WILLIAMSPORTSUN-GAZETTE PageB-8 RegionalAcademy ...

We are Family

By Kendra Domino, junior

Higher education, family bonds

and more one-on-one time with

teachers are just a few of the ben-

efits of going to a Catholic school. I

have only been attending St. John

Neumann for the past four years,

but I feel like Ive been a part of this

family my entire life.

The way the teachers and stu-

dents welcome you is something

that makes you feel absolutely

wonderful. St. John Neumann

Regional Academy is a family, and

it does not mat-

ter whether you

have been here

all of your

school years,

or whether you

are just starting

out -- you will

always be wel-

comed here

with

open

DOMINO arms.

As far as

higher education goes, Neumann

is devoted to giving you your

moneys worth. Unlike public

schools, Catholic schools require

you to take all major courses all

four years of high school, even if

you reach your required credit

amount before your senior year.

Doing that keeps students focused

on the importance of a good, well-

rounded education.

The small class sizes at

Catholic schools allow the advan-

tage of asking more questions and

give the teachers more one-on-one

time with their students. The result

is a better understanding of the cur-

riculum and higher grades for the

pupils.

Small class sizes also result in

building bonds not only with our

peers, but also with our teachers,

who are as much a part of our uni-

fied family unit as anyone.

These are just a few of the ben-

efits of attending St. John

Neumann Regional Academy.

Catholic schools allow for many

opportunities: building strong rela-

tionships, receiving a higher edu-

cation and having small class

sizes.

The benefits of attending

Neumann should be something

everyone should want for them-

selves or for their children. It could

that Neumanns bar is set so high,

but I am convinced that every

Catholic school is just as devoted

to making our high school years

some of the best of our lives.

Paving the Way for Achievement in Life

By Brock Danneker, junior

The environment at St. John

Neumann allows for many benefits

to all of its students. These benefits

create a unique individual that will

make a difference in society.

Our school has an endless list

of good qualities and attributes, but

three major ones stand out

amongst all the others: the aca-

demics, the development of unique

individuals, and the growth of each

student with regards to respect,

service and responsibility. These

benefits pave the way for achieving

more in life.

The education at St. John

Neumann is like no other school

because our education is Catholic-

based. This foundation on aca-

demics pushes all students to

strive and do their best and use

their talents for the good of others.

The ability to talk and discuss

our beliefs puts us on the right path

in life to do what is truly good for all.

The Catholic-based education pro-

gram opens up a wide view of the

world with theology classes in

which we learn of our morality and

history classes in which types of

religion are

openly dis-

cussed without

penalty if God is

mentioned. All

the other bene-

fits that St. John

Neumann has

to offer start with

the Catholic-

based education system.

DANNEKER

As a student,

the rigor of academics urges me to

exceed beyond my limits. The fac-

ulty is always helping students to

strive forward and far in life. As a

result, students become unique

individuals, using our talents, treas-

ures and strengths for the good of

others.

Though we are all unique, we

are strong as one big family in the

faith community and outside in

everyday society. The small class

sizes allow for personal achieve-

ment and development into leaders

amongst friends. Each student

learns to become responsible and

take control of a situation to help

someone.

Students also learn to respect

others and be appreciative of what

they have. They learn the value

and importance of service to

mankind. That seems to be the

most important benefit because the

Catholic faith raises our standards,

which, in turn, pushes us to

become responsible and moral

adults.

WILLIAMSPORT SUN-GAZETTE Monday, February 14, 2011 Page B-8

This page was created by students at

St. John Neumann Regional Academy

Mass honors 8

award winners

The Governance Board of St. John Neumann Regional Academy recently bestowed awards on eight distinguished alumni and community citizens.

St. John Neumann Regional Academy has named Paul H. Beiter, Sandy Strouse Bierly, Josephine Caffrey, the Rev. Charles Cummings, Patti Eck Morone, Emily Strouse Snyder, Kathleen Waldeisen and Louise Waldeisen Wilson as the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton 2011 SJNRA Legacy Award winners for their dedicated work in supporting Catholic education in our area.

They were honored at a special mass for all local Catholic school alumni on Sunday, Jan. 30, at St. Boniface Church.

Each were given a commemorative award plaque, a gift and a special blessing, led by the Rev. Bert Kozen, honorary chairman of St. John Neumann's "Catholic Schools Celebration 2011."

More than 225 alumni and their guests were in attendance. Immediately after the mass, the award winners and mass attendees were honored with a celebratory dinner served by Neumann's LEO Club in the Academy's Franklin Street Gym.

Paul Beiter, one of the award recipients, stated, "I am so honored by this award. No matter what a person does in life, someone taught them the skills they needed to be successful.

