Bishop O'Connell follows Fairfax County Public School weather-related closing and delay decisions. Due to forecasted conditions, Bishop O'Connell will be closed today, Wednesday, Jan. 14.
Students will follow the exam schedule as posted on Thursday and Friday of this week.
A group of O'Connell students spent the day at the Salvation Army's Angel Tree project in Arlington. Earlier in the week they had delivered new toys that were donated for this Christmas effort. Then when the day arrived, 20 students joined chaperones Kathryn Hogan, Mike Cresson, Sister Tracey, Kurt Meinsen and Brittany Mihalich, to provide hands-on support wherever it was needed. During the day, the students acted as runners and helpers, as the Angel Tree program distributed Christmas presents from the wish lists of more than 1,000 local families in need.
"This was such an impactful event for our students," said O'Connell's Christian Service Coordinator, Kathryn Hogan. "They were able to engage on a personal level and see what a difference the small gifts made to these families."
"What was most telling to me, was that three 2014 graduates returned to be a part of this effort. To experience this day of service was a Christmas gift in itself," Hogan added.
View photos from the event below:
Wishing you and your family a Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Enjoy a few photos from from the Advent season at DJO:
On Jan. 17, Bishop O'Connell High School hosted a confirmation retreat for 7th and 8th graders from five parishes in the Diocese of Arlington. Our school chaplain, Rev. Gregory Thompson coordinated the event, which included youth ministry speakers Brian Kissinger and Madeline Bernero (an O'Connell alum). A helpful group of O'Connell students, parents and staff members were also in attendance to make the day go smoothly.
Katie Scott, from the Arlington Catholic Herald was on hand to capture the day's activities in words and photos. Read her story...
Pictured: Father Thompson pitches with praise and worship songs during the evening program (photo by Katie Scott).
It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of Sister Maureen Christopher Dusterhoff, I.H.M., on Wednesday, Jan. 21 at Camilla Hall in Immaculata, Pa.
Sister Mo, as she was known to students and colleagues, taught, among other things, AP Government and Principles of Economics for 30 years at Bishop O’Connell High School. A long-time chairperson of the social studies department, she broadened the school’s curriculum, mentored scores of young teachers and touched the lives of thousands of adoring students.
Sister Maureen Christopher joined the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (I.H.M.) after high school. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Immaculata College (now Immaculata University), before receiving her M.A. in History from Villanova University. She professed her vows in 1955.
She taught in schools in Pennsylvania and Virginia before settling at O’Connell in 1985. An entry in the 1986 yearbook acknowledges Sister Mo’s immediate impact on the school community. “This year the O’Connell family was blessed with Sister Maureen Christopher, a tremendous asset to the faculty. Her blazing trumpet and acute wit have truly added to this year.”
“Sister Maureen Christopher loved learning herself, and she loved the learners she taught,” said Head of School Joseph Vorbach.
“She was an icon,” said Greg Haas, O’Connell’s social studies department chair. “Sister Mo was that teacher every student remembers. She stood out for her passion, a no-nonsense attitude, and a brilliant sense of humor. More than anything else, she cared. She cared about Catholic education, about Bishop O’Connell, about her colleagues. She cared about her students. And it showed. She marched through pep rallies to standing ovations as she led the students in ‘Seniors Rule’ chants before taking her place with the rest of the faculty.”
“She was proud that she had all the latest gadgets and was using them in the classroom,” added Student Life Director Frank Roque in a recent blog entry on the subject of Sister Mo, where he explains the moniker that she gave herself—“techno-nun.”
To say that Sister Mo is lovingly remembered by the O’Connell community is an understatement. Many students and faculty members tell stories of her presence in the Trinidad Street lobby every morning, and how she made it a point to engage with anyone and everyone. Others remember her pre-Christmas traditions with her government classes, where the students “caroled” throughout the building. The songs sounded like familiar Christmas songs, but the lyrics were taken from government and economics concepts.
