Alumni Athletes Recognized  

They came... they golfed... and the sun was out!  It may have been a little windy, but that did not stop our St. James group of parents, parishioners and supporters from having a great time.  We had some Phil Micklason aficionados (that's you team Murn, Gray, Brynn and Brennan) - who were like him in name only.  But, they had a good time!  Sister Nancy was seen checking out the scores from the other teams, hoping to secure that winning spot.  Or at least the longest drive.  Sadly for our IHM leader, neither was to be true.  Fred Brynn (his wife Suzette tried to best him channeling Micklason), Bob Tramonte, Jeff Hamilton and Jeff Hillard won first place (shooting 11 under par) having too much fun in the process.  Edged by a birdie putt from Team Brynn, second place went to Scott Major, Mike Gleeson, Pat Gleeson and Dave Riddle.  Longest Drives went to Matt Williams and Deb Starke, with Dave Zapponi winning Closest to the Pin. 

We realized close to $9,000 in profit - all of which will go towards our Scholarship Fund.  "I would like to thank all our participants and donors who made this day so successful.  Team IHM will be back and we will win in 2012," says Sr. Nancy Kindelan.  THANK you to Fr. Posey, Deacon Fishenden, Sister Nancy, Beth Langan, Kristen Wohschlegel, Katy Cabbage and Frances Duerst for all their help with this event.  Remember... you don't have to be a parent or former parent to play!  Heck, you don't even have to be any good!  You just have to want to have a good time and support our efforts at keeping parochial education a viable choice for our families.   If you weren't able to join us this year, watch for the date in 2012.  You can still support our Scholarship Fund by sending your donation to Christine Hughes at the rectory; or contact her directly at advancement@stjamescatholic.org 

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS AND DONORS: 

McLean Cleaners, Bishop O'Connell High School, Gonzaga College High School, St. James PTO, Sonic Car Wash, Northern Virginia Surgical Arts & Medical Spa, Precision Cleaning, Markon Solutions, Ireland's Four Provinces, Law Office of Frederick J. Brynn, ICA Language Services, The Italian Store, The Kurtzke Family, The Tramonte Family, Mr. and Mrs. Chris Meighan, The Murn Family, The Langan Family, National Memorial Park/King David Memorial, The Fishenden Family, The Andres Family, Signet Construction, Miller Brothers Construction, Mr. and Mrs. Mike Noska, Falls Church Funeral Home, 2010 8^th Grade, Purple Onion Catering, Flynn & O'Hara and all our golfers!!  

"It was a great evening," says Fr. Posey.  "It was fun seeing all the 80s outfits; I felt like I was back at O'Connell!  It was obvious that a lot of effort went into this event and I am very grateful to Shawn and Laura and everyone who worked on it for their dedication."  Here, Father is pictured with Jennifer and Dave Taylor (left) and Lisbeth May. 

Sister Nancy was equally effusive:  "What a fun time.  I don't know what I am happier about: the funds raised for our students or the fact that the video of our "dance" by the Sisters is locked away!"

In a sense, you couldn't have two students more dissimilar, yet linked by their common commitment to excellence in and out of the classroom.  Quiet and thoughtful, Nadine Ly had been a student here since first grade; the bulk of her childhood formed in these halls.  William (Will) Crutchfield is a self-confessed military child (we won't use the term "Army brat," because neither "Army," nor "brat" applies to this young man.)  His father's service in the Air Force meant that Will has moved five times in his 14 years.  His most recent home was in Kansas where the family lived for four years.  He arrived at St. James in the sixth grade.  Confident, respectful and forward thinking, Will is one of those students of whom you are assured future success.

Both Nadine and Will were active in the Student Council; Will had also been involved with the Junior National Honor Society and CYO basketball.  "I really want to make the freshman team at O'Connell [where both will attend high school]," says Will.  At over six-feet tall and with a determination that has already provided him with success in grade school, it is highly probable we'll see him on the hard court next winter. 

