dayinthelife.

Mr. Isaacson and Mr. Kadeli would like to thank all of Bishop O’Connell’s musicians and singers for a great first quarter!  

We would also like to remind everyone of the upcoming events:

November
Saturday, November 1 – District Chorus Auditions (Wakefield High School, Arlington, VA)
Thursday, November 20 – Orchestra performs at St. James School Event
November 20-23 – Fall Drama (The Trials of Robin Hood)

December
Sunday, December 14 – Christmas Music Program
Thursday, December 18 – Christmas Concert

January
Saturday, January 3 – DJO Youth Music Festival
Thursday, January 8 – Piano Showcase
Tuesday, January 13 – Guitar Showcase
Saturday, January 31 – Broadway Desserts

February
February (TBA) – O’Connell Singers perform at Saint Phillips Catholic Church (Falls Church)
Friday/Saturday, February 13-14 – All-District Chorus and All-Virginia Auditions (Feb. 20-21 Alternate Date)
Wednesday, February 25 – Tri-M Bake Sale

March
March 7 – Jazz Band performs at St. Timothy’s Annual Auction
Wednesday, March 18 – Pre-Assessment Concert
Friday/Saturday, March 20-21 – District Choral Assessment (March 27/28 Alternate Dates)
March 27-29 – Spring Trip

April
Friday/Saturday, April 24/25 – All Virginian Chorus
April 23-26 – Spring Drama
Thursday, April 30 – Spring Concert

May
Saturday, May 2 – Festival of the Arts
Wednesday, May 6 – Piano Showcase
Thursday, May 7 – Guitar Showcase

Freshmen speeches will take place today during C lunch in the auditorium. Advisory teachers, please bring your freshmen down to the auditorium and sit in the front rows in the center section. Thank you.

Seniors-the second round of senior sweatshirt orders ends today. Delivery will take place before the senior retreats. Forms can be picked up in Mr. Britt's room, room 236 or in the center office.

Please support the Spanish Club and the Pulsera Project this week by buying a pulsera during lunches on Anchor days and every day after school. The Pulsera Project is a non-profit organization that educates, empowers, and connects Nicaraguan youth with students in more than 800 US schools through the sale of colorful, hand-woven bracelets, or "pulseras" in Spanish. Your support will help to empower young Nicaraguans to create a brighter future. Last year we not only sold enough pulseras to provide three months of fair trade employment, but we also raised enough money to pay for two full years of college classes for a member of the Pulsera artisan cooperative. Color O'Connell...Color the World! Buy your pulsera for only $5.00!

Today, immediately after school in room 114 there will be a meeting of the Keyette Club. Please be prompt. If you cannot attend please see Mrs. Graif in room 114 or Mrs. Koranek in room 116 as soon as possible.

The boys varsity tennis team will be having it's sign up meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 4  in room 123 at 3:05 pm. This will be a mandatory meeting for all those interested in trying out for the Knight's tennis team. Important information about off-season workouts and tryouts will be given. Please be prompt.

The Swim and Dive team will have a kick-off meeting for all interested swimmers, divers and their parents on Tuesday, Nov. 4, at 7:00 p.m. in the cafeteria. Please bring separate checks for dues and to purchase a team suit. Please contact Mr. Duesterhaus or Head Coach Evan Stiles if you have any questions.

The Gamer Club is holding a Super Smash Bros. Melee Tournament on Thursday, November 6, starting at 3PM in Rm. 202. The general entry fee will be $2 for all who want to participate. Come on out, and have a great time in a fun and competitive atmosphere. All proceeds will be donated to various charities. Go Gamers, Go DJO!

Please check the Lost and Found in Student Life for your lost items. There are many lunchboxes, books, sweatshirts and shoes. Items will be donated at the start of the next marking period.

In late October, two O’Connell teachers participated in collaborative learning opportunities that allowed them to stay connected with their peers in the region and around the country.

English teacher, John Meehan, was invited to a weekend conference, called “Elevating and Celebrating Effective Teaching & Teachers.” This event brought approximately 300 educators from all across the country to New Orleans for an all-expense paid three-day event which Meehan described as an “educators’ retreat.” “I was energized by this group of great teachers who love their jobs, and humbled by the number of state-wide ‘teachers of the year’ in the group.” said Meehan.

