MSJ DECEMBER 2012 NEWSLETTER

MSJ DECEMBER 2012 NEWSLETTER

MSJ RECEIVES GRANT FROM THE VERMONT COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Mount Saint Joseph Academy recently received a $2,500 grant to support Diversity and Equity Professional Development for their teachers, administrators and staff. The grant was awarded as part of the Vermont Community Foundation's Small and Inspiring Grants program. Through this program, the Community Foundation fosters the spark and hope that keep Vermonters healthy and happy by finding and supporting projects in every Vermont town where a small grant can make a big difference. MSJ is collaborating with the Vermont Partnership for Fairness and Diversity in a new grassroots effort to strengthen MSJ's faculty and staff's ability to effectively enhance bias reduction in the academic community. With this program, MSJ will be the leader in diversity and equity training, a model for other local schools, both parochial and public, and foster a larger ranging collaboration with local leaders within the greater Rutland community.

PROJECT HELP

For over 40 years, Mount St. Joseph Academy students, faculty/staff, parents, alumni and friends have planned and participated in Project Help, a program that provides Christmas baskets for some of the neediest families in the Rutland Region. They will be joined in this effort by eighth grade students from Christ the King School. Students will wear MSJ logo clothing and an MSJ sticker so that they are easily identifiable to community members. In addition to food items, each basket contains gifts for the children of the family. The gifts are donated by the parishioners of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Rutland, as well as by other volunteers. This year's Project Help is scheduled for December 20th for collecting food and monetary donations, and the 21st to deliver gift baskets to local families. If you would like to volunteer, make a food or monetary donation or if you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Fortier at sfortier@msjvermont.org.

FALL SPORTS UPDATE

The MSJ women's soccer team made it to the quarterfinals of the playoffs, where it almost toppled perennial soccer powerhouse Arlington, losing a nail biter in overtime! Claire Schmelzenbach, Claire Mercier and Megan Eaton were named to the Marble Valley "D" division All League Team and to the All State Team. Coach Sarah Fortier was named the "D" division Soccer Coach of the Year.

In football news, Jahnathan Mitchell and Seth LaChance were named to play in the North/South Football Game. The following players have received football honors for the past season. In the Division III 1st Team: Jahnathan Mitchell - Running Back; Bryan Pitts - Wide Receiver; Tyler Billings - Linebacker. In the 2nd Team: Tyler Billings - Offensive Line. Honorable mentions go to: Matt Sanborn - Quarterback; Alec Thayer - Tight End & Defensive Line.

The MSJ Girls Cross Country team won the "C" Division Championship and Abby Miglorie and Megan Blais made the Girls All League Team. Sebastian Smith made the Boys All League Team. Congratulations to all!

Pictured left are some members of this year's DII MSJ Basketball team, holding the new MSJ Basketball State Championship Banner that will hang in the Martin McDonough Gymnasium. They are also wearing their DII State Championship jackets. From left to right: Dave Perry, Matt Sanborn, Dewey Corlew, Jahnathan Mitchell, Zach Lanzillo, and Joshua Pellerin-Fales, Student Trainer.

Coach Jeff Cassarino says, "This year's boys basketball team at MSJ will be an exciting one to watch. Returning to lead the team this year are Jahnathan Mitchell, Matt Sanborn, Dewey Corlew, Dave Perry, and Zach Lanzillo who are all from last year's Vermont State DII Championship team. Joining the mix this year will be Senior Bryan Pitts and Junior Colin Gilbert. MSJ is fortunate to have a very solid group of Sophomore and Freshman playing this year, some who will see time with, and contribute to, the varsity team on our way to our team goal; a back-to-back run at the DII State crown. Please come on down to the Martin McDonough gym to support Mountie Basketball. The future is looking bright at the Academy!"

MEGAN BLAIS WINS WENDY'S HIGH SCHOOL HEISMAN FOR VERMONT
Megan Blais ('13), track and field runner, was the winner of the Wendy's High School Heisman Award for the state of Vermont! Only one female and one male winner are chosen in each state. The program is for scholar-athletes and "elevates students by making it possible for them to take advantage of new opportunities, ensuring they are recognized for a job well done, and inspiring them to continue achieving their best." Congrats Megan!

