February 2010

Knights of Columbus gift to Marist

Marist Catholic High School recently received a check from the Knights of Columbus in the amount of $3,800.00. This money will go towards tuition assistance. The Knights raised the money at their annual summer golf tournament held at Fiddler's Green. The Marist community is very thankful for this generous gift and the Knights of Columbus organization! Above are Marist parents and members of the Eugene Knights of Columbus Bob Laver at left and Marc Langley at right; holding the check is Tom Simon, Marist Director of Development. (Photo by Paul Swadener)

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Help us with Facebook!

Marist recently started a Facebook page to try to reach many of our alumni. It has grown like wildfire! In less than 12 days, we reconnected with 800 alumni and the “friend” requests keep coming in.

If you are someone experienced with social media, we would love your guidance on how to continue to manage our new page. Right now, the alumni seem excited just to be reconnected. We have answered questions on the Marist Brothers, class reunions and upcoming events. We want to provide the alumni with even more information but do it in a way that the school can manage.

If you would like to contact us with ideas or examples of how we might manage our Facebook experience, please contact the Development Office at (541) 681-5470 or maristdevelopment@marisths.org.

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Jay Conroy, Principal

Greetings,

We’re just halfway through the school year. Finals are finished and grades will be in from teachers by February 3rd. We will be sending a paper copy of the grades, but Power School should be available for you to view a breakdown of those grades, as well. Congratulations to students for the excellent effort they gave this fall and to teachers for the strong offerings they provided.

Catholic Schools Week: Each year we celebrate the gift of Catholic schools. The “dividends” our students and families receive from this great experience are simply amazing. Building faith and character; strong foundations for learning and for succeeding at the next level in college; great opportunities for developing life-skills in activities and athletics—all of these are truly real “gains” for our students that are made possible by the hard work of teachers and staff and by the generosity and support of parents and community members.

You are invited to attend our All Catholic Schools Mass on Thursday morning (Feb. 4); it is a grace-filled experience that is inspirational and humbling as we reflect on the blessings of the great educational opportunities our three schools provide to the nearly 1300 students in our community.

Principal’s coffee: Wednesday, Feb. 3 from 8:10-9:15 A.M. in the cafeteria we are again gathering to “visit with the Principal” and (this month) to hear from Rick Gardner, Assistant Principal, on the topic of “Advanced Placement and College Now Classes at Marist.” Rick will share the details of our excellent and very valuable (educationally and in tuition-savings) offerings Marist has, including the fact that our academic offerings are second to none in this area in terms of the number of available credits and the excellent quality of instruction from very strong advanced-level teachers.

Please join us for coffee, pastries and good company.

LaSallian Connection Information Night: Marist has a “charism” and deep connection associated with the Marist Brothers dating back to 1969 when Marist was built and administered by members of that order. Though the Marist Brothers are no longer with us, we are taking significant steps to build a strong foundation of faith by “walking beside” the LaSallian Christian Brothers who lead a number of strong Catholic high schools throughout the United States. Come learn more about this Order and the opportunities we have been graciously offered in an information night on Thursday, Feb. 18 at 7:00 P.M. in the Marist Library. A more detailed article about the whole process is found below. Please read it and come learn more at the Information Night.

OSAA Championship brackets: The OSAA is working hard to complete a new ‘championship format’ for next year’s realigned leagues. A number of ideas on how best to encourage strong competition, while holding down expenses and loss of classroom time due to travel, are being finalized. We are very optimistic that we will be getting final league schedules for fall sports set in the next few weeks.

Thank you to those of you able to support our Close the Gap fundraiser — covering the nearly $2,500 difference between our tuition charges and the actual cost/student of a Marist education. That tax deductible contribution goes directly towards operating expenses, including teacher and staff costs. Contact our Director of Development, Tom Simon, at (541) 681-5470 if you need more information or want to help us.

Airline miles: We have also received several offers of airline miles and can use still more (some of the limitations on air-miles programs have made some donations unuseable.) Thanks for contacting us if you can share in helping us cut travel costs to good staff development opportunities.

As always, thanks for your children, and for your support. Call or write your concerns and comments.

Sincerely in faith,

Jay Conroy, Principal

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Lasallian heritage for Marist information night

One outcome of this year’s Strategic Planning process for Marist has been a re-affirmation by our staff, administration and school board of our Catholic Identity and renewed attention to supporting and strengthening this “pillar” of our mission through all our activities and practices. Leading our efforts in this reinvigoration is an examination of Lasallian principles of Catholic education.

