Happenings

May 27, 2016
Senior Jill Forrest Lends a Hand

Hill-Murray students are well known throughout the Twin Cities for their involvement in social justice issues.  Whether the issue is homelessness, poverty, educational disadvantage, or assistance to the elderly, our students have continually led the fight to try to better the lives of those who are suffering.
  
What if the person suffering is a homeless, abused, kindergartener who attends Webster Elementary School, a school right down the street from Hill-Murray, and host to 15 years of Christian Service Learning students?
  
Recently, senior Jill Forrest was confronted with this horrible problem.  As a student in CSL serving at Webster, Jill immediately decided to assist her new, little friend.  Calling on the greater Hill-Murray School community to donate whatever clothes, toiletries, and toys they could, Jill was soon overwhelmed by the immense generosity of our school.
  
"I can't begin to tell you how gratified I am by the response of our school, and by the response of friends of our school," Jill said.  "My little friend only had two outfits to last through the rest of the school year, but now she has enough clothes to last through the summer.  There have also been donations of dolls, backpacks, toothbrushes, and school supplies for her.  I want to extend my thanks to everyone for their kindness, and I know that our friends at Webster feel the same way."
 
Mrs. Catherine Cranston, teacher at Webster Elementary says, "Jill has been a valuable asset in my classroom this year.  She has done whatever I needed and always wears a smile.  She told me one day, 'I am here to help.  I can do anything you need.'  That is a great attitude because not all the tasks I asked her to do were fun.  She worked one on one with a variety of special needs children, and even helped me grade some social studies and math tests.  With 30 students this year, it was a blessing to have Jill!"
  
Thank you, Jill, for organizing this wonderful event. The entire Hill-Murray community is proud of you!
Webster Elementary Color-Run
Hill-Murray students continue to serve in interesting, heart-felt ways.  Our students continued in their commitment to our friends at Webster Elementary School by supervising the annual Color Run for the 5th straight year.  The students acted as chaperones and supervisors to numerous games, rides, and activities such as the giant slide, ball toss, and bow shooting.
  
The Webster Color Run is an annual event held to commemorate the end of the school year, and to raise money for needed school supplies.  Principal, Mona Perkins, observed, "The Hill-Murray kids essentially ran the whole day.  We would not be able to do this annual event without their commitment to supervising and running all the activities.  We really appreciate all that they do."
 
The day ends with a run in which the Hill-Murray friends throw colored powder at all the runners, giving them a wide spectrum of colors and tints.  Twenty Hill-Murray students supervised this event.  A special thanks to Isabella Mariani and Ella French who acted as official photographers.
Ground Breaking Ceremony

The H-M Stadium Ground Breaking took place on May 20th. Guests put on their hard hats and surveyed the progress of the construction, looked at stadium renderings, and enjoyed a BBQ lunch.  During a short program, the H-M Administration thanked our VIP guests for the support and generosity that helped us achieve our dream of building this beautiful facility.  We also had the opportunity to hear from new Pioneers head coach, Pete Bercich, who is excited to be part of this great community and looking forward to getting the season started.
Go Pioneers!
Hill-Murray 2015-2016 Service Awards
 
Each year, H-M students are asked to complete at least 2 service credits during the school year. Below is a list of students who have gone above and beyond the 2 service requirement.  Great work to the entire student body on serving your community this year!
  



Welcoming Archbishop Hebda 
 
 
Junior Jenna Schwartz and sophomore David Mordini represented Hill-Murray School at the Installation Mass for Archbishop Hebda on Friday, May 13.  They joined 20 other students from other Catholic schools that served as greeters to those attending. They passed out programs to attendees, directed people to the correct seats, and helped with minor emergencies thought the Mass.  David said, "The best part about being a greeter was seeing and meeting a wide variety of people and cultures that traveled just to celebrate the Mass."
The Mass itself was very different than a traditional Mass.  The procession lasted about 20 minutes, and consisted of the Knights of Columbus, hundreds of priests, dozens of bishops and cardinals, and Archbishop Hebda.  At the beginning of the service, Reverend Carlo Maria Viganò, from the Holy See, read a letter from Pope Francis appointing Archbishop Hebda archbishop of St. Paul and Minneapolis. The first reading was spoken in Spanish and the second reading was spoken in Chinese. David and Jenna also got the chance to meet Archbishop Hebda and said he was very funny and very approachable.  Jenna said, "I am grateful to Sr. Linda who nominated both David and I for this event. I know we are both extremely thankful to have this experience and to be a part of the Hill-Murray community in this way. We had the experience of a lifetime."  Thank you, David and Jenna, for representing our Hill-Murray community!
Hill-Murray Awards Night
 
Spring Recognition Night 
It was standing room only on Monday, May 16 as the Hill-Murray faculty recognized students for their outstanding academic accomplishments and commitment to service. Our senior National Honor Society members received their gold cords and tassels to be worn at commencement, and several special scholarships were awarded. Congratulations to all of our students!
 
Anthony Garafolo Scholarship Winner
Congratulations to Kevin Vander Heyden, the 2016 recipient of the Anthony Garafolo Scholarship. 
  
Sophomore Scholarship Winner
Congratulations to Austin Kees, the 2016 recipient of the $500 Sophomore Scholarship.

CLASS Award Winners
Congratulations to Laura Anderson, Joy Dunna, Andrew Rosemark, and Veronica Corrales, the recipients of a $500 Scholarship.
Sharing the Catholic Spirit

The May 12, 2016 issue of the Catholic Spirit honors graduating high school seniors throughout the archdiocese.  Senior representatives from Catholic high schools and parishes were asked to share important lessons they have learned, what has helped to shape their faith, and their hopes for the future.  Graduating Senior, Angela Yarusso, represented Hill-Murray.  Click Here to read what Angela had to say. Well done on so eloquently representing our H-M community.
Lochen Receives Award

Congratulations to H-M Senior Lauren Lochen for her Outstanding Technical Leadership Spotlight Education Award presented by the Hennepin Theatre Trust! She was the stage manager for Hill-Murray's presentation of "Annie."
Honors French IV and V Presentations
  
Honors French IV and V students recently presented their final projects to their classmates who were "guests" for the World Tourism Convention.   Working in teams for the Bureau de Tourisme in France, each group selected a French region or French speaking country to research.   The presentations, ALL in French, included a detailed written brochure, a power point and oral presentation of the location, history, activities, major cities, attractions, historic sites, a video "commercial" to serve as a promotional ad to visit that region, food to serve the "guests" that was typical of that region, and an activity for the guests that related to their region.   The "guests" enjoyed tarte aux pommes from Normandy, pastry from Bretagne, "stork nests" from Alsace, "Champagne" from Côte d'Azur, and more!   Some of the activities were learning and performing a traditional dance, creating personalized Mediterranean sea jars filled with glitter, sparkles, water and plastic sea creatures, painting a "Monet" masterpiece, and more!  Bravo aux élèves de Français IV/V pour leurs efforts formidables!
Consider Hosting an Exchange Student from Guatemala
Give your family an opportunity to share, learn, and grow by hosting an exchange student from Guatemala for 11 weeks this Fall.  Students like Maggie and Mariabelen, pictured above celebrating Hispanic Heritage Week, are in need of Hill-Murray hosts families during the 2016-2017 school year.  These students are between 11 to 16 years old, are interested in learning about American culture, and want to improve their English skills.  Hosting an exchange student expands families' world views and provides lasting memories.  To learn more, visit www.feexchange.com or send an email to: friendlyexchangemn@gmail.com.  You may also reach Sra. Busch at jbusch@hill-murray.org with additional questions.
French Teacher, Liz Marin, Recipient of National Endowment for Humanities Grant
  
Congratulations to Ms. Marin, a 2016 recipient of a National Endowment for the Humanities Grant for summer study.  NEH grants allow teachers the opportunity to study a variety of interesting topics at prestigious universities around the United States.  From over 300 applicants, only 72 teachers were selected for the seminar "Benjamin Franklin and the American People" through LaSalle University in Philadelphia this summer.  The grant covers tuition, transportation, housing, and meals for a week-long in-depth research experience for educators.  Way to go, Ms. Marin!
  
