Friday, December 21, 2018

Scranton's Class of 2022 Presidential Scholars Include Trinity Alumnus Jacob Shomali (Class of 2014)

Fourteen students from the University of Scranton class of 2022 have been awarded four-year, full-tuition Presidential Scholarships. Seated, from left, are Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., president of The University of Scranton; and Presidential Scholars Meghan Rohr, Jessica Goldschlager and Charles Kulick. Standing, from left, are Presidential Scholars Erin Horan, Colleen Chan, Robert Maloney, Ashley Mullan, Anna Wengyn, Sarah White, Eric Dittmar, Sean Connolly, Jacob Shomali, Patrick Dawid and Shannon Brokerick.

Scranton Names Class Of 2022 Presidential Scholars

Originally Posted Here

The University of Scranton has awarded 14 students from its class of 2022 four-year, full-tuition Presidential Scholarships. The Presidential Scholarship recipients are Shannon Broderick, Colleen Chan, Sean Connolly, Patrick Dawid, Eric Dittmar, Jessica Goldschlager, Erin Horan, Charles Kulick, Robert Maloney, Ashley Mullan, Meghan Rohr, Elias Shomali, Anna Wengyn and Sarah White.

Presidential Scholarships are awarded to incoming first-year students with outstanding records in high school and notable community involvement. The scholarship covers four years of full tuition provided that the student maintains at least a 3.25 grade point average.

Shannon Broderick, New Fairfield, Connecticut, graduated from New Fairfield High School. She was a member of the National Honor Society, the National Math Honor Society and the Italian Honor Society. She was class secretary, president of a peer-mentoring program, president of the Italian club, a National Honor Society tutor and a member of the New Fairfield High School Rebel Senate. She participated in lacrosse and indoor track and was captain of the field hockey team. Broderick volunteered as a camp counselor and an elementary school classroom assistant and volunteered for Relay for Life and the American Red Cross. Broderick will major in nursing at Scranton. She is the daughter of Geraldine and Michael Broderick.

Colleen R. Chan, East Brunswick, New Jersey, graduated from Bishop George Ahr High School. She was a National Merit Scholarship Finalist and the Herff Jones Journalism Award recipient. She was a member of the National Honor Society, the National Math Honor Society, the National Science Honor Society and the National Hispanic Honor Society. An active leader in many high school clubs and organizations, Chan was captain of the club and varsity swim teams, a student ambassador, yearbook editor-in-chief and a Teen Action Group executive board member. A volunteer with over 300 hours of logged service, she served as an EMT and volunteered at her local library in addition to other service projects. Chan is a nursing major. She is the daughter of Carol Rusin and Donald Chan.

Sean P. Connolly, Danbury, Connecticut, graduated from Immaculate High School. He was a member of the National Honor Society and Key Club. Connolly was captain of the varsity cross-country and track and field teams at his high school. He has volunteered with the United Way of Western Connecticut and the Special Olympics of Danbury. A member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program, Connolly is an undeclared major in Scranton’s College of Arts and Sciences. He is the son of Andrea and Patrick Connolly.

Patrick Dawid, Dupont, graduated from Scranton Preparatory School. Dawid earned gold medals in national German and Latin exams. He was an involved member of his school’s Business Club and Astronomy Club and played on the football team for three years. He served his community through school programs and volunteered at a summer program with the ARC of Scranton. A member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program, Dawid will major in biochemistry as Scranton. He is the son of Ewa and Zbigniew Dawid.

Eric Dittmar, Stroudsburg, graduated as salutatorian from Pocono Mountain East High School. He was an AP Scholar with Distinction. He was the president of his school’s marching band and a member of Odyssey of the Mind. He volunteered his time at the Animal Welfare Society of Monroe County and the Lehigh Valley Hospital Pocono. A member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program, Dittmar will major in computer science on the pre-med track. He is the son of Susan and Matthew Dittmar.