“She truly was what I.H.M. Sisters would call ‘a school woman,’” said Sister Catherine Hill, I.H.M. “She was someone who loved to teach and was totally energized by being with high school kids and with her colleagues."
She added, “It is easy to picture her being on the receiving end of ‘Well done, good and faithful servant,’ when she passed away.”
Funeral arrangements - There will be a viewing on Monday, Jan. 26, 8:30 – 10:15 a.m. at Camilla Hall in Immaculata, Pa. The funeral Mass will follow at 10:30 a.m.
Plans are in process for a Mass and reception at Bishop O'Connell in memory of Sister Maureen Christopher. More information on this event will be made available soon.
Read Frank Roque's blog entry on Sister Maureen Christopher.
Read a 2005 story from the Arlington Catholic Herald on Sister Mo.
Share your memories of Sister Maureen Christopher.
Almighty and merciful Lord,
We pray for Sister Maureen Christopher
who responded to the call of Christ and pursued
wholeheartedly the ways of perfect love, creative hope
and fidelity. Look with mercy upon her and grant her
the reward promised to all good and faithful servants.
May our sister rejoice in the company of Mary,
Alphonsus Liguori and all the saints
and with them praise you forever.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Click on the image below to view a slideshow of photos (more photos coming soon...).
On Thursday, Feb. 5, the Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honors Society will hold its second annual induction ceremony. Sister Catherine Hill, I.H.M. will deliver a keynote address as over 100 inductees will be honored in the school auditorium at 7 p.m. Light refreshments will be served immediately following the ceremony in the school cafeteria.
Rho Kappa is an accredited honors society and is the only national organization for high school juniors and seniors that recognizes excellence in the field of social studies. It is sponsored by the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) and holds as it mission to:
The Bishop O’Connell Chapter was created last year by social studies chairperson, Greg Haas. It currently has over 200 members. The social studies department encourages students to apply for membership next fall. Eligible students must be in the 11th grade, have completed four semesters of social studies courses, maintain a 3.5 overall GPA and have fulfilled their Christian Service requirements.
This year’s executive board is looking forward to a successful induction ceremony. The senior president, Anna Flach, remarks, “Rho Kappa is a big deal. It allows us an opportunity to be recognized for the hard work we’ve done. This ceremony is an extension of that.” New inductees are required to attend and parents and family are encouraged to join them. The program is scheduled to run from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
If you have any questions please contact Mr. Haas.
Find out more about Rho Kappa at http://rhokappa.socialstudies.
Pictured below - Rho Kappa Officers (L to R): Claire Saunders, treasurer; Anna Flach, president; Sarah Davis, vice president; Marty Knauf, secretary.
You don't want to miss THE social event of the year--our 14th Annual Gala & Auction on Saturday, Feb. 7 at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner.
This year's theme is a "Wonderful Winter Knight" and features a silent and live auction, cocktails, dinner and dancing. Our very own theology teacher, David Owens, will be our master of ceremonies and auctioneer for the evening. Proceeds from this event benefit student programs and faculty development at Bishop O'Connell.
Reservations close this Saturday, Jan. 31 at midnight, and no tickets will be available at the door. So please don't delay!
Find out more on our Gala web page...
Congratulations to the following students who have been named Bishop O'Connell Student-Athletes of the Week.
Ako Adams '16
Basketball
Hometown - Washington, DC
Luke Collins '15
Ice Hockey
Hometown - Vienna, Va. (Previous school - Our Lady of Good Counsel)
This week if National School Counseling Week! "Celebrate School Counseling," will be celebrated this week-- Feb. 2-6, 2015-- to focus public attention on the unique contribution of professional school counselors within U.S. school systems.
All students who have signed up for the AMC Test please report to Room 110 immediately after 5th period.
