Mount Saint Mary Academy

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Six flute students from Mount Saint Mary Academy in Watchung, NJ had the extraordinary opportunity to participate in a Cooperative Workshop hosted by Flute Studio of Kean University and receive criticism and instruction from Lisa Hansen an inter nationally known flutist, and Allison Brewster Franzetti an internationally known concert pianist.

In addition, both schools’ Flute Ensembles heard a lecture from Susan DeFurianni of Mount Saint Mary Academy on the “Challenges of starting a Flute Ensemble and related Chamber Groups.” Following that there was a performance and brief demonstration by the Mount group followed by comments and coaching from Lisa Hanson and Allison Brewster Franzetti.

A joint presentation was next with each Mount Saint Mary student paired with a Kean student on her particular. Three additional short performances were followed by comments and coaching from the professionals in the program. Such high caliber personal direction is a rare opportunity for students on the high school level.

The exchange was under the direction of Dr. Anthony Scelba, Music Department Chair, and Kean University Music Education Coordinator, Dr. Lyn Schraer-Joiner.

Mount Saint Mary Academy in Watchung, NJ is proud to announce that its Euro Challenge team earned second place in the national Euro Challenge competition. This is the Mount’s fouth year of competing. Coach Brennan, who was clearly very proud of the team stated, “The girls focused on the global economic slowdown and its impact on Germany's economy. One of the unique features of the presentation was their discussion of Germany's cultural resistance to combining motherhood and a professional career. The girls delivered an excellent presentation and responded to the difficult economic questions equally well.”

The Euro Challenge is for 9th and 10th graders. The 79 teams who competed had to assess and analyze a problem from a country in the European Union and propose a solution to that problem. The Mount team chose slow growth in Germany as their focus. During considerable study that began over Christmas vacation and ended on April 27th, the date of the semi-final and final rounds of competition in the Federal Reserve Bank in NYC. The team developed the required 15 minute presentation and prepped for 10 ten minute question and answer session by three economists.

They were awarded a $5,000 check to be divided between the students, a trophy, and a trip to Washington D.C. with the first place team, Rutgers Prep. In the capital they will tour the facilities of the International Monetary Fund, speak to the European Commission delegates, and visit the Federal Reserve.

The only two all girls teams were Mt. Saint Mary Academy and a team from Florida. Several students gave personal comments, “While Euro Challenge was challenging and a great deal of work, it was definitely worth it. We learned so much, not only about economics and Germany, but also about research and the process of putting together a presentation.”

Another commented that “The Euro challenge was an amazing experience. Not only did I gain extensive knowledge about economics and the European Union, I also met some great people from all around the country. Euro Challenge also helped me tremendously with public speaking and quick thinking. I now feel more confident giving speeches or presentations.”

Sr. Lisa Gambacorto, Directress, was effusive with her praise. “I know the hours and hours the students and coaches worked after school and during vacations. They had passion for this competition as their win shows. It is especially heartening that our girls were successful in learning and using economics, a traditionally male dominated area.”

Other team members were grateful for the experience, “Aside from all the work we put into it, the bonding that we formed was tremendous. I was able to share these great moments with an amazing group of girls.” Also, “Euro Challenge was a completely unforgettable experience. All of our hard work really paid off, and we gained so much knowledge about the economy.”

One thoughtfully commented. “We took a crash course in economics and have studied for so many hours that we surprised ourselves with our own knowledge. Even more valuable was the bonding between team members. The six of us spent countless hours together in a basement-level classroom sharing stress, confusion, relief, and epiphany. Now, we share a connection that never would have formed without competing in the Challenge, a connection that extends beyond school-day friendships. As much as we thought, at times, that we couldn't wait till Euro Challenge would be over, I know we are all committed to participating in Fed Challenge next year.”

(The Fed Challenge is a similar competetion for 11th and 12th graders dealing with the Federal Reserve.)

Mount Saint Mary Academy, Watchung, NJ is pleased to announce that two of its teachers have received full scholarships for international study this summer.

Spanish teacher Marian Senior was one of 16 teachers chosen nationally by the National Endowment for Humanities to study for four weeks in Spain. The theme of the summer will be the picaresque genre of the novel which developed in Spain. Lectures will take place at the University of Madrid and presenters will be experts in their fields. The final project will be a creation that can be used in the classroom. Mrs. Senior said, “In one of our teacher education training days I learned how to build a digital story. We used Photo Story although any video editing program will work. I hope to construct a digital story as my final project. We present our project to everyone in the program. It will enrich my students’ classroom experience next year.”

Each year the Classical Association of the Atlantic States awards one teacher or graduate student the Adele Hahn Scholarship in honor of Adele Hahn who taught the classics at Columbia University for many years. This year’s winner is Jennifer Larson, a teacher of Latin at Mount Saint Mary Academy. The six week educational program includes 3 weeks of class work at the American School for Classical Studies in Athens, Greece. The emphasis will be archeology, art history, and Greek history. The final three weeks Ms. Larson will travel throughout Greece visiting historic sites.

Ms. Larson said, “There are many links between classical Greece and Rome. For example, Greek myths were rewritten with Latin character names. I hope to enrich my Latin classes with more history and art next year. This program will allow me to take detailed pictures of many historic sites. It is exciting to anticipate the program. I am honored that the Classical Association of the Atlantic States chose me for this scholarship.”

Mounties came in first in three of the six competition catagories: Oratory Declamation, Original Oratory, and Dramatic Interpretation. In Oratory Declamation we also took fourth place. Our strongest event was Dramatic Presentation where we won first, second, fourth and fifth places. Winning either first or second allows a contestant to go to the national competition in Omaha, Nebraska.

Sr. Lisa Gambacorto, RSM, Ed.S., Directress of Mount Saint Mary Academy, was inducted in April to the Court of Honor for her alma mater, Georgian Court University in April. This is the second year of Georgian Court University’s Court of Honor program. Sister Lisa was recognized for her distinguished leadership, service and achievement in the field of education. Six other alumnae were also honored.

Since Sister became the head of Mount Saint Mary Academy in Watchung, NJ, in 2000 she has overseen the renovation of the entire science wing, expansion of the St. Joseph Building to include a new student center/cafeteria, book store, archive office, and an expanded library/media center. Under her leadership gym has been repaired, refurbished and a new wood floor installed.
The Shakespeare and Memorial Peace Gardens were added and The Angels of Victory Track and Field Complex was built into the side of the mountain.

Sister Lisa is a member the Board of Trustees to McAuley School for Exceptional Children in Watchung and has served on a number of Boards of Trustees for educational institutions, She presently sits on the Commission for Education for the Catholic Diocese of Metuchen, and was selected to be part of the year long leadership training program of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas.