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One of Seton’s 8-year-old elementary students recently requested that, instead of birthday gifts, her party guests should bring donations to the local Humane Society. More info can be found at the Houston County Humane Society website. Seton junior Elizabeth Cairnie won “Honorable Mention” in Category 2 (ages 11 to 14) of the 2010 HSLDA poetry contest. She was in the top five winning entries. Below is her entry: Day at Auction
Elizabeth Cairnie
Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania
All day have I perused and watched and shopped,A maid I need for Anne, my wife; she must Be sharp, nice teeth, good eyes and of good stock. Aha! Among the brats; yes, there she is. But what is this? A child is in her lap. He clings, he cries, she looks around the crowd. She is the one I want, yet what of him? Need him, want him I do not, but her eyes! Distressed and sad, forlorn, afraid, and lost, They cry for pity; they long for God’s help. Her heart awaits those breaking words, those words Are mine to say. She is prepared to part With fruit of womb, alas, her readiness Is that of one who faces the preordained. With tears and sobs suppressed, she grasps her child, Her arms, like tender vines, encircle him. My coins or her child? Shall I be the one To put her heart to point of sword? My God, Good business, bah! cannot be “good” when it Results in torment, grief, and human pain. They shall remain together. Though my purse Is lighter, her gratitude fills my soul. Seton student John Robert Griswold took the SAT test in March and scored a 2300 (720 in Math, 780 in Writing, and a perfect 800 in Reading). He had no preparation other than his many years of Seton courses and a basic SAT prep book. Says Mrs. Griswold: The credit for this accomplishment goes to Seton’s excellent program and its dedicated employees. Obviously the counselors and graders are the ones on the “front lines,” but we homeschooling families realize that everyone at Seton has a hand in the end result. Had it not been for the family-friendly attitude we encountered in all departments, we would not have homeschooled our children through high school — a critical time in their intellectual and moral development. Shortly after the January 12th earthquake in Haiti, former Seton student and ER nurse Erika Hoenke volunteered for 2½ weeks to help treat the victims of the quake. Erika attended Seton Home Study School for 5 years and graduated from the Franciscan University in Steubenville. She will begin medical school in the fall at Michigan State University. More info about her efforts may be found in the article titled “Mission of Mercy” from The Mining Journal newspaper. Seton graduate Nathaniel Bean (2006) received a Bachelor of Music degree, summa cum laude with honors, from Otterbein College in Westerville, Ohio, at its commencement exercises on Sunday, June 13. A trumpet performance major, Nathaniel received the William H. and Alta B. Arbogast Music Prize awarded to a graduating senior music major with the highest grade-point average. He has performed with numerous ensembles, including the Otterbein Wind Ensemble, Otterbein Big Band, Westerville Symphony, Cardinal Marching Band, College Band Directors National Association intercollegiate and Midwest honor bands, and as a soloist at St. Patrick Parish in Columbus, Ohio, and other churches. Nathaniel also was an original member of Otterbein Students for Life and for the past two years was a judge for the Ohio Right to Life Oratory Contest. Nathaniel has accepted a teaching assistant position at the University of Iowa, where he will begin graduate studies in trumpet performance in the fall. Seton graduate Dustin Ehle (2008) has been awarded the Sophomore Class Award from Franciscan University of Steubenville for the 2009-2010 academic year. He is being recognized for high scholarship (4.0 GPA) and campus activities. Dustin is a Computer Science major, minoring in Mathematics. He is also in the Honors Program at Franciscan. According to his parents: “We are very grateful to Seton because our children were well prepared for college!” Seton Junior Laura Campos recently took the SAT for the first time and scored a 2150—including a perfect 800 on the writing section. Says Laura’s mother: “We are proud of Laura and her academic accomplishments. We thank Seton for their excellent curriculum and promoting the importance of writing.” Seton student Marie Severyn recently placed first in the College Division of the Centerville-Washington Township Americana Festival Scholarship Contest. She will receive a framed certificate and a $1,500 scholarship. The award is based on community service, a 500-word essay, and an interview. To learn more about the contest, go to the Americana Festival website. Seton student Jacqueline Wardle placed 3rd in a Regional Teen Chef Competion on April 17th, 2010 at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. She was awarded a $2000 scholarship. Jacque was proud to hear “Seton Home School” announced as her school along with her name. Seton student Daniel Schmit has been awarded a $16,000 Regents/Trustees Scholarship to the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota. Seton student Noah Gagnon has been awarded a $15,000 Presidential Scholarship, as well as a $6,000 Co-op Scholarship, to Kettering University in Flint, Michigan. Seton student Rose Herlihy participated in the Mass celebrated by Pope Benedict XVI at Fatima, Portugal on May 13, 2010. More info can be found in this article from The Catholic Leader, the official newspaper of the Archdiocese of Brisbane, Australia.
Seton graduate Jane Bernardo-Solis has been accepted into the College of William and Mary. She will be graduating this summer semester from Tidewater Community College in Virginia Beach and currently holds a 4.0 GPA at TCC. At William and Mary she intends to major in Neuroscience and engage in research. Says Jane: “Thank you for the challenging and enriching experience at Seton. The knowledge you have given me, I will take with me on my journey of life, and I humbly attribute my successes to Seton’s curriculum.” Seton graduate Adam Stutzman has been awarded a $13,000 per year Dean’s Scholarship at St. Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, Indiana. In addition to this, they are giving him $4,000 a year to play the trumpet in their music program. (Adam has excelled in the band programs at the local high school and was selected for the All-State Honor Band for each of the last three years.) He will also be playing on the varsity tennis team as a walk-on. 1998 Seton graduate Shannon Murphy is now a cloistered Poor Clare nun in Illinois, having made her Solemn Vows on the Eve of the Solemnity of All Saints 2009.
Seton junior Evelyn Hildebrand recently won 1st Place in the First Division (ages 12-15) of the 2nd annual “A Call to Pens” Patrick Henry College Short Story Competition. More information, along with her winning entry, may be found on the Patrick Henry College website. Seton sophomore Donovan Gonzalez recently volunteered with the Coalition for Family Economic Progress as a greeter for the Free Income Tax Preparation at the Affordable Housing offices in El Paso, Texas. He checked to see if people had proper i.d., W-2’s, and last year’s return, helped them sign in, and sat them down in the office. He also kept a list of people and called them in to the preparer as needed in the computer lab.
Seton student Elizabeth Schneider has been awarded a Trustees’ Merit Scholarship by the University of Dayton in the amount of $13,500 per year, up to $54,000 for four years. Seton student Michaela Boros has been awarded a $2,000 Gateway Scholarship to Ohio University. On March 26th, Seton 2009 graduate Catherine Webb graduated with honors from Ashworth College’s Professional Writing Children’s Books Program. In recognition of her academic achievements and 4.0 GPA, she has been nominated for membership in the Georgia Alpha Chapter of the Delta Epsilon Tau National Honor Society, which bestows commendation on students from an accredited distance learning institution. Upon her induction, she will receive a personalized membership certificate and a congratulatory letter, as well as an Honor Society Gold Key inscribed with Greek letters, a flaming torch, and the words “Integrity” and “Excellence.” The children’s book that she wrote as a final assignment in the program was highly praised by her instructor, and she is currently in the process of searching for a publisher. Seton graduate Kayla Petri will be entering a monastery of cloistered Dominican nuns on April 29th. Next month, on the eve of Pentecost, Seton graduate John Ellis Shannon will be ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz of Lincoln, Nebraska. He is a member of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter and will celebrate his first Solemn High Mass on Pentecost Sunday. On April 3rd, Seton 10th grader Richard Pajerski, homeschooled with Seton since kindergarden, participated in his regional FIRST robotic competition. He and his team qualified to participate in the national FIRST championship 2 weeks later. More info can be found at www.wral.com/news/local/story/7353930/.