  
Ms. Kelly Brings Back the Recycled Art Project
It has been a couple of years since art teacher, Ms. Kelly, has done this project, but this year we have some AMAZING creations from her Art Fundamentals class. Students were asked to create an art piece from recycled materials. There are many more wonderful creations like the ones pictured above and they are currently on display in The Nicholas Center.  Great work, art students!
Vivace Choir Performs for Memorial Ceremony

The Hill-Murray Vivace Choir had the honor of performing the National Anthem at the Ramsey County Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony. They did a beautiful job and were commended repeatedly by the officers in attendance.

The keynote speaker, Ramsey County Attorney, John Choi, told the story of how the 1994 death of St. Paul Police Officer and H-M alum, Ron Ryan Jr., impacted his life. It was a powerful story for us, given the H-M connection.  Thank you to everyone in law enforcement who put their lives on the line to protect all citizens and especially those fallen officers who were honored at the service.
April Science Wizards

CIS/Honors Physics
Kyla Donovan
  
Physics
Matthew Dahl
  
Physical Science
Gabriel Honerman
Daniel Lunn
Anthony Moore
Delaney Runyon
Lauren Elliott
Reed Tischler
Emma Esteb
Amanuel Soquar
Domo Gbolo
  
Biology
 Kaitlin McCurdy
Alexandra Magozzi
Ben Nelson
Scott Moyer
Meghan Dunaski
  
Biotechnology
 Derick Breezee
  
Honors Chemistry
Kyra Taylor
Zhaoying Liu
  
Chemistry
Joseph Mogren
Jack Schwartz
Andrew Seifert
Keilah Ilinykh

Advanced Anatomy and Physiology
Mahalia Mgeni
Jillene Forrest

CIS/HONORS Anatomy and Physiology
Madison Bestler

Earth Science
Michaela Moore
Zach Giese
Luke Wells

Honors Biology
Will Sutherland
Claire Westby
  
H-M Girls Lacrosse Wins Conference Title

Congratulations to the Hill-Murray girls lacrosse team. For the second consecutive season, HMGL captured the conference title. They defeated arch rival Mahtomedi 9-8 in double overtime this past Saturday despite some pretty stifling heat. Congratulations, ladies!
H-M Boys Lacrosse Team Supports #TeamEmmy

Thursday, May 12, the Mahtomedi lacrosse team dedicated their season to 4 year old Emmy Veenis who had a brain tumor removed a little over a month ago. The Mahtomedi lacrosse team wore shirts in support of Emmy and the Hill-Murray team wore white bandanas decorated with the #TeamEmmy logo and presented the bandanas to her before the game.  Nice work, boys!
H-M Swimmers Receive Honors 

Congratulations to Gabi Baldwin, Madison Berg, Amelia Berg and Lauren Forsythe who were recognized at the High School Coaches Association Swim/Dive Banquet for their All-State Achievement! All-State means you placed in the top 8 at the State meet.  Both Gabi and Madison participated for their club swim team at the National level in Clearwater, FL this year - quite an accomplishment!   Gabi was selected to participate in a USA swimming zone select camp. The camp is in progress now - 5/26 through 5/29. 28 female and 28 male athletes in each of 4 zones are selected for this camp. Congratulations to our outstanding swimming/diving athletes!

Final LINK Event for the Class of 2019
 
LINK Leaders planned an awesome "Last Blast" for the amazing class of 2019 on Friday, May 13.  Original plans were for a bonfire and s'mores, but the blustery, windy weather called for a change of plans.  On to games, games, and more games!   Freshmen and LINK Leaders enjoyed playing Apples to Apples, Life-Size Jenga, Spoons, I Doubt It, RISK, Bananagrams, Pictionary, Bean Bag Toss, and an inspired game of TWISTER, created by crafty LINK Leaders using colored tape on the floor.  There were many snacks, hot cocoa, music, and a movie.  The LINK Leaders wish to thank the freshmen for an incredible year. The Class of 2019 was AMAZING!  They came to so many events, showed their Pioneer spirit, and made many great memories together. GO PIONEERS!
Cupcake Wars
A cupcake cooking competition was held at Hill-Murray between five groups competing for the title of Best Cupcake. The students were judged upon presentation, frosting, cake, ease of eating, and if you can eat it without a fork?  There was a tie for first place between Tubing Teddy and the Strawberry Lemonade Cupcake.  Tubing Teddy won in a tie breaker.
Pioneer Premier Auction Results
There are not enough words to thank all of our donors, sponsors, volunteers and attendees who made the 2016 Pioneer Premier Auction such an extraordinary success. The event brought in gross revenue of more than $761,000 for operating support and tuition assistance.  
 