I am grateful for Catholic schools for preparing me for my future, and for giving me

PHOTO PROVIDED

From left, Msgr. Stephen McGough, Deacon Steve Fry, Fr. Bert Kozen, SJNRA's "Catholic Schools Celebration 2011" Chairman, and Fr. Charles Cummings celebrate the Catholic School Alumni Legacy Mass at St. Boniface Church on Jan. 30.

the work and service ethic that

has served me well my entire

life."

According to Frank G.

Pellegrino, St. John Neumann

Governance Board president,

"Together this group has con-

tributed countless hours of vol-

unteer work and has donated

their personal talents and

treasures to support Catholic

Education

throughout

Lycoming County. They are a

remarkable group, each in

their own individual way. They never sought notoriety or fame in their service to our school. They worked tirelessly to advance Catholic education in our area, and we are grateful for their support and the legacy they have created for future generations of Catholic school students."

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton is the first U.S.-born saint and is the patron saint of Catholic education.

During the 2010-11 school year, St. John Neumann Regional Academy is celebrating the 135th anniversary of Catholic schools in Lycoming County.

This celebration includes recognizing the importance and the impact of the predecessor schools to SJNRA, which include St. Mary, St. Boniface, St. Joseph, Immaculate Conception, St. Ann and Bishop Neumann.

What a Catholic Education Means to Me

(EDITOR'S NOTE: These

any questions we might have

short essays were submit-

We do a lot of community

ted by sixth-grade students

service. At the elementary

in Mrs. Myra Kovalak's

school, we raise money for the

class.)

poor. We plan many service

projects like Toys for Tots,

By Jessica Mattiace,

Cans for a Cause, bake sales,

Grade 6

pancake breakfasts, and food

drives and coat drives to pro-

I go to St. John Neumann Regional Academy for many

MATTIACE

HELMINIAK McFADDEN

YEARICK

vide for those who are less fortunate.

reasons. First, my parents want me to have an exceptional Catholic education. I also want an exceptional education because I plan to be successful in life. I want to grow in my faith and become a great Catholic individual.

I like it at this school because it feels like one big happy family. When you walk in the door, you notice all the care and support that goes into making this school great.

Everyone is so friendly, and it is very easy to make friends. The teachers and students play a big role in this.

I grow in my faith every day. I love the freedom to be able to talk about our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

All the programs here make the school even more fun. My favorite is Odyssey of the Mind. This activity requires problemsolving skills, teamwork and creativity. Since I have participated on an Odyssey of the Mind team the past four years, I have had many opportunities for learning and many priceless memories.

All of the discipline and hard work have made me a better person. I am thankful that my parents allow me to attend St. John Neumann, and I am grateful to my teachers as well. They always support me and are always there for me. St. John Neumann does an amazing job at building character!

me. As a Catholic Christian, I am very proud to be educated at such a great school.

I enjoy learning more about my faith in God, especially from such faithful teachers who teach me new things every day. Every one of my teachers has taught me so well. There are endless possibilities here.

I like to create new things in art class and learn about musicians in music class. I enjoy playing with my friends in gym class too. Science is exciting with Mrs. Christie and math is fun with Mr. Keller. My teachers are an inspiration to me and many others. I can't thank them enough. I couldn't ask for a better education. I am glad that my parents allow me to attend St. John Neumann Regional Academy.

By Christine McFadden, Grade 6

A Catholic education means a good education. Obtaining a good education means getting into a good college.

My education is great at St. John Neumann. I am learning a lot, and I grow closer to God and Jesus by attending Mass. Going to a Catholic school means being with God and receiving His blessings.

Every week we go to church. We

St. John Neumann has great activities like sports, Odyssey of the Mind, Academic Decathlon and much more. There is more every year, and I can't wait to go on!

By Ryenn Yearick, Grade 6

My Catholic school means many things to me because it has been my whole life. The opportunities are incredible! Our school offers so many things, like academic competitions, sports and many challenging tasks along the way. Most students who have gone through St. John Neumann are accepted at great colleges, which would never happen if it weren't for the outstanding teachers and high level of learning.

The thing I love the most about our school is that we can talk about God. We can learn with more flexibility and talk about life situations and how God works within our lives.

The whole school is like one big family. We are all close to each other, care for each other and want to help each other achieve great things. Everyone is so kind and knows one another so well. This is what makes going to St. John Neumann so worthwhile. I really love my school and would be sorry to see anyone take it for

receive the sacrament of Reconciliation. granted.

By Ben Helminiak,

Every day, we pray in the morning, before I will always cherish the memories I

Grade 6

we eat, and in the afternoon. Father have made along the way. What I have

Bechtel, our chaplain, comes to our class- learned will follow me always throughout

My Catholic education means a lot to es every week to talk with us and answer my life.

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