Mount Aviat Academy • C h i l d s , M a r y l a n d • W i n t e r 2 0 1 5LINKThe Aviat

On September 30, U.S. Secretary

of Education Arne Duncan announced that Mount Aviat Academy was selected as a 2014 National Blue Ribbon

School of Excellence. The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes public and private elementary, middle, and high schools where students perform at very high levels or where significant improvements are being made in students’ academic achievement. This prestigious award is given annually to only 50 private schools nationwide. A National Blue Ribbon flag overhead has become a mark of excellence in education recognized by everyone from parents to policymakers in thousands of communities. Principal Sister John Elizabeth responded to the news by saying, “I’m

honored that Mount Aviat was awarded the National Blue Ribbon. I’m so proud of our teachers and the curriculum we offer, not to mention our outstanding students!” Students were thrilled to hear the news at a school assembly on the afternoon of the 30th and even more thrilled to see ice cream trucks in the parking lot with a special treat.

Sister John Elizabeth and teacher representative Mrs. Gina Fritz traveled to Washington, DC, on November 11th for the formal recognition ceremony. A group of staff members and former teachers met them in Washington to cheer them on as they took the stage to receive the school’s Blue Ribbon plaque.

In January, two special Blue Ribbon celebrations were held: one to applaud the work of the school’s students and the other to congratulate parents. Students celebrated on January 16th by taking part in several service projects to give students the opportunity to “pay it forward” and give back to the community as an expression of their Catholic Identity.

Mount Aviat Academy Awarded National Blue Ribbon

Continued on page 3.

FRoM the PRiNciPAl’s Desk:

This school year marks

a momentous one for Mount Aviat Academy and one as principal I will always treasure. On September 30th, I had the honor of sharing this wonderful news with our students, faculty and staff, and many parents. U.S. Department of Education Secretary Arne Duncan had named Mount Aviat Academy a 2014 Blue Ribbon School of Excellence (see the cover article for more details)! I could not be more proud of Mount Aviat and our students and teachers, and I thank God for His Blessings on us.

As word spread about this wonderful news, I was overwhelmed by the outpouring of congratulations by the Diocese, alumni parents, and those in the greater MAA community. The entire MAA community shares in this achievement with us. This achievement did not happen over the course of one school year nor by one group of students or teachers; it is the result of years of hard work and dedication by current and previous teachers, students and parents. Thank you all for your commitment to Mount Aviat and support of our Mission. It is with renewed energy that we continue to educate students to be no more and no less than their best.

Yours in Christ,

Sister John Elizabeth Callaghan, OSFS

Mount Aviat Academy

399 Childs Road, Childs, MD 21916410.398.2206 (main)877.398.8063 (fax)

www.MountAviat.org

BOARD OF TRUSTEESHarry E. Hammond, Chairman

Carl Danberg, Chair of Long Range Planning CommitteeBrenda Hendron, Chair of Endowment CommitteeMartin McDonough, Chair of Finance Committee

Marie Classen, Education CommitteeAnthony Farina, Communications

Bridget Landis, SecretaryDerrick Lowe, Buildings and GroundsMark Manniso, Finance Committee

Eric Palm, Chair of Buildings and Grounds CommitteeMary Ellen Powers, Education Committee

Sr. John Elizabeth Callaghan, OSFS, PrincipalSr. Anne Elizabeth Eder, OSFS, President of the Board

ADMINISTRATIONSr. John Elizabeth Callaghan, OSFS, Principal

The Aviat LinkCharlene Nichols, Editor

Designed by Gamine Graphics

Thank you to our staff and parents for volunteering your time and talents to photograph school events.

Professional photos provided by Tom Rzaca and Joan Copeland.

MISSIONThe Mission of Mount Aviat Academy is threefold:

to provide instruction in the message of Christ, •according to the teachings of the Catholic Church, within the context of the gentle and caring spirit of

St. Francis de Sales;

to offer an educational environment that promotes •high academic standards;

to instill the principles of scholarship, citizenship and •service in the minds and hearts of the students.

Educating students to be no more and no less

than their best.