The conference included breakout sessions and small group discussions that focused on leadership, collaboration and innovative instructional practices. “I was talking shop with great people,” said Meehan. “There were informative presentations by veteran teachers, and roundtable discussions on the meaningful use of technology in today’s classroom.”

Vocal music director, Peter Kadeli, was invited the same weekend to join other alumni of George Mason’s music education department for a panel discussion on classroom management in the music classroom. The audience included currently enrolled students in the master’s program at the University. The panelists discussed their own strategies and techniques for dealing with behavior issues at all grade levels. Kadeli’s comments were focused on teacher preparation and teaching approaches. “When the students are engaged in learning, behavior problems are minimized,” he said.

Read more about the event:

http://gmusiced.blogspot.com/2014/10/local-teachers-visit-mason-to-share.html

Freshmen elections will take place during advisory today. Advisory teachers, please refer to the emailed guidelines from yesterday. All ballots need to be returned to the SCA room directly after voting takes place.

Best Buddies members should report to the Trinidad Lobby during B lunch today, at 11:45 AM, for the yearbook picture. 

Please check the Lost and Found in Student Life for your lost items. There are many lunchboxes, books, sweatshirts and shoes.  Items will be donated today.

The Gamer Club will meet after school today in Rm. 202 at 3PM, in advance of the Smash Bros. Melee Tournament on Thursday.  All club members are asked to attend.

The boys varsity tennis team will be having it's sign up meeting on Tuesday, November 4 in room 123 at 3:05 pm. This will be a mandatory meeting for all those interested in trying out for the Knight's tennis team. Important information about off-season workouts and tryouts will be given. Please be prompt.

The Swim and Dive team will have a kick-off meeting for all interested swimmers, divers and their parents tonight at 7:00 p.m. in the cafeteria. Please bring separate checks for dues and to purchase a team suit. Please contact Mr. Duesterhaus or Head Coach Evan Stiles if you have any questions.

The Stock and Finance club will meet on Wednesday at 3:05 PM in room 202. New members are welcome to attend. See you there.

There will be a meeting on Wednesday November 5 at 3:00 PM in Room 125 for Teens Against Cancer Club. All are welcome.

Students from St.Mark's parish should have received a flyer in advisory yesterday inviting them to lunch with their pastor this Thursday, November 6th.  Please report directly to the Trinidad Lobby entrance at the beginning of your lunch period for pizza & soda with Fr. Paul on Thursday.

The Social Justice Club will meet on Thursday Nov 6 in room 221 immediately after school. The club's Yearbook photo will be taken.  Activism efforts will be discussed.

Global Studies students, Mr. Betthauser will be offering the core course, Foundations of Global Business and Finance, this Thursday, November 6th directly after school from 3- 6pm in room 318. There are still a few spaces left. If you would like to participate, email or see Ms. Webb. Remember, this course is mandatory for all Global Studies students to receive the certificate. Seniors, if you have not yet takes this course, please register.

Global Studies students, we have been  invited to visit Paul Singh's company, Disruption Corporation on Thursday, November 20th in the afternoon. Mr. Singh spoke at the first event of the school year and now, he would like for us to visit him and learn more about his company and business ventures. Please email or see Ms. Webb to register for this trip. Space is limited and on a first come first serve basis.

On Saturday, Nov. 2, more than 800 high school students from across the area gathered at Wakefield High School in Arlington to audition for All-District Chorus. Bishop O'Connell is part of the VCDA District 12, which includes Arlington and Fairfax counties. The students auditioning on Saturday were from 16 different area high schools, public and private, including Oakton, Herndon, Marshall, James Madison, South Lakes, Flint Hill, Chantilly, Oakcrest, Langley, HB Woodlawn, Washington Lee, Yorktown, Wakefield, Madiera, McLean, and O'Connell.

The audition consisted of two parts: a prepared piece and a sight-reading example. This year, the prepared piece was an excerpt from "How Lovely Are The Messengers" by Felix Mendelssohn. The audition was blind, meaning the judges could not see the students and vice versa, and the students sang along to a recorded accompaniment. After the prepared piece, the student was given a short musical excerpt, and only 30 seconds in which to study it. After 30 seconds, the student would sing it and be graded on the accuracy of the rhythm and pitches.