As Will's polar opposite in height, Nadine is nonetheless just as determined to be successful at O'Connell.  An accomplished ice-skater, Nadine works hard on the ice just as she did in the classroom.  "I'm working on my jumps now," she explains, and as she does so her eyes light up with enthusiasm.  A quick tutorial in the differences between an axel and a saulchow lead one to a new appreciation of skaters - leaping several feet off the ground only to land ... on... a ... tiny... little ... blade.

While Will and Nadine both confess to some nerves about starting high school, each are excited about "meeting new friends and getting involved in activities."   Field Hockey and volleyball are on the docket for Nadine.  Yet, it seems strange to think of this small, lovely young woman wielding a big stick ready to clobber anything in her way to get to a ball. 

Their academic success is evident: both placed out of Algebra I and take Algebra II/Trigonmetry (Will in the Honors course).  They'll meet up again in Honors English and Biology, while Will is going for gold and taking Honors World History as well.    At graduation, Nadine was also honored with the Algebra Award as well as a partial scholarship award from Bishop O'Connell.  These are true testaments to their diligence in the classroom.

"I was a little nervous about starting all over," says Will about his first few days at St. James.  "But everyone was so nice and the teachers were great.  They never made you feel uncomfortable asking questions.  If you're confused, they reach out to you."

Family is important to both students.  Nadine is close to hers and has traveled to Vietnam to visit relatives.  "The beaches were beautiful there!"  Her brother, Eric, is currently in pediatric residency at Johns Hopkins.  Such a shame the Ly children are not brighter! 

Will's older sister, Claire, just finished her sophomore year at O'Connell.  An accomplished athlete, Claire was named to the All-Met team in volleyball last fall.  We think she should get together with Nadine to give her pointers.

Asked what memories they'll take with them of St. James, they both laugh and almost simultaneously describe their trip to Gettysburg where a student "got ticks all over him!"  Scrunching up her nose, Nadine recounts how she had ticks on her socks.  We'll skip the lecture on remembering to stay away from the fields.

"Nadine and Will are two of our finest," says Principal Sr. Nancy.  "Their character and commitment [show] the type of students that make us proud.  I am very confident about their future."

A proud Principal and Pastor with Nadine & Will

The Lys and the Crutchfields are justly proud of their children.  "We were surprised for sure [about getting the award]," says Mr. Ly, smiling broadly at his daughter.  "She did a good job here!"  Col. Crutchfield echoes the sentiment, "[A]s parents, you see these qualities in your children, but it's always nice to see them recognized by others."  He continues, "my wife [Michele] researched so many schools before we moved.  St. James was by far the best.  We have been so pleased with the education here."

Summer plans include travel, "hanging out with friends," basketball, ice skating and maybe a little rest.  But not too much since they have several books to read and papers to write for O'Connell.  Well, maybe they can have a little break.

"I was really surprised when they called my name [for the award]," says Nadine.  Will concurs.  "Me too, but I was really happy and honored to get it," he says.

What might be on the horizon for these two?  Nadine speaks of a possible medical career and Will looks to become a dentist.  "I don't really like too much blood," he laughs.  Both have aspirations of attending stellar schools such as Georgetown, Boston College, or the University of North Carolina.  The road, and all its adventures, is wide open for both of them.  They began the journey here, gaining the knowledge and confidence to take them far.  Supported by their family, faithful in their lives, their success is almost guaranteed.  Let's hope they both give discounts in their practices.   

Our Advanced Band scored a Superior Rating at the Diocesan Festival earlier in April.  Congratulations to all our musicians.

Put away your GPS and take Michael Dimond along for a ride!  (Only if it's okay with his parents, however.)  Michael placed 7th in the finals of the State Geography Bee.  Terrific work Michael.  We are all very proud of you.

Cassidy Olimpo earned a Third Place in the Diocesan Science Fair in the Medicine & Health category; her project was on the effect of caffeine and blood pressure.  Kate Margevicius received an Honorable Mention in Chemistry for her report on nail polish remover and pool water.  If you have ever attended one of these Fairs, you know how stiff the competition is; rows upon rows of interesting projects.  It's very hard to choose a winner.  Congratulations to Cassidy and Kate!  Big thank yous to their parents and our wonderful Science teacher, Mrs. Beth Rayome.