As a Marist school, our roots are deeply connected with the charism of St. Marcellin Champagnat, founder of the Marist congregation of Brothers in the 1700’s in France. Members of that congregation staffed this school for its first 25 years (1969-93).

It is noteworthy that the very first Marist Brothers adapted the Conduct of Schools, written 100 years earlier by St. John Baptist de la Salle and his Christian Brothers as a “guide to their work, framing their teaching charism and identity.” Where the original Lasallians provided an educational service for poor boys in urban settings in France, the Marist Brothers provided that same education to poor boys (100 years later) in rural settings of France. The Marist Brothers’ mission to "love each child uniquely," is nearly the same as the Christian Brothers of de la Salle who seek to ‘view each student as a younger brother or sister to be cared for as a unique individual, a part of the family.’

The work of de la Salle is so significant in the world of Catholic education that he has been named the patron saint of all educators.

In the last 18 months, we at Marist have come to better know the Christian Brothers who operate a strong nationwide group of Catholic high schools. We have discovered the same spirit of generosity, love and zeal for the welfare of young people that so animated the Marist Brothers who once walked Marist’s hallways. The Lasallians have generously offered to us the opportunity to “walk alongside” them. We’re attending selected workshops and institutes on topics ranging from effective teaching to leadership, receiving support and direction for the reinvigoration of our own Catholic identity.

Marist is still very much a Diocesan school, under the good guidance and direction of the Archbishop and Superintendent. We are very excited about this new opportunity for networking and growth, especially because it fits our Marist heritage so well. In coming years, we envision using our new learning in our own staff development initiatives and in helping us reflect upon our practices with students in order to offer the best possible support to their growing in faith.

We are anxious to share with our larger Marist community some of the details of this venture, and, to that end, wish to invite the parent community to an introductory session on Lasallian Heritage for Marist. This meeting is on Thursday, Feb. 18 at 7:00 P.M.in the Marist Library. Please contact Rick Martin for further information, and we hope to see you there!

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Students honored

Congratulations to these students who were chosen by Marist Staff as deserving of special recognition for their contributions to our Marist community in academics, service and sports for December and January.

December Spartans of the Month

Chris Duyck

Heidi Gori

Micah Stratton

Helen Walters

January Spartans of the Month

Zach Brandon

Audrey Hart

Taylor Harwood

Calder Whiteley

January Athletes of the Month

Nikki Demers, girls basketball

Nick Gates, wrestling

Dorothy Olszyk, cheer

Will Swindling, boys basketball

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Students roll up their sleeves to give

Senior Austin Welt and junior Tyler Wagner donate their pints in December's ninth annual blood drive. The event was organized by Marist English teacher and head varsity baseball coach, Bill Ferrari, along with seniors Ashley Laing and Nick MacKinnon. A total of 69 pints were donated to the Lane Memorial Blood Bank. (Photo by Bora Moon, '10)

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Rick Martin, Director of Campus Ministry

Called to Protect™ for parents

Abuse statistics are startling. Before the age of 18, one in four girls and one in eight boys will be sexually abused. And 60% of abusers are people who are known to the child and his or her family. But abuse doesn’t have to happen.

As a parent, you are the primary protector of your children. Their safety is up to you. And as a Catholic School, partnering with our local Catholic parishes, we are committed to supporting this tremendous responsibility. We all recognize that especially as our children grow through their adolescent years, we can’t be with them at all times, but we can learn ways to help keep them safe when we’re not there.

Stacey Baker, Dean of Students

We invite you to join us for the educational session, Called to Protect™ for Parents. The 1½ hour program will teach parents how to help prevent child sexual abuse. Called to Protect™ was written and developed for the Church by Praesidium, the national leader in abuse risk management.

This year, we are continuing to conduct community-wide education on child sexual abuse in order to do what we can to protect the students at Marist. Along with training for staff and coaches, and targeted teaching for our students, we will be offering a parent component.

The parent piece is especially important, and we ask you to join us for this informative program. You’ll learn:

• Facts and myths about child sexual abuse
• How offenders gain access to children and youth
• Warning signs to look for in children and youth, or adults
• Actions to take when you notice warning signs

We understand your time is limited, and hope you can create the time to join us. We value your presence, and we know that you will conclude your time was well spent.

