THOUGHTS FROM OUR HEAD OF SCHOOL, JOSEPH VORBACH:

We were excited to be able to announce this week that Bishop O'Connell High School has been recognized as a Cardinal Newman Society Catholic Education Honor Roll School.  For the second time, the Society has commended our school for being distinguished in the areas of Catholic identity and academic excellence! You can read more about this honor here...

On Wednesday, like many schools across the country, we paused to remember the 17 victims of the Parkland, Florida school shooting on the one month anniversary of that tragedy.  I was able to be with a group of students who gathered around the Holy Family statue in the front of the school to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet while others were part of a moving memorial to the victims on the football field.  Father Thompson also offered a memorial Mass in the Chapel that students and faculty attended.  I was proud of the student leadership who prayerfully shaped our school's response to this nationwide memorial.  You can read about the events from our own students... 

Last night we welcomed the new members of the O'Connell class of 2022 and their families at our annual registration night, which we call our "First Knight." It is always exciting to see the faces of the young men and women who will make up the next class to enter the school...and to watch them begin to get to know each other. The arrival of every new student reminds us that we at Bishop O'Connell have an incredible opportunity and responsibility to help these young persons grow in Faith and knowledge during an important and formative period in their lives.

THOUGHTS FROM OUR HEAD OF SCHOOL, JOSEPH VORBACH:

Last evening, I went to the wake of Father Mark Pilon, a priest of our Diocese who passed away this week after a difficult battle with cancer over the past few years.  I did not know Father Pilon well, but he was the Chaplain at O'Connell for part of my time as a student here in the early 1980s.  I remember him as a wise and serious-minded man.  Since my time returning to O'Connell, I learned from Father's friends in our community about his scholarship as a theologian and his work as a professor in the Seminary -- he taught our Chaplain, Father Thompson at Mount St. Mary's. Most recently, Father Pilon has been in residence at Christendom College in Front Royal.  The Arlington Catholic Herald headlined the ten years Father served as Pastor at St Ambrose parish. 

Priests are called to be spiritual fathers to their parishioners and it is in that sense that their families are the parishioners (and students) they serve in their various assignments.  When they are called home to be with the Lord, as we all are at some point, the family that remembers them and prays for them is made up of people from the various assignments they have had over the course of their vocation.  This was certainly true last evening as families continued to arrive in a steady stream to pay their respects and to pray for Father.

Obviously, we mourn whenever someone close to us passes from this life.  In calling attention to Father Pilon's passing, I wanted to bring to mind the special vocations of the priests and religious in our lives and highlight the importance of praying for them -- that we not take their service in our lives for granted.

Congratulations to the Bishop O'Connell music program who earned the top award at the Worldstrides New Orleans Heritage Festival music competition over the weekend.

Their journey began on March 22, when 76 O'Connell students, 22 adult chaperones and one school chaplain headed to New Orleans. First on their jam-packed agenda was a lesson in Cajun cooking and the rich history of New Orleans. Friday morning students enjoyed beignets and coffee at the famous Cafe Du Monde followed by a private performance at Preservation Hall featuring some of the best Jazz music around. As a special treat, several members of the O'Connell contingent were able to join the Preservation Hall Jazz Band onstage. Ava Coffin sang "All of Me" and Audrey Somerville sang "At Last."  Band director, Mr. Ron Isaacson, also sat in on Trombone, playing "In a Mellow Tone" and 'jamming' on "Eb Twelve-Bar Blues."
  
Saturday morning the choirs, bands, and orchestra headed to their music competitions. Each group performed on stage for a panel of collegiate judges and received written critiques as well as an on-stage clinic with one of the adjudicators. 

Later that evening all of the schools from around the country gathered for a Masquerade ball where the results of the festival were announced. Each group was given a rating based on the score they received for various music performance elements. 65-79 Good "Bronze," 80-89 Excellent "Silver," and 90 – 100 Superior "Gold." 

Choral Awards:
O'Connell Singers in the "Women's Chorus" category - "Gold" – 2nd Place
O'Connell Men's Chorus - "Gold"
O'Connell Concert Choir - "Gold" – 2nd Place
Andrew Oliveros - solo award
Top Sweepstakes Choir Program Award

Instrumental Music Awards:
String Orchestra - "Gold" – 1st Place 
DJO Jazz Band - "Silver"
Audrey Somerville - vocal soloist award
Danny Campbell - tenor sax soloist award
Symphonic Band - "Silver"

As the icing on the cake, the O'Connell music program (instrumental and choral combined) won the Grand Sweepstakes Award for the best music program at the festival, having earned the most 1st and 2nd place awards with the highest number of points (over 300). Due to their high level of performance excellence, all three choirs and the orchestra were invited to participate at Carnegie Hall next year.  Student Andrew Oliveros was recognized for student leadership.
 