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uPcoMiNg eveNts:February 22 Open House, 2-4 p.m.March 26 Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast April 19 Sports Breakfast BanquetApril 26 5K and Sister Walk April 2-12 Holy Week and Easter Vacation April 29 Awards Assembly May 6 Grandparents’ Day May 15 Teddy Bear Picnic for Incoming Preschoolers May 22 Family Day, Mass 11 a.m. June 2 Eighth Grade Graduation

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These projects included taking part in the Diocesan effort of collecting shoes for

shipment to those in need in Africa, making blankets for Birthright and homeless shelters in

the Diocese, making rosary decade bracelets for the prison ministry

and for students from the Diocese who are attending the March for Life in January,

making bookmarks for the elderly in retirement homes and all clergy and religious in the Diocese,

creating drawings for or writing cards and letters to service men and women to be distributed by the USO,

and completing a prayer chain for families and friends to be hung throughout the school.In addition, students spent the afternoon “glowing”

with school pride—literally. Students wore special glow t-shirts and were adorned with blue glow necklaces and bracelets in a special celebration in the gym where students competed in fun games and even took part in a flashmob dance. The entire student body also will sign their names on a blue ribbon painted in the gym, leaving their mark for future generations of students. Bishop Malooly was the first to sign the blue ribbon during his visit to MAA in January. Parents were treated to a lovely cocktail reception on January 25th to kick off Catholic Schools Week and even received champagne to toast to their children’s success. In attendance were Mayor of Elkton Robert Alt and County Executive Tari Moore, who both presented proclamations.

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About two years ago the Oblate Sisters in Pella, South Africa were forced to move out of their convent because of mold growing in the walls.

Since then, they have been living in temporary housing. The need to build a convent for the Sisters became urgent and the Oblate Sisters in the United States were happy to assist them in any way they could. “What a joy for us to help our Sisters build a simple, healthy new home where they can praise God and work for the good of their people,” was the response of Sister Susan Louise of Fredericksburg, Virginia.

Soup’s On for our Missions, a student-run activity, was our kick-off event at MAA. While students in grades 1 through 7 were quietly taking standardized tests, the graduating class organized, promoted, prepared and served a hot soup and sandwich luncheon for some very hungry students. Over the past two years they raised $800. Creativity has been flowing elsewhere in the school as students made bracelets, bookmarks, held car washes and a variety of other activities to help our Sisters.

At Holy Cross Academy, our Sisters’ school in Fredericksburg, Virginia, they were also very busy raising money to help build the Sisters’ new home. Eighth graders took on the role of street musicians at their Catholic Schools Week Family Dinner, receiving donations in their instrument cases. Individual classes held mini-fundraisers to augment the building fund. The Middle School Service Group, Young Catholics, offered a warm drink to arriving students and parents on a chilly winter morning. It was a perfect day for hot chocolate or Joe-to-Go.

In addition to student activities at Mount Aviat Academy and Holy Cross Academy, the Sisters recognized the need for larger donations. Mother Françoise-Bernadette, Superior General, and Sr. Anne Dorothy, Regional Superior

MissioN APPeAls FuND New coNveNt iN south AFRicA

in South Africa, came to the United States at the invitation of the Oblate Fathers and Brothers and the Pastor of our Sisters’ parish in Fredericksburg. For several weeks Mother and Sister appealed to the generosity of Americans. The blessings they received during this mission appeal not only helped them move forward with plans but also have been a source of great encouragement and solidarity, forging bonds of Oblate-Salesian charity.

Groundbreaking for the Sisters’ new home took place in the fall of 2014 and the construction workers have been toiling on the new convent since then. The pictures they have sent tell the story of this internationally funded project.

Sister Anne Elizabeth stated, “To all who have supported this project to provide simple, yet adequate housing for our Sisters, we thank you and assure you of our gratitude and prayers. If you would like to contribute to this project, we are grateful for any gift you can give to complete the Sisters’ new home. Let’s all continue to build up the Kingdom of God.” For more information about this project and a possible trip to South Africa for the dedication of the convent and sightseeing, contact Sr. Susan Louise at principal@holycrossweb.com.

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seRvice cluB PoPulAR AMoNg MiDDle schooleRs

In its fifth year now, Mount Aviat’s middle school service club is continuing to grow in more ways than one! The St. Leonie Aviat Service Club’s membership is bursting

at the seams with 39 students signed on this year. Their enthusiasm has been as high as ever as they take on new roles of leadership within the club and within the school.