This year’s opportunity to attend this workshop will be:

Date: Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2010
Time: 7:00-8:30pm
Location: Room 317 (enter through the Marist Library)

For more information, contact:

Rick Martin, Director of Campus Ministry, (541) 681-5474
Stacey Baker, Dean of Students, (541) 686-2234, Ext. 1516

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Julie Ferrari, Campus Ministry Department; Christian Service Director; Theology Department

Campus Ministry

Upcoming events:
Feb. 1-5: Catholic Schools Week
Feb. 4: CSW Mass with St. Paul and O’Hara, 9:00 A.M.
Feb. 5: Adoration, 8:00 A.M.– 2:30 P.M.
Feb. 17: Ash Wednesday Mass, 9:20 A.M.
Feb. 20-21: Sophomore Girls’ Journey Retreat
Feb. 20-22: Junior Boys’ Encounter
Feb. 26: Friday Lenten Mass #1, 8:00 A.M.
Feb. 27-29: Junior Girls’ Encounter

Liturgy: In honor of Catholic Schools Week, we will be celebrating the Eucharist with the St. Paul and O’Hara communities at the annual CSW Mass on Thursday, Feb. 4 at 9 A.M. in the Marist gym. Fr. Steve Clovis will be preaching on the parable of the Talents (Matthew 25). On Friday, Feb. 5, Theology classes will be invited to Adoration in the chapel. Marist students will be offering reflections on John 6 and the importance of Adoration in their lives.

We look forward to the Feb. 4th release of Pope Benedict XVI’s official message for Lent. The title of his 2010 message for the Lenten season is “The Righteousness of God has been manifested through Faith in Christ.”

Lent begins on Wednesday, Feb. 17. We will celebrate Ash Wednesday Mass at 9:00 A.M We will continue to honor Lent by celebrating our annual Friday Lenten Masses on Feb. 26, March 5, 12, and 19. FLM are at 8:00 A.M.in the cafeteria. Please join us!

PLEASE CONTACT JULIE FERRARI at (541) 284-7533 or jferrari@marisths.org IF YOU CAN DONATE MUFFINS FOR FELLOWSHIP AFTER THE FRIDAY LENTEN MASSES.

Retreats: For most students, retreats are one of the most unique and memorable events of the Marist experience, and there are only 3 left! Information and registration forms for the February sophomore girls’ and junior boys’ and girls’ retreats are available for download at marist.org/campusministry_retreats.htm. Forms are also available outside the Campus Ministry Office.

Service: Senior Christian Service conferences will be taking place this month in Theology classes. These conferences will complete their graduation requirement. Congratulations seniors and thank you for your service!

The deadline for the 2nd 10 local hours requirement for juniors is April 16. The remaining 30 hours of service to those most in need must be completed before the beginning of senior year.

Freshman and sophomores will continue service work through their Theology classes.

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Heidi Susec, Theology Department; "Marist for Life" Moderator

Marist for Life

Marist for Life had a busy start for 2010 with pro-life activities! We began the month of January at Marist’s Preview Day. At our group's table in the Furrer Activity Center, Club members realized that more parents than prospective students were asking questions, which fits right in with our mission of educating not only our own school community, but the broader community as well on prolife issues.

Following Preview Day, many club members offered reflections through essays or artwork in a contest sponsored by Oregon Right to Life on the theme “Human Beings Matter More.” Essays and artwork were on display at the end of the Celebration of Life at Saint Paul Catholic Church on Jan. 23, a rally in which club members participated and volunteered. Quite a few club members came in support for life at St. Paul’s that day, volunteering their time to set up before hand as well as participate in the rally. Another rally occurred the preceding weekend in Portland with Archbishop Vlazney. Some club members took advantage of the free bus ride from the Knights of Columbus to participate in this rally at Pioneer Courthouse Square.

On the Jan. 22nd anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the U.S. Bishops declared a day of prayer and penance. We offered Marist Staff and students the opportunity to pray and fast in the chapel during both lunches. This included special prayers and reflections.

We are hopeful for the forgiveness of the sin of abortion and the conversion of our country, resulting in a greater respect for the dignity of each and every human life from conception to the end of life. Please join us in prayer for this intention; all are welcome to join us in praying the rosary from your homes, cars or in the Marist chapel on Thursday mornings at 7:30 A.M. We have rosaries available and pray the Luminous Mysteries for this intention. Mary, Mother of Life. Pray for us!

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Jerry Ragan, MVP Moderator

Marist Volunteer Program (MVP) notes

Our school-wide outreach will continue in the second half of school year 2009-10 with three opportunities right away to extend our hands in service to those in need:

Haitian Relief: The final collection will take place on Thursday, Feb. 4. All Marist students, staff and families were asked to fast in solidarity with the people of Haiti and to make a contribution equal to or greater than the cost of the meal. It is essential that the final collection take place on that date, during the first period of the day, because Dr. Helen Miller, mother of Marist sophomore Amy, is scheduled to leave the following day for a medical mission to Haiti. She will make sure that all of our donations go directly to serve the people.

