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.