St. Mary's Alumni Newsletter
Winter 2018
Alumni & School News...
Do you have news that you'd like to share with the St. Mary's Community? Contact Dinis Camara (1991) via email at [email protected].
Mr. Jose Perez Retires
Mr. Jose Perez retired on October 27, 2017 after 30 years of service to the school and parish. Mr. Jose has filled the halls with his smile and enthusiasm over the years. He was given a blessing by Fr. Jorge Ubau at the 9 am mass that day. The school and parish members gathered in the auditorium to honor Mr. Jose. Mr. Jose, surrounded by his family, was presented with presents including one from each grade in the school (including many hugs) and a slideshow of photos from over the years. Afterwards, a reception was held in the Parish Hall for the adults in attendance. We wish Mr. Jose the best in his retirement!
Derrick Thompson (2004) takes over Rockville Recreation Program
The city of Rockville recently hired a St. Mary's graduate as the new Recreation Coordinator. Derrick Thompson of the class of 2004 was hired by the city in September to head up the Recreation Program including the Soccer, Basketball, Baseball, and Track and Field leagues in which the school participates. Please congratulate Derrick if you see him out at the fields.
Jr. National Honor Society
St. Mary's inducted thirteen new members to the National Junior Honor Society on Monday October 23. From the Class of 2018: John Bork, Noah Cauchi, Ivan Sagrado, and Chase Zabala. From the Class of 2019: Julia Cardoza, Nicole Conroy, Christopher DeSantos, Kate Fong, Natali Lopez, Sarah Majdi, Kike Okunseinde, Zola Ortiz, and Sean Russell.
Kevin O'Connell releases new book Two Journeys Home
Kevin O'Connell, father of five St. Mary's graduates and grandfather to a current 1st grader, released his new book
Two Journeys Home in November 2017. The book is the second in the Derrynane Saga and is a tale of 18th century Ireland. For more information, check out Kevin's web site at
http://www.derrynanebooks.com/.
School Musical Announced - The Sound of Music
The hills are alive with the sound of students! The Sound of Music has been announced as the school play this year! Come see John Bork (Class of 2018) as the Captain, Lia Ilagan (Class of 2020) as Maria and the St. Mary's 5th-8th graders in this timeless classic! The show will be the weekend of April 20-22 and there will be a young alumni social event preceding one of the shows.
School Presents 5 Year Strategic Plan
The school presented for the first time an overview of its new 5 year strategic plan at the State of the School Address on October 10. The plan focuses around five main pillars important to the school: 1) Catholic Identity, 2) Academic Excellence, 3) Enrollment, 4) Governance, and 5) Facilities. To view the outline that was presented, visit the school web site at http://www.stmaryschoolrockville.org/About/strategic-plan.
What's Going On...
Greg Gannon Food Drive - December 2
St. Mary's School and Parish Community is once again hosting the annual GGCFD. It's a wonderful way to continue to #walkwithFrancis in our school and parish community. St. Mary's School will be kicking off the event with a weeklong canned food drive starting November 27. Bring non-perishable foods item that will be donated to a local area non-profit. In addition, we are still looking for volunteers to assist with the parish canned food drive the morning of Saturday December 2. Please contact Maggie Harwell for more details on how to get involved!
St. Nicholas Festival - December 2
This year’s Annual Festival of St. Nicholas will take place on December 2nd following the 5 PM mass from 6-9 PM in the school gym. Come enjoy a fun filled, family friendly evening and catch up with other St. Mary's families and alumni!
1st Reconciliation for St. Mary's 2nd Graders - December 9
The St. Mary's 2nd Graders will be receiving the sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time on Saturday December 9. Please keep the kids in your prayers as they receive their first sacrament since baptism.
Winter Art Show, Band, and Chorus Concert - December 13
Art work created by all current St. Mary's students will be displayed throughout the school building. The doors will be open at 6 pm for you to see these special creations. The Band and Chorus concert will begin at 7 pm. This art show and concert is a great time to share in the creativity throughout the school and get in the Christmas spirit.
Christmas Program and Play - December 20
The annual school Christmas program will be Wednesday December 20 at 7 PM. Come enjoy some songs and get ready for Christmas while catching up with old friends!
Catholic Schools Week and Open House - January 28 - February 3, 2018
Celebrate Catholic Education the week of January 28! Catholic education provides so many benefits that we have all experienced. Whether you are near St. Mary's or not, show your support for Catholic Schools that week. If you are in the area, stop by the school on Sunday January 28 during the open house to say hi and see how the school has changed since you were here!
The 25th St. Mary's Annual Auction and Awards Gala will be held on Saturday, February 10 starting at 6 PM. The Gala Committee is busy planning an elegant evening to celebrate the Gala's Silver Anniversary. Tickets to the event will go on sale in December. Check the school web site for a link to buy your ticket to attend. The committee is also looking for donations that may be auctioned off. If you have an item to donate, contact the gala committee.
Do you have photos from when you or your children attended St. Mary's? We are looking for photos that we can share at school functions, on Facebook for Throw Back Thursdays, and other school advertisements. If you have old photos that you are willing to share, please send them to
[email protected].
St. Mary's Dine Out Locations!
Do you work at or own a restaurant that does dine out nights for non-profits? Let us know. St. Mary's is looking for restaurants, near the school or out of town, to go to for our dine out nights. Generally the announcements go out to both to the school and parish. If your restaurant is looking to bring in more business on a night and wants to support St. Mary's, let us know!
Save the Date...
The Sound of Music - April 20 - 22 Note: There will be a Young Alumni event before one of the shows.
St. Mary's Corn Hole Tournament - Date TBD in Spring 2018