The trip closed Sunday with a celebration of Palm Sunday at Ignatius Chapel at Loyola University where our choir students sang with the chapel choir. The afternoon was spent at the Audubon Zoo, before catching a flight back home.

 "We are extremely proud of all of our students and the hard work they put into this festival," said choral director, Mr. Peter Kadeli. "Their success demonstrates the strength and high standard of excellence of our music program."

"This group of students represented O'Connell so well, both on and off stage," added Mr. Isaacson.

The music program is very grateful for Mr. Tim Coffin, Mrs. Laura Ryan, and the Fine Arts Booster for all of the hard work they put into planning this trip, and to the parents and staff members who helped chaperone the trip. 

"Winds in the East, there's a mist comin' in. Like something is brewin,' and 'bout to begin...."

Get ready to 'Step in Time' for a 'Jolly Holiday' with your 'Spoonful of Sugar,' as the Bishop O'Connell Players present...

MARY POPPINS

Show dates and times:

Thursday - Saturday, Apr. 26-28 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Apr. 29 at 2 p.m.

General admission is $10. Seniors and students are $5.

Reserve your ticket today!

Questions? Call our box office at 703-237-1448.

Don't miss out on this wonderful show for the whole family!

THOUGHTS FROM OUR HEAD OF SCHOOL, JOSEPH VORBACH:

I hope that everyone enjoyed a blessed Easter holiday.  As we end this week and the third quarter, the view out the window here on Little Falls Road looks like resurrection, rebirth, renewal...Spring.  I hope the rest of the spring sports season has many more days like this for our athletes to compete and our fans to enjoy.

Below is a link to a wonderful video produced by Porto Charities that highlight's the great work that Porto does throughout the Diocese of Arlington and features students, parents and teachers from Bishop O'Connell. It tells a beautiful story in about five minutes and I encourage you to take the time to view it. 

Watching it may also inspire you to join us at Bishop O'Connell tomorrow morning for our Better Together 5K and Kids Fun Run to support our Expanded Services.  You can still register at bishopoconnell.org/5K.  Looks like it will be a nice morning and I promise it will be fun.

If you can't see the video link above, it can be viewed at https://vimeo.com/259199076. 

Congratulations to O’Connell junior Tommy Dannenfelser, who was recently elected Youth Governor for the 2019 Virginia Model General Assembly (MGA).

Tommy has been a part of the Bishop O’Connell MGA club for the past two years, taking the statewide conference by storm his sophomore year, where he played the role of a persistent investigative reporter. His hard work that year earned him a spot at the national conference—the Conference on National Affairs in Black Mountain, N.C.

This year, Tommy served as a youth state senator during the three-day Virginia event in Richmond, where he debated and voted on bills while campaigning for next year’s highest office.

Once again, he will join high school students from around the country as a Virginia delegate at the annual national youth conference in North Carolina in July. Before that, he will participate in a five day Youth Governors Conference in Washington, D.C., where he and 38 other state youth governors come together to learn more about leadership and government.

Tommy is looking forward to his role as Virginia’s youth governor in 2019. He will have a chance to meet and chat with Virginia Governor Ralph Northam before he introduces him at the opening ceremonies of the Model General Assembly. As Youth Governor, Tommy will make an official address at the opening and closing ceremonies, meet with other high school delegates to discuss their bills, and make the final decision on all legislation. Before the MGA meets, he and his staff will review all bills.

When he isn’t busy with his gubernatorial duties, Tommy is an active member of the O’Connell community. Right now he is back stage on the tech crew helping the O’Connell Players get ready for a “practically perfect” production of Mary Poppins. He is also involved in the school’s Hispanic Heritage Club and Haiti Action Community.

“I could not be more proud of Tommy and all the members of the MGA club,” said Social Studies teacher and club moderator, Mr. Greg Haas. “They worked very hard and represented our school well.”

“My experience at MGA has taught me how to express ideas effectively,” said Tommy. “At the same time, I’ve made friends with students throughout Virginia and around the nation.”

All O’Connell students in grades 9 through 12 are invited to join the MGA club. Talk to Mr. Haas or Tommy to find out more!

