HAPPENING ON CAMPUS and off!
“We must strive to do ordinary things extraordinarily well.”
VENERABLE CATHERINE MCAULEY
WMA students showcase their talents outside the classroom through a full range of extra-curricular and co-curricular activities.
Connecting the WMA Community reativity, innovation, flexibility. Concepts taught throughout the year were put into action with the onset of distance learning when our staff moved on-campus activities online as a way to keep our community connected and engaged during difficult times. Wednesday morning at WMA means Community Gathering and although we were unable to be together physically, our weekly school wide assembly didn’t miss a beat by transitioning into a video format just one week into distance learning. Compilations of pictures and videos allowed students to see what classmates and other grade levels were doing in their virtual classrooms -- especially important during this time when they could not see each other on campus.
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Faculty and staff made surprise appearances to close out the weekly virtual experience with the Pledge of Allegiance, school song, and communal prayer. Another powerful and anticipated tradition at WMA that brings students from all grade levels together in prayer is the eighth grade portrayal of the passion of our Lord.
“I was very upset when I thought we might have to miss the Passion Play due to COVID-19. I had been looking forward to it for a couple of years,” said Kaitlyn Quinn ’20. “It's a gift from eighth grade to our school community,” explained Mr. Greg Soltis, Director of Outreach and Religious Education. “More importantly, we as a school and a society were (and still are) in such a need for the story of Easter and the hope that overcomes suffering.” To fill these needs, Mr. Soltis reimagined the dialogue-heavy play as an eighth grade narrated video experience that paired powerful photos with a beautifully adapted script that connected the story of Holy Week to the global pandemic. While it may have looked different, the spiritual experience will be remembered for years to come, especially by the Class of 2020!
A Twist on Traditions e couldn’t let the year come to a close without some of our favorite end-of-year traditions! Our Athletic Director Mr. Adam Dickman brought the experiences of Field Day into students’ homes. The day started with a warm up and pep rally and ended with a school-wide dance party over Zoom. Throughout the day, students and families competed in 15 fun new games that they learned thanks to demonstration videos from faculty members.
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When asked what his favorite part of the day was, rising fifth grader Matteo Villari responded, “The whole thing! I loved every single part about it; it was so fun!”
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Waldron Mercy Academy
The Art Show also had a virtual twist this year! Ms. Beth Hymel collected photos of artwork that students created and compiled it all onto one website, giving students and their families a chance to see everyone’s work inspired by art in Spanish speaking countries. It almost felt like talking a walk down the corridors of WMA!
