SNAPSHOTS

National Student Leadership Diversity Convention

The Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging sponsored seven Magnificat students to attend the National Student Leadership Diversity Convention in Orlando, Florida, during Easter Break. The three-day conference focused on leadership development, strategies for addressing social justice issues, and building and sustaining healthy, positive relationships with peers and others. Each evening, following the day’s sessions, the students gathered to journal, reflect, and discuss how they could bring the insights and strategies they learned back to the Magnificat community. One participant shared, “The convention taught me a lot about myself and what I need to change for a better future where I can make a more lasting impact.”

International Travel to France

Students traveled to the south of France during Easter Break to visit Avignon, Marseille, and Gordes, kayak under Roman aqueducts, and learn how to cook traditional French food of the Provence region. In Paris, they visited the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and the Dior Museum, and they took an art class on the Seine! La vie est belle!

Magnifibots Defend State Runner-Up Title

The Magnificat Robotics Team, the Magnifibots, placed second at the Ohio State Robotics Competition after making waves with an outstanding performance. After a fierce series of matches, they battled their way to the Finals and proudly defended their title as State Runner-Up. They took home three prestigious awards to cap another remarkable season for this relatively new team.

Sisters of the Humility of Mary Video

During a spring faculty and staff meeting, Vice President of Mission Emerita Sister Helen Jean Novy, HM, introduced a new video about the Sisters of the Humility of Mary titled “Bringing More Abundant Life to God’s People.” The production includes Sister Helen Jean, President Moira Clark ’77, and Board Chair Laura Nortz among the interviewees and shows footage of numerous alumnae, students, and former faculty members. Sisters open the 25-minute video by reciting the Magnificat, and Magnificat High School is the first of the HMs’ ministries to be featured. Scan the code at right to view the video.

Theology Classes Visit Buddhist Temple

During the second semester of Theology 12, students focus on interreligious dialogue and deepen their understanding of how the Catholic Church relates to non-Catholic Christians and other religions around the world. Students visited the Buddhist temple Cleveland Cloudwater Zendo in April and heard from Venerable Shih Yingfa, who gave a brief introduction to Buddhism. After a question and answer session, they were invited to join in interfaith meditation, which can be used as a way to enhance everyday prayer.

Sarah Smith ’25 Receives Motogo Award

Sarah Smith ’25 was honored as the first recipient of the Motogo Gearshifter Award at the 7th annual Bringin’ Back Shop Class Benefit at the Crawford Auto Aviation Museum in March. This award, made possible by presenting sponsor Lighthouse Electric, celebrates failure as a rite of passage on the road to mastery. Smith was selected among the 500 students who participated in the Introduction to Engineering course Motogo runs at various Cleveland area schools, chosen for demonstrating that failure is a tool, not a roadblock, and exhibiting extreme growth in persistence, grit, and problem solving from day one to “Kickstart Day.”

Anne Lavelle Recognized as Innovative STEM Teacher

Science Department Chair Anne Lavelle was selected as one of 23 innovative STEM teachers from high schools nationwide to join the Vernier Trendsetters Community. This professional learning community gives teachers the opportunity to enhance their skills by developing hands-on science learning practices with data-collection technology, while also networking with fellow educators.

Student Ecology Summit

A group of students interested in the environment traveled to Mount Hermon, California, to participate in the inaugural Ignatian Solidarity Network’s Student Ecology Summit. There they worked with students from around the country to learn from one another and help enhance ecological and sustainable practices in their schools. Students also immersed themselves in the spirituality and beauty of God’s creation, honoring their connection with God through the natural connections of trees in the redwood forests.