THOUGHTS FROM OUR HEAD OF SCHOOL, DR. JOSEPH VORBACH:

Our students kicked off the 4th quarter with a busy first week.

There was a brisk tempo of field trips early in the week -- opportunities that are developed by the extra efforts of teachers to bring classroom learning to life in more meaningful ways for students.

As we get closer to graduation, seniors in the Global Studies Certificate Program have begun making their senior capstone presentations and I was privileged to sit in on two that were particularly thoughtful and insightful.

The Global Studies Program is a rich one for students who get involved because of the way in which members of our community give of their time to enrich student learning. This week, Mr. John Hecklinger, the President and CEO of the Global Fund for Children and a member of the DJO class of 1988, spoke to students about the impact of his O'Connell Superdance experiences on the career path that brought him to his current role.

The next day, retired Ambassador Peter Allgeier, former O'Connell board member and former Ambassador of the United States to the World Trade Organization, spoke to the Global Studies program about the current state of global trade.

Today, thanks to the hard work of Father Thompson, Mr. Ed Fitzpatrick, Mrs. Cristy Rugo and a host of volunteer faculty and staff helped run the junior class retreat at Our Lady of Good Counsel parish in Vienna.  This is on the heals of the Kairos VI retreat attended by 45 juniors and seniors last weekend.

This week also included a signing ceremony for student-athletes who will be continuing their athletic pursuits in college.  This is another special moment at the school when these distinguished athletes are surrounded by family, classmates and teammates as they celebrate a hard-earned moment.  At this particular event, the diversity of sports and institutions represented was noteworthy--from New England to Texas and places in between, O'Connell student-athletes have remarkable opportunities to continue competing as they prepare for what lies ahead in their lives.

And as all this activity took place throughout the week, we continued to be humbled by the generous giving of time, talent and treasure that supports the mission of our school.  We can do what we do, carry on the rich traditions of this great school, and plan for its future because of this generosity.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

THOUGHTS FROM OUR HEAD OF SCHOOL, JOSEPH VORBACH:

Before I get into the story I want to share, let me begin by encouraging everyone to get out to the school this weekend to see Mary Poppins -- tonight or tomorrow at 7 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m.  With some experience as a father of student involved in theater, as well as ten years now seeing our students perform, I can tell you that it is an absolute treat to see young people realize the fruits of their significant labors by putting on a great production in front of an audience full of many family and friends. Seeing them enjoying well-deserved accolades in the lobby afterwards is the icing on the cake.

Now to the story...an early Memorial Day story:

For the past several years, it has been my privilege to be part of a periodic gathering of retired and active military personnel, mostly Marines but the occasional Coast Guard retiree like myself.  The event is a simple dinner with a guest speaker.  At this time each year, the organizer revisits a particular story because April is the month that the person around whom the story centers died of his injuries after an heroic action for which he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

When an insurgent rolled a grenade toward some of CPL Jason Dunham's fellow Marines, he took his Kevlar helmet and placed it over the grenade and then lay down over the helmet.  After surviving the battlefield and transport back to the United States through Germany, he succumbed to his injuries eight days after the incident.

The organizer of the event I attended has been connected to CPL Dunham's family since the time of his injury and each year has coordinated a discussion about his ultimate sacrifice for his country.  Sometimes the discussion includes the opportunity to meet and hear from Michael Philips, the Wall Street Journal writer who wrote a book, The Gift of Valor, about CPL Dunham.  The event always includes an opportunity to speak by phone with CPL Dunham's parents.  

Last night, when the organizer got CPL Dunham's parents on the phone, they were in a Chili's restaurant near the homeport of the USS Jason Dunham, an Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyer.  They are the sponsors of the ship and they were having dinner with the Captain and the Command Master Chief.  In talking about her son, Mrs. Dunham shared stories about his humility and his desire, from a young age, to be of service to others.  She said that he had an "awesomely huge heart."

As Memorial Day approaches, we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation.  Many of these men and women did so when they were very young.  Having promised to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, and promising to obey the lawful orders of their superiors, they went forward willingly and proudly into harms way.

READ MORE...

Medal of Honor: http://www.hqmc.marines.mil/News/News-Article-Display/Article/551570/medal-of-honor-citation-for-cpl-jason-l-dunham/

USS Jason Dunham: http://www.public.navy.mil/surflant/ddg109/Pages/default.aspx

Gift of Valor: https://www.amazon.com/Gift-Valor-War-Story/dp/0767920384

Bishop O'Connell High School has named Kendall Keelen as the new head coach of the field hockey team.