Within the club itself, members have generated a variety of ideas for new service activities and played a greater role in deciding what activities to take on. One helpful set of changes suggested by students was simply a number of new ways to manage the annual “Giving Tree” service project, from visiting classrooms to share in person about the importance of this Advent outreach project, to looking after the tree and the gifts around it, and finally to using a video to advertise for it. Another way that students shared their voice within the club was by giving input as to where to send the funds raised by our first activity of the school year. In the end, they split the proceeds from that carpool line bake sale between our missions in South America and those in South Africa.

The club also put a twist on their December visit to Singerly Manor Assisted Living. Rather than simply rehearsing and singing some songs, students had a series of brief but fun, interactive activities with the residents: trimming their Christmas tree, singing a few impromptu carols, sharing some Christmas cookies baked by a member and wrapping up the afternoon with a game. At the next meeting in January, members created some unique carpool numbers to be distributed to each carpool as a service to the school community.

Some tried-and-true ways of serving stayed on the schedule, to be sure, from baking for the mentally challenged at Thanksgiving to coordinating a schoolwide “To-Go Bag” project for the homeless. As they share their ideas and contribute their time in service, members are surely each growing in their own ways of following in the footsteps of St. Leonie Aviat.

In the Fall, the Mount Aviat Athletic Association fielded four girls’ volleyball teams to participate in the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington league. This year, a change

in our leadership was introduced as longtime coach and coordinator, Larry Ertle, passed the ball to Tracy Willman to be our new Volleyball Coordinator. Tracy demonstrated outstanding leadership in organizing the teams, recruiting new coaches and ensuring that everyone had a positive experience. We sponsored 37 players for 4 teams across the 4th to 8th grade levels.

The 4th grade team was coached by Larry Ertle, Maureen Donovan, George Poole and Vera Greenplate. This was also the largest team with 11 enthusiastic players who experienced the fundamentals of the game. The 5th grade team, led by Jeffrey Stout and Craig Fausnaugh, had another great season building on their success from last year. The 6th grade team, led by Tracy Willman, Larry Ertle, and Ed Murray, also had a strong building year while competing in a very challenging division. The Varsity team featured a combination of 7th and 8th grade girls and was led by the dynamic leadership of Larry Ertle, Dino Camponelli and Tariq Mahmud. The Varsity team proudly took home the 2nd place trophy in their division!

The enthusiasm for volleyball continues to be a strong tradition at MAA, with the foundations being laid by Larry Ertle over the course of his long-time involvement with the program. We thank him for his leadership and service to create such a winning attitude. That team spirit carries over into off-the-court activities, as for the second year in a row, the volleyball players and their families attended a University of Delaware women’s volleyball match, where our players formed the “high-five” tunnel, further inspiring these wonderful student-athletes.

Athletic AssociAtioN BiDs FARewell to loNgtiMe vB cooRDiNAtoR

Making Memories at MAA

1. Students gather at the Grotto to form the Living Rosary, an annual tradition at MAA. 2. Poor weather conditions doesn’t stop MAA’s annual crib ceremony so students carol throughout the halls and even the library. 3. Ronald McDonald greets several first-gradestudentsafteracomicalbutvaluablepresentationon important life values. 4.Fourth-gradestudentsChaseBlackand Riley Trainer really get into character in their class Parade of Saints. 5. Brothers Juan and Antonio Jaramillo break bread together during the Preschool and Kindergarten Thanksgiving feast. 6. Fourth graders Samuel Najera and Molly Donovan impress the audience with their skills on the violin during the Christmas Band Concert.

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7. Mary, played by Aubri Loudermilk, receives a visit from the Angel Gabriel, played by Elijah Landis, in the Kindergartners’ heartwarming Christmas show. 8.JosephandMary,playedbythird-gradestudentsJacobLivingstonandLillianBeverung,rejoice in the birth of the Savior in the Lower School Christmas Show. 9.First-gradestudentsstealtheshowastheFriendly Beasts in the Lower School Christmas Show. 10. Preschooler Nathan Smith makes a special delivery as one of the Three Kings in the Preschool Christmas Show.

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The Friends and Families of the Oblate Sisters (the Friends) have once again concluded a busy fall. Beginning in August, the Friends held the

annual Ice Cream Social for all families entering first grade, kindergarten, and preschool as well as all new families. After welcoming remarks and pertinent information was shared on school uniforms, car pool line and other important matters, all were treated to ice cream sundaes.

