Students succeed at Science Olympics

Approximately 144 sixth, seventh and eighth grade girls from more than 27 different schools throughout Connecticut spent Saturday, May 16, going for the “gold” at Lauralton Hall’s annual spring Science Olympics. Students competed in three events:  “Crack it up” - an event to design a container that would protect an egg from a 1 meter drop;  “Charge it up” - a race using soda cans and static electricity; and  “Drip, drip, drip” - an event designed to demonstrate adhesive and cohesive forces on water.

SADD members walk for charity

Members of Lauralton’s SADD chapter have been busy walking this spring. Charitable walks were kicked off on April 26, with Milford Rape Crisis Center’s "Walk a Mile in Her Shoes." The Center has been a part of the Health Department speaker network at Lauralton Hall so it was a pleasure for the students to help support this organization. SADD members continued their efforts in West Hartford on May 2, with the "Walk-Like-MADD" 5k for Mothers Against Drunk Driving. The Lauralton walkers raised $1300 and, as top donor group in the academic category, Lauralton's SADD chapter was presented with a plaque. The walking season concluded on May 17, with two activities. Students participated in annual volunteer work with the "Bob Cooke Trek Against Skin Cancer," held in Milford. More than 300 gift bags were packed by members of the Freshman Class and distributed on the day of the Trek. Students also volunteered their time at the Trek by handing out water, working with the kids’ zone, or helping when and where they were needed. Polly Grzegorczyk, ’10 won the race in her division! At the conclusion of the Bob Cooke Trek, several Lauralton sophomores donned their pink "Crusaders for Caroline" t-shirts and headed to Sherwood Island in Westport to participate in the Crohn's/Colitis Foundation Walk. The sophomores donated and walked for classmate Caroline Wells, ’11, who suffers with Crohn's disease. It is clear that Lauralton students have huge hearts for those in need, and this spring has certainly been a "feel good" time for all involved. 

Seniors celebrate Arbor Day

On April 24, seniors participated in the annual Arbor Day celebration, a time-honored tradition at Lauralton Hall. Since 1908, each class has planted a tree on campus. Members of the Class of 2009, like alumnae before them, view the tree planting as a symbol of the Mercy values which have taken root during their years at Lauralton, as their tree will take root in Lauralton’s soil.

Women of Mercy announced

Lauralton Hall established the Women of Mercy award in 2004 to recognize young women, chosen by their peers, who exemplify the qualities of mercy found in the Gospel that Catherine McAuley established for her religious community. One student in each class is recognized annually.

Prestigious Claven Awards presented

Six notable individuals were honored at the Claven XXVII Awards Ceremony and Dinner on Saturday, April 25, at Brooklawn Country Club in Fairfield.

The Claven Award is the highest distinction given by the school to exceptional individuals in recognition of their outstanding example, service, and achievement. 

Last chance for a good graduation gift - $100,000 in tuition

MILFORD, CT, April 28, 2009 - Looking for a meaningful, life-changing, graduation gift this year? This one is priceless…the opportunity to give a student of any age $100,000 in tuition. 

The prize money can be used by up to two students. Eligible expenses include tuition, room and board, books and other school-related fees, with the prize money paid directly to the school.

Environmental fashion show has underlying message - plastic bags are “out of style”

Thirty-five students and teachers showed that they just don’t “talk the talk” about their environmental concerns, but they also “walk the walk” - the cat walk, that is. In the Fourth Annual Environmental Fashion Show on April 23, students modeled ensembles that ranged from the practical to the whimsical. However, showing off exotic outfits was not the only thing these young women had in mind. Along with the description of their apparel and a list of their hobbies, the students added one environmental fact or one personal environmental goal to help raise awareness among their fellow classmates. “It is the most fun and most creative way possible to get our environmental message out there to others,” said Donna DiMassa, Environmental Club moderator. “The girls are laughing and having a good time, but they don’t lose sight of the fact that all of us need to change the way we think and behave.” Every grade level was represented in the fashion show. 

Kindergartener is one lucky duck - entered in drawing for $100,000 in tuition!

MILFORD, CT, April 27, 2009 - For being one of the top duck sellers for the Milford Catholic Elementary Schools’ second annual Duck Race to take place on May 3, kindergartener Leala “Paige” Harris of Milford was awarded a raffle ticket that could lead to her winning $100,000 in tuition to attend any accredited K-12, college or graduate school in the United States.

Junior participates in Congressional Page Program

Monica Laskos, ’10, daughter of Peter and Jeanet of Shelton, was accepted into the Congressional Page program in Washington, D.C. for the fall semester of this school year and was then asked to remain for the spring semester. After completing one session, pages may be eligible for the following session, based upon space and merit.

Prom creates memories

The Lauralton Hall Junior/Senior Prom was a huge success on April 3, 2009! The Waterview, overlooking Lake Zoar in Monroe, was a perfect prom venue for the young women and their dates. The girls looked stellar in an array of beautiful and decorative dresses as they introduced their dates to administrators and teachers in the receiving line. After enjoying appetizers and dinner, the guests danced the night away. The prom began at 7:00 p.m. and the students were still on the dance floor at 11:30 p.m. As the girls left the Waterview facility, each received a sparkled photo cube as a memento of this very special evening.

The Prom Committee and Patricia Schnepf, 00, prom moderator, are to be commended for organizing this spectacular, memorable event.