Flight 1882 Fall 2025 by Academy of Our Lady of Peace

Flight 1882

Your Countdown StartS now: From FirSt-daY PreP to LiFeLong SiSterhood

• What to Bring for Day One

• Real Advice from Current Pilots

• Class Spotlights & Study Tips

• Why Students Choose OLP

• QUIZ: What Kind of Future Pilot Are You?

• Feed Your Friendship

• Feed Your Friendship in this issue

Dear Future Pilot,

Welcome aboard Flight 1882! As both an OLP alumna and your Director of Marketing and Communications, it brings me so much joy to introduce this magazine—a special space created just for you.

This isn’t just a guide to high school. It’s a window into the heart of OLP: a place where sisterhood is real, where your voice matters, and where your unique journey is celebrated. Inside, you’ll find stories written by current students who once stood exactly where you are now—curious, excited, and maybe a little nervous about what’s ahead.

Here, we blend helpful tips (like what to bring on your first day or how to pick your classes) with reflections on friendship, resilience, and the joy of discovering who you are. You’ll also get a taste of what makes our campus community so vibrant— from academics and athletics to creativity, connection, and personal growth.

OLP isn’t just a school. It’s a launching pad. And this magazine is your pre-flight checklist and travel journal rolled into one. So buckle up, flip through, and take a deep breath. The adventure of high school is just beginning, and I can promise you this: it’s going to be meaningful, unforgettable, and uniquely yours.

With Love, Christine Wilson Director of Marketing & Communications OLP

Class of 2004

Countdown to High School: How

to Prepare for OLP!

By: Monica Huynh

Feeling stressed about what to bring or how to get ready for high school? Don’t worry—we’ve all been there! Here’s a quick guide to help you feel prepared and confident heading into your first year at OLP.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE

MATH

Definitely bring a TI-84 calculator, ruler, notebook, and plenty of pencils.

You’ll also use a program called MathXL for most of your homework—your teacher will walk you through how to log in and use it!

You’ll be assigned at least two books depending on whether you’re in English I or English I Honors.

Bring a notebook, highlighters, pens, and some loose-leaf paper to stay organized.

Each language class (like Spanish, French, or Latin) may require different textbooks and supplies.

Be sure to check onlinefor the most up-to-date list and get a head start!

BIOLOGY RELIGION

This class is very note-taking heavy, so bring a notebook and your favorite pens or pencils.

You’ll use a program called Pearson to access articles and class materials.

Pro tip: figure out what note-taking style works best for you now—it’ll make this class way easier!

You’ll take two religion classes: Old Testament and Christian Morality.

Bring a notebook for Christian Morality; for Old Testament, it’s optional.

Also, buy a brand-new Bible—you’ll be using it all four years! I made the mistake of buying a used one, and I wish I hadn’t.

VAPA

(Visual and Preforming Arts)

Each VAPA class has different supply needs, so check the

Final Tips:

Buy used books if you want to save money!

Don’t stress too much—you’ll have 1–2 weeks at the start of school to get all your materials.

Get a planner! Trust me, your schedule will fill up fast and staying organized is a lifesaver.

Check out the online workbook catalog to find everything you need for all your classes.

Academics Spotlight

by: Ashlie Lindsey

Towards the end of my freshmen year, when I was choosing classes for the next school year, I decided to take Chemistry Honors. I’ll admit, I am definitely an overthinker. Over the summer, I frantically looked up on every social media platform possible other people’s experiences with the class, and a quote I repeatedly saw was, “We survived sophomore Chemistry Honors!”. As you can tell, these words would send anyone into panic mode. I went through the summer absolutely dreading the class and being worried if I would be able to keep up in a subject like chemistry. On the first day of school in August, walking into that classroom in Shiley, I had zero confidence that I’d understand a single topic taught in that class. But when I sat down in my seat, I was greeted with one of the most enthusiastic teachers I’ve ever met and a table partner that made class as fun as it was educational. To my surprise, chemistry is now my favorite class. If you were to tell this to a 14 year old me, she would laugh! But it’s true, I love walking into that classroom every other morning.