Attention students from St. John the Beloved parish in McLean. You should have received an invitational flyer in your advisory section last week inviting you to a pizza lunch with Fr. Pollard scheduled for this Thursday, February 5th. If you are from St. John's parish and did not receive the flyer, please stop by the chaplain's office to pick one up.
Optional Baseball Workouts this week are on: Tuesday 8:30PM in the auxiliary gym,
Wednesday 7:30PM and Thursday after school - weight room.
Superdance Chairs will have a meeting today, after school at 3:00pm in the SCA room!
There will be an SCA meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 4th in room 328 for all officers, moderators, and councilors.
The Stock and Finance club will meet today, after school at 3:00 PM in room 202. New members are always welcome to attend.
Hey O’Connell... Share your own LOVE STORY to celebrate Saint Valentine's Day. Write about LOVE of God, friends, family, pets, country, sport ... Bring your typed story to the librarians or contact them for a link to submit it online. All are welcome to participate!
The Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) will hold an interest meeting on Wednesday in room 202 at 3:00 PM. All students are welcome to attend, especially if you are interested in majoring in a business-related field in college.
The Social Justice Club will meet this Wed. in room 221 immediately after school.
There will be a philosophy club meeting at 3pm on Thursday, Feb. 5th, in Room 220. Please see Ms. Funk with any questions.
Interest meetings for families wanting to learn more about the 2015-16 French Exchange will be held in Room 311 on Thursday, February 5 at 5:30 p.m. and Monday, February 9 at 6:00 p.m. The above sessions are designed for interested parents and guardians, but students are welcome to accompany them. There will be additional Knight Time opportunities for interested students to meet with Mr. Hobson on the 9th and 10th. Please stress to your families, however, that they should attend one of the above-listed meetings.
The Gamer Club is holding a Super Smash Bros. Brawl on Thursday, February 5, starting at 3PM in Rm. 202. The entry fee will be $2 per contestant. Join in, and have a great time in a fun, competitive atmosphere. Game on!"
There will be a mandatory general meeting for all those admitted to the National English Honor Society on Thursday, February 5, promptly after school in the auditorium balcony. We will discuss the induction, Knighttime tutoring, and other business.
GIRLS SOFTBALL SIGN-UP MEETING – Any girl interested in playing on one of the school’s two teams – Junior Varsity and Varsity – must attend a sign-up meeting on Thursday, February 5th immediately after school beginning at 3 p.m. in Room 146. It will be brief, probably 15 minutes or so. Please be prompt! Anyone desiring to try out must have submitted a physical and parent permission form to the Training Room prior to tryouts, which begin on Friday, Feb. 20th.
Where will you be July 10-12? Bishop O'Connell will be taking a group to the dynamic Steubenville Youth Conference. Space is limited and has already begun to fill up. If you are interested or would like more information, come to one of two information sessions with Fr. Thompson and Ms. Funk on Friday, February 6th, in Room 220. The first session will be at 11:45 and the second will be at 12:01. See you there!
Attention all Rho Kappa members, the 2nd annual Induction ceremony is moved to next Wednesday, February 11th at 7pm in the school auditorium. Family and Friends are welcome. Dress is business casual. All new inductees are required to attend. Parents and family are welcome. Refreshments will follow in the cafeteria. Please RSVP to Mr. Haas no later than Monday, February 9th.
Yearbooks - the 2014-2015 yearbook is now on sale. You may purchase your yearbook online or bring a check for $75 to the Bookstore. Very few extra copies will be ordered, so be sure to purchase the book this year if you want one when they are delivered in August!
All SENIOR Global Studies students- Please remember you must see Ms. Webb during KT before the February 27th deadline to discuss your individual programs and your final capstone presentations. This 10 minute individual meeting is mandatory. Ms. Webb is in room 319 during A, B and C lunches. You may come see her or email her to schedule a meeting.