The monthly taco lunch began in mid-September to an overwhelming response. A big “thank you” to all the moms and dads who help prepare and serve the tacos as well as the eighth graders who did a great job helping the first graders navigate the taco lunch line for the first time.

Just ten days later, the Oblate Sisters welcomed many friends, old and new, to the annual Roast Beef Dinner while the Friends served over 450 dinners. This could not have been possible without the help of parents, students and alumni who helped prepare, serve and clean up on that day.

As we said goodbye to summer and welcomed the cooler weather, the little ones, dressed as their favorite Halloween

A lot of help from our Friendscharacters, were treated to a fun-filled afternoon of Trunk or Treating in the upper parking lot at MAA. It was a beautiful October afternoon and the smiles and giggles on the children’s faces let everyone know that the event was a hit.

After weeks of planning, cooking, and preparing, the 52nd Annual MAA Christmas Bazaar was held on Saturday, November 22. St. Joseph’s Hall was filled with many friends reminiscing, shoppers looking for that perfect gift and anxious children waiting to talk to Santa. The Cream Puff Booth was very busy trying to keep up with the request for cream puffs and the Baked Goods table was overflowing with delicious homemade apple and pumpkin pies and other homemade goodies baked by our school families. The food line was also busy with many shoppers taking time out to enjoy the always popular stuffed cabbage, macaroni and cheese, homemade soup and other delicious food made by a dedicated kitchen crew.

Finally, the Friends would like to thank all the volunteers who have helped make this fall very successful and they look forward to a productive spring.

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~C

ircle of Friends~

Alumni $2,225Alumni Parents $19,060Businesses $785

Grandparents $25,425Parents $13,400Special Friends $8,385

ANNuAl DRive: Circle of Friends

The Annual Drive for 2014-2015 has raised close to $70,000 in pledges. To help us reach our goal of $80,000, please send your

contribution to: Mount Aviat Academy, 399 Childs Road, Childs, MD 21916. The Annual Drive closes on June 30, 2015. For more information about the Annual Drive, contact Mrs. Charlene Nichols at 410.398.2206, ext. 214 or Advancement@MountAviat.org. Listed below are giving totals as of late January 2015:

How long has Mrs. Betty Bienert continued with her annual traditionoffillingamissionbankanddeliveringittoMAAforChristmas?

A: 40 years .

Mount Aviat’s annual dinner auction was a joyous occasion from beginning to end. Guests enjoyed fine New Orleans cuisine prepared and served

by The Chesapeake Inn, beginning with muffalata bites, crawfish flatbread and Andouille sausage stuffed mushrooms. The four-star dinner included steamship round of beef, creole chicken penne pasta, seafood jambalaya, red beans and rice and Southern succotash with a lovely peach cobbler for dessert.

The theme, “Mardi Gras, Let the Good Times Roll,” was particularly appropriate this year. On September 30, 2014, the U.S. Department of Education announced that Mount Aviat was selected as a 2014 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, and it was apparent throughout the evening that our guests recognized this achievement and were giving back to the school with enthusiasm.

Our 150 guests had a wide variety of silent auction items to bid on, including Swiss Army luggage, Tiffany & Co. jewelry, theatre tickets and original photography and artwork. This year’s live auction began with enthusiastic bidding for delicious crepes prepared by Sister Joseph Margaret, and the thrill and excitement continued to build. The live auction items also included original artwork; local weekend getaways; exciting ticket packages to watch the Baltimore Ravens, the Baltimore Orioles and Philadelphia Eagles; a one-week vacation in Aruba; professional grade snow thrower; and a dining extravaganza at Woody’s Crab House. The highlight of the live auction was having your children’s likeness incorporated in Mount Aviat’s library hall mural, painted by local artist, Bruce Parlier.

Each year, Mount Aviat has used the proceeds of the auction to purchase “large ticket” items that directly benefit our students. This year, the Auction proceeds will be used to purchase new playground equipment.