At the end of the day, the scores were tabulated and the top students in each voice part were accepted, aiming for about 100 students in the Women's Choir and about 200 students in the Mixed Choir.

O'Connell students  selected for the 9th and 10th grade Women's Choir were:
Katherine Hales (10th grade)
Miranda Smith (10th grade)

The O'Connell students named to the Mixed Choir were:
Meghan Mack (12th grade)
Isabel Fernandez (11th grade)
Jordan Hunt (12th grade)
Maddy Collins (12th grade)
Amanda Mezaros (12th grade)

Of the 800 students that auditioned Maddy Collins, Katherine Hales, and Isabel Fernandez scored within the top fifteen for their respective voice parts. All DJO students that auditioned represented their school well on Saturday. Go Knights!

The District Chorus will rehearse together Feb. 12-14, 2015 at Herndon High School. There will be a public performance following the event on Feb. 14 at 2 p.m.

Congratulations to all participants!

Pictured below (l to r): Katherine Hales, Jordan Hunt, Isabel Fernandez, Amanda Mezaros, Meghan Mack, Miranda Smith and choral director Peter Kadeli. Not pictured: Maddy Collins.

The student body gathered for a special November assembly to recognize two important groups of people. During the first half of the assembly, recipients of 2014 O’Connell scholarships and academic award were recognized. The second half of the assembly was devoted to the observance of Veterans Day, by honoring staff and faculty members who have served their country.

The O’Connell jazz band provided music as the community gathered, and then returned later in the assembly to perform a medley of songs from the armed forces, including The Air Force Song (Air Force), The Army Goes Rolling Along (Army), Semper Paratus (Coast Guard), The Marine’s Hymn (Marine Corps) and Anchors Aweigh (Navy). The O’Connell Singers performed the National Anthem, and the Men’s A Cappella group, on stage together for the first time this year, performed the Battle Hymn of the Republic.

Father Thompson opened and closed the gathering with prayer. Sister Catherine Hill read the poem, In Flander’s Field, as a special tribute to all veterans.

Honoring Veterans

Eleven members of the Bishop O'Connell faculty and staff were recognized for their service to our country. Together, this group has more than 138 years of military service:

Michael Bernhard (Math Chair) – U.S. Navy
Reno Cassidy (Math Teacher) – U.S. Army
James Ewings (Football Coach) – U.S. Marine Corps
Michael Garofolo (English Teacher) – U.S. Navy
Joseph Giaquinto (Softball Coach) – U.S. Navy
Paul Gerton (Science/Engineering Teacher) – U.S. Army
Tom Glynn (Science Chair) – U.S. Coast Guard
Quinn Hollomon (Tennis Coach) – U.S. Navy
Susan Koranek (Math Teacher) – Air National Guard
Mary Quinn (Field Hockey Coach) – U.S. Army
Joseph Vorbach (Head of School) – U.S. Coast Guard

Scholarships and Awards

Below are the scholarship and award winners recognized at the assembly.

• John A. Ballard Scholarship - Alexandria Sacci
• Barry Breen Scholarship for the Visual and Performing Arts - Teresa English and Turner Richmond
• Joseph W. Connolly Scholarship - Rachel Narvaez
• De La Salle Award for Instrumental Performance - Ava Coffin and Kenneth Rudolph
• De La Salle Award for Vocal Performance - Peter Lucas and Elise Welsh
• Henry Heishman Scholarship - Marty Knauf
• Knights Recognition Scholarship
• Sarah Grasmeder, David Pizzano, Nikolas Rocha and Seth Viani
• Rev. Monsignor John McMahon Scholarship - Alec Quiroga
• Robert J. and Elizabeth K. Murphy Family Scholarships - Matthew Funkhouser and Hodari Robinson
• Bishop O’Connell Alumni Scholarship - Alexandra Lucchesi
• Bishop O’Connell Scholar Award - Caitlin Mea, Gabriela Matheu, Anthony Socarras, Selene Swanson and Annmarie Wolf
• O’Donnell Family “Making a Difference” Award - Andrew Oliveros
• Schaffner Family Scholarship - Katharine Colclough
• Colonel C.A. Seoane Award - Diego Garcia, David Koehlmoos and Marissa Luna
• Prudential Spirit of Community Award - Maureen Duesterhaus
• Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Service Award - Kate Rocheleau
• Cindy Walls Scholarship - Josh Speier
• “Spirit of O’Connell” Award - Janiya Clemmons
  

