As most of our readers know, Father Lopez has been providing a valued education to area youth since 1959. Part of the Lopez experience includes offering our students the opportunity to participate in an extensive athletic program. We do so because we recognize and value the role that athletics and other co-curricular learning opportunities plays in the development of the whole person.

The learning that takes place in the arena of competitive sports compliments the learning that takes place in the classroom. This enables students to learn the importance of setting goals while following instructions and developing team building-skills, leadership qualities and time management strategies. Their involvement in sports oftentimes enriches their high school experience.

Conversations with Lopez alumni frequently turn to their fond memories of being a member of a Green Wave team. They are proud of their high school and proud of the school's many successes on the playing fields. We are proud of them, too, and want to preserve those memories as part of our school heritage.

With that in mind, I invite our alumni to take one final look at the list of team accomplishments as shown on pages 22 and 23 of our Annual Report magazine. We do not want to omit any team recognitions as we prepare to update the banners showcased in the Brown and Brown Fieldhouse. Your help is greatly appreciated.  

In closing, on behalf of our students, faculty and staff, I am pleased to extend to you our very best wishes for a blessed and joyful Christmas and a new year filled with the promise of peace and happiness.

Earlier this month, our international students and their host families were notified of an organizational change at Lopez and its impact on the international student program.

One outcome of the reorganization results in eliminating the position of Director of the International Student Program. That change will officially take place at the end of December. This position has been held by Mrs. Wendy Therrien. She has served our school community with grace and dignity for 12 years.

Mrs. Therrien initially taught Spanish and French and was the Chair of our Foreign Language Department. A few years ago, she was invited to leave the classroom to oversee the establishment of an International Student Program at Father Lopez. She accepted the challenge and went on to establish an exemplary program for our school and the students we serve. She will be dearly missed. We wish her well on the next leg of her life journey.

(The school will continue to provide an International Student Program. After the first of the year, the program will come under the direction of our Guidance Department.) 

Father Lopez Troupe 3570 had a very good showing at the Drama District Festival. In her first time competing, sophomore Fernanda Reyes received a "Superior" in Playwriting and will move on to the state competition. There were four "Excellent" marks given: Sofia Estavillo in Monologue; Rachael Koelker in Costume Design; Teresa Lynn in Solo Musical; and, Megan Schandel, in her first time out, in Solo Musical. Additionally, several members received a rating of "Good" in the areas of Playwriting, Small Group Musical, and Duet Acting.

Following their turn at the District Festival, the Troupe presented their Drama Showcase on December 3.