The school trophy

Mount Saint Mary Academy in Watchung, NJ sent five students to compete in this year's Euro Challenge competition for 9th and 10th grade students. The only all female team in the competition, they placed third, winning $3750.00 in scholarship money. The faculty advisor, Ms. Kathleen Brennan, is chair of the Mathematics Department and teaches Economics. Ms. Brennan was assisted by Mrs. Alicia Iacono, chair of the Social Studies Department.

For the competition, teams select one country that has adopted the euro and has an economic challenge and make a presentation on that problem. They chose Italy and used the format of an Italian TV show. They also took part in a question and answer session about the European economy and the euro. “I couldn’t be more proud of them.” said Ms. Brennan. “They gave a fine presentation and held their own on the question and answer section.”

The euro is the primary currency of 15 of the 27 countries of the European Union. The competition took place on Friday on April 18th at Credit Suisse in NYC. The Mount competed against 47 teams from various states and won a place at participating in the final round which was held at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on April 29th. The top four teams competed in the final round. Mrs. Iacono commented, “They put in so many hours after school and on weekends. Their will to learn and willingness made working with them a pleasure.”
The Euro Challenge was launched by the Delegation of the European Commission to the United States in 2006. Its goal is too foster a better understanding of the strong economic and political relationship between the United States and Europe. The 9th and10th graders learn a great deal about economics and finance. Scholarship awards are made available by The Moody's Foundation, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York provides technical assistance to the Euro Challenge, while Working in Support of Education (W!SE) serves as project manager. Other partner organizations include Credit Suisse and EuroNet International BRG from Deloitte & Touche USA, LLP.
Additional Photo: Student Life > Photo Gallery

Art picture One

Each year the art students display their work in conjunction with the Spring Concert. This year the volume, creativity and variety were amazing. There are additional pictures in the Photo Gallery.

The latest edition

The Mount was recently honored for the excellence of its school newspaper, Peeks. The American Scholastic Press Association of College Point New York holds an annual Review and Contest for scholastic newspapers and other publications. Annually, over 2000 colleges/universities, senior and junior high schools submit their publications for review.

The schools are categorized based on enrollment, and 1st, 2nd and 3rd place rankings are assigned based on a publications score, which evaluates content coverage, page design, general plan, art/advertising/illustrations, editing, and creativity. A total of 1000 points may be awarded.

Peeks was only 35 points from being awarded a first place ranking, and was 1 of only 10 other schools in our enrollment category nationally to receive a 2nd place ranking. Full picture in Photo Gallery.

We worked in eight sites.

Twice a year all students and staff perform service on and off campus. This is the year 11 sites were chosen to demonstrate the Mercy Core Value of service. Following the work day all joined together in the Student Center for ice cream provided by the Mercy Guild. Additional pictures in Photo Gallery.

Some forensic winners

The Mount won an amazing 11 trophies in the March Grand Tournament for Forensics.

Eighteen members of the team completed in their biggest tournament of the year. Twenty five young women compose the team, the largest number in the Mount’s history. Eleven members of the Mount Team placed in the top positions of their speech categories. The Mount team earned first place spots in three of six possible categories. Five young women have earned entrance to the National Competition in Appleton, Wisconsin on Memorial Day weekend.

The awards were in Prose and Poetry, Declamation, Drama and Duo Interpretation.

Moderators Teresa Sengel and Christina D’Emma expressed great pride in the talent and competitive spirit of the team. “The support and encouragement that team members gave each other was beautiful to watch. They worked hard and long to improve and hone their skills.” said Mrs. Sengel. Two full pictures in Photo Gallery.