National Merit Commended Students - In September, officials of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced the names of approximately 34,000 Commended Students in the 60th annual National Merit Scholarship Program.  More than 1.5 million juniors in about 22,000 high schools entered the 2015 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2013 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, which served as the initial screen of program entrants. Commended Students placed among the top 5% of the more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2015 competition by taking the 2013 PSAT/NMSQT. The following O’Connell seniors were recognized as Commended Students: Srijan Bhasin, Kathryn Gliot, Alexander Socarras, Jennifer Ternullo and Katherine Ward.

AP Scholars – The College Board's AP Program recognizes high school students who have demonstrated college-level achievement through AP courses and exams. At the end of last year, 125 O’Connell students were named AP Scholars. Members of the class of 2015 who were included in that group were recognized at the assembly. CLICK HERE to view a complete list of 2014 O'Connell AP Scholars.

View a slideshow from the assembly below:

Ms. Anne-Marie Funk and Sister Tracey Uphoff recently accompanied members of the Bishop O'COnnell Fiat Club on a morning hike near Potomac, Md. Fiat is a new club that exists for young women who would like to grow deeper in their relationship with Christ.

Ms. Funk's photos and blog entry on the outing can be found on the Knights of Faith section of our web site.

CLICK HERE to read more...

Attention all freshmen girls interested in playing basketball.  Tryouts begin today right after school.  All girls interested in trying out should meet in the hallway by the training room.  

Hello Juniors! The powder puff game is coming up on Nov 24! Your Junior SCA members will be at a table during lunch A on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday for the Powder Puff Game Sign up! If you would like to participate, then please bring in $20 for your GI-Juniors shirt on Tues., Wed., or Thursday during lunch. You will need to write your name, homeroom, shirt size, AND the name that you would like to be on the back of your shirt! Thank you! 

The Smash Brothers Club is meeting today in Rm. 202, immediately after school.

The Gamer Club will be holding a Mario Kart Double-Dash event on Tuesday, Nov. 11 after school in Rm. 202.  All are invited to come and participate.  This is a free-to-play event.  No entry fee will be required.  So come on out!  Please bring a friend!"

Spanish Honor Society Students, the Honor society picture will be Tuesday, November 11 directly after school in the courtyard. Please remember that you must be in perfect uniform and your dues must be paid in order to be in the picture. Gracias!  Ms. Yanine

Girls Lacrosse pre-season training will be Wednesdays and Fridays at 3:30 p.m. starting next Wednesday, November 12th. Please meet outside the weight room on Wednesday at 3:30pm. Bring all lacrosse equipment. 

Do you love reading, writing, and studying the English language? Attention all literature lovers, membership is open for the National English Honor Society. To join or not to join? You must be a junior or a senior, have a 3.5 GPA in English as well as 3.5 GPA overall. Members will also have the opportunity to earn service hours by helping others in the Writing Lab. For a form and other questions, contact Francesca Pastore or Susie Rodriguez. Forms are due Friday, November 14.

Global Studies students, we have been invited to visit Paul Singh's company, Disruption Corporation on Thursday, November 20 in the afternoon. Mr. Singh spoke at the first event of the school year and now, he would like for us to visit him and learn more about his company and business ventures. Please email or see Ms. Webb to register for this trip. Space is limited and on a first come first serve basis.

Lost and Found items will be on display today, Tuesday, during the lunch periods. This is the last chance to claim your lost items. Student Life Dept.

The Gamer Club will be holding a Mario Kart Double-Dash event today after school in Rm. 202.  All are invited to come and participate.  This is a free-to-play event.  No entry fee will be required.  So come on out!  Please bring a friend!

Spanish Honor Society Students, the Honor society picture will be today directly after school in the courtyard. Please remember that you must be in perfect uniform and your dues must be paid in order to be in the picture. Gracias!  Ms. Yanine.

Our fall blood drive is next Tuesday, November 18. YOU MUST BE 16 YEARS OLD & WEIGH AT LEAST 110 LBS TO DONATE. We have this week to finish registering donors. If you have any questions or need more information, please see or email Mrs. Black.

