Quarter Two Begins

Every time there is a new quarter in the school year, students get a bit of a fresh start, however keeping our grades up can be difficult. Many students begin to feel the pressures of maintaining their goals and the overall workload ramps up, leaving us feeling a little overwhelmed at times. Fortunately, each year at SMA, students get better and better at managing their time and taking care of themselves. Even so, continuing to work hard and staay positive can be difficult. Fortunately, this year's ASB officers (our student government) created an instagram account followed by many students called SMA positivity. This instagram is full of advice and meaningful words of encouragement that make it easier to get through a rough week. I myself have been inspired by this instagram and have found it to be incredibly helpful, and reflective of the supportive and kind environment SMA creates for our students.

Election Response At SMA

Just this past week, Donald Trump became the American president elect. He was a controversial candidate in Portland and at SMA, and this election has brought pain to some and hope to others. When I came to school the day after the election I found my community to be a place of safety and love despite the mostly negative reaction of my fellow students. Not only was everyone loving and kind to each other, we also listened to each other, and gave words of comfort to those in need. Everyone was included, and in a time of divide in this country, my entire school, regardless of opinion on the matter, stood together and supported each other. The very next day, I returned to my school to find many girls wearing "Nasty Woman" shirts in support of Hillary Clinton and female empowerment, as well as a table available to write affirmations and kind notes to our fellow students began by our student government. By the end of the day all the notes had been posted on a wall in the front hall, and walking by I found many inspiring words. Many encouraged others to not let divide among us occur because we are stronger together, and to continue to educate each other so we can become tomorrow's leaders. My favorite quote I found was that of one of our social science teachers, Mr. Housley, who said, "go to college. Vote. Change the world. That's all." I found his words to be very reflective of the SMA environment surrounding empowerment and education, and I was incredibly inspired by my community in its loving response rather than surrendering to hate.

Founders Day

Last Friday, October 21, was Founder's day at SMA. Alumna from classes of 1966, 1956, 1946, and even two graduates from the class of 1936 visited our school for an all-scchool mass and luncheon. As an ambassador, I helped in the Library to greet the women and served them coffee as they arrived in the morning. After the first few women arrived it was evident to me that they were St. Mary's women because each of them had a certain spirit and energy that I see at school every day. Hugging and greeting each other, the classes mingled and introduced themselves, and even though each class had graduated ten years apart, they immediately began making connections. Standing next to my fellow ambassador and friend who was with me in the Library, it suddenly occured to me that this would be me in fifty years. I would return to my school and get to see all the women that graduated with me in addition to those before and after me. Maybe I'd still be coming to founders day in 80 years, making me 98 years old.


While I stood there serving coffee to a group of smart, educated, empowered, and incredibly friendly women, I realized that the connections I'm making at St. Mary's now, will truly last a lifetime. Not many people get to say they look forward to seeing everyone from high school eighty years after graduating, but I do because I go to St. Mary's, and the women that surround me now are women I never want to forget.

SMA Spirit Walk

About a month into school, students start the biggest and most exciting fundraiser of the year: the SMA Spirit Walk. Our goal this year (as it has been the last few years) was $100,000, and I am happy to say that we reached our goal! The fundraising process is always exciting and suspenseful and this year, we combined spirit week with the fundraising experience. Every week was a dress-up day with a theme such as Dynamic Duo day, Hero Day, Pajama Day, and Disney Day. Each grade competes to win the most Spirit points, which are earned by dressing up or participating in lunchtime spirit activities like dodgeball or Zumba. Students also raise money with a minimum goal of $150 each.

The money raised during the Spirit Walk goes towards a number of things. Much of it funds clubs and activities as well as sports. In addition to that, the money goes towards our financial aid program, and the fundraiser as a whole takes the place of raising tuition. I am grateful for this fundraiser because, like almost half of SMA students, I recieve financial aid, which is made possible by this fundraiser. At the end of the fundraiser, students spend part of a school day going on a walk across two Portland bridges! This fundraiser has been instrumental in the provision of opportunities for SMA students and I look forward to fundraising again next year!

Welcome Back

On a slightly brisk Wednesday morning, the entire 2016/2017 St. Mary's Academy student body assembled for their first official day of school. Summer had come to an end and some students, myself included, were somewhat apprehensive about what their next year at SMA would have to offer. The freshman had already enjoyed two breif half days to get acclimated into the SMA community, and that Wednesday morning was the first day they would join the other classes and become full-fledged high schoolers. The sophomores we're excited to not be freshman, and were certainly enjoying their new hallway on the second floor. Most juniors, particularly those taking their first AP classes, were nervous about what is said to be the most difficult year academically, but certainly ecstatic to finally be upperclassmen. Lastly, the seniors had one thought: SENIOR YEAR!

The excitement of each and every class at SMA was palpable the first few days of school, but even more evident during the Welcome Assembly on the first Friday of the school year. The class officers for each grade welcomed their class and had fun on the stage while each grade adjusted to their new seating in the auditorium. Then, the faculty made their way to the stage for the annual faculty dance. Every year the faculty demonstrate their passion for St. Mary's and our community through this fun assembly. Without their commitment to the students, SMA would be nothing like it is, because the faculty are a huge part of our school and our community. The Welcome Assembly is a reminder of why I belong at SMA, because there is no other community I would rather be a part of.