Coach Keelen is a New Jersey native. She enters her fourth-year at the George Washington University, where she studies International Affairs and Spanish. She is an active member of the GW Club Field Hockey team and plays a variety of defensive positions.

Keelen began her field hockey career at age six, attending local clinics and playing in recreational leagues. She continued to play into high school and earned a starting spot on the varsity team. During the off season, she played with Jersey Intensity Field Hockey on indoor and summer teams. After high school, she moved down to Washington, D.C. to attend school and immediately joined the club team. Back home, Keelen plays in local women's leagues as well as runs youth clinics with her high school program. As a 15-year player of the sport, she is excited to bring her knowledge of and passion for the game to the field for a great season.

Coach Keelen will be holding a parent/player interest meeting on Tuesday, May 8 at 6 p.m. in the school library. If you have any questions, please contact kkeelen@bishopoconnell.org.

Saturday, May 5
6-9 PM
Bishop O'Connell High School

the school celebrates the arts with an evening of music, dancing, drama and visual arts on display. The gym is transformed into an art gallery; the main stage features individual and group dance, drama and musical performances. The courtyard becomes a magical "coffee house" showcasing acoustic performances and poetry readings.

Our students are looking forward to sharing their work with the community at the 2018 Festival of the Arts. This year we will be celebrating our world oceans and the environment.

Please join us for this special celebration of the arts and enjoy passed snacks and sweets. Admission is $5 per person, or $15 per family.

Find out more at www.bishopoconnell.org/festival.

For the 43^rd time in 43 years, Bishop O'Connell students rallied around one specific cause –the hope of finding a cure for cystic fibrosis—through an epic 12-hour dance marathon, Superdance. The event was organized and run by a group of 90 student committee chairs who had earlier hosted a school-wide assembly to educate and motivate their peers for this big day.

On Saturday, Mar. 10, the O'Connell gym was once again filled with students who already knew more about this disease than most American teenagers. There was 12 hours of entertainment, from student, faculty and outside performers, bands and DJs. Students were well fed and hydrated, and the facilities were decorated with this year's theme "When You Wish Upon the Cure"—all thanks to the hard work of other student-organized committees. Campus Ministry provided two opportunities to attend Mass, as well, to pray for those families affected by cystic fibrosis.

Throughout the afternoon and into the evening, student members of the finance committee announced new totals raised. Senior Matt Ehlers, who chaired the finance committee, could not have been happier with this year's Superdance. "I spent the first half of the dance in the library, where our committee was watching as our total shattered the records of the past ten Superdances," he said. "Then being able to dance and celebrate with the great people who helped make this event possible was an experience I will never forget."

When the clock approaches midnight, it is a Superdance tradition to play Billy Joel's "Piano Man," and for the tired students to form a giant circle, where they sway arm in arm until the last note is played. This year was no different, and as exhausted as some of the students might have been, they lingered a bit longer, not wanting the night to end.

Donations to the cause are still coming in, and as of Tuesday morning, the total number had reached $157,000. "Our online donation system has helped make giving more convenient," said faculty moderator, Kathryn Haas. "We are continuing to see new donations coming in, even as we speak. This is a true credit to the passion and hard work of all of our students, who haven't stopped talking about Superdance yet!"

Head of School Joseph Vorbach added, "Our students brought unparalleled energy to this cause. They were energized by a sense that they were doing something big and meaningful together."

"When we talk about the blessing of working in Catholic schools, we recall events like the Superdance," he continued. "We are lifted up by the enthusiasm, idealism, and zeal to serve that our young people bring to such an effort."

MORE INFORMATION

To find out more about Superdance or to donate to the cause, visit www.superdance.org.

Photos Highlights

Video Highlights

See more photos from the Arlington Catholic Herald.

THOUGHTS FROM OUR HEAD OF SCHOOL, JOSEPH VORBACH:

When I last wrote, I encouraged readers to attend a performance of Mary Poppins.  This remarkable performance was a capstone event for the O'Connell Players and it marked the beginning of a busy period of capstone student experiences over the past two weeks.  Mary Poppins was followed last weekend by the Festival of the Arts, an amazing opportunity to view the studio art of dozens of student artists while listening to student musical performances in three different venues.  I posted two examples of student artwork on my Twitter account (@J_Vorbach) last weekend -- remarkable!  Tonight there is an instrumental music concert at 7 p.m. in the auditorium, and next Friday a choral concert also at 7 p.m. in the auditorium.

