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St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School Salutes Our Military Melissa W. Sais
By JoAnne Rickard, Middle School Language Arts Teacher St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School, Rio Rancho The St. Thomas Aquinas Student Council was founded on the principles of service to God, Country, and community, and our students, staff, and families have upheld that promise each year. Military assistance has been at the forefront of our community service for over Continued on page 24
St. Pius X High School awarded 154 diplomas to the Class of 2016 on May 24 at graduation ceremonies held at Sandia Resort Amphitheater. These students contributed more than 13,000 hours of community service and were awarded $11.45 million in college scholarships. This year St. Pius X High School celebrates 60 years of teaching goodness, discipline and knowledge in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe.
Luke Bellanca – US Naval Academy Bound By Paula Domino DeHass, Our Lady of Fatima, Albuquerque Our Lady of Fatima 8th grader, Luke Bellanca has been selected to attend the U.S. Naval Academy Summer STEM Camp in June. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and is a hallmark of a 21st Century education. After submitting a lengthy 18 page application and then patiently waiting, Luke was rewarded with the news that he had been selected for the competitive program. According to their online description of the camp: (students) “will have an opportunity to see first-hand what the Academy has to offer through its exceptional academic, athletic, extracurricular activities and leadership training programs.” Asked how he found out about the program, Luke stated that he has an interest in going to a service academy. While on vacation last summer, he and his family
toured the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. They were fortunate to meet the former admissions director who encouraged him to apply for the summer STEM program. Come June, Luke and about thirty 8th grade students from across the country will fly to Baltimore Washington International Airport where they will be met by midshipmen who will accompany them to the Academy. Luke will spend the next week tackling mental and physical challenges and having the time of his life.
Congratulations to St. Michael’s High School, Santa Fe Class of 2016. The 88 graduates were awarded a combined total of 2.89 million dollars in scholarships. We wish you the best in your future endeavors!
Science & Engineering Winner: Brendan Salceies By Paula Domino DeHaas, Our Lady of Fatima, Albuquerque Seventh grade student, Brendan Salceies for a second year has represented Our Lady of Fatima at the state Science & Engineering Fair at
NM Tech in Socorro. He received an Honorable Mention Ribbon and Certificate in the Junior Physics and Astronomy category for his project entitled: Can Temperature Affect Electromagnets? Brendan’s project was a continuation and follow up to his work last year. In addition, Brendan was award-
ed a Junior Division Third Place and $50 cash from Ball Aerospace and Technologies Corporation. This prize was awarded in order “to recognize emerging talent in the development and execution of experiments, mathematical models or engineering designs related to applications of light or heat”. Brendan’s science teacher is Ms. LuElena Gonzales.