Seton student Jamie McWilliam has been selected March 2010 Student of the Month by Erdman’s Black Belt Academy for his loyalty and commitment to Taekwondo. He is a 2nd degree black belt, junior leader, at Erdman’s. He holds 7 Nevada State Champion titles, and was ranked in the Top Ten in the world in 2008. He recently took the first of three mid-terms required in order to test for his 3rd degree black belt in March 2011, receiving a near perfect score. In addition to his Karate curriculum, Jamie has been traveling to tournaments around the country, competing this year in hopes of gaining a position in the Top Ten for 2010. Jamie will be completing 8th grade before his 13th birthday this May, as well as two high school level courses. He sets an incredible example for his fellow students at the karate school, and is very well liked and respected by them all, particularly the younger, lower ranked students. Seton 2009 graduate Nicole M. Villalobos was awarded an ASAP and merit scholarship. She is currently a freshman at the University of Dallas majoring in Biochemistry. She made the Dean’s List in her first semester at UD and will be studying in the UD Rome program next spring. She accomplished all of her schooling from 4th through 12th grade enrolled solely with Seton Home Study School. Seton student David Salmonowicz recently finished in the top 20 percent in the National Financial Literacy Challenge. Seton student Sean Reynolds was awarded High Point Individual for a 4H Entomology Contest on January 25th. He used Seton’s 5th grade science materials to help study.
Dear Seton,
Seton student Owen Riley placed third in the Mid-Atlantic Oireachtas this past November. He qualified for and will be competing at the Oireachtas Rince na Criena.(World championships of Irish Dance) this coming March in Glasgow, Scotland. His ceili team won first place in the November competition and is also competing at Worlds. He is currently ranked 18th in the world. This will be his fourth time competing at the worlds as a solo. He has danced at the New Jersey PAC with Patty Noonan and the Chieftans, and at Carnegie Hall with Ronan Tynan. He has also performed with Cherish the Ladies.  Elizabeth Lewis Elizabeth Lewis, a junior student of Seton, was nominated and accepted into the National Society of High School Scholars. Elizabeth has also published her first teen novel, Spellbound. She wrote this novel over a 3 year period. It will be featured at the London Book Fair, and is being reviewed for a possible movie. She is presently working on three more novels. Elizabeth will be going to Washington D.C. this summer to receive the Congressional Gold Award. Seton student Kaleigh Wiley has received a 2009 National Merit Scholarship Program Letter of Commendation. These are awarded to high-scorers on the PSAT/NMSQT® who did not qualify for semifinalist status. Congratulations to this year’s Seton National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalists: Seton 11th grader Jessica Ries recently won one of two 1-year scholarships to the Keizer Academy of Music and Arts in an essay contest held by the school this summer. Contestants were to write a 500-word essay on why their chosen art is important to them. Jessica chose music, and decided to take voice lessons with her scholarship.  Katherine M. Hadford at Harvard University’s “Evening with Champions” October 1999 Katherine Maria Hadford (Kati) began figure skating “for fun” in 1996. After less than 6 weeks in a group class her instructor advised her parents of her “exceptional talent” and urged her to sign up for private lessons so she could advance quicker at her own level. Her advice launched Kati’s national and international competitive figure skating career. In 1998, at only 9 years old, she qualified to compete in the United States Junior Olympics in the Juvenile Ladies Singles Division. Today, she still remains the youngest lady in United States Figure Skating history to ever compete in this division at 9 years old. The following year she again qualified and competed in the United States Junior Olympics Ladies Freeskating Singles, but this time she competed in the Intermediate Ladies Singles Division—one level higher. Back in those years only two ladies out of over a hundred entries qualified to compete in the Junior Olympics from each of the eight regions in the United States.  Katherine at the U.S. Figure Skating 2005 Eastern Sectionals November 2004 Following the recommendations of U.S. World and Olympic judges, Kati was ready to train with higher-level coaches and began training at the University of Delaware. Training in Delaware meant four hours driving from Virginia 4–5 days a week. Her long-distance training meant she could no longer continue her schooling at the Catholic elementary school she attended since Kindergarten. Her grandparents recommended Kati enroll in the Seton Home School program primarily for its outstanding Catholic principles rooted in all of their subjects, but also because of Seton’s flexibility in completing the various course curriculums, because of their long-standing reputation, and because of Seton’s excellent counselors, along with impressive recommendations the family received from other home schooling parents. After about 4 years of commuting, Kati’s family rented a small apartment in Newark, Delaware. Her brothers and sister enrolled in Catholic schools in Wilmington and Kati continued learning through Seton Home Schooling. She also completed and passed 16 two-part figure skating tests from the preliminary through the senior level. Until 2005 she competed as a member of U.S. Figure Skating in over 300 local, regional, sectional, and national competitions throughout the USA and collected over 300 medals and awards. She qualified two times to compete in the U.S. National Championships in the senior ladies division—the highest level and most important of all U.S. competitions. She was also invited three times to perform a solo program at Harvard University’s prestigious “Evening With Champions” show—a fundraiser which benefits children afflicted with cancer.  Katherine at the ISU 2008 Junior Worlds March 2008 In the summer of 2005 Kati’s family travelled to Hungary to visit relatives. (Kati and her family have dual citizenship with the USA and Hungary.) While in Hungary she trained in the ice arena in Budapest. Representatives from the Hungarian National Figure Skating Team met with Kati and her family and invited her to join the Hungarian National Figure Skating Team. The decision was difficult because it meant Kati had to leave U.S. Figure Skating in order to compete for Hungary. Although she had many memorable years in U.S. Figure Skating, Kati decided she was ready for new challenges. She wanted to travel and learn the Hungarian language. Skating and training in Hungary gave her the opportunity to get immersed in Hungarian language and culture, and to travel throughout Europe extensively. Seton graduate Kara Nelson recently published an article in the Hawaii Catholic Herald concerning a group of nuns from the Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians—founded in Guwahati, India—who have taken up residence in Hilo, Hawaii to support the local parish. Seton graduate Mary Hendershott of Tennessee is entering the Nashville Dominicans in August. Her brother Michael is continuing his studies at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Pennsylvania. Michael Poston, also of Tennessee is also at St. Charles. Seton 11th graders Paulius Sinkora and Laura Henry both earned a perfect 800 on the Writing portion of the SAT in the June 2009 test. Seton student Wesley Egan won 3rd place in the entire state of Washington for a Knights of Columbus Respect for Life essay contest. The topic was: God’s Gift is Life. Seton graduate Nicholas Blank recently received a Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree Pro Deo and Pro Patria Scholarship. The award is for a maximum of $1,500 annually. Nicholas will be attending Christendom College in Front Royal, Virginia. Seton graduate Paul Schumann made the Dean’s List for the Fall 2008 semester at St. Thomas Aquinas College in Sparkill, New York. Paul earned a 4.0 GPA for that semester. He is in the Honors Program at the college, majoring in Accounting, and is taking courses to complete a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in 5 years. Paul is also on the college’s Men’s Tennis Team. Recent Seton graduate Catherine Gray has been awarded a full-tuition, four-year scholarship to the University of Great Falls in Great Falls, Montana. UGF is a Catholic university founded in 1932 by the Sisters of Providence. Before graduation, Catherine attended college classes at her local Catholic college through its Advanced College Experience Program. She earned 28 college credits, all of which transferred to UGF.