Seniors in the Global Studies Certificate program have been making their capstone presentations and it has been my privilege to serve as a panelist on a number of them.  These students are doing a remarkable job of synthesizing what they have learned from a variety of opportunities over the past three years.  I have been most impressed by hearing them speak about what they have learned about themselves because of the experiences.

In athletics, the spring seasons have been wrapping up over the past two weeks.  As we head into this weekend, Softball (WCAC champs) and Boys Lacrosse (WCAC semifinalist) are heading into state tournaments and the Crew Team, fresh off some impressive performances on the Anacostia River last weekend, has opportunities for regional and national recognition over the next two weeks.  The track team, fresh off a great meet this past Wednesday, has state and WCAC meets still to come before the month is out.

This week being Teacher Appreciation Week, we asked students to help us turn the spotlight on our teachers by sending "Shout Outs" to teachers they particularly appreciated.  A small sample shows us what students appreciate in their teachers -- reading these thoughtful, kind, mature and perceptive comments has been a beautiful and inspiring diversion throughout the week:

“[He] always brightens everyone’s day and is there when any student needs help. He also puts others needs before his own and is one of the most selfless people I know. I am so glad I’ve been able to have him!!”

"Everything you taught made such a big impact on my writing and my English career in general. When I was doing flash cards for my research paper this year I felt at ease because you pushed me last year. English last year is one class I know I’ll remember. Thank you.”

“He genuinely cares about all of his students and wants them to succeed. Also, he is very dedicated to his job. He gets to school very early every morning to help students study and to answer their questions.”

“You have been teaching me for so long, but I still think I learn something new in your class every day!”

“She makes the content interesting, cares about us and our lives, and makes us prepared and better students.”

"[He] is the anti-venom to the big, scary snake that is Pre-Calculus. By combining real-world examples with the subject being taught, he inspires his students in a vast amount of ways. Keep doing what you’re doing..."

"His way of teaching and expression inspires students to try their hardest in his classroom..." 

"I have grown to actually enjoy and understand math! This is a drastic change from previous years. I would like to thank you for making such a positive impact, and for your positive energy you bring to the O'Connell community. :)”

"Her class is what gets me out of bed each morning to go to school. Thank you!!”

"With her guidance, my writing has improved remarkably. I'm able to effectively convey my thoughts and, ultimately write more intelligent and interesting papers. She ignited my creativity, allowing me to develop a unique voice in my writing."

"I particularly like that she uses group work sessions, and I feel I have grown considerably from the peer editing of the research papers."

"She genuinely cares about her students and wants to not only make us better students, but also better people."

“Because you are an amazing mentor and teacher…We appreciate all the time you dedicate to your students.”

"He really helps every single one of his students to make sure they understand the material and get the grade they deserve in his class.”

"I'm going to remember his class and teaching methods and use my study habits I've gotten from this class for the rest of my student life.”

"...is the kindest person in the world...is always there to help students."

"I really respect how [she] adapts the classroom to fit student needs."

"I have truly fallen in love with the subject due largely to the passion you exhibit for it during class."

"...loves what he does and passes that passion on to his students."

The amount of respect he has for all of his students cannot even be put into words.

"Every single one of us feel like an important part of the class and feel like we belong there.  It is such a positive environment that nourishes so much spiritual growth and I am so blessed to get to be in it."

"This class has helped me to become a better Catholic and I feel close to God.”

"He taught way beyond the required amounts and had kids dig deeper and think outside the box. I'm so thankful I had him this year and I'll remember this class for the rest of my life."

 "The care you exhibit for your students is unparalleled, and I think that is the most special and valuable quality in a teacher. Nothing feels better than knowing that no matter what, you always have someone in your corner."

“Thank you for encouraging me to push harder in everything I do."

"Freshman year I didn’t really care about school in a lot of ways, but you definitely helped me overcome this."

Two students from Bishop O'Connell High School were recently recognized for their outstanding performance on essay contests sponsored by the West Point Society of DC.

Junior Jack Gradle (pictured on the left) attended the 2018 West Point Leadership and Ethics Conference and came home a winner! Jack, along with three other O'Connell students and Ms. Alicia Patak (counselor), participated in a day-long workshop held at George Mason University's Arlington campus on March 15. Approximately 250 11^th grade students from 60 high schools across Virginia, Maryland and DC attended the event.