Girls Lacrosse preseason training will be Wednesdays and Fridays at 3:30pm starting next Wednesday, November 12th. Please meet outside the weight room on Wednesday at 3:30pm. Bring all lacrosse equipment. 

The Stock and Finance Club will meet on Wednesday at 3:05 PM in room 202. The yearbook picture will be taken. Please be prompt. Pizza will be provided. Please see Mr. Betthauser if you have any questions.

Hello Juniors! The powder puff game is coming up on Nov 24! Your Junior SCA members will be at a table during lunch A on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday for the Powderpuff Game Sign up! If you would like to participate, then please bring in $20 your GI-Juniors shirt on Tues., Wed., or Thursday during lunch. You will need to write your name, homeroom, shirt size, AND the name that you would like to be on the back of your shirt! Thank you! 

Global Studies students, we have been  invited to visit Paul Singh's company, Disruption Corporation on Thursday, November 20th in the afternoon. Mr. Singh spoke at the first event of the school year and now, he would like for us to visit him and learn more about his company and business ventures. Please email or see Ms. Webb to register for this trip. Space is limited and on a first come first serve basis.

Do you love reading, writing, and studying the English language? Attention all literature lovers, membership is now open for the National English Honor Society. To join or not to join? You must be a junior or a senior, have a 3.5 GPA in English as well as 3.5 GPA overall. Members will also have the opportunity to earn service hours by helping others in the Writing Lab. For a form and other questions, contact Francesca Pastore or Susie Rodriguez. Forms are due Friday, November 14.

The Fine Arts Department is pleased to present The Trials of Robin Hood on Friday and Saturday, November 21 & 22 at 7:30pm and Sunday, November 23 at 2:00pm.  Tickets will be on sale during all lunches the week of November 17-21 and at the door.  You can also call the box office at (703) 237-1448.  We hope to see you at the show!

O’Connell’s head softball coach, Tommy Orndorff, was inducted into the Amateur Softball Association (ASA) National Softball Hall of Fame, where he was recognized for his accomplishments over the past 40 years as a manager and head coach of girl’s fast pitch softball in the Washington, D.C. area.

Orndorff was joined by former players, family and friends at the Hall of Fame ceremony, which was held in conjunction with the ASA Annual Council Meeting in Reno, Nev.  on Nov. 8, 2014.

“I am both humbled and honored to be selected,” said Orndorff. “Recognition such as this is very gratifying, but it’s more than just an individual award. It says a lot about everyone who has been involved—and by that I mean the coaches, assistant coaches, scorekeepers, parents and, most especially, the players themselves.”

At Bishop O’Connell, Coach Orndorff has led the Lady Knights to a 678-78 record in his 29 years at the helm, which include an impressive 21 Catholic league tournament championships and 19 Virginia Independent School state tournament titles.

From 1972 until 2010, Orndorff also coached the local Shamrock’s Under-18 team. During that time period, the team qualified for the national championship 25 times, finishing eight times in the top five.

The ASA National Softball Hall of Fame is located in Oklahoma City, where it welcomes over 200,000 guests each year. Since its inception in 1957, 378 athletes and non-players have been inducted.

View Coach Orndorff's acceptance speech HERE.

Pictured: Tommy and Doug Lindaman, Chair of Hall of Fame Selection Committee.

Freshmen elections will take place during advisory today. Advisory teachers, please refer to the emailed guidelines from yesterday. All ballots need to be returned to the SCA room directly after voting takes place.

Best Buddies members should report to the Trinidad Lobby during B lunch today, at 11:45,  for the yearbook picture. 

Please check the Lost and Found in Student Life for your lost items. There are many lunchboxes, books, sweatshirts and shoes.  Items will be donated today.

The Gamer Club will meet after school today in Rm. 202 at 3PM, in advance of the Smash Bros. Melee Tournament on Thursday.  All club members are asked to attend.

The boys varsity tennis team will be having it's sign up meeting on Tuesday, November 4th in room 123 at 3:05 pm. This will be a mandatory meeting for all those interested in trying out for the Knight's tennis team. Important information about off-season workouts and tryouts will be given. Please be prompt.