Seton student Laura Casado, grade 7 from Clovis, CA, has received a partial scholarship to Fresno Pacific University’s Summer Music Camp. She will participate in the voice and musical theater component of the program. One of the pieces she sang as part of the scholarship application was “Panis Angelicus.”
Seton graduate Christa McMahon recently received the Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Woman of the Year Award at Ave Maria University’s Senior Awards Night. The award recognizes a female graduating senior who has contributed significantly to the spiritual, social, academic, and moral welfare of the Catholic community at Ave Maria University. It is awarded based on the areas academic excellence, service to the University and broader community, dedication to the mission of Ave Maria, and joyful participation in the life of the campus. It is the highest honor given to a senior female graduate from the Office of Student Life. Seton student Paul Ashour received the awards for Outstanding Achievement in General Chemistry I and Outstanding Achievement in General Chemistry II for the 2008-2009 school year at Tarrant County College’s Southeast Campus in Arlington, Texas on April 21, 2009. Seton student Christa Ross recently won First Place in a Holocaust Remembrance Essay Contest sponsored by Holloman Air Force Base. Christa credits Seton historian Bruce T. Clark and Christ the King, Lord of History, one of Seton’s history texts, for their help in writing her essay. Seton graduate and Gates Scholar Jeffrey Kirkland, a graduate of Emory University, has applied to seminary with the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter in Denton, Nebraska. If accepted, his formation will take seven years. Seton graduate Joseph Andre Gill will be ordained to the Order of Deacon at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in Baltimore, Maryland on May 23rd by Archbishop Edwin F. O’Brien, Archbishop of Baltimore. Seton student Joan Miller has been admitted to both the University of California at Los Angeles as well as Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. Pepperdine also offered her a four-year academic scholarship of $26,000 per academic year. After much prayer, she has decided to attend UCLA, majoring in Biophysics.
Seton student Brittany Nicole Matherne released her first Christian CD entitled Guiding Light on Saturday, November 15, 2008 at a concert held at St. Hilary Catholic Church in Raceland, LA. For more information, go to www.brittanynicole.biz. We are pleased to announce that 5th grader, Emily Casado, a Seton student since first grade, has won 1st place in the Home School Legal Defense Association’s (HSLDA) 2008 annual essay contest. She critiqued the Irish proverb “The work praises the man.”
Dear Mrs. Clark, Simon Goemans recently received his Springbok Scout award—the highest award in scouting, and the equivalent of the Eagle Scout award in the USA. Simon has received several awards, being voted scout of the year 2007, and has led his patrol to win various competitions including the Seamanship competition and Beaver Rose (camping competition). See http://www.bergvliet.entry.co.za/ for information on his sea scout troop. (In the picture from left to right: Monica, Joseph (cub scout), Anne-Marie, Bernadette, Simon, Thomas, Brian, Luke.) Simon is in Grade 12 and hopes to study Politics Philosophy and Economics at a USA Catholic university if he can secure scholarships. The Goemans family lives in Cape Town, South Africa. Congratulations to this year’s Seton National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalists: Seton graduate Aaron J. Fowler has completed his postulancy with the Franciscans of the Immaculate, a Marian Missionary Order, and has begun a very rigorous novitiate this month. He will undertake 7 years of study at the seminary in Rome before being ordained a priest for the order.
Seton graduate Angela Ragsdale (Seton Class of 2000) was admitted into Mensa, the largest, oldest, and most famous high-IQ society in the world. When tested last fall, she scored in the top 2%. To qualify for admission into Mensa, one must score at the 98th percentile or higher on a standardized, supervised intelligence test.
Seton student Daniel Volovets has been accepted as a PSEO (Post-Secondary Education Options) student at the University of Minnesota, and has already started the first semester at the School of Music. He has also achieved a 4.0 GPA over the two years he has been with Seton. Seton graduate Jennifer Poston was accepted into Drexel University’s Masters in Library and Information Services program and will start the online program this month. She has also received a fellowship to help with the expense. Seton graduate Sister Marie Rachel of the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles recently made her Profession of First Vows for her community. More info may be found at the Carmelite Sisters’ Events page under “First Profession Ceremony.” (Sister Marie is the young woman without glasses.) Seton student Alannah Enzor won 1st place for 1st grade in the 14th annual Reading Rainbow Young Writers & Illustrators contest through her local public television station, MPT (Maryland Public Television). More information can be found on her family’s Web site. On May 10, 2008, Seton graduate Erin Sedlacek graduated from Ave Maria University in Naples, Florida with a degree in Politics. Seton graduate Daniel Sedlacek was recently accepted as a seminarian at St. John Vianney Seminary, at St. Thomas University, St. Paul, Minnesota for the diocese of La Crosse, WI. On Friday, May 30th, 2008, the Feast of the Sacred Heart, the following four men were ordained priests for the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter by Darío Cardinal Castrillón Hoyos, the President of the Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei.
Televised live on EWTN, the ordinations took place at the Cathedral of the Risen Christ in the diocese of Lincoln, Nebraska. It was a special ordination for many reasons. For one, Cardinal Hoyos is the Prefect of Ecclesia Dei, the office of the Vatican that governs all matters related to the extraordinary form of the Mass. Cardinal Hoyos has given the traditionalist movement unparalleled support. Secondly, for the first time a traditional ordination was broadcast to the entire world on the only truly global network, EWTN. Finally, ordinations which were originally scheduled for Saturday, May 31st were moved because of scheduling problems to Friday, which happened to be the Feast of the Sacred Heart. Plans and achievements of some members of our 2008 graduating class:
Katharine Miriam Armstrong has received scholarships from Christendom College and Randolph College and a scholarship sponsored by the Chemical Corps Regimental Association. Hanna Barlow is a member of The National Society of High School Scholars. She will likely attend the University of Guelph (Ontario) studying Physics. Jack Richard Dillow achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in 2006 and is a member of the Minnesota Civil Air Patrol. He will attend the University of Wisconsin–River Falls studying Music. Melanie Catherine Evans has earned her Bronze Award in Girl Scouts and will attend Collin County Community College. Stephen Christian Flemings will attend John Paul the Great College in San Diego, CA. William Walter Gabalski will attend Genesee Community College in Batavia, NY studying Computer Systems & Network Technologies. Viviana Marie Garcia will attend Providence College in Rhode Island. She has studied at the University of Salamanca in Spain and will study this summer at The Sorbonne in Paris. Stephanie Hoffbauer has been accepted into the Pre-Med program at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. Gregory J. Huete will attend the New Orleans Jazz School for their summer session. In the fall he will attend Louisiana State University, where he has received a Taylor Opportunity Honor Scholarship and an LSU Merit Scholarship. Jacqueline Grace Kenney will attend Christendom College. She has received the Presidential Scholarship for academic achievement. Megan Amber MacAdam will attend Christendom College in the fall. Michael J. Mann will attend Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia in the fall. Joseph Robert McGlynn will attend Ave Maria University in Florida. Matthew McGuirk has been with Seton for his full high school career. He is an Eagle Scout and is also active in basketball and pro-life oratory. Lauren Montgomery will attend Park University in Parkville, Missouri. She is a National Merit Finalist and has received a Trustee Scholarship and a Missouri Bright Flight Award. Jonathan Michael Mullen will attend Western Connecticut State University where he has received a full 4-year merit scholarship. He will study TV/Film Production. Timothy James Norton will attend Linn Benton Community College/Oregon State University this fall. Jessica Paige Ocampo has been offered admission to Carleton University and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology. Emily Marie Powell will attend Chesapeake Community College studying Early Childhood Development. Sarah Elizabeth Richards will attend Ave Maria University in Florida where she has received a leadership scholarship. Rebekah Marie Richards will attend Franciscan University of Steubenville studying Communications and Music. Matthew Edward Rocha will attend Lord Fairfax Community College. He plans to work toward becoming a Master Electrician. Nicole Alicia Ryan will be attending Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles studying Communications and Business. Nicole has been named Miss Teen Newhall and Miss Teen Santa Clarita Valley. Machelle Regina Sowinski has received the Girl Scout Silver and Gold Awards. She will attend Franciscan University of Steubenville studying Biology and Chemistry. Timothy Van Mieghem II has achieved the International Rank of Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do (Korean martial arts). Catherine May Webb has been a Teen Editor for True Girl Magazine and has also been published in St. Maria’s Messenger. After graduation, she intends to pursue a career in writing. Rachel Webb will attend SUNY Orange Community College in Middletown, NY in the fall. Rachel is the recipient of the St. Mary’s Eighth Grade Confirmation Class Scholarship Award for service to the parish and the community. Elizabeth Rose Weidner will attend Purdue University studying Animal Sciences. She has been active in 4H for many years and is a member of the Indiana Junior Leaders. Patricia M. Wnek will attend the Peabody Conservatory of Music of Johns Hopkins University to major in Violin Performance. Patricia has won numerous competitions and awards and has performed solo at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall. She is graduating at the age of 15. Elizabeth Anne Wolf is a member of the National Society of High School Scholars and the recipient of the Daughters of the American Revolution/ROTC Medal for leadership and patriotism. She will attend Texas A&M University studying Zoology. 2008 Seton graduate Paul Schumann has been awarded a full scholarship to attend St. Thomas Aquinas College in Sparkill, New York.