"Jack distinguished himself during the full day of keynote speakers assemblies, classroom instruction and interaction and skit/vignette role play," said COL Charles T. "Chip" Sniffin (US Army, Retired) in a letter to the school. "As a result, he was one of 24 students selected to compete for the WPLEC scholarship via a post-conference essay contest."

In late April, it was announced that Jack was one of six essay contest winners, and was awarded a scholarship prize.

Sophomore Jackson Burnside (pictured on the right) participated in the 2018 West Point Leadership, Ethics and Diversity in STEM (LEADS) Workshop where he won first prize in the Honorable Living Essay Contest. Jackson was one of five O'Connell students who joined chaperones, Ms. Kathleen Riley (computer teacher) and Ms. Cynthia Germann (counselor), for the day-long seminar which was aimed at 6th through 10th grade students and was held at the MITRE Corporation in McLean.  Jackson's winning essay, entitled, "To Summit or Not to Summit," was a personal reflection on a leadership dilemma he faced while on a scouting trip. U.S. Congressman Gerald Connolly was on hand at the workshop to help present the award.

"We participated in a series of small group activities at the workshop," said Jackson. "Through these sessions, I had the opportunity to hear from West Point cadets, as well as active and retired military officers, to get a real sense of what leadership training is all about."

Congratulations to both of these O'Connell Knights!

THOUGHTS FROM HEAD OF SCHOOL JOSEPH VORBACH:

It's 3:02 p.m. and the Class of 2018 just finished high school.  Yes, they have exams to take next week, but they are done with classes. They have signed each others shirts, put their college logos on their skorts and pants, and over the past few minutes have been celebrating with more than a little gusto with cheers and hugs for one another.  It is a great day to be a Knight, especially so for them.  We look forward to Baccalaureate Mass and breakfast on Sunday.

A nice tradition of the recent past has been a panel of graduates coming back to share some wisdom about the college years with our seniors.  Thanks to Dr. Stabile, 30 grads came and participated in a discussion yesterday and throughout the day, and we had opportunities to hear what they are up to. When they are recent graduates who are recognized by current students, there are many nice moments of reconnecting.  Grads who are a little older come back with some work experience under their belts and reflect with faculty mentors on the most important takeaways from their time on Little Falls Road.  @oconnellhs and @J_Vorbach Twitter accounts have some photos of the alums we were pleased to welcome back.  While all this was happening, we also had three alum seminarians visiting religion classes, as well as award presentations of for artists, poets, and essayists.  It bears mentioning on that point that Mrs. Mary Lou Wentzel, retiring from Bishop O'Connell after 25 years at our school and 37 years as a teacher, has helped countless students achieve success in a variety of speaking and writing contests over the past 25 years.  At the end of any given year, students have accumulated as much as $20,000 in total prize money.  More importantly, they have gained confidence from putting their thoughts and ideas forward.  We will miss Mary Lou.

At 3:17 p.m., Ms. Michelle Ladas came to my office and shared with me a copy of the 2018 yearbook and I have had a few minutes to flip through it.  The first place the book opened to was a spread on a summer 2017 trip to Peru.  The faces of our students who made that trip say it all -- the experience of having one's horizons widened, the blessing of the opportunity help others know of God's love for them, the sense of accomplishment for having made a difference in the lives of others, the spirited commitment to making a difference.

The other take away from flipping through the yearbook is an awareness of how much has happened (anyone remember the solar eclipse of August 2017?), how much has been done, and how quickly the year has gone by.

THOUGHTS FROM OUR HEAD OF SCHOOL, JOE VORBACH:

Last week I wrote a little about how many O’Connell alumni we had back in the building to visit.  We had more visitors this week and it was a special privilege for me to travel to New London, Conn. for the 137th Commencement Exercises at the United States Coast Guard Academy. On the same field where I received my degree and commission on May 20, 1987, I was able to witness Tess Heimerman, DJO Class of 2013, and Gillian Gerton, DJO Class of 2014, receive their degrees and have their commissions handed to them by Vice President Pence during a beautiful sun-drenched ceremony

Last night was a nice night for a cruise on the Potomac and our seniors took advantage, continuing a longstanding tradition of having a prom cruise.  Back at school, we had a meeting with our neighbors to share with them the latest updates about our campus improvement plans.  We are about two weeks away from receiving the county permit that will allow us to proceed with the demolition of the original convent, the first physical sign of our progress toward new classrooms, new chapel, new main entrance and new main corridor student common—all complete by August 2020.

Next week will be a busy week as we come out of the long weekend and move into the activities of graduation week for the Class of 2018.  As we prepare for Commencement at the Shrine on Thursday, we'll also be holding elections for the class officers who will play critical leadership roles in the school next year.

