Crusader Chronicle

30 May 2025

In this issue: Ribbon Ceremony, 3rd Grade Musical, Saints & Scholars Honors Night, May Heart of a Crusader, Graduate Spotlights, Preschool Camp, and Goodbye and God Bless. 

Dear SOSM Families,

Just before Tuesday’s final blessing at our UGC Mass, Mrs. Margaret Tazioli led us in the annual 8th Grade Ribbon Ceremony. This cherished tradition marks a meaningful milestone for our soon-to-be graduating students as they prepare to transition from current students to alumni. This ritual celebrates their accomplishments and acknowledges the journey ahead as they move on to the next chapter in their education.

The ceremony began with a reminder that our eighth graders have been answering the Lord’s call to grow in their faith, academic pursuits, and extracurricular activities. Seventh graders presented symbols representing each of these disciplines as visual reminders of the areas of their growth. As each eighth grader approached the altar, a parent or special person in their life pinned a blue and white ribbon to their collar—a symbol of pride, transition, and unity.

We are filled with both pride and nostalgia as we count down the final days with this remarkable class. Yet we know with confidence and joy that wherever they go, they will always be Crusaders!

Under the direction of Amber Ferguson, our third-grade students performed the musical "Hawaiian Beach Party" on May 15, 2025. All the PGC students were invited to the afternoon dress rehearsal for a chance to celebrate the boundless beauty of Hawaii. The third graders served as cultural guides, singing and dancing to several Hawaiian hit songs while teaching us about the traditions, beliefs, and language of the land.

As we approach the end of the academic year, we are grateful for the growth students have made spiritually, academically, emotionally, and physically. Our annual Saints & Scholars Honors Night reflects the diverse accomplishments of our middle school students. Below, you will find a listing of the awards and their respective recipients. We are so proud of each and every one of our students and all of their achievements.

Recognition of Current NJHS Members:

Induction of New NJHS Members:

Athletic Awards:
The following awards are given to an 8th grade student as chosen by their peers. These students are seen as athletes who exemplify leadership and sportsmanship.

• Jim Campbell Award for Female Athlete of the Year: Chloe F.
• Richard Plotner Award for Male Athlete of the Year: James P.

Recognition of 8th Grade Altar Servers

Fine and Performing Arts Awards:

• Choir:
  • Ethan D., Eloise H., Sophia H., William J.
• Art Apprentice Awards
  • Grace F., Diane C., Anthony R.
• Band Awards:

  • Gold Medal at Solo Festival, Vivienne C., saxophone

    Nicholas B. Trumpet	Ethan D., Percussion
    Vivienne C., Saxophone	Christian H., Clarinet
    Constantin C., Trumpet	Savannah Z., Flute
    Katharina C., Clarinet	Antonia S., Flute