Seton graduate Katie Heenan, currently a senior attending the University of Georgia on a full athletic scholarship, has been named the 2008 Honda Sports Award winner as the top collegiate female gymnast in the US. More details may be found at http://awards.honda.com/?p=6
Seton graduate Katherine Grace Surmanski has been chosen from a graduating class of about a thousand art students to receive the Governor General Silver Medal award at the 2008 Convocation of the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada.
The Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth recently awarded Seton student Nelson Aungst the State Award for High Honors as part of its International Mathematics and Verbal Talent Search for being among the highest-scoring participants in Delaware for the 2008 academic year. Nelson was also awarded the Spatial Ability Award for scoring 600 or above on the Spatial Test Battery.
Seton graduate Thomas Marsh has received an $8,000 per year academic scholarship to attend Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas.
Seton graduate Katherine Peters was recently awarded multiple scholarships by the College of St. Benedict and Saint John’s University. She received a $13,500 Regents’/Trustees’ Scholarship for high scholastic achievement, leadership abilities, talents and an outstanding high school record. Katherine also received a $2,000 Music Scholarship and a $3,000 Catholic Benedictine Scholarship.
Seton graduate Greg Huete was recently awarded a Louisiana Freshman Merit Award in the amount of $1,000 by Louisiana State University in recognition of commendable scholastic performance.
Dear Seton, We wanted to share our good news with you. One of your earliest students, A.F., has made a profession and completed his first year as a Postulate for the Franciscans of the Immaculate, a Marian Missionary Order. Thanks to all of the help from Seton and the wonderful Cathy Gould and Pat Walker, he graduated high school successfully. After assisting his family in a health crisis, he began to explore ...“a calling”. He worked with our parish priest, and last August went away to the Franciscans. There he has been studying Gregorian Chant, voice, piano, Mariology and some liturgical norms. Because he was homeschooled with Seton, he took time to study the guitar on his own. He has great musical talents we never knew about! The Friars are helping him develop them even more! He has one more year of study here in the states. He must learn enough Italian to study at the seminary in Rome, where he will live for 7 years before becoming ordained. (PLEASE PRAY FOR HIM!) Thank you all so much for helping him with his study skills and with our homeschooling efforts. God had a great plan for him! I am asking all of your staff to please put my son on your prayer lists and pray for his successful completion to the Priesthood. He has a very long academic road ahead, and with God’s Grace alone, he will persevere. Thank you again from the whole family. Sincerely, Seton 10th grader Christine Gerardi, a Seton student since the 3rd grade, won 2nd place at the Senior level and $150 in the National Right to Life Committee’s recent Pro-Life Essay Contest. The full list of winners with links to their winning essays may be found at http://www.nrlc.org/essaycontest/Winners07/Winners07.html
The following Seton students have received scholarships to attend the University of Dayton:
Seton graduate John Paul Wohlscheid was recently inducted into the Sigma Beta Delta international Honors Society for students in business, management, and administration. John is currently a junior at Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Michigan majoring in marketing and minoring in English writing. He owes all his success to his mother’s hard work and the curriculum at Seton Home Study School.
Seton graduate Neil Goyal recently completed his first semester at the University of Connecticut with a 3.9 GPA. He was also the leading student in his history class, scoring a 99 on his midterm exam. Neil credits Seton Home Study School with giving him an excellent preparation for college.
 Seton student Elizabeth Wolf, Class of 2008, a United States Naval Sea Cadet, was awarded the Daughters of the American Revolution National Defense Committee ROTC Medal on March 9th, 2008. Elizabeth, a graduating Sea Cadet, has demonstrated academic excellence, dependability, good character, adherence to military discipline, leadership, and a fundamental and patriotic understanding of the importance of the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corp. This is a very prestigious award that is only given to one cadet per year. Elizabeth plans to go to college in the fall and pursue a degree in Zoology. Elizabeth has been homeschooled with Seton since 1st Grade.
Seton senior Paul Schumann, who was recently accepted to Mount St. Mary’s College in Newburgh, New York, has been awarded the Presidential Sholarship for 2008-2009 by Sr. Ann Sakac, the college’s president. The scholarship is renewable annually.
Earlier this year, former Seton student Costel Michael Outlaw received the rank of Eagle Scout as well as the Congressional Bronze Award. His project was to remodel the fellowship hall of the small country church where his father’s family has attended for over five generations. He has been very active in his parish and is currently in ninth grade at Camden Military Academy in South Carolina, where he plays football and is active in JROTC.
On November 11, 2007 Seton eighth-grader Abraham John Rusch was presented with the rank of Eagle Scout, Scouting’s highest honor. Abraham has been involved in several leadership positions, including Senior Patrol Leader, Chaplain Aide, and Patrol Leader. He also participates in Choir and Orchestra at Oakland Homeschool Music, plays soccer with the American Youth Soccer Organization, and is a Senior Altar Server at Divine Mercy Parish in Davisburg, Michigan.
Seton students Mary Wang (13) and Maggie Wang (12) of Ontario, Canada were selected as the top hockey goalies in their age divisions (Bantam and Peewee) in the city of Kitchener. They will represent the City of Kitchener as they travel this winter throughout the province. They are able to pursue excellence in their hockey “careers” due to the flexibility of the Seton Home Study School.
Seton graduate Alex Ogrodnick (Class of 2007) of Saskatchewan, Canada recently wrote an article entitled “Of Beatitudes, Money, and Gratitude” which was published in the July/August 2007 edition of Gilbert Magazine, a publication of The American Chesterton Society. Alex is currently attending Thomas Aquinas College in Santa Paula, California.