Jessica R. Goldschlager, Magnolia, Delaware, graduated as valedictorian from Caesar Rodney High School. She is a National AP Scholar. She competed in the cross-country and speech and debate teems in her school and participated in the Delaware Congressional Delegation Youth Conference. She was also involved in martial arts, Olympic weightlifting and marathons. She served many hours as a volunteer occupational therapist’s assistant at Bayhealth Medical Center, as a teacher as Camp Hola, and as a children’s health educator and peer-teacher the John S. Charlton School. Goldschlager will major in occupational therapy at Scranton. She is the daughter of Margaret Bell and Steve Goldschlager.

Erin B. Horan, Massapequa, New York, graduated from Holy Trinity Diocesan High School. She was a member of the National Honor Society, the Math Honor Society, the Thespian Honor Society and the Music Honor Society. A Science Olympiad, she was a member of Math Fax and the senior leadership group L.I.G.H.T.S. She was captain of the volleyball team and a member of the varsity winter track team and varsity badminton team. She was also involved in the select choir, school musicals and music ministry. Horan volunteered as a religious education teacher as St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish. Horan will major in occupational therapy at Scranton. She is the daughter of Elizabeth and Daniel Horan.

Charles Kulick, Pittston Township, graduated as valedictorian from Scranton Preparatory School. He was a National Merit Scholar Finalist. A Science Olympiad member and Mathlete, he was president of the Advanced Technology Club and president of the Creating Writing Club at Prep. He participated in a service trip with the South Carolina Habitat for Humanity and was involved as a volunteer with the Seasons of Love Soup Kitchen. Kulick will double major in mathematics and computer science at Scranton. He is the son of Sharon and Mark Kulick.

Robert Maloney, Staten Island, New York, graduated from Xaverian High School. He was a member of the National Honor Society. He was a student ambassador and as president of the Clipper Society at his school, he assisted in open houses and reunions. He was a member of the varsity swim team, the ultimate Frisbee club team and of concert band. Maloney volunteered his time as a National Honor Society tutor, a counselor at Candlewood Knolls Children’s Camp, a server and cleaner at Chips Soup Kitchen and a volunteer at the New York City Marathon. Maloney will major in accounting at Scranton. He is the son of Mary Ann and Robert Maloney.

Ashley E. Mullan, Huntington, New York, graduated from St. Anthony’s High School. She was a National Merit Commended Scholar, a National Hispanic Scholar and an AP Scholar with Distinction. She was a member of the National Honor Society, the National Foreign Language Honor Society, the National English Honor Society, the National Math Honor Society and the Music Honor Society. A member and leader of many clubs, Mullan was president of the Critical Review Board, publicity director of a peer mentoring program and a retreat leader. She is a second-degree black belt and certified instructor in jiu jitsu. She was also a member of the honors orchestra and jazz band in high school and a volunteer piano accompanist. A member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program, Mullan will major in applied mathematics at Scranton. She is the daughter of Dina and John Mullan, who is a 1988 graduate of The University of Scranton.

Meghan Rohr, Audubon, graduated from Villa Maria Academy. She was a member of the National Honor Society and a Math Honor Society officer. She was on the Student Integrity Committee, a Speak Up representative, a Respect Life Club officer and a member of the Pennsylvania Math League. She was a member of her high school’s cross country and field hockey teams. An active volunteer, she served at the Phoenixville Hospital, the Brandywine Valley S.P.C.A. animal shelter and Visitation B.V.M. Parish among others. She also helped organize food and clothes drives and the annual Giving Tree. A member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program, Rohr will major in nursing at Scranton. She is the daughter of Terri and Jay Rohr.

Jacob Shomali, Ellicott City, Maryland, graduated from Loyola Blakefield High School. He was an AP Scholar with Distinction. A trombone player in school’s jazz band and the Jazz Academy Orchestra in Washington, D.C., and active member of musical theater programs, Shomali won the Louis Armstrong Award. He was a senior captain of the forensics team, captain for club travel soccer, a retreat volunteer and a student ambassador. He spent much of his summer volunteering at hospitals and clinics in Baltimore City, Maryland, and he has volunteered at food banks and homeless shelters. A member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program, Shomali will major in neuroscience in Scranton on the pre-med track. He is the son of Margret and Mansur Shomali.