Superdance Registration begins today for entry into the most awesome event of the year! When you register early, your registration fee of $10 includes a free Chick fil-A sandwich on Feb. 13. All sandwiches must be preordered. Registration will continue after the Superdance Assembly on Feb. 13, but the sandwich option will not! Register for Superdance today!
This week if National School Counseling Week! "Celebrate School Counseling," will be celebrated this week-- Feb. 2-6, 2015-- to focus public attention on the unique contribution of professional school counselors within U.S. school systems.
Optional Baseball Workouts this week are on: Tuesday 8:30PM in the auxiliary gym,
Wednesday 7:30PM and Thursday after school - weight room.
There will be an SCA meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 4 in room 328 for all officers, moderators, and councilors.
Hey O’Connell... Share your own LOVE STORY to celebrate Saint Valentine's Day. Write about LOVE of God, friends, family, pets, country, sport ... Bring your typed story to the librarians or contact them for a link to submit it online. All are welcome to participate!
The Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) will hold an interest meeting on Wednesday in room 202 at 3:00 PM. All students are welcome to attend, especially if you are interested in majoring in a business-related field in college.
The Social Justice Club will meet this Wed. in room 221 immediately after school.
There will be a DRAMA CLUB meeting today, February 4 after school from 3:00-3:15pm in the Auditorium. The meeting is open to anyone interested in drama, acting, or tech work... and wants to stay updated on new club information and events.
There will be a philosophy club meeting at 3pm on Thursday, Feb. 5, in Room 220. Please see Ms. Funk with any questions.
The Gamer Club is holding a Super Smash Bros. Brawl on Thursday, February 5, starting at 3PM in Rm. 202. The entry fee will be $2 per contestant. Join in, and have a great time in a fun, competitive atmosphere. Game on!"
There will be a mandatory general meeting for all those admitted to the National English Honor Society on Thursday, February 5, promptly after school in the auditorium balcony. We will discuss the induction, Knight time tutoring, and other business.
GIRLS SOFTBALL SIGN-UP MEETING – Any girl interested in playing on one of the school’s two teams – Junior Varsity and Varsity – must attend a sign-up meeting on Thursday, February 5 immediately after school beginning at 3 p.m. in Room 146. It will be brief, probably 15 minutes or so. Please be prompt! Anyone desiring to try out must have submitted a physical and parent permission form to the Training Room prior to tryouts, which begin on Friday, Feb. 20th.
Where will you be July 10-12? Bishop O'Connell will be taking a group to the dynamic Steubenville Youth Conference. Space is limited and has already begun to fill up. If you are interested or would like more information, come to one of two information sessions with Fr. Thompson and Ms. Funk on Friday, February 6, in Room 220. The first session will be at 11:45 and the second will be at 12:01. See you there!
Interest meetings for families wanting to learn more about the 2015-16 French Exchange will take place in Room 311 as follows: Monday, February 9 at 600 p.m. and
Thursday, February 12 at 5:30 p.m. These sessions are designed for interested parents and guardians, but their students are welcome to accompany them. There will be additional Knight Time opportunities for interested students to meet with Mr. Hobson on the 9th and 10th. Please stress to your families, however, that they should attend one of these meetings.
Attention all Rho Kappa members, the 2nd annual Induction ceremony is moved to next Wednesday, February 11 at 7pm in the school auditorium. Family and Friends are welcome. Dress is business casual. All new inductees are required to attend. Parents and family are welcome. Refreshments will follow in the cafeteria. Please RSVP to Mr. Haas no later than Monday, February 9th.
Yearbooks - the 2014-2015 yearbook is now on sale. You may purchase your yearbook online or bring a check for $75 to the Bookstore. Very few extra copies will be ordered, so be sure to purchase the book this year if you want one when they are delivered in August!
All SENIOR Global Studies students- Please remember you must see Ms. Webb during KT before the February 27th deadline to discuss your individual programs and your final capstone presentations. This 10 minute individual meeting is mandatory. Ms. Webb is in room 319 during A, B and C lunches. You may come see her or email her to schedule a meeting.