Canned Food Drive: Since the Haitian relief effort was so urgent, we had to move the Canned Food drive to Feb. 8-16. The food drive comes at a critical time for food pantries in our area because the holiday season sees an increase in donations but also an increase in need. Following the holidays, donations decrease but the need remains high throughout the year. Our food drive seeks to replenish the food supply at St. Vincent de Paul and help guarantee the availability of some nutritious items for those most in need. Important types of food, and those with the most immediate impact, would be those high in protein such as canned yams, black olives, cranberries and cranberry sauce, tuna, chili, hearty soups, etc.

“Princess for a Day”: A local organization called “A Family for Every Child” sponsors an annual tea party for foster girls, ages 17 months to 17 years old. This special day features dressing each child as a princess. Donations for this event may be brought to Mr. Ragan’s office and include: dresses, slippers, tiaras, boas, princess jewelry, lip gloss, glitter dust, glitter hair spray, combs, nail polish, and princess stickers. Deadline is Tuesday, Feb. 23.

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Tracy Muilenburg

Counselors’ Corner

Attention Seniors and Parents:

By now, your student should be finished with all college applications.

We are entering what might be loosely termed the scholarship phase of the college process for seniors. Decisions should be in or coming in soon and now it is time to look carefully at the financial picture for next year.

1. Hopefully you have completed the FAFSA form. If not, completion is a priority. Many universities have a Financial Aid deadline around Feb. 1–15. The FAFSA serves as the scholarship application for many universities, so it is important to complete it, even if you do not think your family will qualify for funding. For more information visit: www.fafsa.ed.gov.


2. Lane Community College and the LCC Foundation offer a number of scholarships each year with some applying to Marist students who will be attending Lane next year. The application process is entirely online this year. Go to www.lanecc.edu/foundation/scholarshipopps.htm to see the list of the scholarships and information about applying.


3. Feb. 10 from 6-8:30 P.M.is Lane Community College's “Preview Night.” You can register online at lanecc.edu or at the door.


4. Here are some very important actions to take to open up the competitive scholarship world. Remember the money is there but you have NO chance if applications are not sent in! Go to our Counseling Department webpage Online Resources. Use these links to find scholarship opportunities: Fast Web (www.fastweb.com) and Get College Funds (www.getcollegefunds.org).


5. Here are some scholarship opportunities that have come to my office. Check them out and come see me to get more information or details:
   
   
   • Asian Reporter Foundation – For Asian-American students attending school in Oregon or Washington (4X$1000.00, 2X$500.00): www.arfoundation.net/awards.html
   
   
   • Scholar Athlete Milk Mustache of the Year 2010 Award Program (SAMMY) – coordinated through the school: www.bodybymilk.com
   
   
   • Lane Memorial Blood Bank High School Scholarship - see Mrs. Muilenburg for details about coordinating a summer blood drive for at least 20 people (5X$1000.00)
   
   
   • AXA Achievement Community Scholarship -- $2,000.00 scholarships download an application at: www.axa-achievement.com
   
   
   • American Legion Oratorical Scholarship Program: www.legion.org
   
   
   • Best Buy at 15 Scholarship Program - Good grades, community service or work experience (1000X$1500.00): www.bestbuy.com/scholarships

Visit your Naviance account and check out additional scholarship opportunities by clicking on “Scholarships.” Good luck!

Jerry Ragan

Attention Sophomores, and Juniors!

It is time for you to be using Naviance, our school’s college/career search and planning program. At the very minimum you should be working on the following pieces within Naviance:

1. Résumé
2. Game Plan
3. Personality Inventory (“Do What You Are”)
4. Learning Style Inventory

These important components on the college process will help you tremendously as you travel on the road to college choice.

Attention Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors!

Want to have a fantastic summer experience with the added benefit of adding to your résumé for college applications? Participation in a summer program or service opportunity can do just that. For more information on the wide array of summer programs, visit Naviance. Under the “College” tab, choose “Enrichment Programs.” There is a search engine that includes a multitude of summer possibilities. As always, keep your eye on the Daily Bulletin as well for more information on summer programs. Parents – If you need help logging into Naviance, please contact Mr. Ragan at jragan@marisths.org for your username and password information.

Junior Parents – Plan on attending the Junior Parent Night on March 10 at 7:00 P.M. in the Theatre. The guest speaker will be Mr. Dan Reilly, senior admissions counselor at the University of Portland.

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Marist Gone Country!

Support the Biggest Fundraiser of the Marist Year

The 39th Marist Auction – Marist Gone Country!