To anyone who struggles with the same type of thinking as me, take my experience as a sign to not overthink it. High school is a time to explore your interests, make new friends, and have fun. But that being said, don’t be afraid to challenge yourself. In a school like OLP with a sisterhood like the one we have, the community here makes a difference. We walk into school every morning onto a campus filled with driven, intelligent, and compassionate women. Everywhere you look, you can be inspired by your fellow Pilots’ unique stories. No matter how rough of a time you’re going through, know that there’s another girl on campus going through the same and you aren’t alone in what you feel. You’re surrounded with a supportive community who wants you to succeed!

Why I Chose OLP

by: Ellie Sipper

Hey, Future Pilot!

My name is Ellie and I am currently a senior at OLP!!

I remember my time as an 8th grader like it was yesterday. The anticipation of a new beginning, the reluctance to leave lifelong friends, and the overall strange mix of emotions ranging from intense nostalgia and appreciation for your middle school memories to the overwhelming desire to step into a new chapter.

As you know, one of the most significant decisions you will make during 8th grade is which high school will be lucky enough to call YOU their student these next four years. I understand that this might be a crazy time of intense information overload, but I want to calm your nerves and simplify what OLP truly offers because, at the end of the day, my only wish is that you find the best fit for you.

When I was an 8th grader, several factors influenced my decision to choose OLP, including a beautiful campus (Villa Montemar), exceptional food, top-tier academics, and the endless opportunities available in clubs and athletics. All of these factors initially ignited the small flame that was my interest at OLP, but nothing grew the flame like the OLP community.

I noticed that every interaction I had with an OLP Pilot, parent, or faculty member, and every video or photo I observed of OLP had one thing in common: love. I like to use St. Thomas Aquinas’ definition of love: “willing the good of the other.” At every opportunity, it became apparent to me that what OLP girls do best is “will the good of the other.”

For me, this has proved to be true through my involvement in the BeYOUtiful Club, where alongside other club leaders, I get the opportunity to plan and execute the annual BeYOUtiful conference, focused on helping elementary and middle school girls grow into the best version of themselves: a girl that is confident in her innate beauty. I have personally witnessed the joy fostered in an environment where BeYOUtiful Club leaders invent new station ideas or form bonds with members of their conference groups. OLP girls understand the value of seeing each individual as a sister that she has a personal and inherent responsibility to help.

Additionally, I have experienced the love of OLP girls on the flag football and soccer fields, where my teammates consistently display a sense of mutual support and a desire to put others before themselves to achieve a common goal, picking girls up both physically and mentally when they are down. Whether it is helping someone stretch a muscle, giving a ride to practice, teaching a new play, or providing some words of encouragement, OLP girls are extraordinarily compassionate and capable of identifying and meeting needs in all areas, inspired by our CSJ sisters, who have always done the same. I have experienced the love of OLP girls through my classmates, who are not afraid of looking a little silly in order to help someone else avoid feeling embarrassed, or will go all-out wearing our class color add-ons on spirit days because we take a lot of pride in banding together as a class. In many ways, our class color is a symbol of the love that we feel for our class, made up of a diverse group of talented, unique, and irreplaceable individuals.

Lastly, I have witnessed the love of OLP through my teachers, who are really more than teachers; they are mentors that help students beyond the classroom. During my junior year, I was really struggling mentally because I was coming off the heels of a severe injury, and my confidence on the soccer field really suffered. That said, because I was at OLP, it wasn’t long before one of my teachers noticed. We had a discussion about it and it reminded me that not only are my teachers antastic at passing on their knowledge, but they are also incredibly special human beings that understand high school life in a way that allows them to show compassion, humility, and encouragement to cultivate an environment that my fellow Pilots and I thrive in.