Superdance Registration begins today for entry into the most awesome event of the year! When you register early, your registration fee of $10 includes a free Chick fil-A sandwich on Feb. 13. All sandwiches must be preordered. Registration will continue after the Superdance Assembly on Feb. 13, but the sandwich option will not! Register for Superdance today!
Congratulations to the 12 Bishop O’Connell student-athletes who participated in our Winter 2015 senior signing ceremony, in the presence of their families, coaches, school administrators, teammates and friends.
Patrick Hughes (Tennis) - University of Mary Washington
Kyra Alexander (Soccer) - Old Dominion University
Lizzie Brooks (Soccer) - University of Mary Washington
Lauren Harkes (Soccer) - Clemson University
Stephanie Page (Soccer) - Stony Brook University
Sara Wilson (Soccer) - University of Florida
Julia Bailey (Crew) - U.S. Naval Academy
Emma Morris (Crew) - Stanford University
Sarah Cahill (Swim) - Drexel University
Anthony Howard (Football) - Gannon University
George Hawkins (Football) - Merrimack College
Tylar Thompson (Football) - Merrimack College
These seniors join 13 other classmates who signed during the Fall 2014 ceremony. For an updated list of signings from the class of 2015, visit www.bishopoconnell.org/commit.
Pictured below (l to r): Sarah Cahill, Lauren Harkes, Anthony Howard,Emma Morris, Sara Wilson, George Hawkins, Kyra Alexander, Stephanie Page, Patrick Hughes, Lizzie Brooks, Julia Bailey, and Tylar Thompson.
This week is National School Counseling Week, sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA).
“The special week provides recognition for our school and college counselors who implement our comprehensive school counseling and college readiness programs,” said Erin O'Malley, Dean Student Services and Director of Counseling at Bishop O'Connell. “Our counselors have a tremendous impact in helping students achieve school success and plan for college and beyond.”
The Bishop O’Connell counseling team is actively engaged in helping students examine their abilities, strengths, interests and talents. They work in a partnership with parents and guardians, focusing on positive ways to enhance students' social/emotional, educational and career/college development. They also work with the faculty and staff at O’Connell to assist students in realizing their potential and set healthy, realistic and optimistic aspirations for themselves.
“Our school counselors are all certified, experienced educators with master's degrees in school counseling,” said Assistant Head of School Carl Patton. “The combination of their training, experience, and their ongoing professional development has made them an integral part of the total educational program.”
More than 30,000 school counselors nationwide participate in the week's festivities, beginning with the January 30 celebration of the National School Counselor winner of the year at the White House, of which Erin O’Malley attended as a member of the selection panel. In addition, four counselors and two teachers from our school visited Capitol Hill for a briefing by professional counselors regarding college readiness.
We thank our school counselors and wish them a Happy National School Counseling Week!
Pictured below: Front row: Kathy Black, Sarah Stuhlman, Emily Usle, Lacey Jacobsen. Second row: Erin O'Malley, Dan Stabile, Kristina Herbst. Back row: Sara Coon, Robin Saracina, Tom Giska.
The sun was shining and the temperatures reached a balmy 43 degrees for the 2015 March for Life! On Jan. 22, 2015, Bishop O’Connell sent nearly 400 students and chaperones to the Arlington Diocese Rally, "Life is Very Good" at the Patriot Center in Fairfax, before a quick bag lunch and then bus trip into Washington, D.C. to participate in the March for Life.
View a collection of photos below:
Come watch O’Connell take on PVI today at 7:30 at home. It will be a red, white, and blue out! Go Knights!
This week is National School Counseling Week! National School Counseling Week, highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for college and career. We are proud of our counseling department! Stop by and say THANKS to your counselor this week
Have you bought your Valentine's Day Candy-Grams yet? They're one dollar and on sale during YOUR lunch period until next Wednesday! Send candy and messages to your friends.