The Swim and Dive team will have a kick-off meeting for all interested swimmers, divers and their parents tonight at 7:00 p.m. in the cafeteria. Please bring separate checks for dues and to purchase a team suit. Please contact Mr. Duesterhaus or Head Coach Evan Stiles if you have any questions.

The Stock and Finance club will meet on Wednesday at 3:05 PM in room 202. New members are welcome to attend. See you there.

There will be a meeting on Wednesday November 5 at 3:00 in Room 125 for Teens Against Cancer Club. All are welcome.

Students from St.Mark's parish should have received a flyer in advisory yesterday inviting them to lunch with their pastor this Thursday, November 6th.  Please report directly to the Trinidad Lobby entrance at the beginning of your lunch period for pizza & soda with Fr. Paul on Thursday.

The Social Justice Club will meet on Thursday Nov 6 in room 221 immediately after school. The club's Yearbook photo will be taken.  Activism efforts will be discussed.

Global Studies students, Mr. Betthauser will be offering the core course, Foundations of Global Business and Finance, this Thursday, November 6th directly after school from 3- 6pm in room 318. There are still a few spaces left. If you would like to participate, email or see Ms. Webb. Remember, this course is mandatory for all Global Studies students to receive the certificate. Seniors, if you have not yet takes this course, please register.

Global Studies students, we have been  invited to visit Paul Singh's company, Disruption Corporation on Thursday, November 20th in the afternoon. Mr. Singh spoke at the first event of the school year and now, he would like for us to visit him and learn more about his company and business ventures. Please email or see Ms. Webb to register for this trip. Space is limited and on a first come first serve basis.

Attention:  Seniors and faculty going on the November retreats which begin tomorrow: Bring your bags directly to the chapel hallway in the morning. Please make sure your name is on each bag. You may dress out for the retreat day according to the handbook guidelines. Please remember to put your name on any medication you may be bringing along. Leave all cell phones and electronic devices home.  Bags will be checked for electronics before leaving DJO. Departure is at 3:00 pm on the Trinidad side of the building (by room 226).  Please come to the buses promptly from your last class. Parking will not be available curbside on Trinidad Street Tuesday or Wednesday of this week.

Senior powder puff shirt orders are available at lunch until Tuesday, Nov. 18. They are $20. The Powerpuff game is Dec. 5 after the Pep Rally. Go Seniors!

Those Global Studies students who have registered to go on the trip to Paul Singh's company Thursday must turn in their permission forms to Ms. Webb by Tuesday, Nov. 18. There will be a brief meeting about the trip Wednesday, Nov. 19, after school in room 319 for 5 minutes.

Interested in participating in the Diocesan Work Camp with your parish this summer? Come check out the Work Camp Fair in the Upper Gym during Knight Time on Friday November 21st to find out more information and connect with your Youth Minister!! 

SCA class officers, councilors, and moderators please meet briefly in room 328 after school. The remainder of the meeting will be used as a time for class officers and councilors to meet with their moderators to discuss plans for this winter’s activities. Thank you!

If you are a Junior or Senior and would like to be a Chair or Co-Chair of a Superdance Committee forms are available in the SCA room! All forms are due Friday, Nov. 21. Thank You!

Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Tickets are now on sale for The Trials of Robin Hood during all lunches.  You will not want to miss the trial of the century... YOU, the Audience, gets to decide if Robin Hood is guilty or innocent! This show is one you will not want to miss.   Tickets are ONLY $5 FOR STUDENTS! You can also show your support for a friend in the show by purchasing a flowergram! For more information, please visit the ticket table during your lunch. HUZZAH!

A reminder for all French Club Members, be sure to log into the Edmodo group at least once every week. There are recent announcements for you to view.

Junior SCA advisory Reps and Junior SCA please meet in the cafeteria during C lunch today. Thank You!

Juniors! Spirit wear hooded sweatshirts and long sleeve tees are being sold.  See your advisory teacher for an order form. Forms are due with checks Thursday Nov 20.

Juniors -Today is the last day to order a Powder Puff shirt for $20. See your SCA leaders or go to the table at lunch.

Junior Guys, if you are interested in coaching the Junior Powder Puff team, see your SCA leadership.