Congratulations to this year’s Seton National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalists:
Michael Pratt (Georgia) Lauren Montgomery (Missouri) Lauren Bridges (Colorado) Hanna Cuoco (Colorado) Mercedes Sayler (North Dakota) Catherine Sims (Washington) Matthew Schmidgall (Oregon) Seton graduate Jacob Franklin (Class of 2007) recently won the University of Utah SummerArts Piano Competition, placing 1st in the overall college division, 1st in Solo, 3rd in Concerto, 3rd in Video Teaching, and 3rd in Keyboard Skills. Jacob was also a 22nd International Young Artist Piano Competition finalist, a Bradshaw & Buono International Piano Competition 2nd place winner (he will be performing in New York this season), the Con Brio Music Competition 1st place winner, as well as the recipient of a 4-year University of Utah Honors at Entrance Scholarship and a University of Utah School of Music scholarship worth $1000 - $2000 renewable for 4 years. Seton 5th grader Rachael Mattio recently received a 2nd Place ribbon for her entry in the art contest at the Virginia State Fair in Richmond. Her entry, a duct tape dress and pocketbook, is the first project she has ever entered into a contest.
Seton student Katherine Bhora recently won Second Prize in the High School Division of the 2007 Jane Austen Society of North America Essay Contest. More information may be found at http://www.jasna.org/essaycontest/2007/index.html.
Earlier this month, Seton student Cameron Serrato earned the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America, Alamo Area Council, Keystone District, Troop 911. Cameron served in many leadership positions in his troop, including Den Chief, Instructor, Assistant Patrol Leader, and Patrol Leader. After he graduates this fall, he plans to go to college and major in Business.
Seton students Michael Hendershott and Michael Poston were accepted to St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania. They will begin their studies at the college seminary this fall.
Seton graduate Emily Griswold was recently chosen Valedictorian of the Christendom College Class of 2007. She graduated summa cum laude from the college, located in Front Royal, Virginia.
Seton student Catherine Warrington won two scholarships to Texas A&M University at Galveston. She was awarded the Phi Theta Kappa scholarship for community college students who have earned an Associate’s degree, as well as one of three Abe and Peggy Levy Fellowships, which covers all tuition and fees for the student’s first year. Although she just finished high school, she will also receive her Associate’s degree next month.
The Boy Scouts of America Woodbury Troop #149 recently presented the rank of Eagle Scout to Seton student Paul Erik Schumann.
In February, Seton 11th grader Catherine Webb was chosen to be a Teen Editor for True Girl, a Catholic magazine for teenage girls. Her picture and profile were featured on the “All About You” page of the April/May issue. She is currently writing a children’s story and is planning on becoming a writer.
Seton 8th grader Elizabeth A. Ouweleen was recently honored for Distinction by Johns Hopkins University for her performance on the SAT test as a participant in the Center for Talented Youth program. More information about the CTY program may be found at http://cty.jhu.edu
Ethan Gould, son of Seton special education counselor Cathy Gould, is a co-winner, along with Austin and Tyler Burdick, of the national eCYBERMISSION competition in Washington, DC. Each winner took home $8,000 in U.S. savings bonds for their project, which must address a problem in the local community. Ethan, Austin, and Tyler developed mineral supplements for deer to address a local decline in deer health.
 Seton student Elizabeth Lewis won the Gold Level Presidential Volunteer Service Award from President Bush. Among her prior accomplishments, she received a blessing and certificate by Pope John Paul II of an icon she wrote.
Seton student Megan Dial, recently named a National Merit Scholarship Finalist, has been accepted into the Honors program at the Franciscan University of Steubenville in Steubenville, Ohio, where she will begin classes in the fall. Megan also received a perfect score of 800 on the Critical Reading section of the SAT.
Seton student Joseph Henares recently finished in the top five at this year’s National Spelling Bee, ahead of 300 semi-finalists from the United States and other countries. More info may be found at http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view_article.php?article_id=69199.
Ingrid Hoenke, a Seton student for 9 years, is graduating from her local high school with a class rank of #2. She has received full-tuition scholarship offers from the University of Pittsburgh Honors College as well as the Michigan Technological University in Houghton, Michigan. She was also the #1 pick in her state for the United States Senate Youth Program. She spent a week in Washington, DC working with the US Senate, all expenses paid, and received a $5,000 scholarship.
Seton student Brittany Buckner was recently named a National Merit Scholarship Finalist. She had also scored a perfect 800 on the Critical Reading section of the SAT test she took in January 2006.
Seton graduate Katelyn Sullivan (class of 2006), who is currently in her second year at the University of LaVerne in LaVerne, California studying Business Administration, has been awarded a $23,000 scholarship for the 2007-2008 academic year. In her first year at the university, she received a $9,000 scholarship.
Seton student Brady Wilson, a life-long homeschooler, was named a National Merit Scholar Finalist in February of 2007.
Seton graduate Kurt Hoenke is on the Dean's List in his second year at the US Military Academy at West Point, NY.
Seton student Shannon Hale has been awarded an academic scholarship amounting to 75% of her tuition for the Fall 2007 semester at Ave Maria University in Naples, Florida.
Seton student Paul Francis Braden was recently accepted into the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Seton graduate Erika Hoenke is currently a junior at the Franciscan University of Steubenville in Steubenville, Ohio earning straight-A's pursuing a double-major in Nursing and Spanish.
Seton graduate Meaghen Hale is currently attending Ave Maria University in Naples, Florida with the help of a scholarship she received from the University. Recently, she has been hired as a student reporter for The Angelus of Ave Maria University Newspaper ~ The Voice of Progress for Ave Maria University and Town.
Seton student Katie Montelepre has been named a National Merit Finalist and is the recipient of the President's Excellence Scholarship at Southeastern Louisiana University.
Seton student Alana Jacobs received a perfect score of 800 on the Reading section of the SAT in October of 2006.
Seton graduate Ryan Bradley recently finished 2nd at the US Figure Skating Championships in Spokane, Washington.
Seton student Jamille Seaberg has been named a National Merit Scholar semifinalist. Jamille has been with Seton Home Study School since the sixth grade. She credits her faith and her family as being instrumental in her success.
The family of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Soucy of Massachussetts was recently chosen as the 2006 Knights of Columbus International Family of the Year. More information may be found at the Knights of Columbus Web site.
On July 1 Seton student Michael Poston was presented with the American Legion’s Eagle Scout of the Year award for the state of Tennessee. At the end of July he completed the AIM (Academy Introduction Mission) program at the US Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut.
Seton graduate Christopher A. Pince has been accepted into the Class of 2009 at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut.
Seton student Theodore Claya recently received the Academic Leadership Scholarship to attend Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Seton student KeriAnne Carter has been awarded the Academic Excellence and Church Service Scholarship.
Seton student Matthew Madrid has been appointed to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Seton student Monica Shibler has won a $3000 scholarship to attend Globe College in Minnesota.
Seton student John Gerardi scored a perfect 800 on the Reading and Writing sections of the May SAT test.
Seton student Sarah Stutzman has won a $9000 Presidential Scholarship and a grant to study music at Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, Indiana.
Seton student John Blazewicz has been awarded the Dean’s Scholarship and the SJC Performance Scholarship for St. Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, Indiana.
Seton student Melissa Martin scored a perfect 800 on the Reading section of the March 2005 SAT test.
Seton student Brandon Baker has been awarded the President’s Scholarship and the Benedictine Scholarship to attend the College of St. Benedict/St. John's University in Collegeville, Minnesota.