All members of the O'Connell Elite Club: Please complete the survey on Edmodo TODAY, February 6th, 2015, by 11:59:59 PM. This information is crucial to our planning for the races this spring. If you have any questions, see Mr. Mahoney in Room 231. Go Knights!
Spanish Honor Society, St. James Food Distribution is today Friday, February 6, from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. The food distribution is at St. James parish in Falls Church. Thank you! Please be prompt.
Come support the Royalettes at the Sweetheart Dance Invitational, as they compete in their last competition of the season on Saturday, February 7th at Gar-Field High School. Solos start at 11:00am and team performances start at 2:00pm.
Where will you be July 10-12? Bishop O'Connell will be taking a group to the dynamic Steubenville Youth Conference. Space is limited and has already begun to fill up. If you are interested or would like more information, come to one of two information sessions with Fr. Thompson and Ms. Funk on Friday, February 6, in Room 220. The first session will be at 11:45 and the second will be at 12:01. See you there!
Attention all Rho Kappa members, the 2nd annual Induction ceremony is moved to next Wednesday, February 11 at 7pm in the school auditorium. Family and Friends are welcome. Dress is business casual. All new inductees are required to attend. Parents and family are welcome. Refreshments will follow in the cafeteria. Please RSVP to Mr. Haas no later than Monday, February 9th.
The Spanish Club will have a brief meeting after school on Monday, Feb. 9, to discuss the next event. Please come to Sra. Pacheco's room (Room 313) immediately after school on Monday. Gracias."
Yearbooks - the 2014-2015 yearbook is now on sale. You may purchase your yearbook online or bring a check for $75 to the Bookstore. Very few extra copies will be ordered, so be sure to purchase the book this year if you want one when they are delivered in August!
Interest meetings for families wanting to learn more about the 2015-16 French Exchange will take place in Room 311 as follows: Monday, February 9 at 600 p.m. and
Thursday, February 12 at 5:30 p.m. These sessions are designed for interested parents and guardians, but their students are welcome to accompany them. There will be additional Knight Time opportunities for interested students to meet with Mr. Hobson on the 9th and 10th. Please stress to your families, however, that they should attend one of these meetings.
All SENIOR Global Studies students- Please remember you must see Ms. Webb during KT before the February 27th deadline to discuss your individual programs and your final capstone presentations. This 10 minute individual meeting is mandatory. Ms. Webb is in room 319 during A, B and C lunches. You may come see her or email her to schedule a meeting.
Register early for Superdance and receive a delicious, hot Chick fil-A sandwich on Friday the 13th after the Assembly. Registration takes place in the cafeteria during all lunches on Anchor days. Be sure to register before Friday, Feb. 13th to receive your Free Chick-fil-A!
Congratulations to the following students who have been named Bishop O'Connell Student-Athletes of the Week.
Ako Adams '16
Basketball
Hometown - Washington, DC
Luke Collins '15
Ice Hockey
Hometown - Vienna, Va. (Previous school - Our Lady of Good Counsel)
The Unity Club hosted a special assembly in honor of Black History. The event, which was organized by students, included music, contests, poetry and historical facts aimed at entertaining and educating the student body.
Click on the link below to view photos from the morning assembly.
Have you bought your Valentine's Day Candy-Grams yet? They're one dollar and on sale during YOUR lunch period until Wednesday! Send candy and messages to your friends!
All Superdance chairs and co-chairs, please meet in Mrs. O’Reilly’s room after school today. Thank you!
Attention Rho Kappa members. A mandatory induction practice will be held in the upper gym during Knight Time today, Tuesday, February 10 at 11:15 am. The practice will be brief. It is important that you attend.
The Girls Lacrosse Interest Meeting will be on Wednesday, February 11 at 3:15pm in the Religion Hall. Please attend if you are interested in trying out for girls lacrosse.