It was an exceptional evening. During the program, President Jim Hansen and Vice President of Development Chris Zupfer spoke passionately about the Hill-Murray community. Their heartfelt remarks about the impact of supporting students who may not be able to afford a Hill-Murray education inspired record-setting generosity for the tuition assistance program.
 
We'd like to express our gratitude to the following sponsors of the auction:   
  • Dolan Printing
  • Hill-Murray Fathers Club
  • Hill-Murray Mothers Club
  • Mike & Kathy Pearson
  • Chuck and Shannon Runyon
  • Salute Dental
  • Tony and Ruth Yocum
  • Yocum Real Estate Group
  • Don & Jean Regan
  • Sletten and Brettin Orthodontics
  • Horwitz NSI
  • Rocheford Plastic Surgery
  • Walter and Leona Schmitt Family Foundation
  • TADS
  • Andersen Corporation
  • Brian Conners/Bell Mortgage
  • Lift Bridge Brewing Company
  • Lindey's Prime Steak House
  • Morelli's Liquors
  • Stillwater Investment
  • Tillges Certified Orthotic Prosthetic

Parking During Construction

During construction, Tubman has granted Hill-Murray students, staff, and visitors permission to park in their lot.  The row of parking spaces that faces the Hill-Murray tennis courts are available for use.  Please keep all cars in that particular row.
Donations Needed for White Earth Families
  
Members of the Hill-Murray Life Club have teamed up with the White Earth Moms Club to host a Baby Drive during the Month of May. Below is a list of the items that are still needed to make this drive a success:
* Clothing sizes newborn and toddler
* Shoes
* Blankets and Sheets
* Bath tubs
* Diaper bags
* Diapers-All Sizes
* Formula/Bottles
* Hygiene Supplies
* New toys/Books
  
Please turn in items for the drive to the Campus Ministry Office.
Starr Student Mae Hyser Makes 2nd Chair

Congratulations to Mae Hyser, Parish Schools Band student from MMSA School, who performed on flute in the 2016 MBDA 6-8 State Honor Band on Sunday, April 10, at Duluth East High School.  She was one of 83 students selected from 219 who auditioned from 58 schools throughout  Minnesota.  She made 2nd chair and played a solo in "That Which Binds Us," by Brian Balmages.  The band rehearsed for seven hours on Saturday, and again for one hour on Sunday, before performing the concert.  The conductor was Mr. John Greene, retired band director from the Apple Valley-Rosemount-Eagan School  District.  Band Director at MMSA School is Warren Starr.
H-M Parish School Band Director Starr's Students Chosen for Honor Bands




Congratulations to Parish Schools Band students Ava Wilhelm, fifth grader at St. Jerome School, and Darby Sheehan, sixth grader at MMSA school, who played in the Southeast Minnesota Band Directors Association Second Year Honor Band on Saturday, May 7 at Boeckman Middle School in Farmington, MN. The 89 band members were nominated by their Directors as being some of the best second year musicians in Southeast MN. The band rehearsed for three hours on Saturday morning before performing the concert at noon.  Compositions played were "Pirates of the Barbary Coast," "The Water is Wide," and "Air Force One."  They were conducted by Emily Chandler, Band Director and Music Teacher at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School, and Director of the Hastings High School Marching  Band in Hastings, MN. 