If there is one thing you should know about OLP, know this: OLP is a unique place because of the exceptional people who are here. There is a place for everyone because, fueled by the CSJ charism of unifying love, there is a common understanding that everybody deserves to feel like somebody

Flight Path: Powered by Robotics, Piloted by Girls

by: Sarah Pingol

Hello! I’m Sarah Pingol, and I have the honor of serving as the captain of the OLP Robotics Team, in addition to being the programming lead. I’m so excited to share a bit about our team with you all!

The OLP Robotics Team is focused on fostering creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork by designing, building, and programming robots to tackle real-world challenges. We aim to create a collaborative environment where students can develop technical skills, engage with complex problems, and gain hands-on experience in robotics. Whether you’re passionate about coding, mechanical and electrical engineering, 3-D design, finance or even networking, there’s a place for you to contribute and learn.

Our team has come a long way over the years. We participate in the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), one of the most prestigious robotics events worldwide. This past school year, the FRC competition was called ReefScape, where robots were tasked with strategically placing coral on a reef and removing algae. Our team worked diligently to design a robot capable of both placing coral and knocking off algae with precision, balancing efficiency with strategy in every move.

But that’s not all, we’re also proud to share that our team won the Battle at the Border competition in 2024! That year’s FRC game was called Crescendo, where robots were challenged to shoot notes into a speaker. Our robot not only mastered the task of shooting notes but also featured an autonomous path that allowed it to score two notes without any human control, a huge accomplishment in autonomous programming. Winning this competition was a significant milestone, and it showcased the power of our team’s hard work, creativity, and collaboration.

Our primary focus is FRC, where we compete in various regional and national events. These competitions challenge teams to design, build, and program robots capable of performing complex tasks within a tight timeframe. The adrenaline is high, and the learning curve is steep,

but it’s incredibly rewarding when our robots accomplish the tasks we’ve designed them for. The Battle at the Border competition was an especially memorable experience for our team, but we participate in multiple events throughout the year to continually push the limits of what we can achieve.

Our team is mostly peer-led with additional guidance from mentors, meaning that upperclassmen take on leadership roles, teaching underclassmen. This structure is essential for our growth as a team, allowing each member to develop their skills and gain experience while also contributing to the team’s success. As an upperclassman, I’ve had the privilege of guiding newer members through the intricacies of programming, and I’ve watched many of them step into leadership roles themselves. It’s a process of learning and teaching that ensures the team’s knowledge and passion continue to grow with each year.

Joining the OLP Robotics Team offers countless benefits. Not only will you gain hands-on experience in engineering, coding, and robotics design, but you’ll also have the opportunity to develop critical skills like leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving. The peer-led s tructure ensures that no one is left behind, so you’ll always have support from your teammates while also having the chance to take on leadership roles as you gain more experience.

Whether you’re interested in pursuing a STEM career or simply want to try something new, robotics provides an environment where you can learn, collaborate, and grow. Plus, you’ll have the chance to compete in exciting events like FRC, where you can see the direct impact of your work.

We meet regularly to design, build, and program our robots, and we’re always looking for passionate individuals to join the team. If you’re ready to dive into the world of robotics and take on exciting challenges, come check us out!

Catarina Cervantes

Dr.Williams

American Lit. Honors

06 May 2025

Castle Essay

There’s something magical about the bond between women. It’s more than shared laughter over an iced latte or late night calling sessions. It’s a deep unspoken understanding that we can shape each other for the better and make the way we move through the world easier together. The term “girls girl” has been recently coined into society, though from the outside it may seem like just loving brunch dates, hyping up your friends’ instagram posts or sharing beauty secrets.

While all that is part of the fun, it’s about genuinely rooting for other women. Standing by each other when things get messy, and celebrating their wins like they’re your own. A girl understands that another woman’s success doesn’t dim her own light, but makes the entire space for women to shine brighter. Offering advice without judgment often in a world that tries to pit women against each other.

Female friendships create powerful spaces where emotions are valued, voices are heard, and personal truths are honored. In these

spaces, women can find the strength to stand taller, speak louder, and push back against a world that often tries to quiet them. These friendships don’t just make life richer; they also fuel the kind of emotional and intellectual growth that sparks real change. Female-female friendships equip women with emotional and cognitive tools necessary to challenge patriarchal structures and contribute to feminism. Female friendships become an emotional lifeline for women, they are a psychological training ground for us to build up our resilience, critical thinking and resistance to the world’s challenges.