The Sign Language Club will have its spring semester kickoff meeting this Wednesday in room 321 during advisory. See Christine Castro or Mrs. Mihalich for details.
Yearbooks - the 2014-2015 yearbook is now on sale. You may purchase your yearbook online or bring a check for $75 to the Bookstore. Very few extra copies will be ordered, so be sure to purchase the book this year if you want one when they are delivered in August!
Do you know a good LOVE story? Yes? Document it. No? Imagine it into print. Share the love. Spread the Good News. Win FAME, FORTUNE and a FUTURE. Our Library is running a love story contest to celebrate the patron saint of love and happy marriages, Saint Valentine. Write, for the LOVE of God, about your relationships with your friends, family, pets, country, sports ... you choose your devotion. Bring it to the librarians or upload it online.
On February 23rd and 24th, the music department will be holding 'open rehearsals' of its instrumental and vocal groups. Everyone is welcome to attend. More details will be coming soon.
All SENIOR Global Studies students- Please remember you must see Ms. Webb during KT before the February 27th deadline to discuss your individual programs and your final capstone presentations. This 10 minute individual meeting is mandatory. Ms. Webb is in room 319 during A, B and C lunches. You may come see her or email her to schedule a meeting.
Ben: Hey Nico, why did the dinosaur cross the road? Nico: I don’t know Ben, why did the dinosaur cross the road? Ben: The dinosaur crossed the road Nico because chickens had not evolved yet. Nico: Good one, Ben! Btw O’Connell… only dinosaurs do not love a hot, cooked, yummy chick fil-A sandwich! You only have until Thursday to preorder your chick fil-a sandwiches… which are free when you register for Superdance! Come on, O’Connell… let this be the year to break all the Superdance records… save some lives. Eat Chikin and dance! Ben: Registration takes place in the cafeteria during all lunches on Anchor days and after school on Block days. Registration will continue after the Assembly, but without the free chicken!
Congratulations to senior Luke Collins and juniors Daniel Avdioukhin, Robert Burnham and Zach Hale who were chosen to play in the 2015 Northern Virginia Scholastic Hockey League (NVSHL) All-Star game. O’Connell is one of only three teams sending four players to the All-Star game, which will be held Feb. 18 at 6 p.m. at Ashburn Ice House.
Luke Collins, who plays at the center position, has 13 goals and 11 assists this season for the Knights. His teammate at right wing, Daniel Avdioukhin, has 18 goals and 7 assists. Defenseman, Robert Burnham, has five goals and 11 assists. Zach Hale is O’Connell’s goalie with a 10-5-4 record.
“These players have worked hard this season and deserve this recognition from the league,” said head coach Flip Collins. “Having four players selected, including three juniors, is quite an honor for the O’Connell program.”
The Knight are heading into the NVSHL playoffs as the #3 seed with their sights set on the championship game at the end of the month.
Pictured (l to r): Daniel Avdioukhin, Luke Collins and Robert Burnham (not pictured, Zach Hale).
Please join us in wishing loads of good luck to the DJO Jazz Band as they compete in the Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival, Saturday, Feb. 14, at the Rockville Hilton. Our Knights will be on the stage at 10 a.m. sharp in the atrium.
We will be competing against the top 12 jazz bands from the northern Virginia and suburban Maryland area, as well as from elsewhere in the region. GO KNIGHTS!
For more information about this great event and tickets, go to: www.midatlanticjazzfestival.org. (Please note that there is no charge to attend the high school competition part of this event.)
Theology teacher Anne-Marie Funk accompanied a group of six O'Connell students to the recent Mount 2000 Eucharistic High School Retreat in Emmitsburg, Md.
The theme for this year's retreat was taken from a quote from Saint Catherine of Siena:
"If you become what you should be you will set the world on fire."
Junior Kristina Colevas's personal reflections from this experience are now posted on the Chaplain's blog page.
Read more at www.bishopoconnell.org/knightsoffaith.
