crusader monthly

APRIL 2010
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What a Grad Says...
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW!

Date: Nov. 6th
Place: Higgins Hall
 
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Greetings!

As you read this letter, we are well into the final quarter of our academic calendar.  Please be sure to check PowerSchool regularly and email the teachers if you have any questions regarding grades.  Final exams will be here before you know it and graduation to follow for the seniors.  Hopefully, the Easter recess will allow our students to feel rejuvenated and finish the year with their best effort.
 
On April 23rd, our seniors will kick off "Senior Week" by gathering at the Bethany Center for an all day retreat.  Our Theology Department, under the leadership of Deacon John, wants to provide the seniors a day of reflection and prayer that brings closure to their Tampa Catholic High School experience.  Furthermore, this retreat is designed to jumpstart the transition into college and stress the importance of making a positive impact on our world.  I am excited and proud of this new TC tradition.
 
On behalf of the faculty, staff, and administration at Tampa Catholic High School, I would like to wish all of our families a Happy Easter.  "Jesus has risen and we have risen with him to new life."
 
Live Jesus in our hearts.  Forever!
 
In Christ,
 TR blue2
Thomas J. Reidy, Principal
Students Lead Parish Confirmation Retreat!
Eight students from Tampa Catholic facilitated a Confirmation Retreat for St. Mary's Catholic Church.  The retreat was held at the beautiful Bethany Center in Lutz on Friday and Saturday, February 5th and 6th.  Ben Cardoza, Kayla Hernandez, Alex Shillinglaw, Matt Daggs, Amy PoBFFuliot, Holly Rivers, and Brittany Zayas were a tremendous blessing for the 40 Confirmandi of St. Mary's.  Their involvement in the retreat came about when Joan Rini, the Youth Minister at St. Mary's, asked Mr. Gotsch to facilitate their retreat.(More)
GUIDANCE NEWS
If you are on Facebook, please join the TC School Counseling Office page.  We have included information and links for your convenience.  Check us out!  Also, checkout the recently updated School Counseling section of the Tampa Catholic website.  You may access this page through either the parent or student areas. (MORE)
Irish Eyes Were Truly Smiling at John Knox Village
Students Visit John Knox Village On Saturday evening, March 13th, members of the Blessed Edmund Rice Society hosted the 12th annual St. Paddy's Night Party at John Knox Village. Approximately 125 retirees were treated to an evening of Irish music provided by retired TC teacher, "Karaoke Jack" Carney. Lauren Colegrove '10 performed three traditional Irish step dances, and Rachel Ray '11 sang a beautiful rendition of "When Irish Eyes are Smiling". Refreshments were provided, and numerous door prizes were raffled off.  (MORE)
 
French Students Do Great at State Competitions!
By Nilda Armstrong
 
    Congratulations to the French team for their excellent performance at the French State Competitions.  They came back with 15 individual awards:  1st place: Kelly Harris and Rebekah Repasky; 2nd place:  Stephanie Driscoll, Matt Smith, Brendan Lawn, Ali Mathews, Francine Verdi-Brill, Allison Walsh, Megan Walsh, Ashley Hubaykah, Sarah Gattoline, Ariel Guy, and Dasnet Garcia; and 3rd place:  Lauren Colegrove, and Amy Pouliot.  On the group competitions they came back with a 3rd place for the Level 1 skit by: Stephanie Driscoll, Matt Smith, and Brendan Lawn;  and a 2nd place for the play by: Theresa Feaster, Kelly Harris, Lauren Colegrove, Olivia Lawn, Ariel Guy, Sarah Gattoline, Alexandra Ferrero, Haley Hanson, Ashley Hubaykah, Erika Sira, and Madison Powell. 
    Congratulations also to Theresa Feaster, Historian for the organizing committee of the French State Competitions Board, for her dedication and hard work preparing this event.  Thérèse, tu as fait un travail exceptionnel!!  Merci mille fois!!
    I also want to express my gratitude to Mrs. Guy, Mrs. Driscoll, and Mrs. Hanson for all your hard work as chaperons, without you this event will not have been
campus AROUND CAMPUS...
From the Parent Club
Wishing You a Blessed Easter
parentclubI hope that you have had time for prayer and reflection during the Lenten season. As many of us prepare for our Easter celebrations, my hope is that you have many blessings to be thankful for and that you and your family will be able to enjoy some well-deserved time off together. Rest up seniors and senior families, the months ahead will be busy and exciting as you celebrate graduation and all the activities that lead up to it.  (MORE)

Freshmen Re-Focus Their Lives
On Friday, March 5th, the class of 2013 gathered in Crusader Hall for the first annual TC Re-Focus Retreat. The purpose of the retreat was to have the freshmen examine the issue of what God is calling them to do with their lives. The format of the program consisted of witness talks, Christian music provided by a live band, a video, prayer service, small group discussions, and a guided meditation. The retreat activities were planned and run by Father Len Plazewski and the Diocesan Office of Vocations, and the student members of the Tampa Catholic Campus Ministry team assisted them. Upon exiting the auditorium, the consensus among the students and teachers was that this retreat was a great success, and all look forward to it again next year.  (PHOTOS)

Freshman Singer Wins Spot in Choir 
Freshman, Christine Martinez, auditioned for and has been selected as a member of the Gulf Coast Youth Choirs - Honor Choir. In April, this elite choir, along with the two other choirs, Girl Choir and Le Petite Choeur, will be singing in an encore performance in the world re-known opera hall, the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Ananheim, California. Christine performs with all three choirs and is excited about this special event.

