A group of Fontbonne students, adult Learning Community members, parents and alumnae travelled to Italy last week. Members (past and present) of Select Chorus and Jazz Choir sang at multiple venues in Italy. The highlight for the travelers was singing at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Under the direction of our Choral Director, Mrs. Fortier, and accompanied by Mr. Anderson, the choir sang to a packed audience at the Basilica. Thank you to all of our chaperones and congratulations to our choral students.

The Fontbonne chapter of STAND, a student organization whose primary focus is to generate awareness of atrocities throughout the world, held a Coffeehouse in the foyer on Wednesday afternoon. This year's STAND club focused on issues in Syria. Donations collected at the Coffeehouse were sent to Adopt a Village, a non-profit group in Syria who helps those affected by the Syrian genocide by providing basic necessities. Thank you to senior leaders, Alex Ellison and Oninye Ekwem who planned the event and to moderator, Mrs. Lathrop, for overseeing such a worthwhile experience.

On Friday evening, Fontbonne sponsored its first Musical Talent Night. The evening was initiated and planned by senior music students, Laura Sullivan and Caitlin Walsh. There were performances by our Gospel Choir, Select Chorus and Instrumental Ensemble as well as many individual musical numbers. The program was entirely student driven. How exciting to see such a large number of talented Fontbonne students on our stage. Thank you to Laura and Caitlin and to Mr. Anderson who worked diligently with the students to plan the musical showcase.

On Wednesday, the Ducks in Service Day Retreat for the junior class was held. The idea for this service retreat came from senior National Honor Society officer, Julia Butts. Julia and the other N.H.S. officers spent last summer and this school year planning the day. Juniors served our "dear neighbors" in eight different locations in the Boston area. Sites included: Eventide Nursing Home, St. Agatha School, Brookview House, Cradles 2 Crayons, Germantown Neighborhood Center, Casserly House, The Women's Table and the Fontbonne Convent. Led by the senior N.H.S. officers, the juniors began the day with prayer. After prayer, the juniors and the senior N.H.S. members, under the direction of Fontbonne faculty, began their day at the above sites. The students served in many capacities depending upon the needs of the organization. Upon returning to Fontbonne, the students enjoyed lunch together while the senior N.H.S. members facilitated small group discussions about the service experiences. The day concluded with a reflective prayer service in the auditorium.   It was clear to all in the audience that the students understood the meaning of the Fontbonne mission and the importance of serving the "dear neighbor." Congratulations to the N.H.S. officers: Maretta Morovitz, Julia Butts, K.J. Moran and Callie Cabral for planning and implementing this first ever Ducks in Service Retreat. It was an amazing and meaningful experience for all.