In 2006 a study published by the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that women dealing with breast cancer who had larger circles of support and friends were more likely to survive than those with fewer social connections who had a “subsequent 66% increased risk of allcause mortality.” Emphasizing that it’s more than just physical wellness that keeps a woman strong, but the life-saving power of emotional support. Psychologist Ana M. Martinez Aleman continues to argue that female friendships create “safe zones” where women can feel free to unpack injustices of race, class, sexuality and identity. Environments like these not only nurture empathy but also a collective feminist consciousness. Engaging in influential conversations develops more emotional intelligence and cognitive clarity in a woman’ daily life. Historically it seems as it’s no coincidence that strong female friendships have been at the core of social movements reaching from suffragettes to now #girlsgirl. From scientists to celebrities even influencers like Beyonce encourage the connections

women need with each other, her response to an interviewer, “I love my husband, but it’s nothing like a conversation with a woman that understands you. I grew so much from those conversations.”

Deep trusting friendships amplify a woman’s voice and sense of agency, empowering her to speak up, stand firm and challenge the systems seeking to silence her. Feminist scholar Sara Ahmed describes the moments that affirm this empowerment as the “feminist snap” as the moment when she decides she will no longer tolerate any misogyny. This moment has been often observed to come after an honest conversation with other women who validate her feelings and remind her of her worth. Phoebe Waller-Bridge illustrates this in her literature Fleabag, as Claire’s decision to walk away from her toxic marriage only became a possibility after being supported by her sister. Even though this is a work of fiction, the storyline clearly echoes real- life dynamics. Backed up by research from the University of Oxford that supported women with close female friendships experience higher self-esteem, lower stress, and increased assertiveness.

These traits are not only beneficial for women but also tools of feminist resistance; when women believe in themselves and support each other they are more likely to challenge unfair treatment in the workforce, call out sexism in relationships and organize for broader changes. Female friendships don’t just provide

comfort; they raise consciousness. Female friendships host powerful ecosystems of emotional, intellectual and social-political support. New research from UCLA’s Social Neuroscience Lab reveals that when women engage in nurturing friendships, their brains release oxytocin. More often referred to as the bonding hormone, which reduces stress and increases trust and connection. This biological response is strategic; it helps women remain emotionally grounded while navigating a world that often undervalues women. Female to female bonds serve as antidotes to isolation, a feeling that can silence resistance and sap one’s confidence. Showing up for each other as a community through late night calls or life-altering decisions, women can create communities that stand against the patriarchal status quo. In an age of increasing polarization and burnout for women friendships aren’t luxuries–they are necessary tools for survival. Affirming that feminism doesn’t just live in protests or political policies, but it thrives in living rooms, the coffee shop around the corner and every space where women come to stand for each other.

Bibliography

Fuller, Kristen. “The Importance of Female Friendships among Women.” Psychology Today, 16 Aug. 2018, www.psychologytoday.com/us/ blog/happiness-is-state-mind/201808/the-importance-female-friendships-among-women.

Ray, Roshni. “Women’s Friendships and Feminism.” Www.brandeis.edu, 2020, www.brandeis.edu/writing-program/write-now/2020-2021/ray/ index.html.

“The Healing Power of Female Friendships – Insights from the IE Student Wellbeing Survey.” Center for Health & Well-Being, 2025, www.ie.edu/ center-for-health-and-wellbeing/blog/the-healing-power-of-femalefriendships-insights-from-the-ie-s dent- wellbeing-survey/. Accessed 7 May 2025.

Mathletes

by: Simone Considine ‘26, Co-Captain of Mathletes

Academic Team

Hi, I’m Simone Considine, and I’ve been part of the OLP Mathletes Team since my freshman year. I’ve served as co-captain with Blake Freeman since junior year, and we are so excited to welcome new members, both new and old to our team!

