Holy Name Junior Senior High School

We would like to invite all adults of the Holy Name community to attend the Parents Association’s second annual wine and beer tasting to be held this Saturday night from six until nine in the Holy Name cafeteria.  This event is a fundraiser for the Parents Association, and the initial plan for monies raised is to purchase an LED sign to attach to the gymnasium building so that the school can post news and events for parents to see at pick up and drop off.  Tickets are thirty dollars each and are available at the main office and at the door.

Beyond the fundraising aspect, this is also a chance for parents, friends, and alumni to get together and socialize in a relaxed fashion.  Everyone who attended last year had a wonderful time, and I am certain this year will be just as enjoyable.  Even if you are not interested in the tasting aspect of the event, there is great food, great live music, and a raffle that provides outstanding prizes such as Bruins and Celtics tickets, a mountain bike, an electric guitar, and other special items.

I would like to especially thank Traci Manzello who, along with husband Joe, have done so much to make this event happen.  Along with the rest of the Parents Association and faculty members such as Mrs. Yakstis and Mrs. Hughes, the Manzellos have dedicated time and talent to be certain this event is well organized and worthwhile.  We rely greatly on the dedication of these wonderful volunteers who consistently go above and beyond to make Holy Name such a special place.

Yesterday, our Theatre Department presented their grandparent’s performance of Thoroughly Modern Millie.  This event was well attended, and the kids did a great job.  They will perform again this evening and tomorrow evening and on Sunday afternoon as well.  We would like to salute the faculty involved in this production: Mrs. Bonczek, Mrs. Redmond, Mrs. Roche, and Mr. Penza as well as the parents and friends who volunteered to help design and build the sets and costumes: Michael Carbonneau, Michael and Carol Maloney, and Michael Tortora.

The students have worked and rehearsed diligently to prepare for these productions, and we all look forward to watching them perform.  We would also like to acknowledge all of the students working behind the scenes as stage crew and on lights and sound and as ushers and greeters.  Finally, we are extremely proud of the pit orchestra made up of Holy Name students and alumni.

We would also like to thank all of the members of the Holy Name community who took part in this year’s Musical Ad Drive.  These people and companies are proudly represented in the program for Thoroughly Modern Millie.  Without their support, we would not be able to provide such wonderful extra curricular opportunities for our students.

March, which certainly came in like a lion, is giving way to its inner lamb, and we are grateful.  Spring is in the air, and the students are enthusiastic and excited as we transition from winter activities to those which signal the coming of good weather and the joy of our Easter celebrations.

Tomorrow night, our girls varsity basketball team brings their undefeated record to Fitchburg State to challenge Wachusett in the district championship game.  We expect a great Holy Name turnout and have booked a fan bus to help students get to the game.  We are very proud of our girls as they continue their historic season.

On the 14th, we will be sending our A.P. Government class to the statehouse for PACE (Parents Alliance for Catholic Education) Advocacy Day.  Any members of the Holy Name community that would like to join this group are welcome to contact me to attend.  From March 15th through March 18th, our Theatre Department will present the Spring Musical, Thoroughly Modern Millie; tickets are available at the main office.

March 15th brings the Third Annual Holy Name Dodgeball Tournament.  Students, faculty, and administrators are preparing their teams for this event.  On March 22nd, our SMASH group travels to Venerini Academy to present on bullying prevention.  On March 24th, the Parents Association will sponsor a wine tasting fundraiser.  Last year’s tasting was extremely successful and enjoyable, and we expect a great crowd again this year.

On March 26th, selected students will attend the Mass for Life at St. Paul’s Cathedral.  Professional musicians from the area will be in house on March 28th through 30th to hold a jazz workshop for our student musicians.  This will culminate with a Swing Dance the evening of March 30th in the gymnasium.  At the same time, the seventh and eighth graders will have a dance in the cafeteria.

It’s always busy up here on the hill with a great number of events for all.  We consistently remind ourselves to keep focus on our Christian values and moral code with everything we do.  I hope that all who come to these events can sense our commitment to the Catholic identity and ideals of Holy Name.

We wish our boys and girls varsity basketball teams good luck as they begin district play this weekend. The boys will meet Fitchburg High this Friday evening at 7:00; the girls will play Milford Saturday evening at 6:00. Both of these games are at Holy Name.

Both teams have been seeded number one in these playoffs based upon their outstanding regular seasons. We would like to salute their efforts as well as the hard work put in by both coaching staffs. When asked to define the key to the great success we have had in athletics at Holy Name, my response is consistent. At the high school level, success is a result of having outstanding coaches and coachable kids. We are blessed at Holy Name to have always had the best coaches in Central Mass and then to have had student-athletes who are willing to listen, learn, and work hard.

Coaches at Holy Name have their priorities in order. First is to provide a clear, Christian role model for the kids. Second is to uphold the academic goals and discipline code of the school. Third is to teach the sport. You’ll recognize that winning is not listed as one of these priorities: winning is the by-product of the other three done well.

The school week has ended, and February Vacation has begun.  Our students were excited to mark this transition today with a Mardi Gras celebration at all lunches today.  This celebration, sponsored by the French Club, featured New Orleans decorations in the cafe, the sale of beads, treats, and dipping dots, and performances by the jazz band.  A good time was had by all, and there was a great deal of positive energy in the cafe.  All monies raised have been directed to relief for New Orleans.

It has been a great year at Holy Name.  The students have maintained good behavior, good grades, and a positive spirit.  We look forward to the Spring and all the optimism and joy this season brings.  As always, time does fly, and we consistently remind our students and each other to reflect with prayer and give thanks to God for all of life’s blessings.

I hope that you and yours have a happy, healthy, safe, and blessed February Vacation!