Readers of this blog know that I touched on Memorial Day a few weeks back.  As we enjoy the long weekend, let us also pause to remember all those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country.

The dynasty is alive and well.

Almost like a prize fighter, the O'Connell softball girls found themselves on the ropes at various points during the spring campaign, losing three of four games after spring break, not to mention surrendering nine runs to Elizabeth Seton and dropping a 14-13 decision at Riverdale Rec to the WCAC foe.

Injuries threatened to derail what looked like a promising season, with All-American Kathryn Sandercock returning for her senior season. First, Sandercock underwent labrum surgery in her hip in October. Rehab and recovery were tougher than anticipated, although Sandercock worked her way through it.  Then, All-State shortstop Caitlin Jorae was restricted to a Designated Player role because of a torn labrum in her shoulder, limiting her to just hitting.  As if that wasn't enough, returning All-State catcher Meadow Sacadura suffered a broken hand in the fourth game of the season against Marshall.  Arguably, the team's top three talents were limited in what they could do all season.  None of the three were ever 100 percent healthy again.

Yet, here they were – hosting the Virginia Independent Schools (VISAA) State Championship Game against rival Paul VI on Wednesday afternoon in Arlington at Tuckahoe Park.

Through the years, Coach Tommy Orndorff has insisted what his girls do best is that they know how to win.  It's what they do!  Injuries aside and a brutal spring weather-wise, O'Connell's girls did what they do best:  they won – defeating Paul VI, 4-2, to win their 23^rd State title in 25 years competing in the tournament.  Amazingly, the Knights record in State Tournament play is now 73-2.

Sandercock was on her game, hurling a three-hitter and striking out 16 in notching the win, upping her record to 19-3 on the year.  Offensively, Madelynn Bates delivered the key blows – plating three runs on a double and staking the victors to a 3-0 lead in the first frame before roping a triple in the sixth inning and scoring moments later on a sacrifice fly to center by Lyndsay Flippin.  In essence, the sophomore standout was responsible for all four O'Connell runs.

The dynasty is alive and well.

Sandercock was named the VISAA Division I Softball Player of the Year, joining Jorae, Kiaris Alvarado-Rojas and Elizabeth Hoeymans as 1^st Team All-State selections.  Sacadura was a 2^nd Team honoree.

READ MORE...

Bishop O'Connell softball beats Paul VI, 4-2, in seventh straight VISAA title
Washington Post, May 23, 2018

O'Connell wins another WCAC softball crown
Inside NOVA, May 6, 2018

O'Connell's Tommy Orndorff retires as assistant athletic driector
Arlington Catholic Herald, May 23, 2018

THOUGHTS FROM OUR HEAD OF SCHOOL, JOSEPH VORBACH:

Yesterday we held the 58th commencement exercises of Bishop O'Connell High School.  Continuing a more than three-decade long tradition, the ceremony was held at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, this year on the Feast of the Visitation.  It is a real blessing to our school community to be able to hold this important moment in our school calendar in this beautiful and sacred place. 

Moments like Mr. Peter Kadeli conducting the chorus on the steps of the altar through a remarkable arrangement of the National Anthem, seniors Rosie Coolidge and Peter Lucas singing the Ave Maria from the ambo, and the moment when the seniors turn to face their families and receive a thunderous ovation from the sea of proud and happy loved ones filling the basilica, highlight what is special about a Catholic education at Bishop O'Connell.

During my brief opportunity to welcome everyone to the exercises, I took a moment to recognize four retiring teachers who have given a combined total of more than 120 years of service to Bishop O’Connell – Mr. Bill Carpenter, Mrs. Patrice Connolly, Mr. Tommy Orndorff, and Mrs. Mary Lou Wentzel.  Their teaching, coaching, mentorship and prayerful support of O’Connell Knights over many decades is remarkable and deserved special mention at this, their last graduation ceremony.

I also spoke to the graduates, reminding them that on their first day as freshmen, I told them they had already begun writing the next chapters of the school’s legacy and congratulating them on their long list of accomplishments that now inspires future Knights to think about a Bishop O’Connell experience because they want to reach, strive and accomplish as the Class of 2018 has. 

It was a great day to be a Knight. 

Bishop O'Connell High School held its 58^th commencement exercises at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, May 31. The Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge, Bishop of the Diocese of Arlington, presented diplomas to the 233 members of the class of 2018.