Seton student Joel Soldner has been awarded the Grace M. Johnson Scholarship for the University of Wisconsin.
New Seton graduate Bryan McAlister has been accepted into the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York. The McAlister family has been with Seton for ten years.
Seton student Jacob Ebelhar recently received the UMR Trustees Scholarship to attend the University of Missouri at Rolla.
Seton graduate Justin Ferguson, currently a seminarian at the Pontifical North American College in Rome, is scheduled to be ordained to the diaconate at St. Peter’s Basilica on October 6, 2005 and then to the priesthood in June of 2006. Justin had two personal audiences with Pope John Paul II (the last in October of 2004), and read the first reading at Pope Benedict XVI’s installation Mass in April. Both Justin and his brother Jon, also a Seton graduate, graduated with high honors from the Franciscan University of Steubenville.Seton student Daniel Marciniak recently accepted a scholarship in the amount of $6,000 per year to attend Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas.
Andrew Hayes, who graduated from Seton in 2000, graduated from Christendom College (Front Royal, Virginia) in 2004 as his class Valedictorian. His mother credits study habits developed as a home schooling student as the basis of his success. Andrew is currently a professor of Greek at Christendom.
Seton student John Paul Wohlscheid recently won third place in his district for the annual VFW Voice of Democracy audio essay contest. He also won first place at the local VFW post level. Congratulations, John!
Three Seton students: Keenan Aungst (grade 7), Mariette Aungst (grade 3), and Nelson Aungst (grade 3) recently completed the 2004 Summer Reading Program at the Hockessin Public Library. Each received a certificate signed by Delaware Governor Ruth Ann Minner and Lieutenant Governor John Carner, Jr. as well as a book prize upon completion of the program.
Seton student Brandon Baker has been awarded eligibility for a Barry University Scholarship for the fall of 2005 based in part on his GPA of 3.800 and his combined score of 1300 on the SAT’s. The award is renewable for up to four years as long as he maintains on-campus residency and a 3.0 grade point average. He would receive $14,500 each year for four years of study. Congratulations, Brandon!
In fact, each of their children start their education by attending public school.
“We let them each decide when to start home schooling,” said Mike, who was, himself, home-schooled as a child. “My dad needed our help at home,” he explained.
When his oldest daughter, Teresa, learned that her father had been home schooled, she asked, “Why can’t we do that?” So Mike and Karen told her that they would consider it.
“We said, ‘You do all the leg work (checking out home school programs), and then we’ll decide whether you can do it,’” Karen explained.
Eventually, Teresa found a good program, Seton Home School in Front Royal, Va.
Since then, all of their 12 other children have followed Teresa’s example, right up to Mark, who starts home schooling this year (in fifth grade).
The process of home schooling allows for one aspect of education that is pretty much taboo in public schools: Christianity.
“The history taught in public schools is only about half of the story,” Karen pointed out. “And science -- what’s science without God?”
Mike also noted that Seton Home School does all the work in putting together the curriculum.
From “International Family of the Year” by Vicki L. Gerdes, DL Newspapers
Michaela Hough has just finished participating in the National American Miss Missouri Pageant, where she earned the honor of being placed on the Princess Queen’s Court as 3rd runner up in the State of Missouri, 2nd runner up in the Casual Modeling Wear Competition and 1st runner up as Most Promising Model. She has been invited to compete for the National Queen’s title in Anaheim, California at the National All-American Miss Pageant this November during Thanksgiving Week.
A June 2003 graduate of Seton entered the convent of the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist in Ann Arbor, Michigan last summer. On August 5 of this year she received her religious habit. She started with Seton as a 4th grader and loves what God has called her to do.
Seton 8th grader Paul Schumann received the “Ad Altare Dei” emblem from Cardinal Edward Egan on April 18th, the day after his Confirmation, in a special Archdiocesan Scout Mass. Congratulations, Paul!
Seton student John Paul Wohlscheid won second place in his grade division (grades 9-12) in the fiction section of a writing contest sponsored last year by the Grand Rapids Library.
Rebecca Asher, a Seton student, has started taking courses at the local community college. She has achieved a GPA of 4.0 in her first semester. Great job, Rebecca!
Isabel Mariana Garcia-Delucca, a 12 year old home-schooler from Owings Mills, Maryland, was crowned Miss Maryland Pre-Teen on Saturday, July the 3rd at the Hunt Valley Marriott. Isabel, who has been taught at home since first grade, uses Seton Home Study as her curriculum.
A parishoner at Holy Family Church in Randallstown, she prays the Rosary every day, goes to daily Mass often, and does a Holy Hour every Friday.
Selected amongst 68 other candidates, Isabel not only won the title, but also won the talent competition, dancing to a gospel song by Jaci Velazquez. She was also the recipient of the Spirit Award, given to the candidate that is most cooperative, encouraging and friendly.
The pageant requires the contestants to not wear makeup when in front of the judges. They are interviewed privately by each one of the five judges. They are required to wear only modest and age-appropriate outfits. Community involvement and academic achievement are also qualifiers.
The title comes with a cash award. Isabel decided to donate a portion of her award to the Missionaries of Charity in Baltimore City. Her proud parents are Dr. and Mrs. Ivan H. Garcia.
Kimberly Doudna, a Seton 7th grade student, is representing Alaska in the National Spelling Bee on June 1, 2004 in Washington, DC. She won the Daily News-Miner Interior Alaska Spelling Bee by correctly spelling “palladium” and “knish.”
Rachel Hernandez, homeschooled through Seton since Kindergarten, correctly spelled “rococo” to win the News in Education Scripps Howard Regional Spelling Bee 2004 and will move on to the national competition in June. She competed against 53 other middle school students from 10 counties in Florida. Great job, Rachel!
Dear Mr. Clark,
As you may remember, my daughter, Sarah graduated from Seton in May 2003. I’m taking advantage of parental bragging rights to let you know how she is faring so far. While still in her Seton junior year, she began taking con-current classes at college in Texas. She will graduate there this coming May 2004 with double majors in Psychology & Sociology. She is Phi Theta Kappa and has maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout her studies. She has just received the “Dean’s Scholarship” (an academic scholarship totaling $20,000) to complete her undergraduate work. Sarah just turned 18 this past November. She is planning to go into Chiropractic Medicine, but she so loves Psychology who knows where she will end up? She is always bragging on Seton Curriculum to her Professors and anyone else who will listen. She has never had any trouble with a college paper as Seton prepared her well. History has been a breeze. Please pass this on to Dr. Mary Kay. We still have another daughter currently enrolled with Seton. She is in 4th grade and so proud to be a “Seton Girl” just like Sarah. Thank you so much for all your work and dedication for Seton Home Study. God bless you greatly! In Christ, P.H. Samuel Ostgard, one of Seton’s 8th grade students, recently received a state award as part of the Washington Search for Young Scholars 2004 Talent Search, conducted by the University of Washington’s Robinson Center for Young Scholars, for scoring higher than 65% of college-bound 12th grade seniors on the ACT assessment in English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. Congratulations, Samuel!
The Boy Scouts of America Troop 80 of Chattanooga, Tennessee has announced the awarding of the rank of Eagle Scout to Seton student Michael Edward Gabriel Poston. Michael has worked diligently and faithfully within his troop, his parish, his family, and his community in order to achieve this worthy recognition.
Jacob Somes in 9th grade, Katy Somes in 8th grade, and Luke Somes in 6th grade, competed in the Middle School Science Olympiad Competition. They competed in 11 of the 22 events. “The Seton Science curriculum had been very helpful in their preparing for the Science Olympiad.”