Anna E. Wengyn, Chalfont, graduated as salutatorian from Lansdale Catholic High School. She was an AP Scholar with Distinction and a member of the National Honor Society and the World Language Honor Society for Spanish. She was president of her high school’s drama club, a student government representative, a student ambassador and an orientation leader. She was a member of the choir and played on the field hockey team. A member of her school’s Community Service Corps and her parish’s youth group, Wengyn volunteered many hours serving her community. A member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program, Wengyn will major in biochemistry, cell and molecular biology at Scranton. She is the daughter of Tammy and Joe Wengyn.

Sarah V. White, Brooklyn, New York, graduated as salutatorian from Marymount School of New York. She was a National Merit Commended Scholar, a member of the National Honor Society and she earned a gold medal in the National French Competition. She was captain of the softball team, co-president of the Women in Our World club, co-chair of the club's gender equality summit, co-president of Book Club, school retreat leader and a student ambassador. She served as an intern in the New York University’s Langone Department of Cell Biology. Her numerous service projects include serving as a lector at St. Anselm R.C. Church and editing a fundraising journal for St. Anselm’s Catholic Academy. A member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program, White will major in biology at Scranton. She is the daughter of Eileen and Andrew White.

Thursday, December 6, 2018

A Letter From Mr. Wilson

A Letter From Mr. Wilson

December 5, 2018
Dear Parents,

We have completed one third of the school year and I must say it has been a wonderful experience. Your children light up this campus on the darkest of days. It is a true joy to come to school and be greeted by such polite, intelligent, and happy students. The Trinity students have made my move back into the work force an easy transition. At least once or twice a week one of the students will do something admirable and I say to myself I can’t wait to tell Sister Catherine. Then reality hits. She would be very proud of our 2018-19 student body. I know that I am and I certainly hope that you feel the same.

The December calendar is full of events showcasing our talented students. Please, try to attend a concert, mass or prayer service. If you have a friend looking for a school bring them to one of these events to see Trinity girls and boys in action.

Report cards have been posted. It is now a good time to discuss with your child the first quarter results. Educational experts emphasize that until a student can comfortably recount what has been taught in their own words the learning process is not finished. Setting long term goals for the next trimester can be a big help in a students learning. Also, setting short term goals that can be reached in a week or so is really beneficial. You can never be too organized.

Enjoy this Christmas season and have a wonderful holiday.

Steve Wilson
Interim Principal
Trinity School

A Letter From Mr. Sloyer


A Letter From Mr. Sloyer

December 5, 2018

Dear Middle School Parents,

 It is hard to believe that we are already a third of the way through our school year. The teachers and staff all appreciate your support during the first three months of the school year during which we celebrated the life and legacy of Sister Catherine with Grace, Gratitude and Joy. As we begin the second trimester, this is a good time to reflect on some of the experiences and opportunities that have gotten us off to such a strong start.

We continue to make strides in the area of technology. Over the summer we acquired a set of Sphero robots, which have put into heavy use and are a big hit with the students. We also now have our first Lego League robotics team,which practices weekly in the STEM lab and is gearing up for its first competition, thanks to the initiative of a new parent and the generous support of a donor.

Trinity is also dedicated to educating both students and parents. In November, Mrs. Baldwin brought in a guest speaker who presented information to parents on how to develop and support executive functioning skills at home. We plan to host more sessions later this year. If you have any suggested topics or speakers, please do not hesitate to contact me.

As you review your child’s first trimester progress report, my hope is that it will serve as a conversation starter with your child. If you child is excelling in a particular subject, celebrate that accomplishment with him or her and explore ways that he or she may be able to further develop his or her talents in that area. If he or she is struggling in a particular subject, talk about how you may be able to support his or her efforts. And know that both I and the teachers stand ready offer assistance, as needed.

The Advent season is now upon us. As we enter this season of preparation, we hope that you will take the opportunity to attend some of our prayer services and concerts as we all await the celebration of the birth of our Lord.

Sincerely,

Paul Sloyer

Middle School Head

A Letter From Mrs. Martinez


A Letter From Mrs. Martinez

December 5, 2018

Dear Parents,

Happy December!