Jennifer Bigelow, Ed.D., Superintendent of Catholic Schools, addressed the graduates, sharing her own lessons from her high school to college transition, which didn't go as smoothly as most might have imagined. Reflecting on her missteps, she encouraged the class of 2018 to stay close to their faith during this time of many changes. She left them with a light-hearted quote from none other than Snoopy: "Be outrageously happy."  

Caitlin Mea, the class salutatorian, looked back on the last four years, remembering many of the high points—from high achievements in the classroom to a record-setting Superdance and far beyond. Her reflections centered around a memorable quote from the spring musical, Mary Poppins: "Anything can happen if you let it. Life is out there waiting, so go and get it." She applauded her classmates for their willingness to do more every day, and encouraged them to continue their next chapter of life with the same gusto.

Matthew Ehlers, the class valedictorian, used a quote from William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar to frame his remarks: "There is a tide in the affairs of men, which taken at the flood, leads on the fortune; omitted, all the voyage of their life is bound in shallows and in miseries..." He shared his personal journey through high school, where he embraced the tide and tried new ventures. Though it sometimes came with uncertainty, it nonetheless brought him to experiences he would have forever missed. "I encourage all of us soon-to-be graduates to open ourselves to our new and exciting futures and remember Shakespeare's lesson of seizing opportunities when presented with them."

God Bless the Class of 2018!

View photo highlights from graduation day below or at THIS LINK.

The Fine Arts Department is pleased to announce that two new teachers will be joining our music program next year: Ms. Kyra Klontz (Choral Teacher) and Mr. Timothy Lacrosse (Strings and Guitar Teacher). 

Kyra Klontz, the new choral teacher, is a native of Arlington and is excited to be back in the area. Ms. Klontz holds a Bachelor of Music in choral music education and vocal performance, as well as a double minor in special education and musical theatre from Miami University in Oxford, OH.  She graduated summa cum laude with honors in December of 2017 and was recently awarded the "Outstanding Future Music Educator" honor for her graduating class.  While at Miami, Ms. Klontz was extremely active in Best Buddies, becoming president and director of an inclusive choir on her campus, that integrated adults with and without disabilities.  In addition, she participated in the MU Opera program each year, served as an undergraduate assistant and a student manager at the recreational center, and held leadership positions in two choral ensembles.  Ms. Klontz was selected to be student conductor of the MU Chamber Singers her senior year, and went on to student teach at Mason High School and Maple Dale Elementary in Cincinnati, OH.  After completing her student teaching, Ms. Klontz was most recently a long-term substitute in Arlington Public Schools, working as a choral director at Yorktown High School, Williamsburg Middle School, and Randolph Elementary School. Ms. Klontz helped prepare students for theDistrict XII Assessment, where they received only superior or excellent ratings.  She is active in the choral community, coming from a family of professional musicians and music educators.  Additionally, Ms. Klontz teaches private voice lessons and also enjoys work as a part-time group fitness instructor.

Timothy Lacrosse, the new strings teacher, holds his Bachelor of Music degree in viola performance from the Juilliard School. He spent a year at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London studying orchestral training before obtaining his Master of Music from the Yale School of Music. He previously served as principal violist of the National Symphony of Panama, as well as section positions in the Huntsville Symphony, the Hawaii Symphony, and Fairfax Symphony, among others. He has performed in many of the world's prestigious  concert halls and festivals around the world, including Carnegie Hall, Avery Fisher Hall in Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center Concert Hall, Chicago Symphony Center, Ravinia Festival, Walt Disney Concert Hall (Los Angeles), Barbican Center and Aldeburgh Festival in England, Lucerne Concert Hall (Switzerland), Gasteig Cultural Center and Konzerthaus Berlin in Germany, Auditorium Parco della Musica in Italy, and the Sydney Opera House in Australia. An avid educator, Mr. Lacrosse maintains a private studio of violin and viola students and has prepared students for auditions to the National Symphony Orchestra Youth Fellowship Program and American Youth Philharmonic, both of which he is an alumna.  He recently held the post of visiting professor of viola at the University of Panama, a position he held for four years. Recognizing the importance of arts education in public and private schools, he also performs and provides sectionals in Washington DC, Arlington and Fairfax County schools. 

This is an exciting time for our program and we look forward to welcoming Ms. Klontz and Mr. Lacrosse into our arts community!  If you have any questions or would like to discuss registering for any of their classes, please contact Mrs. Maria McDonald, Department Chair (mmcdonald@bishopoconnell.org).