Don't Forget our Facilities Staff
You may have noticed men working on lifts over the last few days and wondered what was going on. This week TC facilities workers, Gordon Ivie and Jesus Chiong take care of adding additional lighting to our front parking lots. These lights will bring additional security and needed lighting to our senior parking lot. With the hard work of this department, our campus stays in working order and campus improvements continue.

BFFFacilities Staff

powderpuff2
Lady Powder Puff Team Beats AHN
On Wednesday, March 24th, an all-star powder puff game between the Academy of the Holy Names and Tampa Catholic was hosted by TC Student Government at the Crusader Stadium! All the proceeds from the entry fee, concession stand, and donations went to a Haiti relief fund! Student government and the teams raised over $1200. The Tampa Catholic Lady Crusaders were victorious over the Jaguars, with many fans cheering the girls on. Thanks to everyone who attended, donated, or supported our efforts! Student Government appreciates your help and participation.


What a Grad Says..... gradsays
ANNA DAGGS '08

My passion for service was in part ignited by my Tampa Catholic education and the opportunities it offered me in high school to service others.  Thank-you for always helping me in high school find good service projects, for it gave me a taste of what it means to give back.

I just had spring break last week and was the trip leader for University of Florida's group of pre-med students going to the Dominican Republic.  We worked in clinics, taught health education classes and helped out at the orphanage.  It was such a rewarding experience, you never really understand another culture or way of life until you immerse yourself there. 
anna daggs Dominican Repulic
I really learned what the meaning of the phrase: "Oh, the difference between everything we want and what we really need."  I also found it touching to see a child's love, even though they have nothing. Laughing with the children who have so little, but still share their chalk with you --- brought such joy to my heart.  I definitely plan on going back and know that when I am a physician myself I will continue to go to offer my skills as a doctor.
CRUSADER SPORTS...

Tampa Catholic Basketball Goes Global
Coach Dziagwa and some members of the boys' basketball team had the honor and privilege of welcoming Mr. Jean-Pierre Karabaranga to Tampa Catholic on March 16.  Mr. KarabaranRwanda dignitariesga is the Secretary General in the Ministry of Sport in Rwanda. He was visiting the United States to find out as much as he could about basketball as it is played in the United States. (MORE)





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Crusaderettes Dane & Twirling  - By Sue Johnson
Reminder - Tryouts for the Crusaderette Dance & Twirl Teams are April 19 - 23. A mandatory information meeting will be held Monday, March 29, 6:00, in Crusader Hall.
See more news from the Crusaderettes.... (MORE)

Boys And Girls Tennis  - By Steve Adler
    Competition in our District is very competitive this year, but we have strong talent on both the girls and boys teams.  The girls team is led by Kelly Sullivan, Captain.  Kelly is undefeated so far this year and is the girl to beat in the Region.  Co-Captain, Ashley Farrell is a strong at second singles and matches up well with Kelly in doubles.  Courtney Meyering, Suzanne Peterson, Katie Callon, and Nicole Wolf round out the starting team give us experienced depth.
   Bryan Brislin, Captain, gives the best players a tough match. His continued improvement should show strong results as the season moves along.  Kevin Ly is second singles and his game is very competitive, also. Matt Daggs, Max Schumacher, Max Landswirth, and R.W. Williams round out the starting team. Support your team and get to see some terrific tennis. 

Girls Track & Field Team  - By Cindy Upcavage
Senior Maddi Schmidt, Track & Field scholarship recipient to Dayton, was awarded MVP at the Charles Johnson Invitational on Saturday, March 13.  Maddi requested to participate in the meet at King High School. Coach Upcavage got her registered in time and Maddi single-handedly scored 33 points, putting Tampa Catholic in 8th place out of 22 schools (mostly big public schools). Maddi placed 1st in the Triple jump, tied for 1st in the High jump, 2nd in the 100 meter hurdles breaking the school record again, and placed 4th in the long jump. A great example of hard work, dedication & amazing talent! Congratulations Maddi!  

Lady Crusader Softball Looking Sharp
The Lady Crusaders are off to a strong start.  For the first time in six years they defeated St. Pete Catholic.  Their overall record to date is 9 - 1.  They are ranked #5 in the Tampa Tribune's Softball: Top 5 for Hillsborough County.  Congratulations to the team and its coaches!  (MORE)