For those of us who have lived in Northern climates, I do not need to remind you about snow, sleet, ice, brutal wind chills and endless days without sunshine. Around this time of year, those elements often result in severe cases of "cabin fever".  

With many family members residing in the Midwest and Northeast, I remain sensitive to their plight. I refrain from boasting too much about the amenities here in our Sunshine State. Earlier this week, I even felt a tinge of guilt when I posted photos that Mary and I had taken at the sun-drenched Daytona 500. However, when it comes to talking about the brightness that is Father Lopez Catholic High School, I am quite eager to do so.

Simply reflecting on the most recent weeks, I find many sunny highlights and happenings. They should be a source of great pride and affirmation for all of our Green Wave faithful. Let me share a sampling with you.

Most of you already know that we recently hosted our first home games on our new softball and baseball fields. How exciting and convenient was it for our ballplayers (and fans) to no longer have to leave campus for a Lopez home game!

On another front, our students continue to discover and make good use of learning opportunities in the new Innovation Center. Sixteen students received a Certificate of Achievement for participating in an after school computer coding "boot camp". The free course was taught by a professor and four teaching assistants from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

We had nearly 60 students sleep in cardboard boxes to raise awareness and funds for the homeless during Catholic Schools Week. We are now preparing to send another delegation of students and faculty on a week-long mission trip to the Dominican Republic. Both activities are shining examples of the goodness one finds in the hearts of Lopez students.

Our parents deserve a pat-on-the-back, too. Record numbers attended the College Information Night hosted by our Guidance Department. Some returned two weeks later for a Recruiting Realities Workshop sponsored by our Athletic Booster Club. Meanwhile, many parents of our juniors juggled schedules to attend our Ash Wednesday Mass & Junior Ring Ceremony. Their presence made the day even more special and meaningful as they observed this rite of passage for their sons and daughters.    

Yes, we have an amazing school! The Lopez of today is built upon a proud past and remains headed toward an even brighter future. Let us count our blessings and give thanks to the Lord for shining His light upon us--and for sparing us the doldrums of "cabin fever".