Academic Awards

• Religion:
  • Austin B., Isabella C., Doran T.
• ​​​​​​​Science:
  • ​​​​​​​Outstanding Performance in 6th Grade Science Class: Jameson P. and Katharina C.
  • Outstanding Performance in 7th Grade Science Class: Sophia B. and Cecilia C.
  • School of St. Mary Science Award: James M. and Paige T.
  • Society of Women Engineers Award: Cosima D.
• ​​​​​​​Science Fair Winners:
  • ​​​​7th Grade 3rd Place: Sophie B., Claire B., and Mila J.
  • 7th Grade 2nd Place: Diane C., Teagan H., and Isabella C.
  • 7th Grade 1st Place: Alexander C., Andrew F., Patrick S., and Buckley B.
  • 8th Grade 3rd Place: Christian H. and Doran T.
  • 8th Grade 2nd Place: Lucille C., Katherine P., and Eloise H.
  • 8th Grade 1st place: Cosima D., Sophia H., Ivanna L., and Paige T.
• ​​​​​​​STEAM Bridge Building Awards
  • ​​​​​​​6th Grade: Jane B. and Bianca V.
  • 7th Grade: Cecilia C., Isabella C., and Thomas R.
  • ​​​​​​​8th Grade: Ava L. and Lana R.
• ​​​​​​​STEAM Investment Award: ​​​​​​​Doran T.
• ​​​​​Math Awards
  • ​​​​​​​6th Grade: Tommy R., Savannah Z., and Wayne J.
  • 7th Grade: Diane C. and Liam L.
  • 8th Grade Mularkey-Borkowski Award for Excellence in Mathematics (Scholarship): Chloe F. and Ethan D.
• ​​​​Social Studies Awards
  • ​​​​​​​Best Class Participant: Nina H., Diane C., Christian H.
  • Most Growth: Michael M., Remle D., Jonathan S.
  • Love of History: Thomas James V., Bukley B., Anthony R.
  • Geography Wizard: Julian R., Alexander C., Vivienne C.
  • Outstanding Effort and Performance all year: Sophia B., James M.
• ​​​​​English Language Arts Award for Outstanding Writing
  • ​​​​​​6th Grade: Carson D., Sonia K.
  • 7th Grade: Sophia B., Martina K.
  • 8th Grade: Christian H.
• ​​​​​​​iReady Awards for Outstanding Growth in Reading
  • ​​​​6th Grade: Jane B. (825%), Julian R. (725%), Bianca V. (625%), Antonia S. (625%)
  • 7th Grade: Martina K. (1283%), Alexander C. (1075%), Mila J. (475%), Diane C. (475%)
  • 8th Grade: Vivienne C. (1025%), Katherine H. (489%), Anthony R. (425%)
• ​​​​​​​iReady Awards for Outstanding Growth in Math
  • ​​​​​​​6th Grade: Graceann G. (377%), Hunter M. (347%), Thomas R. (300%)
  • 7th Grade: Thomas R. (258%), Patrick S. (242%), Sophia B. (225%)
  • 8th Grade: Ivanna L. (344%), Ava L. (322%), Katherine H. (310%)

Valedictorian: Cosmia D.

Salutatorian: James M.

Spirit of a Crusader

• 6th Grade: Peter G.
• 7th Grade: Daniel G.
• 8th Grade: Lucille C.

American Legion Citizenship Award: Andrew J. & William J.

DAR Good Citizen Award: Christian H.

Spirit of Mary Award: Eleanor A.

Distinguished Alumni Award: Eileen Weber, SOSM Class of 1995

Volunteer of the Year: Alison Zeleniuch

Knights of Columbus Scholarship: Nicholas B.

Lilian Olson Scholarship: Eloise H.

Respectfully

Kathy Thompson
Principal, School of St. Mary

The School of St. Mary is separated geographically by a few miles, but we are one campus. Our gratitude this week goes to Carol Teitz, second-grade teacher, who once again assisted at the Middle School Honors Night. When Mrs. Haak had to miss the evening for her daughter's graduation, Carol volunteered to keep the night moving, ensuring everyone was in place when needed and that the proper certificates were on hand. Thank you Carol!

UPCOMING IMPORTANT DATES

• Tuesday, 6/3 - Last Day of School for Little Angels and PreK-3
• Tuesday, 6/3 - School Mass (4th-8th), Church of St. Mary
• Tuesday, 6/3- Goodbye and God Bless, 2:45 p.m. MPR
• Tuesday, 6/3 - Last Day for 8th Grade, Clap Out at 3:20 p.m.
• Wednesday, 6/4 - Last Day of School for Junior Kindergarten
• Wednesday, 6/4 - 4th Grade State Fair, 2:30 p.m. UGC Gym
• Wednesday, 6/4 - 8th Grade Dinner Dance, 6:00 p.m., Deer Path Inn
• Thursday, 6/5 - Last Day of School for Kindergarten
• Thursday, 6/5 -  Dine & Share at Rosati's Lake Forest
• Friday, 6/5 - Graduation Mass, 5:30 p.m., Church of St. Mary
• Tuesday, 6/10 - Field Day, Last Day of School (1st-7th), Half-Day, PGC @11:30 a.m. and UGC at 12:20 p.m.

School News

May Heart of a Crusader Honorees: 
The Heart of a Crusader Award recognizes students who demonstrate passionate faith, leadership, and dedication to serving others in ways that uplift and encourage. Congratulations to the May 2025 Honorees (in alphabetical order):

• Eleanor A., 8th Grade: is a quiet but active participant in class activities. She willingly shares her thoughts and ideas and is always there to help others. Eleanor is always a responsible, respectful, and kind student and inspires others because of that behavior.
• Buckley B., 7th Grade: Buckley truly exemplifies what it means to serve others with compassion and respect. His actions reflect a deep respect for others and a willingness to serve not just when it’s convenient, but when it matters most.
• Becket C., 3rd Grade: Beckett is always smiling, showing gratitude by thanking teachers, and treating others with an exceptional amount of kindness!
• Ellie S., 1st Grade: Ellie is responsible, helpful, friendly, hard-working, and a ray of sunshine! She puts others first and has a huge heart.
• Victoria S., 4th Grade: Victoria truly exemplifies the value of learning. She consistently gives more than 100% in all of her academic endeavors, demonstrating a strong commitment to personal growth and excellence even when faced with challenges.  
• Wheeler V., 3rd Grade: Wheeler demonstrates qualities that every Crusader should look up to. He is respectful, always willing to lend a helping hand, cheers others up when they are feeling down, and has a passion for learning and life that shines brightly through his actions. 

Used Uniform Sale
As your students graduate, grow, and prepare for summer, please feel free to send in gently used uniforms as donations to the school's Used Uniform closet. Beginning next week, there will be a donation box located at the front desk of the UGC and PGC where students may drop their items. Also, please encourage your children to look in the Lost and Found for jackets, water bottles, and lots of other items that may have been misplaced during the course of the school year. There is quite a collection! Thank you!

As always, feel free to contact Annie Cioni or Kelly Guerrero with any questions.

Student Activities

We’re excited to offer a Preschool Summer Camp at the School of St. Mary for children ages 2½ to 5 (children must have completed the Little Angels program to enroll at 2½). Crusader Camp runs June 16th – July 10th, Monday–Thursday, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. at the Primary Grade Center. Families may register for all four weeks or by the week.

Cost: $240/week, billed via FACTS
Registration deadline: June 6th (no refunds after this date)
Note: Children must be enrolled at the School of St. Mary for the 2025-2026 school year to participate.

Register for Crusader Camp

Class of 2025

Goodbye and God Bless - Tuesday, June 3rd, 2:45 p.m.
Families graduating their last or only child means graduation for you as parents from the School of St. Mary.  Join us for a special reception at the UGC to savor the moment before the 8th grade clap-out. Invitations were sent from the School of St. Mary using Paperless Post. Please reach out to Mrs. Castle if you did not receive one. Please kindly RSVP by Monday, June 2nd. 

Parents Association

Pizza Night for SOSM – June 5 at Rosati’s!

Take a night off from cooking after a busy end-of-school week and treat the family to Rosati’s Pizza on Wednesday, June 5! Order carryout or delivery anytime between 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m, and be sure to call in your order and mention School of Saint Mary (SOSM)—15% of your purchase will be donated to the Crusader Fund!

It’s the last day of school for Kindergarten and the night before 8th Grade Graduation, so celebrate with pizza and support SOSM at the same time!

Parish Events

Community Events

LFHS Business Incubator
SOSM Class of 2022 Alum Bryan Kupperman has launched Next Gen Freelance - a website that connects students to local adults for job opportunities such as dog walking, babysitting, tutoring, coaching, yard work, and more. Learn more at: https://www.nextgenfreelance.net/

You can find past issues and all flyers shared on the Crusader Chronicle Drive. 

Crusader Chronicle Archive