As of April 1st, high school students around the world will have received their admissions decisions from the top schools in the nation. Some of the most selective schools are those in the Ivy League, where only the highest-performing high school students are accepted.

Marist High School is pleased to recognize three members of the class of 2012 who have gained acceptances to Ivy League universities.

Thea John was accepted to Cornell University, Princeton University, and the University of Pennsylvania, schools which accept only 18%, 9%, and 14% of their applicants, respectively. "I applied to all of them, hoping one would take me," Thea says. "Part of me felt like I had a good chance, but part of me felt like I had no chance. I was in-between."

Fellow senior, Navidra Hardin, obtained a spot in Columbia University's Class of 2016. The university accepts just 10% of its undergraduate applicants, and the competition was certainly stiff. "I was skeptical about applying," Navidra explains. "When I did, I didn't tell anyone. I kept it a very well-hidden secret."

Sixteen-year-old Paige Morris was one of the lucky few admitted to Brown University, a school that accepted only 5% of its applicants this year. "I honestly can't believe it. Brown received nearly 29,000 applications and I was one of the 1,500 selected for the class of 2016." says Paige. "The chances of this happening were so slim. I'd been told that I probably wouldn't get in, so I almost didn't apply, but now, I am elated I did."

Like most students who received their Ivy League acceptances, these Marist seniors are eager to take the next step. While Navidra remains undecided, Thea will definitely be heading to Cornell University and Paige will be attending Brown University in the fall. 

Each year, Marist students work extremely hard to achieve academic excellence. To praise and honor this dedication and commitment, families and friends gathered recently at the 19th Annual Academic Awards Banquet held at Marist High School.

The banquet was organized by Ms. Alexandra Cavell, Assistant Principal for Academics and drew a crowd of 450 guests. 260 awards were distributed for various academic achievements.

The President's Award, given to students who achieved 85% or better on standardized tests and have a school average of 90% or better, was given to juniors Samantha Llanes and Jasmine Medrano, and to seniors Daryl Domo, Thea John, Paige Morris and Catherine Weening.

Other accolades were given for Top Ten standing in each class, Principal's Awards, 1st and 2nd Honors, Subject Awards, Model U.N. Awards, Spanish Honor Society Induction, and College Awards. These College Awards include a vast array of scholarship opportunities.

A Quick Note from John Taormina  

Dear Marist family,

Thank you for your partnership in mission this past school year! This year we will finish with over $230,000 in annual giving. For the second consecutive year, our annual giving program has set a new Marist record in donation totals!

It is because of our investors that Marist High School can remain open and students can look forward to a promising future of prosperity. It is your unselfish act of reaching into your pocket and sharing your treasure with our students, many who are least favored in society. Look at this graduating class of 2012. Close to $8 million dollars in scholarships and financial awards and 100% college acceptance! Our students are getting into more competitive colleges and universities than ever before. This year alone, we had 3 students accepted to Ivy League universities. Without you, many of our students would have fallen through the cracks in failing alternative educational settings. Instead, they are feeling the pride of being a Marist graduate and getting ready for the next exciting stage in their lives.

The picture is clear. Your financial investment allows these success stories to happen. You are heroes to our students and we tell them that. Because without you, we just can't do our jobs or run special programs according to the academic or social skill levels of our students.

All of us at Marist pray that you will continue to remain an integral part of the lives of our Marist students, or consider becoming one during the 2012-2013 school year. These are very exciting times at Marist; come and enjoy the ride with us!

Our Annual Fund Kick-off for 2012-2013 will be held at Da Noi Restaurant in Bayonne on July 17th from 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM. If you are in the area and would like to support the Marist mission, please stop by. It will be an evening of food, drink and an overall good time.

If we don't see you on July 17th, have a healthy and happy summer.

Sincerely in St. Marcellin Champagnat,

John A. Taormina, M.A.