The businesses that support the auction through sponsorship and advertisement provide the funding needed to hold this annual event. Thank you for your spirit of giving, and we in turn support the community that is so generous to us. The auction committee extends a warm thank you to all of our donors, volunteers, sponsors, and guests. Thank-you sponsors of this year’s auction include Newark Dental Associates; American Partner Technologies, LLC; Delaware Medical Management Services; Salesianum School; Intech Services, Inc.; Padua Academy; Premier Auto & Tire; and Remline Corporation.

goiNg, goiNg, goNe! Successful Auction Funds New Playground

5th Annual MAA 5K / SISTER WALK ~ Sunday April 26, 2015Race Time: 9:15 am (registration opens at 7:45 am) Mass will be celebrated in Holy Family Hall at 8:00 am.Location: Vicinity of Mount Aviat AcademyBenefits: Mount Aviat AcademyCourse: Timed by Fuel 3 SportsAmenities: T-shirts (Only guaranteed for pre-registered participants by 4/17/15) and refreshmentsAwards: Trophies to overall male and female winners. Medals to top three (male and female): under 6, 7-10, 11-14, 15-19, ten year age groups 20 - 69, 70+Entry Fee: $20 pre-registration (through April 17th) $22 on race dayMAA Pre-Registration Family Rate: $50 includes registration for all family members and up to 4 T-shirts ($6 for additional shirts)Entry Info: Make checks payable to Mount Aviat AcademyContact: 302-893-5074 or dinaokie@verizon.net | 443-907-7175 or kandischreuder@gmail.comMail Entry To: Mount Aviat Academy, 399 Childs Road, Childs, MD 21916 : Attn: 5K RUN

Notice: No baby strollers are allowed in the run portion of this event. You may walk baby strollers.No dogs are allowed due to insurance liability.

5K Registration Form (For MAA family registration, please complete separate form for each participant—Additional Forms may be downloaded at MountAviat.org)

Name:_____________________________________________________Age (Day of Race): _______ Sex: M F 5K ____ SISTER WALK ___

Address: ___________________________________________________City:_______________________ State: _____ Zip Code: _________

Telephone:_______________________________ T-SHIRT SIZE: YS YM YL S M L XL XXL (Circle one)

EMAIL: ____________________________________________________ SIGNATURE: ___________________________________________(Parents signature if under 18 years old)

NO REFUNDS—THE RACE DIRECTOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY ENTRY

In consideration of this entry being accepted, I, intending to be legally bound,hereby for myself, my heirs, executors, administrators, waive and release any and all rights I may have against the organization holding this event, its agents, representatives, successors and assigns for any and all injuries suffered by me at this race.

Please discourage unofficial entrants (bandits) from competing in our races. Bandits consume scarce resources and can delay or inhibit accurate race results. Unregistered runners, running with dogs, strollers, rollerblades, bicycles and the wearing of headphones are prohibited on the race course at any time to ensure runners’ safety and to comply with liability insurance standards.

Jennifer Buhler ’00 received her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology on August 22, 2014 from Immaculata University. She is currently pursuing a post-doctoralinternshipatGirardMedicalCenterinPhiladelphia,PA.

Julianna logan ’05 isacrimeanalystattheCecilCountySheriff’sOfficeand has been credited by county law enforcement leaders with aiding in reducing the county’s crime rate.

kevin locke ’06 (right) graduated from the University of Delaware, Class of 2014, with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Criminal Justice. Kevin currently works in wilmington and is licensed as a Private Investigator.

Jordan short ’08 achieved Dean’s List for Fall 2014 at Delaware Technical and Community College. Jordan is majoring in Human Services and will begin an internship with Delaware Division of Family Services in Spring 2015.

If you have alumni news you would like to share, please contact Mrs. Charlene Nichols, Advancement Director, at Advancement@MountAviat.org.

Don’t forget to like our Facebook page! Mount Aviat Academy Alumni Association has an official Facebook page that you can access from the link on the Alumni

page of MountAviat.org, or directly at facebook.com/MountAviatAcademyAlumniAssociation

AluMNi News

If you no longer wish to receive the Link, please let us know by telephoning the school at 410.398.2206, ext. 213. Thank you.

NON-PROFIT ORGU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDELKTON, MD 21921

PERMIT NO. 304

MAA students celebrate Blue Ribbon w

ith serviceKindergartner Alyssa Bathgate concentrates on beading a rosary during

a morning of service w

here students celebrated their recognition as a Blue R

ibbon School of Excellence by giving back to the comm

unity.M

AA Awarded Blue Ribbon…

1 | New Convent Built in South Africa…

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Service Club & Volleyball…5 | Friends’ Fun…

8 | Auction Highlights…10