Spanish Honor Society members, remember that there will be tutoring at Tuckahoe Elementary School today, Tuesday November 18, from 3:40 to 4:45 Gracias!

Also if you wish to continue your involvement in the Spanish Honor Society you will need to submit your dues by Monday, Nov 24. See Ms. Yanine as soon as possible.  You will also need to commit to the society's service projects, either Tuckahoe Tutoring at Tuckahoe Elementary School or St. James Food Distribution. Our next meeting will be on Tuesday, December 2 after Thanksgiving.  Attendance is mandatory. Muchas Gracias!

Attention:  Seniors and faculty going on the November retreats which begin today! Bring your bags directly to the chapel hallway in the morning. Please make sure your name is on each bag. You may dress out for the retreat day according to the handbook guidelines. Please remember to put your name on any medication you may be bringing along. Leave all cell phones and electronic devices home.  Bags will be checked for electronics before leaving DJO. Departure is at 3:00 pm on the Trinidad side of the building (by room 226).  Please come to the buses promptly from your last class.

Parking will not be available curbside on Trinidad Street Tuesday or Wednesday of this week.

Senior powder puff shirt orders are available at lunch Today, November 18. This is the last day you may purchase one. They are $20. The Powerpuff game is December 5 after the Pep Rally. Go Seniors!

Those Global Studies students who have registered to go on the trip to Paul Singh's company Thursday must turn in their permission forms to Ms. Webb Today, November 18. There will be a brief meeting about the trip Wednesday, November 19, after school in room 319 for 5 minutes.

The Young Mens Executive Club will hold its monthly meeting this Thursday November 20 in room 224 from 3:15 - 4:00pm. Please remember to bring your dues! Please be on time!

Interested in participating in the Diocesan Work Camp with your parish this summer? Come check out the Work Camp Fair in the Upper Gym during Knight Time on Friday November 21 to find out more information and connect with your Youth Minister!! 

If you are a Junior or Senior and would like to be a Chair or Co-Chair of a Superdance Committee forms are available in the SCA room! All forms are due Friday, November 21. Thank You!

Cafe Vaticano will be closed today through Thursday due to the Senior Retreats. The Cafe will reopen for normal business on Friday.

Question: Which of the following did NOT originate in France?

a) the metric system

b) French fries

c) the Statue of Liberty

The answer is b) French fries.

The metric system, as we know it, was a product of the French Revolution.

The design and construction of the Statue of Liberty were begun in France in 1875. The statue was a gift from the French to the American people as a symbol of their lasting friendship.

A century earlier, Thomas Jefferson and his enslaved chef James Hemings introduced Americans to a wide variety dishes that they'd encountered in France. Among them were fries, which actually originated in Belgium.

This information was brought to you by the O'Connell French Club and their ongoing celebration of National French Week and International Education week.

Congratulations to the following students who have been named Bishop O'Connell Student-Athletes of the Week.

Michael Hurley ‘15
Boys Soccer – Goalkeeper
Hometown – Arlington, Va.

• 1st Team All-WCAC. Recorded 13 shutouts (from 19 played games) during 2014 season. Team Captain. Varsity starter since sophomore year. Received WCAC and All-State honors as sophomore, junior and senior
• 4.36 GPA
• Student leader for the Wreaths Across America - Wounded Warrior Project
• National Honor Society, German Honor Society, German Club, Best Buddies Club
  

Anthony Howard ‘15
Football – Running Back and Defensive Back
Hometown - Temple Hills, Md.

• 2nd Team All-WCAC. Holds full scholarship offers from West Virginia Wesleyan, WV State, and Shepherd University
• 3.45 GPA
  
• Plays in the concert band and plays organ for church on Sundays. Volunteers at local homeless shelters  
  

Elizabeth Farrell ‘16
Tennis – Doubles Team
Hometown – McLean, Va.

• Finished 7-1 in conference play; WCAC champions
• 4.3 GPA
  
• SCA, Spanish Honor Society, Spirit and Leadership Team. Serves as a volunteer at SOME (So Others Might Eat)
  

Lula Hailesilassie ‘16
Tennis - Doubles Team
Hometown – Alexandria, Va.

• Finished 7-1 in conference play; WCAC champions
• 3.61 GPA
  
• French Honor Society, Math Honor Society. Volunteers at an assisted living facility