2003 Gold Belt Home Educators Science Team was the only team of homeschooled students. They earned the Small Schools Division Second Place Trophy at Science Olympiad’s State competition in Wichita, KS, in April, 2003. The home schoolers were competing with 20 private and public school teams.
Theresa Ford, a graduate of Seton, graduated from Christendom College Cum Laude with a major in English Language and Literature in May, 2003. Shortly after graduation, she married Ben Fisher, who was also a Seton graduate and a Christendom student. Ben is completing his Engineering degree at the University of Tennessee. They were married in beautiful Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Indianapolis. “They hope to have a large family and carry on the Seton Homeschooling tradition for another generation.”
Sarah LaMuro was selected as the winner in the “Graduating High School Senior” category for the Kaiserslautern Military Community Scholarship Awards Essay Contest. The competition was open to two high schools and home schooled students. Selection is based on academic record, community involvement, sports, and school activities as well as the 500 word essay. The Kaiserslautern Military Community is composed of various military facilities in Kaiserslautern, Germany. Military personnel from the Kaiserslautern area are involved in the missions in Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia and Kosovo, and the worldwide war on terrorism.
Sarah read her essay to a crowd at the Ramstein Officer’s Club during the war in Iraq. Sarah has been home schooled since 5th grade, and is now a Nursing major at Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio.
Excerpts from Sarah’s essay: “Covadonga, Spain. 722 A.D. The undefeated Moors put all of Christian Spain to the sword. High in the rugged Pyrenees, King Pelayo and thirty brave Spaniards refused to surrender. The Moors contemptuously dismissed the Spanish defenders and moved on to conquer the entire Iberian Peninsula. However, an incredible seven centuries later, the descendants of these thirty men finally battled the Moors from Spanish soil. Their singular victory remains unchallenged; Spain is the only country in history to restore Christianity to a land once ruled by the Moors.”
Anne Marie Dust, a Seton 8th grader, was awarded First Place in a statewide Pro-Life Essay Contest in Illinois. Anne Marie read her essay to 200 people at a prayer breakfast sponsored by Illinois Citizens for Life. More than 134 essays were received from 7th and 8th graders throughout the state. Anne received a $100 U.S. Savings Bond.
It was reported in the National Catholic Register of April 5, 2003, that some Seton Home Study School students were among the winners of a National Catholic Education Essay Contest sponsored by Ascension Press. The topic of the essay was “Why My Priest is a Hero.” Of the two Grand Prize winners, who won a $500 scholarship, was Rachel Elliott, in Grade 10. Congratulations, Rachel! Runner-Up winners included two Seton students: Teresa Maria Fasanello, in Grade 9, and Amy Danielle Waddle, in Grade 10. Congratulations, Teresa and Amy!
Three Seton Students participated in the Science Olympiad Competition with our local homeschooling group the Golden Belt Home Educators.
The team first had to compete in the regional competition on February 11th at Fort Hays University. Jacob Somes, 9th grade, earned a gold medal in “Feathered Frenzy” (ornithology) and “Wright Stuff” (flight design) out of four events he competed in. Katy Somes, 8th grade, earned gold in “Science of Fitness” (nutrition and biology) and “Reach for the Stars” (astronomy), as well as a bronze medal in “Life Science Process Lab” (biology and lab skills). Luke Somes, 6th grade, earned a gold medal in “Wright Stuff” (flight design), and “Road Scholar” (map skills and topographic skills), as well as silver in “Fossils”. Their team of twelve students placed third advancing to the Kansas state competition.
At the Kansas state Science Olympiad Competition the team earned a 2nd place trophy and medals for the small school division. GBHE took 6th out of both small and large schools numbering 29 of the top finishers from Kansas. Jacob and Luke brought home gold medals in the “Wright Stuff” and did well on their other events. Katy earned a silver medal in “Life Science Process” and bronze in “Reach for the Stars”.
Seton has given us the opportunity to participate in various academic competitions with confidence. Thank you for a very academically challenging yet flexible program. The academic discipline shows in competitions such as the Science Olympiad. Most importantly their spiritual education thrives with Seton. They have shown such dignity and compassion in these competitions and are very humble about their accomplishments.
May God continue to Bless the work of Seton,
Cathy Somes Divine Will Academy Mark Dobies, a high school Seton student and an accomplished pianist, won third place in the Polish Arts League of Pittsburgh Literary Essay Competition. Their topic was “Poland’s Contributions in the Field of Music, Art, or Literature.” Mark wrote about Fryderyk Chopin. Congratulations, Mark!
Daniel Sedlacek, a 7th grade Seton student from Cornell, Wisconsin, won the state award for Wisconsin in an essay contest sponsored by the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology. The contest was for junior high students, titled “Boundless Science for Bountiful Agriculture 2003.” Daniel’s essay was “Ethanol, a Renewable Fuel.” Congratulations, Daniel!
In March, 11th grade Seton student Robert Ussery competed in the Longs Peak Regional Science and Engineering Fair. He took second place in the senior division (grades 9 through 12). He also won an award from Yale University for the best engineering project from a junior in high school. Part of winning second place in the senior division was an all expense paid trip to the INTEL International Science and Engineering Fair. Also, those who did well at the regional fair went on to the Colorado Science and Engineering Fair.
In April he went to the state level. He received $50 from the Colorado Inventors Club, and $125 for taking first place in Engineering. There were approximately 300 finalists competing at state.
At the INTEL International Science and Engineering Fair. There were about 1345 finalists from 40 countries. One award he received was an all expense paid trip to Huntsville, AL to attend an advanced space camp. Robert took second place in Engineering. Part of placing second in the Grand Awards will be an asteroid named after him. They will compose a name using his name and school.
Robert’s project was “Sailplane Winch Launch Telemetry and Data-Logging.” Put simply, he designed, programmed and made a system to let the pilot of a sailplane and the winch operator know the speed and altitude of the sailplane during takeoff. In order to afford this project he wrote a proposal to the Colorado Space Grant Consortium for funding. Because of his well rounded education, he was able to present a professional paper to the head of the CSGS, a college professor.
Seton student Katherine M. Hadford recently was a Silver Medalist in the Junior Ladies’ Free Skating event(s) at the 2003 South Atlantic Regional Figure Skating Championships. In so doing, Katherine has qualified to compete at the 2003 Eastern Sectional Championships scheduled to take place November 13-16, 2003 in Aston, Pennsylvania. Becoming a championship figure skater requires dedication to a self-imposed regimen of physical fitness and the unswerving pursuit of perfection. Katherine is an athlete in every sense of the word.
12th Grade Seton student Ryan Bradley finished in 9th place overall in the United States Figure Skating Championships in Dallas, Texas. The skating events took place from January 11 through January 19, 2003. Ryan was in 15th place after the short program, but did very well in the long program, moving up 6 places. Ryan successfully completed the fabled “quad” jump in the competition.
10th Grade Seton student Rachel Elliott is this year’s Grand Prize winner of the National Catholic Education Essay Contest in the grade 9-12 category. Her essay was selected from over 800 other essays on the theme “Why My Priest is a Hero.”
Congratulations to National Merit Semi-Finalists Mary C. Cover, Elizabeth Killion, Allannah Karas, Danielle Kapolka, Carly Campagna, Michael Johnson, Sylvia Smith and Michael Gerardi!
7th Grade Seton student David McIntyre will be on the Jeopardy Back-to-School program on Friday, September 20th.