MSJ PERFORMS ALMOST, MAINE

MSJ Drama Students performed Almost, Maine,

this past weekend in the Jennifer Bagley Theater. The show was directed by Jennifer Bagley and Jessica Audette.

MEET THE FACULTY AND STAFF

Keturah Tallon, Guidance Director

Keturah Tallon is in her first year as MSJ Guidance Director. She holds an M.S. Education & Certificate of Advanced Study in School Counseling, from Plattsburgh State University of New York 2009, and a B.S. Television-Radio, Marketing Minor, from Ithaca College. Keturah grew up in Plattsburgh, NY where she attended Beekmantown High School, before going to Ithaca, New York for college. In the last decade she has lived and worked in a variety of fields and positions in Saratoga Springs, Glens Falls, and Plattsburgh, New York. She has been a School Counselor for 3 years, starting out as an Interim Counselor at Mettawee Community School in the Winter of 2010 and also at Saratoga Springs City School District as a Counselor for Students in Temporary Housing. In the Summer of 2010, she moved to the Rutland area to work at Mill River Union High School as the 9th & 10th grade Counselor. After two years of working there, Keturah was drawn to MSJ because of its reputation as a prominent College Preparatory Academy with a long, rich history. Keturah says, "I am overwhelmed with how welcoming and kind students, parents, and staff have been and am excited and proud to be a part of this community." Welcome Keturah!

UPCOMING EVENTS
12/13/12: Shadow Day at MSJ! Open to all grades - Shadowing is a great way for a prospective student to experience a typical school day at Mount St. Joseph Academy. Our Shadowing Program will continue throughout the school year. We welcome area students currently in grades 7 or above to visit for a day! Middle and High School aged prospective students who are interested in learning more about MSJ are invited to "shadow" a student for a full school day. Please RSVP electronically at www.msjvermont.org. Please contact Keturah Tallon, Guidance Director, at ktallon@msjvermont.org or 775-0151 for further information.

OPEN HOUSE January 16th!

The Open House will be from 6-8pm, on Wednesday, January 16th. This is primarily for new families although all are welcome. The faculty, coaches, PFC, student ambassadors, business office will be on hand to answer questions and provide tours. There will be a drawing for two tuition discounts of $1,000 that will be awarded to two new families who register for the upcoming school year.

Alumni and Friends

Keith Cannella (MSJ '92) was named the Territory Sales Executive for the East Territory (covering eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Delaware, and Maryland) at PNC Investments. He is only one of four individuals at PNC Investments to hold the title of Territory Sales Executive.

John Marro Vignoe (MSJ '94) and his wife, Kate, welcomed a new son, Luke Henry Vignoe, on November 26th. He is the namesake of Father Luke Austin (MSJ '94).

Brian Hart (MSJ '99) was elected to Washington, D.C. Advisory Neighborhood Commission for Adams Morgan.

Robert Hardwick (MSJ '89) has been selected as a new police chief in St. Augustine Beach, Florida. Click here for the full article.

REUNIONS
Class of 1964. The Class of 1964 annual Christmas lunch will be on December 15th, 2012, at noon at the Rutland Country Club. Call Ed Bove, Bob Marro, Jim Herlihy or the MSJ Development Office at (802) 775-0151 with any questions.

2013 Reunions! Let MSJ assist in your reunion planning! Opportunities to tour the school are available and we can provide you with alumni contact information to help get the word out! Contact Kathy Bove: kbove@msjvermont.org

1973 Graduates! A reunion committee comprised of Ric Reardon, Anne Shortle, Pam (Terrill) Larson and Mike Egan have attempted to contact members of the class of 1973 regarding the 40th reunion next July. If you are a member of the class of '73 and have not received a call, please contact Ric Reardon at (802) 558-4803.

1983 Graduates! Interested in planning our 30th class reunion? Please contact Mary Lou (Tedesco) Harvey; Harvey1014@comcast.net or (802) 236-3485. Hope to hear from you!

1988 Graduates! We are working on developing the plan for a combined RHS and MSJ class of 1988 reunion. Looking at Labor Day Weekend. If you are interested in helping coordinate the event contact Sam Welch at (706) 289-4926.

DONATE TODAY
Help make education affordable and DONATE HERE for the 2012-13 annual fund! MSJ is truly grateful for your support.