It is hard to believe that we are already into our second trimester! It seems that holding conferences prior to report card distribution was effective and that delivery of our first electronic report cards proved successful. Each day our administrators, faculty and staff come to school with the expectation of meeting high standards for learning, as well as offering equal attention to the individual needs of our students. I am proud of the accomplishments of our students and am grateful for the support you offer to assist with their success.

Our year’s spiritual theme of Grace, Gratitude and Joy remind us daily of the gifts that are our Trinity heritage. It is difficult to walk down our halls or around our campus and not feel the spirit of Sister Catherine guiding us each day, and see the work of the Holy Spirit in action.

We have several delightful, festive events to look forward to during these next few weeks; Secret Santa, the Kindergarten and First Grade Christmas Pageant, Second Grade’s Santa Lucia /Juan Diego celebration and our yearly Christmas concert, which will feature Third and Fourth Grade performances as well as our Middle School Concert Choir, Ensemble Bell Choir and the School Band. Please feel welcome to join us for any or all of these events; dates are listed on the website, our school calendar, and in our weekly Newsy Notes.

This Friday, December 7th, we will celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception (a December 8th Feast Day) at a 2:00 Liturgy. This feast day celebrates that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was conceived with God’s special grace, free from original sin. We welcome you to join us in the auditorium for this Mass.

Our primary classes are involved with making and sending Christmas cards to our military Airmen. The personalized messages and drawings they have created are precious, and are sure to add smiles and encouragement to those far from home during the holidays.

As the hustle and bustle of preparing for Christmas overtakes, it is easy to be caught up in the many “to dos”, but it’s important to keep in mind the reason for the season and to take time to savor its simple joys. While we move through the season of Advent and prepare to celebrate Christmas, let us remember the many gifts we enjoy each day and reflect on our countless blessings from God.

I pray that you and your loved ones are blessed with the gifts of love, faith, and joy at Christmas and in the New Year to come.

Warmest regards,

Margie Martinez
Primary School Head



A Letter From Mrs. Law


A Letter From Mrs. Law

December 5, 2018

Dear Trinity Preschool Families,

It’s hard to believe that December is already here. It’s amazing to see what the students have accomplished over the course of the past three months. I am very proud of our children’s hard work and I appreciate your support and assistance in helping your child be successful!! Teachers, staff, and parents have been instrumental in making it a productive year for the students, and for that we should all be grateful.

As November comes to a close, and we prepare ourselves for Advent and Christmas, don’t forget to pause and think about the true meaning of the season. Advent is a special time of year in which we look for and nurture the presence of God through prayer and reflection as we prepare ourselves for the celebration of the birth of Christ on Christmas Day. 

The first part of the 2018-2019 school year has gone by quickly, and it has been an exciting time with all our new friends. Parents have met with their children’s teachers during parent conferences at the end of the month and I must say that it has been a joy watching the children grow and blossom.

As I reflect on the many things for which I am thankful, I want to take this opportunity to share just a few of them with you: I am thankful for our students who come to school every day ready to learn – they give us all a daily reminder of what is important and why we are here. I am thankful for the support of the parents in creating an outstanding partnership for our students. I am thankful for the teachers, assistants, secretaries, nurses, lunchroom aides, support staff, therapists and administrators who really care about student achievement and have the best interests of our students at heart. I am also thankful for our volunteers who enthusiastically contribute so much to our school. In these most difficult and challenging times, we see dedicated and tireless individuals going above and beyond to make sure that great things happen in our school. They do make a difference, and the children, in their own individual ways, benefit from those efforts. Most importantly, I am thankful for the parents that have kept the faith in us. They continue to share their most valuable possession with us. For this, we are ever so thankful and grateful. 

As always, thank you for entrusting your children to us, and I look forward to the upcoming Christmas Pageants on Wednesday, December 19th (3’s at 10 am in the Chapel and the 4’s and K-Transition in the Auditorium). I take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support for Trinity School as we work together to offer the very best learning opportunities and experiences for your child(ren). Every morning I remind the children that “today is a good day for a good day”.

On behalf of everybody at Trinity School and Preschool, we wish you, your family and those you love a holy and peaceful Christmas and an abundance of God’s grace for the New Year.

With “Gratitude, Grace and Joy”,

Barbara Law and the Preschool Staff