Congratulations to fifth graders Joey Bertini and Macey Weinmann, Parish Schools Band students from Presentation School, who played in the Northeast Minnesota Band Directors Association Second Year Honor Band on Saturday, May 7 at Mahtomedi High School in Mahtomedi, MN. The 92 band members were nominated by their Directors as being some of the best second year musicians in Northeast MN.  The band rehearsed for three hours on Saturday morning before performing the concert at noon.  Some of the compositions played were "Colliding Visions," "Fires of Mazama," and "Groovemeister."  They were conducted by Dr. Bob Ouren, retired Band Director from Caledonia, Winona, Pine Island, Edina, the FAIR School, and the University of Minnesota.  The students' Band Director is Hill-Murray's own, Warren Starr.
A+ Driving School Classes Offered at Hill-Murray

A+ Driving School is proud to offer SUMMER classroom sessions at Hill Murray!  Classes meet for two weeks from 
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.  Visit www.APlusDrivingSchool.net to register.
Annual Catholic Services Appeal Benefits Hill-Murray Students

The annual Catholic Services Appeal has begun in Archdiocesan parishes.  We ask you to remember that Hill-Murray is a recipient of the CSA funds.  The CSA Foundation provided Hill-Murray with $32,000 in scholarship dollars last year.  Please watch for the 2016 forms, and help if you can.  More information can be found at www.csafspm.org.
A Political Junkies Guide to the 2016 Elections
 
We invite you to the next Alumni Founders Speaker Series Featuring
Professor David Schultz
Mark your calendars for
Wednesday, June 15
Hill-Murray School
  
Join us at 6:00 p.m. to socialize with alums, parents, and students.  At 7:00 p.m., Professor Schultz will discuss the election and take questions.  RSVP to Christine Jones, cjones@hill-murray.org or 651-748-2410.  Click here for more information and to view Professor Schultz's bio.
Sign Up for the Pioneer Golf Classic


Registration is still available for the annual alumni golf tournament on Monday, June 20 at Indian Hills Golf Course. But hurry, space is limited and spots are filling up fast!  For $125 per person, you'll enjoy an afternoon of golf, along with a box lunch and plated dinner as well as the opportunity to reconnect with fellow alumni.  This event benefits the Hill-Murray Athletic Department and the tuition assistance program. Click here to register.
  
We are grateful to the following sponsors for their support. Please help us thank them for their generosity by patronizing their businesses:
  • Premier Banks
  • Orange Parachute Consulting
  • Schmelz Countryside VW/Saab/Fiat
  • Platinum Bank
  • Central Bank
  • McNamara Company
  • Danna Insurance Agency
  • Monarch Bus
  • Lake Area Financial Services
  • Langer Real Estate
  • Midwest One
  • Renovation Inc.
  • Summit Hill
If you'd like to sponsor a hole or donate a raffle prize, contact Maureen McDonough at mmcdonough@hill-murray.org or 651-303-9036.
Is Tim Ryan Retiring?

Tim Ryan's years in the classroom will be coming to an end on June 1st.  Many people have inquired if he is "retiring."  He would like everyone to know that he will be the Head Boys and Girls CC Coach, and the Assistant Track Coach next spring.  He will also be in charge of the 542 athletic lockers and locks for all sporting teams.  He will be a substitute in the classroom 3 days a week, and the remainder of his time will be spent caring for his beautiful grandchildren pictured above.  Sounds like it's everything but retiring for Tim!
Sign up for Summer Camps!

Looking for summer activities for your children?  Discover the Pioneer Summer Experience by visiting our website: www.hill-murray.org/pse 
We offer athletic camps, academic experiences, arts and activities offerings for all age groups and skill levels.
Visit the Pioneer Trading Post for your Fan-Wear Needs!
 
  Hours:
Wednesday 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Thursday 1:30 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
  
We have H-M flags to display at your home or cabin!
They are perfect for your graduation open house!
We Need Your Support!

Upcoming Events

May 27 - Last Day Of School For Seniors
May 30 - No School - Memorial Day
June 1 - Final Exams 12:15 p.m. Dismissal
June 1 - Middle School Graduation
June 1 - New Alumni Breakfast 8:30 a.m. Lake Elmo Event Center
June 2 - Final Exams 12:15 p.m. Dismissal
June 3 - High School Graduation - 7:30 p.m. at the Cathedral
June 3 - Senior All-Nights Party - immediately following graduation at H-M