The team gives us the opportunity to think creatively, looking at math not just as schoolwork, but as something fun, social, and interesting. Whether we’re solving tricky problems or preparing for competitions, we work together to explore math beyond the classroom and reinforce what we’ve learned in new, exciting ways.

Over the years, our team has grown into a community where students at all levels have a place. We compete in regional and online competitions like Log 1 through Mu Alpha Theta, AreteLabs Math Madness, and (starting next year!) the Harvard Crimson Global Quiz Bowl.

Why join? Aside from earning credit towards Mu Alpha Theta (Math Honor Society) and the STEM Certificate, you’ll get to meet great people, challenge yourself, and strengthen your math skills in a low-pressure, high-fun environment. Whether you’re aiming for a future in STEM or just want to enjoy math with friends, the team is a great place to start.

We meet weekly during lunch throughout the school year to practice and compete. Come join us—you might be surprised by how fun math can be!

Which Kind of Future Pilot Are You?

Take this quiz to discover your high school prep personality—and get some insider tips for your journey to OLP!W

Mostly A’s: The Academic Ace

Color-coded and fully stocked with supplies, obvi!

Cute, functional, and full of snacks and glitter pens

I haven’t even bought one yet—but I’ve pinned a few ideas! A. Your backpack vibe is...

A little messy… but you know where everything is

You’re picking electives. What sounds most fun? B. C. D. 3

Digital art, drama, or choir—I want to create!

Engineering, robotics, or journalism—I want to explore!

Yearbook or leadership—I want to lead!

Not sure yet… I want to try everything!

You’ve got a big test coming up. How do you prepare?

Create a study guide, highlight the textbook, and quiz yourself twice

Grab a study buddy and make it fun with flashcards and snacks Wing it—I’ve been listening in class, I’ll be fine!

Ask older friends what to expect and maybe watch a YouTube explainer

You’re organized, focused, and love a good checklist. Highlighters are your best friend, and you’re already thinking about your TI-84 calculator. Just remember: it’s okay not to be perfect—lean into the fun and friendships, too!

Tip for You: Try out different study styles in Biology — you’ll find your rhythm fast.

What’s your favorite way to support a friend?

Help them study or organize their locker

Write them a sweet note or surprise them with their favorite snack

Cheer them on and always show up to their games or shows

Just be there to listen— sometimes that’s enough

Your dream planner would…

Have hourly slots, goal check-ins, and inspiring quotes

Be pastel, covered in stickers, and smell like bubblegum

Be your phone (hello, calendar app)

Be... still on your wishlist (you’re working on it!)

Mostly C’s: The Chill Champion

You don’t stress, and that’s a superpower. You know who you are and you’re ready for new adventures, even if you’re still figuring out the details. You thrive by going with the flow and keeping your cool.

Tip for You: Keep an eye on textbook deadlines—you’ll have a week or two, but don’t wait too long!

Mostly B’s: The Sparkly Supporter

You’re all about making others feel seen and loved. Your kindness and creativity shine in everything you do! You’re excited about high school (and probably already planning your first Spirit Week outfit).

Tip for You: Pick up a planner with personality—your future self will thank you!

Mostly D’s: The Curious Explorer

You’re still figuring it all out—and that’s totally okay. You’re open-minded, full of questions, and ready to discover what makes OLP special. Every new experience is a chance to grow!

Tip for You: Ask older students what they wish they knew—your future self will be so proud!

Our Admissions Office invites your family to experience the OLP sisterhood. We can’t wait to welcome you to campus and show you what makes our community so special.

Join us for admissions events throughout the year—tours, information sessions, and opportunities to connect with students, faculty, and staff.

Scan the QR code to explore upcoming dates and register for a visit.

We look forward to meeting you!

Our Admissions Office invites our littlest Pilots to join the OLP family. Club Pilot is for all girls in K-8th Grade. Our Club Pilot members are invited to join us for events throughout the school year.

Club Pilot is FREE and includes special offers and privileges for all members.