Students Complete Season of Giving
Barb Dawson • December 17, 2024
Merry Christmas!
After completing a very successful Golden Gobbler Food Drive in November, Montini Catholic students began 'phase 2' of their "Season of Giving" - with their Adopt-A-Family gift drive which began in early December. Each year Montini Catholic students, under the guidance of the Lasallian college preparatory high school's Campus Ministry, 'adopt' several local families with the goal of giving them a very Merry Christmas by providing much needed items (clothing, hats, gloves) as well as toys and gifts. In late November, students (via homerooms) receive wish lists informing them of the number of family members, their gender, ages, and sizes. "Most of the wish lists include simple items many of us take for granted like gloves, boots, and warm hats," said Campus Minister Mr. Mike Blanchette. Food donations from the food drive are also packaged up for each family.
Throughout the month of December, Montini's Peer Ministry Team hosted a 'candy gram' drive and raffles with money going to supplement the Adopt-A-Family donations. Montini alumni were also invited to participate with gift card donations.
On Friday, December 13th, after an inspiring Advent prayer service, students enjoyed an extra-long homeroom period to wrap their gifts. On Saturday, December 14th several students from Montini's Peer Ministry team were honored to have the experience of personally delivering the 'gifts' to their families. "Being able to deliver these gifts to the families has been such a joy," said Peer Ministry leader, Sienna Skarda '25. "This was the 2nd year that I was able to do this and both years have been so heartwarming. Knowing that our Montini community came together to raise the amount of money that we did in order to give these kids an amazing Christmas is so special. The best part about delivering these gifts would have to be the smiles on the kids' faces and knowing that on Christmas morning they have so many gifts to open!"
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This month, Montini Catholic's Band is celebrating a National Champion (Class A) title in the National Catholic Band Association's national band competition. "We are incredibly proud," said the Lasallian college preparatory high school's Music Director Donnie Glowinski. "This is the first time in school history that Montini Catholic has earned this title." Each year, Catholic high schools from across the country are invited to submit performance recordings to be adjudicated by a panel of expert judges. "This prestigious honor is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and talent of our student musicians. Their commitment to excellence has brought great pride to our school community," added Glowinski. "Every year, we work on becoming better musicians, and every year, the band rises to the challenge. I am so unbelievably proud of the work this group has done this year and everything they have accomplished. I am really looking forward to the future to see what these students will be able to do!" In the summer of 1953 a small group of concerned band directors, led by Director of Bands Robert F. O’Brien, met on the campus of the University of Notre Dame to discuss the Catholic School Band, its particular problems, and what might be done to further its development. Fr. Theodore Hesburgh Notre Dame President, gave the welcome speech. Mr. O’Brien then proposed goals for the organization and the NCBA was born. Today, NCBA's office is located at Villanova University Office of Music Activities. The NCBA recognizes the value of music within the Catholic school community. Their mission is to establish high musical, educational and ethical standards in Catholic schools' band programs. Image Above: Montini Catholic band members front row l to r: Olivia Marin, Kayli Gergen, Maggie Cyze, Miranda Meier, Sarah Gudmundson, Camile Arnold and Abby Milas; Second row: Roberto Williamson, Margaret Palkoner, Chris Reyes, Michael Patacsil, Maddy Aguilar, Lailah Stubblefield, Simon Poulin, Raphael Patacsil, Mason Maldonado, Cristian Alcantara, Kevin Barrett and Andrew Shin; Back row: Colin Murray, Tyler Whitlock, EJ Schicker, Lucas Van Witzenburg and Oghosa Idemudia Not pictured: Julia Gergen and Eric Hu