Eugene is sometimes seen as the “city of charitable auctions,” but the Marist Auction started them all. Now in its 39th year, the success of the Marist Auction is crucial to the financial health of our school.

Marist will raise nearly 50% of its yearly fundraising goal on May 15. Your support and buzz for this event are a crucial part of what makes this the signature event of Marist. Previously run by the Marist Foundation, this will be the first auction run directly by the school. Every dollar raised will be an important part of ensuring the quality of our students' education. Get involved!

Jerry and Julie Harper, current parents and this year’s Auction chairs, have organized a talented team of parents and volunteers to help run this event. Every family will be asked to help through volunteering, supporting or attending. Encourage your kids to volunteer as well. We will also be highlighting Marist Staff, as well as enjoying their contribution to the evening’s entertainment.

How can you help?

• Consider sponsoring the event through your business or underwriting a cost of the event. All sponsorship is tax deductible and a great way to advertize your business to the Marist community.


• Buy a reserved table. We will be sending out invitations soon and encourage you to purchase a table as a group. Invite friends and business colleagues to introduce them to Marist and help support our school.


• Donate an item. Whether for the silent auction or our live auction, the more donated the more items we have to encourage donors to support Marist.


• Contribute your time or cash. We need many workers to make this a great event. Your time and donations help us go into the night with all or most of our expenses covered. We want to be able to tell the world that Marist has had a great year. Your help can make this a joyful party as well as a fundraiser.

This idea behind this year’s theme of “Marist Gone Country” is to create a laid back, fun atmosphere open to all. We are working to be great financial stewards while raising money for our school. Come for the fun and ecourage all to join us.

So dust off your boots, put on your jeans and get ready to party! Save the date, May 15 , to be at the Marist Auction as Marist Gone Country!

Contact Ellen Brown of the Marist Development Office at (541) 681-5470 or ebrown@marisths.org for more information on ways to help. Watch right here on the Marist website for forms and updates.

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Tom Simon, Director of Development

New Foundation fund established

The Marist Foundation has received $39,775 in new long term endowment funds so far this year. Of this money, over $12,000 came from several members of the Brown family to form The Clarence and Eileen Brown Memorial Textbook Endowment.

Clarence and Eileen were both former board members of the Marist Foundation. Both believed strongly in Catholic education and volunteered in many roles. Fund income from this new endowment is designated toward the purchase of Marist textbooks. This purpose is in memory of Clarence’s tireless efforts to keep Catholic schools up to date in terms of educational materials.

If you know someone who would like to leave their legacy through a fund at the Marist Foundation, please contact Tom Simon of the Marist Development Office at (541) 681-5470 or tsimon@marisths.org.

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Barbara Lee, Volunteer Coordinator for Catholic Community Services of Lane County

A heartfelt “Thank You” from Catholic Community Services

On behalf of all of the staff, clients and volunteers of Catholic Community Services, I'd like to extend our deepest appreciation for the generosity of Marist students, parents and staff during this past Christmas season. We were overwhelmed with your kindness and hard work in helping needy families have a time of warmth and joy. Coats, other warm and necessary items, and donations of money were put to immediate use.

One event that you helped was the annual "Christmas Coffee," where many homeless and low income people join in a Christmas morning time of good cheer, music, food, and gifts of personal care items. I cannot adequately express to you the impact on folks who are in need knowing that someone cares about them. This is truly the spirit and meaning of Christmas. THANK YOU MARIST COMMUNITY!!!

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Shall We Dance

Marist Alumni Debbie Wright and her daughter Staci Wright are co-founders of Angel Hair Foundation. Simply stated, Angel Hair Foundation gives high quality hair systems to kids with cancer. You can visit their website at angelhairfoundation.org for more information.

Debbie and Staci would like to invite you to attend Shall We Dance, a dancing with the stars type event benefiting Angel Hair Foundation.

The cast of Shall We Dance includes: Mike Bellotti, Rick Dancer, Storm Kennedy, Seth Wayne, Colleen Bellotti, Molly Elder (former O’Hara parent), and Al Kline. This will be a evening like no other in Eugene.

The evening will include appetizers, cocktails and desserts, dance competition, raffle for ½ ct diamond necklace, Tiffany crystal and dancing.

Date: Friday, Feb. 12, 2010 at 6:00 P.M.
Where: Valley River Inn
Tickets: $75.00
Dress: Cocktail Attire
Registration: On-line at angelhairfoundation.org
Call in: 541-344-5135
Mail In: 2783 Suncrest Ave, Eugene, OR 97405

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