Serina Young, a 7th grader with Seton, has recently won 5 medals in Irish dance competition in Charlotte, NC. At the Feile Rince Charlotte on September 1st, 2002, Serina competed in the Under 12 group in the following events:
Reel, Beginner, placed second
Light Jig, Beginner, placed first Slip Jig, Beginner, placed third Treble Jig, Advanced beginner, placed third Hornpipe, Advanced beginner, placed second This is all the more amazing in that Serina has only been dancing since last September, and this was her first competition.
Stephanie Andnuilli was selected by Stone Soup magazine to illustrate a story. Her artwork may be seen in the May/June 2002 issue, for the story Saving Frizbee. Stone Soup features writing and artwork by young people from all over the world.
Patricia Wnek, a 9-year old violin student of Seljuk Kardan at the Peabody Preparatory of Johns Hopkins University, will perform two recitals: on May 19, 2002 at 6:30 p.m. in Germantown, MD, at the Northwest High School Auditorium, and on June 1, 2002 at the American Center of Polish Culture in Washington, D.C. Her program will include Vivaldi’s Spring Concerto from the Four Seasons, accompanied by a String Quartet, as well as Sonatina in G major Op. 100 by Dvorák; Violin Concerto Nr.2 in D major, Allegro Moderato by Mozart; Czardas by Monti; Obertass - Mazurka, Op. 19 by Wieniawski; and Meditation from Thaïs by Massenet. For additional information please visit Patricia’s website at www.PatriciaWnek.com.
Patricia began her violin studies with Mr. Kardan at the age of 4 at the Hosford School of Music in Gaithersburg, MD, and transferred to the Peabody Prep at the age of 6 in order to enroll in the certificate program, which includes yearly exams and theoretical studies. She recently completed her Intermediate III exam, which places her at the Advanced level. Besides taking individual violin lessons, she has been involved in Peabody Prep Chamber music program and has been coached by Dr. Rachel Franklin, Seljuk Kardan, Alison Potter, and Karen Sams. She is also a member of the Peabody Prep Violin Choir under the direction of Rebecca Henry. It is a premier group of violin students ages 9-16, selected by audition, which represents the Peabody Prep in outreach concerts and special events throughout the US.
Patricia frequently appears in solo recitals throughout the Washington-Baltimore area. Up to date she has performed as a soloist in over 50 recitals. In addition, she has played in numerous repertory and master classes with Mimi Zweig of Indiana University, as well as Baltimore Symphony Orchestra violinists, Leri Slutsky and Ivan Stefanovic. Her future engagements include a solo recital at the American Center of Polish Culture in Washington, D.C., and a possible appearance as a guest soloist with the Trinity Chamber Orchestra.
Patricia is a winner of the 2001 MSMTA Chamber Music competition for a performance of Masques by Persichetti for violin and piano, as well as a three-time nominee and performer of the prestigious Vella Silver Recital hosted by the Deans of the Peabody Conservatory and the Preparatory. She was selected by the Dean of the Peabody Preparatory to perform at the 17th Annual Graduation and Awards Ceremony in June 2001. She has also received performance and achievement awards from the Peabody Preparatory.
In order to broaden her musical horizons, Patricia has been taking piano lessons since the age of 5 - currently with Micah Yui, and ballet since the age of 3 - currently with Becci Kim. Patricia is a former student of the St. Elizabeth Catholic School in Rockville, MD, and presently, a 5th grade, honor, A-average student of the Seton Home School in Manassas, VA. Her hobbies include reading, swimming, skiing, ice skating, biking, and horseback riding. Patricia is a daughter of a classical singer (graduate of the Peabody Conservatory) and a Ph.D. computer scientist, and has two wonderful brothers, Paul, age 8, and Matthew, age 6, both piano students of Micah Yui at the Peabody Preparatory.
David Bertschinger, Johnna Day, Paul Day, Mark Jones, and Jacob Ebelhar have advanced to the Indiana Science Olympiad state finals.
The Science Olympiad consists of competititve events challenging the students’ knowledge in science topics such as astronomy, chemistry, physics, life sciences, earth sciences, mechanics architecture and engineering. Nine teams representing junior high and middle schools from across southern Indiana competed in 18 events at the regional Science Olympiad. St. Rupert Home School Group placed first overall by receiving medals in 13 of 18 events with seven gold, three silver and three bronze.
Katie Lynn Armour, a Seton student since seventh grade, has been awarded a 4-year Music Scholarship to the Queens College of Charlotte.
The Richmond Symphony Orchestra League held its 32nd annual Student Concerto Competition on Saturday, January 12, 2002, at the University of Richmond’s Modlin Center for the Arts. Twenty four Virginia Students, grade 6 through 12, competed for the prizes.
12th grade student, Philip Borter was awarded a second prize. Philip played Dvorák’s Cello Concerto in b minor, the first movement, on his violoncello and the judges were very impressed.
Eleanor Neal and Rochelle Pillion,
Co-Chairs Richmond Symphony Orchestra League Student Concerto Competition Katherine Hadford recently was a Fourth Place Medalist in the Novice Ladies’ Free Skating event at the 2002 U.S. Figure Skating Championship in Los Angeles, while Alicia Graf recently was a Silver Medalist in the Ladies’ Free Skating event at the 2001 Northwest Pacific Regional Figure Skating Championships. These are tremendous accomplishments and ones that deserve recognition from the school community and peers alike. Becoming a championship figure skater requires developing the ability to successfully handle numerous tasks simultaniously, dedication to a self imposed regimen of physical fitness and uswerving pursuit of perfection. Katherine and Alicia are athletes in every sense of the word.
Phyllis F. Howard
President, USFSA Eighteen-year-old Reid Barton of Arlington, MA, became the first student in 42 years of the competition to win four gold medals in a row. The United States team tied for second place with the Russian team; China took first place. More than 80 countries participated in the global competition in July.
7th grade Seton Homeschool student, Thomas McIntyre, appeared on the December 28th, 2001 Jeopardy Holiday Kids Show. Thomas missed only one question. Good Job Thomas!
Morgan Mackin, a 12th grade student in Seton School will attend the first Presidential Classroom Law & Justice in a Democracy program from March 9-16, 2002 in Washington, D.C. The nation’s leading civic education program, Presidential Classroom provides students in this program an in-depth look at the federal legal system and how the federal government as a whole operates. The week’s activities will include a Supreme Court briefing, visits to the Federal Bureau of Investigation or Secret Service and foreign embassy briefings. Other program highlights include a visiting Senators and Representatives’ offices from the students’ state, observing congressional hearings and touring the White House.
Morgan will join hundreds of high school students from across the country and abroad, as they attend seminars presented by leaders representing each branch of government, the military, media and federal legal community. Small-group workshops will focus on key issues such as the relationship of freedom and order in a democratic society. Students will also participate in a student Moot Court where they will present oral arguments on a specific legal issue.
For 34 years, Presidential Classroom, a nonprofit, nonpartisan, 5013 civic education organization, has provided more than 92,000 top high school students from the United States and abroad unprecedented access to the federal government and the people who shape public policy. To become a Presidential Scholar, students must be a high school junior or senior with at least a 3.0 GPA.
Seton student Justin Nolan earned a perfect score on the ACT Assessment. An excerpt from the notification letter: “You are the only Oklahoma student, out of a total of about 13,000 who took the ACT in April, to achieve a 36, the highest possible composite score. Further, you are one of only 71 in the nation, out of some 389,000 who were tested that month. Your achievement is truly distinguished.”
Seton Home Study School is being represented by two students, Gregory Joseph Abbracciamento and Carl Joseph Schwager, at the Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee.
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